Why Is My Blackstone Griddle Not Getting Hot?

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A Blackstone griddle unlocks a world of possibilities for outdoor cooking. Whether you’re into stir-fry recipes, sizzling steaks, or want to whip up some burgers and fries for the family, this versatile cooking tool can transform your patio into a place to serve and enjoy amazing meals.

The first step in using a Blackstone griddle is to get it nice and hot to bring out the full flavors of your food. But what if you fire up your griddle and find out it’s not heating properly?

There are several reasons why a Blackstone griddle won’t get hot, including incorrect assembly, an empty propane tank, ignition issues, a triggered safety system, and adverse weather. This troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and fix the problem so you can get cooking!

If a New Griddle Will Not Turn on for the First Use

If your brand-new Blackstone griddle refuses to heat up, the most likely cause is incorrect assembly, including common mistakes like loose screws and misaligned parts.

Be sure to read all the materials that come with your griddle, such as the owner’s manual. Meticulously follow assembly instructions and call customer service if you have any questions.

Thoroughly inspect your griddle before igniting it to ensure that all parts are secure and well-aligned. Examine the spot between the griddle plate and base and check connections between the burners and control valves—any issues here can cause the burners to fail to ignite.

Some retail locations sell Blackstone griddles fully assembled, which is a great option to ensure proper setup.

Alternatively, you may want to hire a professional to assemble your griddle. It’s an additional expense, but it can give you peace of mind, fewer headaches, and extra safety since an improperly assembled griddle can cause injuries and accidents, including fires.

If you’re certain that your griddle is properly assembled, it may be one of the following issues.

The Propane Tank Is Off

This one may seem obvious, but ensure the propane tank is open. All propane tanks come with a valve that will be in the off position when purchased.

The tank valve must be fully opened to allow sufficient gas flow. If your valve is stuck or partially closed, this can restrict the supply of gas to your griddle, causing it not to get hot.

Turn the handle toward the on position (it should be marked) before lighting the griddle. Turn it on slowly—you’ll see why below.

The Propane Tank Is Empty

The simplest reason why a Blackstone griddle won’t heat up is that the propane tank is empty. This is also one of the most common reasons, so check the tank before trying anything else!

Propane is a type of fuel used in outdoor cooking. It comes in tanks and is available at groceries and hardware stores. The tanks attach to a cooking unit, usually a grill or a griddle, which uses the controlled burn of propane to create heat and cook food. 

If your griddle won’t heat up, use one of these methods to check the propane levels and see if the tank is empty and needs to be replaced or refilled. Be careful. Propane is highly flammable.

• Weight: Weigh the propane tank using a regular bathroom scale. An empty tank usually weighs 17 pounds, while the propane inside weighs 20 pounds when full. A new tank should weigh around 37 pounds. If your tank weighs only about 17 pounds, it’s empty. 
• Water: Pour hot water (tap water is fine) over the tank, then run your hand down the side where the water was poured. If the tank has propane left, the propane will absorb the heat from the water. Wherever the tank transitions from feeling hot to feeling cool is where the propane level is at that time. If the poured water stays hot, the tank is empty.
• Gauge: An inexpensive gauge attachment can tell you how much propane you have left at any moment. Keeping an eye on the gauge will ensure that your tank never reaches empty while you’re cooking.

An empty propane tank can sneak up on any home chef and ruin a well-planned meal with unexpected delays. But there are a few helpful habits that can prevent you from running out.

One good tip is to keep an extra propane tank on hand at all times. Typically, stores charge a rental fee for the tank, so when it’s empty, exchange it for a full one. Rotate them continually, always replacing the empty tank. That way, you’ll never be without propane when you need it!

If the weight, water test, or gauge reveals propane in your tank, you’ll need to explore other possible reasons behind a cool griddle.

There Is Something Wrong with the Ignition

The ignition is a vital component of your Blackstone griddle that lights the flames. It creates the spark that starts the fire that ultimately heats the griddle.

The ignition is usually battery-operated, and a dead battery can cause it to stop working and fail to produce flames. So, try changing the battery and keep the spares handy.

If the battery is working, the ignition may not be properly installed. Check for loose or unplugged wires and clean accumulated grease or food debris around the igniter. The electrodes should be clean and aligned correctly near the burner.

The issue may also be a stuck ignition button. Inspect if yours is jammed or loose, as it may need cleaning or replacement. Additionally, check for a spark when you press the ignition button. If there’s none, you might need to replace your igniter.

Another way to check the ignition is to try lighting the burners manually with a lighter. Exercise caution when doing so.

Make Sure All Burners Are Lit

Your Blackstone griddle will have several burners underneath the cooktop. Their job is to burn propane to maintain the flames that heat the griddle. 

If your cooktop is getting warm but not hot enough, some of the burners may not be lit. This issue will also result in uneven heating of the cooktop, as the areas above the unlit burners won’t be as hot as the rest of the griddle.

Look at the burners underneath your cooktop to ensure they’re all on. You’ll notice flames if they’re lit. If not, you can carefully use a utility lighter to light the affected burners.

There are a few reasons behind this occurrence. Sometimes, the burners are askew and must be aligned with the control mechanisms. You should also inspect the burner tubes for blockages that hinder the flow of gas. 

Another possibility is that the pilot or ignition doesn’t reach the furthest burners. In this case, it may be necessary to repair, realign, or replace your ignition system.

Sometimes, strong winds can prevent one or two burners from lighting or blow them out after being lit. If you frequently cook on your griddle in windy weather, consider using Blackstone wind guards. They serve as a protective barrier that shields your griddle from gusts of wind.

A Safety Mechanism Has Been Tripped

Blackstone griddles have a lot of safety features, which is great since they help prevent injuries and accidents. However, they can also be the cause of a griddle that’s not heating properly.

The safety system in your regulator is one of those features. It limits the propane flowing into your griddle to keep you safe from large leaks and reduce the risk of dangerous fires.

If your regulator detects that the amount of propane passing through is too high, the safety mechanism will trigger, and this will restrict the flow of fuel. Less fuel means less heat, which means that your griddle won’t get hot enough or won’t even heat up at all.

To avoid tripping the safety system in your regulator, don’t open or turn on your propane tank too quickly because the sudden surge of fuel triggers the automatic shut-off.

If you suspect that you’ve already triggered the safety system, you’ll need to do a regulator reset. Turn off all your burners and thoroughly close your propane tank valve. Then, disconnect your regulator from the tank and wait at least 60 seconds before you reattach it securely. 

Next, open the propane tank valve very slowly. Take at least 30 seconds to open the tank valve to ½ of a turn. That should be enough for your griddle to warm up and function correctly.

Not sure what a regulator looks like or how to do a regulator reset? Refer to the owner’s manual, which provides detailed diagrams for all parts of your griddle. You can also watch Blackstone’s official video on how to perform a regulator reset.

Always have a fire extinguisher ready when using your griddle.

It Is Too Cold Outside (Adverse Weather Conditions)

Most high-end grills and griddles perform well regardless of temperature conditions, but this doesn’t mean that they’re unaffected by rain showers, strong winds, and chilly temps. 

It’ll take much longer for a Blackstone griddle to heat up if surrounding temperatures are low. The cold climate also means that your griddle will use more propane, and food will cook slower. Be prepared with an extra tank and ample time, and avoid foods that require quick cooking.

Even if it’s warm outside, weather can still play a role in why a Blackstone griddle won’t heat up. Rain can wet the pilot, extinguish the flames, or cool the cooktop, while wind can be a culprit in blowing out the flame. 

On the plus side, harsh weather is less likely to affect a Blackstone griddle than any other outdoor cooking equipment since a Blackstone’s heating mechanisms are well covered.

If your griddle passed all the tests above, the problem might be bigger.

If Your Griddle Still Won’t Heat Up

If you’ve exhausted all of the common culprits and solutions listed above and are still having problems with your griddle, you may want to call customer service and work directly with Blackstone to determine what to do next.

If your griddle is brand new, it might be defective. Even the best manufacturers can make a mistake now and then, and Blackstone will likely fix the problem.

If your griddle isn’t new and has worked without major issues in the past, it may need repair or replacement. In this case, Blackstone customer service may be able to help you find a local technician to get your griddle back in good condition.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Proper care is essential to prolonging the life of your Blackstone griddle. It can help you avoid costly repairs and save you from replacing a griddle that no longer heats sufficiently. 

Season Your Griddle

When you season your griddle with oil, it develops a protective non-stick layer that prevents rust and leads to better heat distribution. In addition to bringing out the full flavor of your foods, seasoning helps your griddle stand the test of time.

Before you season a brand-new griddle, clean it with dish soap and water. Preheat your griddle top until it’s brown for 10–15 minutes, turn the burners off, and spread multiple thin layers of oil. For more info, you can view Blackstone’s complete guide to seasoning your griddle.

Protect Your Griddle

While Blackstone griddles are built to last, proper storage and a protective cover will go a long way in keeping it safe from the elements. Lack of protection can cause your griddle to rust, scratch, warp, or damage its non-stick surface.

It’s best to store your griddle in a cool, dry place, like your garage, and cover it with a heavy-duty canvas cover. Avoid moist areas, as this can cause your griddle to rust, and ensure that the space isn’t too hot, as this can be dangerous for the propane tank.

Clean and Check After Each Use

Blackstone recommends cleaning your griddle after each use. You’ll need a metal spatula to scrape the surface, hot water to remove stuck food, paper towels to wipe everything down, and a cloth for drying. Specially-made Blackstone scouring pads are also available.

Don’t forget to cool down the griddle before cleaning. It’s also advisable to regularly check your gas lines for wear and tear or leakages, inspect and tighten loose connections, and repair damaged parts immediately.

Final Thoughts

Blackstone griddles are a popular choice for outdoor chefs and backyard cooks. It’s a simple but powerful cooking tool that lets you make delicious meals for large crowds in minutes.

However, even the most durable appliances can experience issues now and then. If your Blackstone griddle isn’t getting hot enough for cooking, refer to your owner’s manual, carefully follow the recommended solutions above, and contact customer service for guidance.

If you want more helpful and reliable backyard and home improvement tips, including recipes, how-tos, and more, subscribe to my YouTube channel. Happy cooking!

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