Why Is My Blackstone Not Lighting? (5 Common Causes)

Share this post:

Ever been excited about firing up your Blackstone griddle for a sizzling outdoor feast, only to find it refusing to ignite? 

Although these grills are among the best in the industry, they’re not immune to problems. So, what causes a Blackstone not to light up?

Generally, Blackstone griddles may not work due to ignition needle problems. Dead batteries, clogged burner tubes, and a lack of fuel are also common reasons that prevent your precious grill from working. But fear not!

In this article, I’ll walk you through the common causes of this problem. I’ll also provide quick solutions to help you reignite the flame on your Blackstone!

Why Is My Blackstone Griddle Not Lighting?

Several reasons can cause the Blackstone griddle not to light. Typically, these include a dead battery, restricted glass flow, and more—all of which cause the ignition system to fail.

The good news is that solving these potential problems is usually simple.

However, before we explore the solutions to the problems, let’s examine the most common causes!

1 – The Igniter Is Too Far from Burner Tubes

The igniter needle’s position is among the simplest reasons for your Blackstone griddle not to work.

For the grill to ignite, it needs a continuous spark—this is what produces the click sound when you push the start button. 

Typically, the needle is responsible for delivering this spark to a burner. Once you connect it to a fuel source, the burner will produce flames. 

Now, what happens when the ignition needle is too far from the burner? The spark won’t reach the gas. Consequently, you’ll hear a click sound without the grill lighting. 

Several reasons can cause the needle to be out of place. These include transporting the griddle carelessly, bumping too hard, or moving too quickly.

Depending on the Blackstone model, there may be multiple ignition needles within the unit. In that case, you’ll need to replace them all to restore your griddle to its glory! 

2 – The Igniter Battery Is Dead

As previously mentioned, Blackstone griddles rely on a spark to light. But how does this process happen?

You see, most igniters in these grills are electric. That means they require an electric power source to generate the spark that lights the burner.

As you might have guessed, the grill uses a battery, around 1 AA, to generate electricity. You’ll usually find it inside the igniter cap. These power sources are replaceable.

Naturally, when they become depleted, the igniter won’t generate a spark when you press the start button. As a result, your Blackstone won’t light.

3 – Restricted Gas Flow

Restricted gas flow is another cause of Blackstone griddles not lighting. Without sufficient gas flow, the burner tubes won’t ignite. That’s because there isn’t enough gas to sustain a controlled flame for cooking.

The problem is that many reasons can prevent your grill from getting sufficient fuel. And they may be hazardous too!

These include gas line leaks and improper installation of the fuel tank. The latter problem also activates a safety mechanism that restricts gas flow.

Aside from that, faulty regulators can prevent your grill from getting proper fuel. 

As the name suggests, this component controls propane flow to the burner. You can find it between the Blackstone Griddle and the propane tank. Swapping it out and testing it again can help solve this issue.

4 – Dirty Needle

Even if you clean your griddle to keep it in tip-top shape, the inner components can still get clogged. 

Over time, carbon, grease, and even food debris can accumulate on the needle. As a result, the igniter fails to spark.

Likewise, condensation can clog your burner tubes. To identify this issue, light the burner and check if every hole produces a flame.

5 – Lack of Gas Flow

As simple as it may sound, a lack of fuel can be the reason your Blackstone isn’t working. 

Typically, these grills run on propane tanks, which come in three sizes: 1, 5, and 20 pounds. Each of these sizes provides different heat energy, measured in BTU. 

The type of your model determines which tank you need to use. For instance, a Blackstone 22 has a BTU rating of 24,000. Since a 1-pound propane tank is slightly over 21,500 BTU, connecting it to your grill may not be the best option.

The griddle will consume the fuel in a short period, causing your ignitor to stop working.

How to Fix These Ignition Issues

Now that we have identified the most common reasons why a Blackstone may not ignite, let’s explore the possible solutions to these issues.

The good news is that most of the problems are easy to fix. Here’s what you need to do:

Reposition the Ignition Needle

As a rule of thumb, ignition needles should be roughly ¼ inch from the tube for proper function. Simply check if the electrode is too loose and doesn’t face the burner. If that’s the case, here’s what to do:

1. Disconnect the fuel source from the griddle.
2. Remove the griddle top to access the igniter box.
3. Locate the ignition needle.
4. Gently bend the needle with your hands to make it closer to the ignition tube.
5. Place the cover back on and reconnect the fuel source.

Replace the Igniter Battery

Replace the Igniter Battery

To check if the battery is dead, all you need to do is use it on another device. If it fails to work, then you need to replace the batteries. You can also try igniting the griddle with a long match to see if the power source is the problem.

The location of the battery differs depending on the Blackstone model. However, you’ll usually find it behind the igniter button. You can also look for it on the dial that contains the igniter.

Open the battery compartment, remove the old battery, and replace it with a fresh one. Be sure to install the battery in the correct orientation, or the battery won’t power the igniter.

Increase Gas Flow

Before jumping into action, check if the hose from the gas canister is crimped or blocked. If so, straighten it and test if the grill works. You can also try reinstalling the tank.

In the case of a 1-pound canister, make sure it’s below the regulator. Otherwise, the gas won’t flow.

If you still can’t light your grill after following these steps, you may have a leakage problem. That’s especially true if you use large gas canisters, as these tanks will restrict flow as a safety mechanism.

A quick way to tackle this issue is to mix a soapy solution in a bottle. Spray it on the gas valves and hoses. If bubbles start forming, there’s a gas leak. Replacing the faulty components should resolve this issue.

Clean the Needle

Regular cleaning of igniter needles can help remove the sticky mess and restore their function. 

Simply use a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to dissolve the debris. Make sure to disconnect the fuel before beginning, since alcohol is highly flammable. Additionally, wait until the solution evaporates before igniting the grill.

As for the burner tubes, you can clean them using a clean stainless steel bristle brush. Of course, let the grill cool before starting and disconnect the gas tank.

Now, all you need to do is remove the cover and clean the holes using an up-and-down motion. Don’t brush side to side, as this could block the tube further.

If properly cleaned, the burner will produce uniform, blue flames from all its openings.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, several reasons can cause your Blackstone griddle to not light. Some of these are simple problems, such as a lack of fuel or a dead battery.

Other issues require more investigation. These include a clogged burner, inaccurate needle placement, and restricted gas flow. Luckily, with a few quick fixes, like replacing faulty components or proper cleaning, you can bring your grill back to life!

If your griddle isn’t igniting even after trying these solutions, contact Blackstone Support. Alternatively, you can light the grill with a BBQ lighter and start enjoying your feast!

Share this post: