Blackstone Griddle Got Rained On – What Now?

Has a surprise storm rolled in and caught your Blackstone griddle unprotected in the rain? Or have you simply forgotten to cover it up during a light shower?

You’re not alone! Many people find themselves in this situation and don’t know what to do. Don’t worry, a single shower isn’t likely to ruin your shiny griddle. Repeated exposures may be bad news, though. So you should be taking action right away!

In this post, we will discuss how to properly care for your Blackstone griddle and what to do if it gets rained on. We’ll cover topics such as drying and storage to ensure your griddle is safe from damage. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• What To Do With a Blackstone That Got Rained On?
• Is Rain an Issue for Blackstone Griddle?
• Keeping the Rain Out
• Can You Use a Blackstone Griddle While It’s Raining?
• Wrapping Up
• FAQ

What To Do With a Blackstone That Got Rained On?

If your Blackstone has been rained on, take a deep breath – it’s not the end of the world!

It’s a good idea to dry it right away if you’re concerned, but don’t worry too much if it’s an old seasoned griddle as the seasoning will protect the steel top.

If you insist on drying the griddle a dab of paper towels can help, but the fastest way to get rid of all that moisture is to fire it up and let the heat evaporate the water away naturally. It’s a good excuse to throw another griddle party, right?

That said, do be extra cautious with brand new unseasoned griddles – they’re more likely to face rusting as a result of being exposed to moisture.

Rust may seem like it takes forever to form but the opposite is true. It’s not unheard of rust forming within hours. Of course, it depends on the material but since Blackstone griddles are stainless steel, they indeed are prone to rusting.

Is Rain an Issue for Blackstone Griddle?

Rain and any form of moisture are a problem for anything made of non-stainless steel and iron. As mentioned, a single summer shower is not going to cause major issues. On the other hand, leaving an unprotected griddle outside in a Pacific Northwest winter (or any time of the year really :-)) is a surefire way to have some trouble come spring.

It’s not only the griddle top that can harbor rust but also some of the other parts of the unit. Yes, most of the parts are painted black but you know how it sometimes goes with paint.

So your best bet is to always keep the griddle protected from the elements, either by using a cover or storing it indoors.

Keeping the Rain Out

The most effective way of protecting the griddle or any grill from rain is by storing it indoors. I am sure you love your Blackstone but it’s not necessary to keep it in your living room. Keeping it in a garage or a garden shed is just as effective.

If you don’t have any suitable indoor space then you will want to invest in a good quality cover. Or covers.

There are Blackstone-branded soft and hardcovers. Both are recommended to be used at the same time. The hard cover protects the griddle top while the soft cover protects the whole unit.

Keep in mind the official soft covers are water RESISTANT, not waterproof. The water may still seep through the fabric if it’s let to sit on top of the cover in large volume for too long. And due to the nature of FLAT top grills, it will definitely pool on the top of the cover. The solution is to prop the cover in the middle so that the water runs down.

Rainwater is only one part of the rusting problem. Moisture doesn’t only come with rain. It’s ever-present in the air so it’s always going to cause trouble. Especially in the most humid states like Florida, Mississippi, or Louisiana. Nevada and Arizona, on the other hand, are some of the driest states and provide the best environment for rust-free grill storage.

One way to somewhat fight air moisture is by buying silica gel packs and putting them under the griddle cover.

Can You Use a Blackstone Griddle While It’s Raining?

If you are anything like me and love to cook outdoors all year long, you may be tempted to try and use your griddle while it’s raining.

I prefer to have my Blackstone sheltered while it’s raining. However, I know some griddle aficionados don’t mind the rain and use their Blackstones anyway. Their reasoning is that the hot griddle will cause the water to evaporate immediately.

I am a bit skeptical and guess it would only work in light rain. And also when the party’s over, the griddle would still have to cool down before it could be covered, so more sitting in the rain.

It’s a risk I am not willing to take, but it’s entirely up to you.

For me, the optimal solution is a covered carport or perhaps a patio umbrella. Others swear by using the griddle in their garage during rainy weather or in winter. It’s a bit risky as there’s carbon monoxide involved with using an outdoor cooking device indoors.

Wrapping Up

Although rain is one of the fiercest enemies of an outdoor griddle or grill, one shower is not going to destroy it. Over time, however, rust may start to appear if the griddle is not looked after properly so unless you enjoy removing rust from your griddle, store it properly. Getting a cover or making your own is a great way to protect your Blackstone griddle.

FAQ