Whether it be on a nice sunny day or during the fall, there is nothing better than getting outside and enjoying some great food cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or on a griddle.
Grills and griddles are meant to be used and not just sit around the backyard. Most people love grilling with their families or friends and the Blackstone griddle is one of the most popular choices.
It has a good price point, works great, and is very easy to use. But do you know if the Blackstone griddle rusts? This is something that some buyers are worried about so I did some research and found out that there are a few things you should know before purchasing this grill.
Blackstone griddles do rust because the cooking top is made of rolled steel and non-stainless steel rusts easily when exposed to elements. The key to preventing rusting is to make sure that you properly season the griddle with oil and that you keep it clean after each use and store it away from moisture.
Although it may sound like the product has a major downside, rust is not that big of a deal if you don’t let it get out of hand. If you do happen to let the griddle rust, don’t worry, because there are easy ways to remove the rust and season it again.
If you would like to read more about rust on Blackstone griddles and how to prevent it and remove it, read on.
Table of Contents
- Is It Normal for My Blackstone Griddle To Be Rusting?
- How Do You Keep Blackstone Griddle From Rusting?
- Can You Remove Rust From Blackstone Griddle?
- Can You Cook on A Rusty Griddle?
- Conclusion
Is It Normal for My Blackstone Griddle To Be Rusting?
If you’ve noticed some rust on your Blackstone griddle, don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal. Blackstone griddles are made from rolled steel, which is known for its durability and ability to retain heat. However, unlike stainless steel, this kind of steel is also susceptible to rust, especially when it’s exposed to moisture.
Rust starts forming when iron comes into contact with oxygen and water. This can happen when you’re cooking, as moisture from your food will cause the griddle to rust if you don’t clean your griddle properly after each use.
It’s also common for rust to form if you live in a humid climate, as the air itself contains a lot of moisture that can settle on the surface of your griddle.
Also, a sure-fire way of making your griddle rust is to leave it outside uncovered when it’s raining. Even if you live in a dry climate, exposing your griddle to the elements will cause it to rust.
The good news is that a little bit of rust doesn’t mean your griddle is doomed forever. So, now that we know why rust forms on Blackstone griddles, let’s talk about how to prevent it and remove it.
How Do You Keep Blackstone Griddle From Rusting?
To keep your griddle from rusting, it’s important to be mindful of how you’re using and storing it.
First and foremost, you should season your griddle before using it for the first time, and then ideally after each use. Seasoning the griddle creates a barrier between the metal and moisture, which will help prevent rust.
If you don’t know what seasoning is, it’s the simple process of coating the griddle with a very thin layer of oil and then heating it. High heat starts a chemical process known as polymerization. The result is a matte grayish-black non-stick surface that’s less likely to rust.
You can use any type of cooking oil for seasoning, but most people prefer to use vegetable oil because they have a higher smoke point.
Apart from seasoning, proper cleanup is important as well.
After each use, make sure to clean the griddle properly. You should avoid using harsh chemicals during the cleanup because they can damage the seasoning layer on your griddle and you would have re-season it from the start again.
The cleaning process is quick and easy and everyone can do it:
- After you’re done cooking for the day, turn the heat up to get the griddle hot
- Use a scraper with light pressure to remove all the gunk left after cooking
- (Optional step) If there’s still some gunk left, sprinkle the hot griddle with water to essentially deglaze the surface and scrape it again
- Sprinkle the flat top with suitable cooking oil such as canola or olive oil and wipe the surface down thoroughly with paper towels
The thin layer of oil will help build up the seasoning layer and it will protect the surface from moisture. 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil is usually enough but more may be needed to sufficiently coat larger griddles.
It’s also a good idea to store the griddle in a dry place such as in the garage when you’re not using it. If you live in an area with high humidity, you may want to consider investing in a waterproof griddle cover.
To take things even further, you can buy a desiccant that you can put under the cover as well. The desiccant will help by absorbing excess moisture from the surrounding air.
By taking these simple steps, you can help keep your griddle in good condition and prevent rusting.
Can You Remove Rust From Blackstone Griddle?
Yes, if your griddle got rusty, it is not the end of the world because rust can be removed. You will have to scrape away the flaky bits of rust and then scrub the griddle with steel wool, grill stone, or medium-grit sandpaper until all the rust spots are gone.
Sanding the griddle by hand takes quite a bit of time, so consider using a power tool of sorts.
There are other techniques and tools you can use as well to clean rust off your griddle. A wire brush is cheap and works pretty well. An alternative to a wire brush is a wire wheel which paired with a rotary tool makes the job much quicker.
Some users also reported good results with a foam oven cleaner followed by a bath in white vinegar. The flattop should take the bath. Not you. White vinegar is acidic and it should dissolve all the rusty bits on the flattop.
Once you’ve removed all the rust, it’s important to season the griddle again. Otherwise, rust will start forming again rather quickly.
Can You Cook on A Rusty Griddle?
Common sense tells us that rust is not a food-safe substance and rusty griddles and grills should not be used to cook food. Rusty griddles are also unappealing, since they may make food appear dirty if some of the rust would flake off and end up on your juicy hamburger.
However, rust by itself is not toxic. It’s just iron oxide and you probably would not have any problems if you had eaten a large amount of it at once. Still, my recommendation is to remove the rust, re-season the flattop, and you are good to go.
Conclusion
A Blackstone griddle is a great investment for anyone who loves to cook outside in the fresh air. This griddle is perfect for everything from steaks and hamburgers to pancakes and eggs.
Although Blackstone griddles are known for their durability, they can rust if not properly taken care of. By following a few simple tips, you can help to prevent rusting and keep your griddle in good condition.
If you do notice some rust, don’t panic – it’s easily removable and with some elbow grease, your griddle will look as good as new. Just make sure to season it afterward to prevent rusting from happening again.
Happy griddling!
