Blackstone Griddle Cleaning: Easy Guide After Cooking!

Tracey Mayer 01 May 2025

Is your Blackstone griddle a source of culinary joy or a potential breeding ground for grime? The answer lies in a consistent and effective cleaning routine a practice that not only preserves your griddle's performance but also extends its lifespan, ensuring countless delicious meals.

The allure of a perfectly seared steak, crispy bacon, or a mountain of fluffy pancakes cooked outdoors is undeniable. But the aftermath often presents a challenge: how to maintain the very surface that delivers these gastronomic delights? The Blackstone griddle, a staple for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, demands attention and care. Over time, food residues, grease, and heat can accumulate, impacting cooking efficiency, and potentially leading to corrosion. Addressing these issues promptly and correctly is paramount to preserving your griddle's integrity and ensuring its longevity.

Before diving into the practical steps, it is crucial to understand the different facets of griddle maintenance. Cleaning is a regular process, a routine practiced after each cooking session to remove food particles and grease. Stripping, on the other hand, is a more intense procedure, a deep clean required when the griddle surface has suffered significant damage or buildup.

Category	Details
Griddle Type	Blackstone Griddle (Focusing on Flat Top Griddles)
Cleaning Frequency	After Each Use (Routine Cleaning)
Purpose of Cleaning	Remove Food Residue Remove Grease and Prevent Buildup Maintain Seasoning Prevent Rust and Corrosion Ensure Optimal Cooking Performance
Cleaning Tools	Metal Spatula or Griddle Scraper Paper Towels Hot Water Non-Abrasive Scouring Pad (for Deep Cleaning) Cooking Oil (for Re-Seasoning)
Cleaning Process Steps	Turn off the heat and let the griddle cool slightly. While warm (but not hot), scrape off food residue with a metal spatula. Pour a small amount of hot water on the griddle. Scrape the griddle surface again to lift any remaining debris. Wipe clean with paper towels. If needed, use a non-abrasive pad for stubborn residue. Re-season the griddle with cooking oil.
Soap Usage	Generally Avoided. Mild, biodegradable soap can be used occasionally but must be thoroughly rinsed to avoid affecting the seasoning.
Maintenance	Re-season after each cleaning to maintain the protective layer. Avoid using harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners. Inspect the griddle regularly for rust and address it promptly.
Additional Tips	Clean the griddle while it's still warm for easier residue removal. "Clean as you go" technique can reduce cleanup time. Avoid drastic temperature changes that can warp the metal.
Reference	Blackstone Products Official Website

The process begins with the crucial step of allowing the griddle to cool down slightly after cooking. Drastic temperature shifts can cause warping, so avoid extreme changes. Once the griddle is warm but not scorching hot, the real work begins. Using a sturdy metal spatula or scraper, meticulously remove any large food remnants and built-up residue. Apply pressure as needed to ensure a thorough cleaning. For stubborn remnants, a putty knife might be a helpful tool.

One of the common misconceptions regarding griddle cleaning revolves around the use of soap. While many believe that soap is necessary, the reality is that it is generally avoided. The seasoning on a Blackstone griddle creates a non-stick surface that soap can strip away. However, If you feel that soap is necessary, opt for a mild, biodegradable soap and rinse thoroughly afterward.

As a former military and restaurant chef, the "clean as you go" technique is a fundamental principle. By scraping the griddle surface while cooking, you can minimize the buildup of food particles and grease, leading to a much simpler cleanup after you're finished cooking. Following this practice and maintaining a regular cleaning schedule will yield the best results.

For routine cleaning, start by turning off the heat and allowing the griddle to cool slightly. The ideal state is warm, not hot. Employ a metal spatula or scraper to remove food remnants and residue. Apply pressure as needed to remove any stubborn chunks. A bit of hot water can be used to help lift any stuck-on food. The heat from the griddle will evaporate the water, leaving a clean surface.

The cleaning tools required are readily accessible and straightforward. A metal spatula or a dedicated Blackstone griddle scraper is essential for removing food particles and grease. Paper towels will assist in wiping the surface clean. Hot water is your primary cleaning agent. Non-abrasive scouring pads or grill stones are beneficial for deep cleaning, specifically for removing burnt-on food or rust. Don't forget cooking oil for re-seasoning the griddle.

Once you've finished scraping and wiping, the next step is to re-season the griddle. This is crucial for maintaining the protective layer that prevents rust and enhances the non-stick properties. Seasoning creates a barrier between the metal and the elements, which protects the griddle and enhances its cooking performance. The process starts by cleaning the griddle, then applying a thin coat of cooking oil. Heat the griddle on medium-high heat until the oil begins to smoke, then let it cool. Repeat this process 2-3 times for optimal seasoning.

Cleaning a griddle after cooking bacon warrants a slightly modified approach. Let the griddle cool down slightly but not completely. Use a metal spatula or scraper to gather excess grease and leftover bacon bits. This step helps maintain the overall surface condition and keeps the cleaning process simple. With the right tools and techniques, the cleanup will be quick and efficient.

Consistency is key to keeping your Blackstone griddle in top shape. Make it a habit, after each use, to remove any food particles and grease, using hot water, spatula and a cloth, or paper towels. Then, reapply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle to protect the surface and maintain its seasoning. Avoiding harsh detergents or abrasive cleaners is another important maintenance step. This is especially true when dealing with a griddle seasoned through use.

Taking care of your griddle isn't tough. Every type of cookware requires some sort of upkeep, and the Blackstone griddle is no different. Following these easy cleaning steps immediately after cooking will provide a perfect nonstick cooking surface for your next meal. Neglecting this vital step can lead to a buildup of fat, grease, and even mold, which can ultimately harm the griddle's performance.

Whether its a quick clean after cooking or a deep scrub, knowing the right steps can make the process a whole lot easier. Always remember that reconditioning a griddle involves cleaning and restoring its cooking surface. Reconditioning may be necessary if the griddle suffers from rust or extensive damage.

Remember to wait for the griddle to cool down after cooking, scrape the surface with a spatula and then remove all burnt pieces of food and grease with a towel. Apply pressure as needed to remove stubborn residue. You can use hot water to wipe the griddle clean after scraping, which will help with the removal of any remaining particles of food and grease.

The proper cleaning of a Blackstone griddle is a straightforward process that contributes to the longevity and performance of your cooking surface. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your griddle remains a reliable and efficient tool for outdoor cooking adventures, meal after meal.