Do You Use Oil When Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle?

Gallons of oil. That’s what griddling’s about! Or not.

The question of whether it is necessary to use oil when cooking on a Blackstone Griddle has been asked quite a lot.

The answer to that question is simple.

It is entirely up to your personal preference! If you don’t like to use oil for cooking on the Blackstone, then don’t use it. Using oil has both its pros and cons though and you should consider them before deciding one way or another.

If you do decide to use oil for cooking, keep in mind that less is often more. There’s no real need to drown your rib-eye steak in oil. Just a light coating should suffice. The steak will release some of its own natural fat as it cooks anyway.

Some food doesn’t need even the smallest amount of oil. For example, bacon will release plenty of fat as it cooks and will not stick to the griddle.

In general, leaner cuts of meat will require more oil than fat ones. This is because the leaner cuts don’t have as much fat, to begin with, and will thus dry out and stick to the griddle more easily.

Do you want to learn more? Then let’s dive in and explore the world of cooking with oil on a Blackstone Griddle.

Table of Contents

• Advantages of Using Oil for Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle
• Disadvantages of Using Oil for Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle
• Oil Alternatives To Use For Cooking On a Blackstone Griddle
• Can You Use PAM on a Blackstone Griddle?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Advantages of Using Oil for Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle

Oil can be an awesome helper when you’re cooking and it doesn’t matter whether you’re cooking something on a pan, on a grill, or on a griddle.

Here are some of the top benefits of using oil for cooking on a griddle:

Oil prevents sticking

This is probably one of the most significant advantages of using oil for cooking. No one likes it when their food sticks to the cooking surface like glue.

When you use oil, the food won’t stick, or at least not as easily. You may argue that you have seasoned your griddle to prevent sticking. And while seasoning certainly helps, it is not a magic bullet. Some food will still stick, no matter how well-seasoned your griddle is.

Oil carries flavor

The flavor of the food is retained more intensely when you cook with oil. That is because the chemicals that are responsible for the flavor are not lost in the process. Instead, they are dissolved or “stored” in the cooking oil that you’re using.

Oil helps to cook food evenly

Another great advantage of using oil is that it helps to cook food evenly. Oil transfers heat very well and in an even fashion. The food is cooked quicker and has the signature browning that we all love so much.

Oil can be healthy

Some oils are healthy, specifically those that contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Those are the “good” fats that you want in your diet. They help to lower cholesterol and improve heart health. Examples of such oils are olive oil and avocado oil. They are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your health.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should start dousing all of your meals in oil. Everything should be consumed in moderation. But it’s good to know that some oils can be good for you.

Disadvantages of Using Oil for Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle

Cooking with oil on a griddle has its downsides as well.

Griddled food may become overly greasy

Due to the nature of the griddle, the food cooked on it may become too greasy. That is because unlike on a classic grill, the griddle doesn’t allow the oil to drip off. The grease just stays there, making the food greasier than it would otherwise be.

And as you surely know, oil is packed with calories, so if you’re trying to lose weight, you may want to limit your intake of calories.

Oil can be a messy business

Cooking with oil can be a messy affair. You need to be careful when you’re handling the food so that you don’t splash the oil everywhere. Oil pops and splatters are not uncommon when you’re cooking on a griddle.

So if you’re not a fan of messes, then you may want to consider cooking without oil.

Of course, some food will still cause grease pops on its own.

The messiness is also carried forward to the cleanup. You will need to clean the griddle more thoroughly when you’ve used oil for cooking and you will have to discard the used oil properly.

Fortunately, Blackstone griddles are equipped with a grease management system that makes the process much easier.

Oil Alternatives To Use For Cooking On a Blackstone Griddle

There are quite a few oil alternatives that you can use for cooking on a Blackstone Griddle.

Here are some of the most popular ones:

Butter

Yes, butter can be used on a Blackstone griddle. Yes, butter is fatty. But if for some reason you don’t want to use oil, then butter is a good alternative. For high-heat cooking, use clarified butter instead of regular one.

Lard or tallow

Lard and tallow are two other popular alternatives to oil. They are both relatively solid at room temperature but they melt quickly when heated. Lard is made from pig fat and tallow is made from beef or mutton fat. Are they healthy? No, not really. But if you’re looking for an alternative to oil, then they are certainly options.

Bacon greas

If you love the taste of bacon, then you can use the bacon grease for cooking. It will add a delicious smoky flavor to your food. Just be aware that it is high in saturated fat, so use it sparingly.

Water

Yes, water can be used for cooking on a Blackstone griddle. It’s not going to give you the same results as oil, but it can be used in a pinch. Of course, water cannot be used for all recipes, but it is an option to keep in mind.

Water can also be used to deglaze the griddle after cooking.

Broth

Whether it’s vegetable broth, chicken broth, or beef broth, all of them can be used for cooking on a Blackstone griddle. They will add flavor to your food. Not always an option but certainly good for many griddle recipes.

Can You Use PAM on a Blackstone Griddle?

This is another question that gets asked a lot.

You can use PAM or any other cooking spray on a Blackstone griddle. It will create a non-stick surface to cook on. There’s also a Blackstone-branded spray called Non-Stick Griddle Spray.

PAM and other cooking sprays are usually a blend of various oils such as canola oil, palm oil, or soybean oil.

I am not a big fan of cooking sprays, as they often contain other chemicals that are not present in standard cooking oils. I mean, is it that difficult to just drizzle some oil on the griddle? But suit yourself, cooking sprays work just fine on the Blackstone.

Conclusion

So there you have it. You can use oil, butter, or any other fat when cooking on a Blackstone griddle. Or you don’t have to use any type of fat at all and cook the healthy way. The choice is yours.

Be aware of the pros and cons of each option before you make your decision because not all recipes will be suitable for cooking without oil or with oil.

Bon appetit and happy griddling!

FAQ