As Blackstone puts it, oil is to griddling as oxygen is to breathing. When cooking on a griddle, having a well-seasoned surface leads to the best and tastiest results.
There are plenty of excellent options for seasoning a Blackstone griddle, including canola oil, vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, and my personal favorite, extra virgin olive oil.
The question is, which among them is the best? What does seasoning a Blackstone griddle even mean, and how do you do it properly?
This guide will cover everything you need to know about seasoning your Blackstone, including helpful seasoning techniques and the very best oils to set your griddle up for success!
What Does Seasoning a Blackstone Griddle Mean
Seasoning a Blackstone griddle involves applying multiple thin layers of oil on its surface and heating them to create a durable, non-stick coating.
This coating keeps your griddle clean by preventing food bits from sticking to the metal plate. It also promotes even heat distribution and makes the cooking process much easier!
Seasoning is also a maintenance technique that protects your Blackstone from rust and prolongs its lifespan. It also enhances the flavor of every dish, depending on your choice of oil.
When seasoning a new Blackstone griddle, I prefer using inexpensive vegetable oil. This is because it takes multiple coats of oil to create a strong and reliable base to cook on.
What Is an Oil Smoke Point When It Comes to the Blackstone?
One might ask, what does an oil’s smoke point have to do with seasoning and cooking?
Well, Blackstone describes the smoke point of an oil as the temperature at which the fats in the oil start to break down, releasing free radicals and acrolein, which gives food a rancid taste.
With that being said, it’s best to use an oil with a high smoking point on your Blackstone griddle for seasoning and especially for high-heat cooking. This ensures that your oil forms a protective coating that won’t break down easily and ruin your food by adding a gross burnt taste.
What Is the Best Oil to Season a Blackstone Griddle With?
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the best options for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. It has a decent smoke point of 350–400°F and bonds well with the surface of the griddle, creating a reliable, non-stick surface that prevents rust.
It’s my favorite oil not only for seasoning my Blackstone but also for cooking! It’s a little more expensive than vegetable or canola oil, but I think the additional cost is worth it.
Extra virgin olive oil adds a mild Mediterranean flavor that enhances your food. It helps create a delicious and crispy exterior on your dishes and comes with some valuable health benefits, too!
10 Best Oils for Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
Not all oils are created equal—which one is best for you and your Blackstone griddle?
Let’s take a look at the many different options for seasoning your beloved Blackstone and see how each of them performs under high heat.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is an excellent choice for Blackstone griddle seasoning for three main reasons: high smoke point, affordability, and a mild flavor that won’t affect the quality of your dish!
It has a remarkable smoke point of 400–450°F, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning, producing harmful smoke, or adding a bitter or burnt flavor to the food.
If you’re a health nut, you may prefer canola oil over vegetable oil because it’s lower in saturated fat, but both are great options to cook and season with on your Blackstone griddle.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in every kitchen. It’s my personal favorite for both seasoning and cooking on my Blackstone! It has a smoke point of 350–400°F, lower than other popular oils.
I favor extra virgin olive oil for a couple of reasons. First, it has tremendous health benefits, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and vital nutrients like vitamins E and K.
Unlike vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil is never heated or processed with chemicals. Since it’s unrefined, it remains rich and aromatic. I’ll always enjoy the distinct flavor of extra virgin olive oil.
Olive Oil
The main distinction between regular olive oil and extra virgin olive oil is the additional processing, which makes it more heat stable and gives it a higher smoke point.
Olive oil has a surprisingly high smoke point of 375–425°F. As a result of refinement, it has a lighter color than extra virgin olive oil and a more neutral flavor, similar to vegetable oil.
I’ve noticed that olive oil is much more affordable than other types of oil, which is why it’s a viable option to use as either a cooking oil or Blackstone seasoning.
Avocado Oil
With an incredibly high smoke point of 520°F, avocado oil is the perfect candidate for seasoning your Blackstone. Avocado is also one of the most nutritious food ingredients on the market—you’ve probably heard of the viral avocado toast.
Avocado oil contains oleic acid, carotenoids, and other antioxidants associated with enhanced heart, skin, and eye health. It also has a mild taste that differs from the other oils.
The downside is it’s not very practical to use on the Blackstone because of its hefty price tag. If you’re OK with paying a higher sticker price for this extraordinary oil, I say go for it!
Peanut Oil
Peanut oil is a widespread and well-liked ingredient used worldwide, especially in Asian cuisine. It has an excellent smoke point, coming in at 450°F.
As one could guess, peanut oil has a bit of a nutty flavor, which becomes more noticeable as you season your Blackstone griddle several times.
It also poses a risk for people with peanut allergy concerns. You’ll pay a higher dollar for this oil, similar to avocado and flaxseed oil.
Flaxseed Oil
Here’s an interesting fact:
Blackstone used to recommend flaxseed oil as the best option for seasoning your griddle because it’s a food-grade oil with a low smoke point of 225°F, which creates durable seasoning.
Blackstone later discovered that flaxseed oil produced inconsistent results and was expensive and difficult for some customers to find.
Soon after, the company developed and released its own unique blend of oils, now known as the Blackstone Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner.
Canola Oil
Canola oil is a type of vegetable oil made from crushed canola seeds. It has an impressive smoke point of around 450–470°F.
This plant-based oil is simple to use and highly effective at seasoning, which explains why it’s incredibly popular among Blackstone griddle users.
In addition to its fairly high smoke point, Canola oil is healthy, readily available, and budget-friendly compared to other oils on our list. That said, it’s one of my go-to options!
Grapeseed Oil
Did you know that grapeseed oil is one of the best oils to use when seasoning a Blackstone griddle for the first time?
It has a high smoke point of 420°F, which is just right for creating thin and consistent layers and a smooth coating on your griddle without burning off.
Its durability and resistance to chipping and flaking make it an even more viable option for seasoning your Blackstone.
Grapeseed oil also carries many health benefits as it’s rich in antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids.
Sunflower Oil
With sunflower oil, you’ve got the best of both worlds—it’s great for high-heat cooking and works effectively at seasoning griddles!
This option has an impressively high smoke point at around 440°F. It’s also loaded with Vitamin E and has a neutral flavor that won’t interfere with the taste of your sweet and savory dishes.
I’ve never personally used sunflower oil on my Blackstone because it can sometimes get pricey. But with all the positive comments I’ve heard about it, it must be worth a try!
Coconut Oil
Last but not least on our list is coconut oil. Aside from being one of the healthiest oils out there, coconut oil has an ideally high smoking point of 400°F in its refined form.
If you prefer minimally processed oil with nutty flavor and aroma, unrefined coconut oil is a superb option for seasoning your Blackstone, too. It has a slightly lower smoke point at 350°F.
One thing to consider is that coconut oil has a high amount of saturated fat. According to the American Heart Association, it could heighten your cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Moderate use is the key.
Other Options for Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle
Here are a few more commonly used seasonings to choose from and some quick facts to help you make your decision:
Crisco
Surprisingly, Crisco shortening is a suitable product for seasoning your Blackstone. It’s inexpensive and has a high smoke point of 490°F!
Just add a few spoonfuls for each layer and spread evenly across the griddle with a paper towel. If you notice the paper towel falling apart, a microfiber towel is also a good option.
Butter
Butter has a smoking point of around 300–350°F. That said, it’s usually not recommended when seasoning your griddle. You can cook with it, but butter just can’t create that strong and durable coating that the Blackstone really needs.
Lard
While lard isn’t an oil similar to Crisco and butter, it can be used to season your Blackstone. Note that it has an acceptable smoke point of 370°F.
This would be OK for lower-temperature foods like eggs but not for high-temperature cooking, such as smash burgers, where you would likely end up with a burnt taste instead of a tasty seared ground beef patty.
Can You Season a Blackstone Griddle with Bacon Grease?
The short answer is no.
In referencing Blackstone’s site, bacon grease shouldn’t be used to season a griddle because it contains many additives and preservatives like salt and sugar that prevent your griddle top from properly seasoning.
If you’re looking to season your Blackstone with animal fat, Blackstone suggests using pure lard, which doesn’t have the same additives as bacon. What’s more, bacon grease isn’t advisable to use because its smoke point is not as high as the other oils on our list.
How to Season a Griddle: 5 Quick Steps
Seasoning is a simple but valuable maintenance technique that can help your Blackstone griddle stand the test of time.
Follow these steps, and you won’t have to worry about rust, sticky food bits, or burnt flavor on your griddle anytime soon:
- First things first—prepare your supplies! You’ll need some dish soap, water, heat-resistant gloves or tongs, paper towels, and your choice of oil.
- Before you season your griddle, ensure it’s squeaky clean. If your griddle is brand new, use dish soap and water to remove dust and debris, then rinse with clean water. Wipe your griddle to remove any residue.
Note: You can only use soap on brand-new griddles. If you’re working with a previously used griddle, you can use water, paper towels, and a scraper to remove food debris instead.
- Next, pre-heat by turning the burners to the max and waiting 10–15 minutes. Turn the burners off when you see the griddle top change into a nice brown color.
- Now, it’s time to start coating! Pour a few spoonfuls of oil and spread evenly using paper towels, tongs, or heat-resistant gloves. Remember to create only a thin layer of oil for each coat to prevent future chipping and oil buildup.
- Turn the heat back up again and watch your griddle plate transform into a black non-stick surface. After around 30 minutes, your Blackstone will billow as the oil reaches its smoke point. You can turn off the griddle after the smoke disappears.
If you’re working with a new Blackstone, it may take 2–3 rounds of initial seasoning to achieve a well-seasoned griddle. So apply more oil on the griddle, and watch the smoke-fest begin again!
Tips on Seasoning and Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle
Whether you’re frying eggs for breakfast or sizzling some steaks for dinner, these top tips will help you take care of your griddle and get great-tasting results:
- Clean and cover your Blackstone griddle after each use to minimize the chances of rust, scratches, and damage.
- When cleaning and seasoning your griddle, pay special attention to the corners and sides where buildup may occur.
- To prevent hand injuries, always wait for the griddle to cool down after cooking before cleaning up and storing it away.
- Keep your griddle in a cool and dry place to avoid rust, but avoid hot areas that may be dangerous for the propane talk.
What Should a Seasoned Blackstone Griddle Look Like
A new and unseasoned Blackstone will come in a slate gray color. After proper seasoning, it’ll turn black and continue getting darker as you cook and season it more. It will also have a shiny, oiled sheen, indicating that it’s ready for a perfectly stick-resistant cook!
Watch this video for a complete step-by-step process and finished results.
Final Thoughts
Seasoning is a quick and easy maintenance technique that keeps your food tasty, your wallet happy, and your Blackstone griddle rust-free for the years to come.
When choosing the best oil for your griddle, key factors to consider include smoke point, durability, pricing, health benefits, and the resulting flavor and aroma of your dishes.
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Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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