When it comes to backyard cooking you cannot go wrong with a Blackstone griddle. Their griddles are some of the most popular options on the market. From delicious smash burgers to perfectly seared steaks, a Blackstone griddle can do it all.
One thing you might be wondering, however, is if they are safe.
So, are Blackstone griddles safe?
When used properly, Blackstone griddles are perfectly safe. In fact, they might even be safer than other types of backyard grills because there the burners are covered by the griddle top. Compared to charcoal grills, which can easily get out of control, Blackstone griddles are much more contained.
On the other hand, you need to stay vigilant when cooking on a Blackstone griddle. Although they are safe to use, the griddle can get very hot, very quickly. So leaving it unattended is not something you’d want to do. Especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around.
So we can say that using a Blackstone griddle is safe as long as you use common sense and follow the safety instructions.
Wanna learn more? Let’s have a look at some of the griddle safety tips.
Table of Contents
Blackstone Griddles Safety Guide
Here are some of the most important safety tips to follow when using a Blackstone griddle.
1) Clean the griddle before first use
Although the griddle may look clean when you first take it out of the box, it’s always best to clean it before you use it for the first time. Especially the cooking surface.
Washing the griddle surface with soapy water will remove all the residue left over from the manufacturing process and shipping. Rinse it well with clean water and dry it with some paper towels.
Now you can start properly using your griddle. Don’t forget to season it though, otherwise, the food will keep sticking to the steel surface.
2) Keep the griddle leveled
When you are setting up the griddle for the barbecue session, you need to ensure that it is level. The easiest way to check that is by using a spirit level.
If it’s not level, you should find a better spot instead of trying to level it by propping up one side with something.
Keeping the griddle level will not only help prevent it from tipping over, but it will also help ensure that grease and juices remain where they are supposed to.
You surely don’t want to have hot oil spilling all over the place. Needless to say, oil burns are some of the most painful burns you can get.
3) Check the propane tank and hose regularly
You should be checking the propane tank or cylinder, and the gas hose regularly. Ideally, you should do it before each cooking session.
One of the most important things to check is whether there are no gas leaks. Gas can leak from the tank, the hose, or even from the connection between the two.
An easy way to check for gas leaks is by applying soapy water to the hose and connections. If there are bubbles, that means there’s a gas leak. Don’t try to use the griddle and call a professional to fix the problem.
Apart from leaks, the hose should also be checked for signs of wear and tear. If you find the hose is not in 100% condition, don’t try to use the griddle and replace the hose. The reason is that it might rupture.
4) Igniter safety
Blackstone griddles come equipped with electronic igniters powered by a battery. The igniter may sometimes fail to light the burner.
If the burner doesn’t light after 5 seconds, turn off the gas and don’t try to light it again for a couple of minutes. The reason for that is that the gas can build up under the griddle top and create a dangerous situation if you try to light it again too soon.
5) Fire safety
Blackstone griddles can reach temperatures of well over 600 degrees Fahrenheit or 315 degrees Celsius. I am sure you know that’s very hot. Anything flammable that finds itself too close to the griddle can catch on fire. So it’s important to take some precautions.
It’s vital to place the griddle somewhere where there’s nothing flammable close by. That includes for example a wooden railing on your deck or porch, a plastic chair, a plastic table, or even some kid’s toys.
You should also keep the griddle away from your house. Most manufacturers recommend placing the grill or griddle at least 3 feet away from the house or any other structure. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends a much bigger clearance of at least 10 feet.
Also, consider purchasing a fire extinguisher for times when your griddling adventures go out of hand.
It’s also important to know how to use the fire extinguisher. Trying to read the instructions only after the fire has started is not going to help anybody.
6) Never leave the griddle unattended while it’s on
I am sure you know that you should never leave any fire unattended. And the same applies to Blackstone griddles.
If you need to leave the grill for any reason, make sure there is someone who will keep an eye on the griddle instead of you. Or just turn it off.
Leaving the griddle, or any type of grill for that matter, unattended is one of the most common mistakes people make. And it’s also one of the most dangerous things you can do.
Stories of houses burned down due to unattended grills are not uncommon. So, please, don’t be one of those people.
7) Use the griddle outdoors
You should avoid using the griddle indoors, even if it’s in the garage. The best place to use it is outdoors, and as mentioned before, away from any flammable materials.
Using either a gas griddle or grill in an enclosed space is dangerous for two main reasons:
- It’s a fire hazard – both because of nearby objects potentially catching on fire and because cooking on a griddle can lead to the production of grease-laden vapors, which again are a fire hazard
- Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning – carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can be produced when grilling or griddling gas as fuel
Both of these risks are very real and can cost you your life. For that reason, I always recommend avoiding using gas griddles indoors at all costs. Get an electric griddle if you want to mainly use it indoors.
Although it may not be immediately obvious, using your griddle on a fully enclosed porch is not a good idea either.
8) Wear suitable clothing
When griddling, you will be dealing with very high temperatures. That means it’s important to wear clothing that’s not too loose and that won’t catch on fire easily.
Wearing a good-quality apron is a good way of protecting your clothes and yourself from grease pops.
9) Watch the kids
Kids can get carried away when they are playing around with the griddle. So it’s important to keep an eye on them. Telling them to keep their distance is not enough.
They might not understand the dangers associated with the griddle, and they can easily get too close without realizing it.
So, if you have kids, make sure they are not left unattended around the griddle.
Also, try to teach them they should never touch the griddle when it’s on. The metal can get extremely hot and cause serious burns.
10) Watch the pets
Most pets like cats and dogs are naturally inquisitive and can easily get too close to the griddle. It’s important to keep an eye on them so they don’t get hurt or cause an accident.
Cats specifically are known for their curiosity when their owners aren’t looking. So they may think it’s a good idea to jump on the griddle to check things out or steal a burger or two for themselves.
It’s not a big deal when the griddle is already cold, however, if it’s still hot the cat can end up with nasty burns on its paws.
When it comes to dogs, they sure are curious as well when they smell something to eat. A small dog won’t be able to do much harm but a large and heavy dog could possibly tip the griddle over.
11) Don’t lure in wildlife
That subheading might sound strange at first. Why would you be luring wildlife? It’s not like you’ve invited foxes and wolves to your evening BBQ, right?
Well, actually they may feel invited.
Especially if you are living in an area where wildlife is abundant.
It’s not so much about animals being attracted by the food you are cooking but more about the fact that many people don’t properly clean their griddles and grills after they are done for the day. And it’s the food remnants and grease that may lure in some uninvited guests.
In the best scenario, you will only lure in a mouse or two, or perhaps a pesky raccoon. But in the worst scenario, you might end up with a grizzly bear in your backyard. I don’t know about you, but while I do love animals, I wouldn’t want to have a grizzly bear in my backyard.
So if you don’t feel like having a party with the bear family, it’s best to clean the griddle right after each use.
Besides, it’s much less work when you clean the griddle right after you are done cooking and eating because the griddle will be still warm and the food and grease won’t be as stuck on the surface.
Blackstone Electric Griddle Safety
When it comes to electric griddles, there are not as many safety concerns as there are with gas griddles.
Yes, they do get extremely hot too, so, in terms of fire hazards or injuries, you still need to take the same precautions as you would with a gas griddle.
But since they don’t use an open flame, the risk of fire is lower and there is no risk of a gas explosion.
Another thing to keep in mind is that electric griddles usually have cords that can be a tripping hazard. So make sure the cord is not in the way and that it’s not frayed or damaged in any way.
Also, it is OK to use an electric griddle indoors without having to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning as you would with a gas version. I especially like the tabletop electric griddles for indoor use because they are so easy to use and they don’t take up much space.
Electric griddles, just like gas griddles, can cause a buildup of grease-laden vapors, so you still need to be careful when using them indoors.
Conclusion
So now you know that Blackstone griddles are safe to use if you follow certain safety rules. I hope the overview has been helpful and that you feel more confident using your griddle.
Remember to always use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and never leave the griddle unattended. If you do those things, you’ll be just fine.
Now go out there and enjoy your delicious food!
Happy griddling!
FAQ
Does a propane grill or griddle emit carbon monoxide?
Yes, all grills and griddles that use propane as fuel will create carbon monoxide as a by-product of combustion. However, if you are using your griddle outdoors as you should be, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is almost non-existent. Watch out for yellow-colored flames as they are an indication that carbon monoxide is being produced in the combustion process.
Can you use aluminum foil on a Blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can safely use aluminum foil on a Blackstone griddle. Aluminum foil is a great way to grill certain types of cheese without them sticking to the surface of the griddle. It’s also great for cooking fish or vegetables.
How do you put out a griddle fire?
The best way to put out a griddle fire is to turn off the gas and close the lid of the griddle. This will deprive the fire of oxygen and quickly extinguish it.
If the fire is big or other parts of the griddle are on fire, you can use a fire extinguisher. Sand will also work if you have some close by.
Never use water to put out a grease fire as it may make things even worse.
