Best Oil To Season Blackstone Griddle

Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is crucial for both performance and longevity. It involves coating the surface with oil and heating it to create a non-stick, rust-resistant layer. Using the right oil makes this process more effective, ensuring a smooth, durable finish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a backyard griddle enthusiast, understanding the best oils for seasoning can elevate your cooking experience. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best oil to season your Blackstone Griddle.

Best Oil to Season a Blackstone Griddle

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is an excellent choice to season your Blackstone griddle. Its high smoke point of around 520°F ensures it won’t burn during the seasoning process. This oil is also packed with healthy unsaturated fats, which can improve heart health and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, its mild flavor won’t interfere with the taste of your food. The only downside is its cost, which can be higher than other oils. However, its superior performance and health benefits make it a worthwhile investment for many griddle enthusiasts.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is a popular and budget-friendly option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. With a smoke point between 400°F and 470°F, it can handle the high temperatures required for effective seasoning. Canola oil is widely available and has a neutral flavor, making it a versatile choice for both seasoning and cooking. Its high content of monounsaturated fats makes it a healthier option compared to some other oils. For those seeking an affordable and reliable oil for their griddle, canola oil is a great pick.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is another excellent option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. Its smoke point of around 420°F makes it suitable for high-heat cooking and seasoning. Grapeseed oil is known for its neutral flavor, which ensures it won’t alter the taste of your food. Additionally, it’s rich in antioxidants and omega-6 fatty acids, providing health benefits alongside its seasoning capabilities. Although it can be more expensive than canola oil, its performance and health benefits make it a preferred choice for many.

Peanut Oil

Peanut oil is favored for its high smoke point of about 450°F, making it a reliable option for seasoning and cooking at high temperatures. This oil has a slight nutty flavor, which can enhance the taste of your dishes. However, it may not be suitable for everyone due to potential peanut allergies. Peanut oil is also relatively expensive, but its high performance in creating a durable seasoning layer makes it a strong contender.

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil was once highly recommended for seasoning griddles due to its ability to create a hard, durable coating. It has a lower smoke point of around 225°F, which helps it polymerize quickly. However, flaxseed oil has fallen out of favor because it can produce inconsistent results and is relatively expensive. Additionally, it can be hard to find in some areas. While it can still be used, many prefer other oils for more consistent and cost-effective seasoning.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil, especially in its refined form, is another option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. With a smoke point of around 400°F, refined coconut oil can handle the high temperatures needed for seasoning. It has a mild flavor, but it’s high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels. For those who prefer minimally processed oils, unrefined coconut oil can be used, although its lower smoke point of around 350°F makes it less ideal for high-heat seasoning.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil boasts a high smoke point of about 440°F, making it suitable for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. It has a neutral flavor and is rich in vitamin E, which offers additional health benefits. While sunflower oil can be more expensive than other options, its effectiveness and health properties make it a worthwhile choice for many griddle users.

How to Choose the Best Oil for Blackstone Griddle?

Smoke Point

A high smoke point is critical because it prevents the oil from burning during the seasoning process. Oils with high smoke points, like avocado and canola oil, withstand the high temperatures needed for effective seasoning.

Flavor Profile

The oil’s flavor can affect your food. Neutral oils like grapeseed and canola oil are preferred because they don’t impart unwanted flavors to your dishes. Avoid oils with strong flavors unless you want that taste in your food.

Health Considerations

Oils high in unsaturated fats are healthier options. Avocado, canola, and grapeseed oils are rich in these beneficial fats. Avoid oils high in saturated fats like coconut oil for regular use due to potential health concerns.

Cost and Availability

Balance quality with budget. Canola oil is affordable and effective, while avocado oil, though pricier, offers superior health benefits and a high smoke point. Choose an oil that fits your budget without compromising on quality.

How to Season a Blackstone Griddle?

Step 1: Clean the Griddle

Start with a clean surface to ensure the best results. Even if the griddle looks clean, there may be dust or residues from manufacturing. Mix water and a bit of dish soap, then scrub the surface gently. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap and debris.

Step 2: Pre-Heat the Griddle

Pre-heating the griddle helps the oil spread evenly and bond better with the metal. Turn all the burners to maximum heat and wait for the surface to turn slightly brown, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Once it starts to brown, turn off the burners.

Step 3: Apply the Oil

Choose your preferred oil and drizzle a small amount onto the griddle surface. Using tongs and paper towels, spread the oil evenly across the entire surface, including the sides. Ensure the layer is thin and even, avoiding any puddles. A thin layer prevents the seasoning from becoming sticky or uneven.

Step 4: Heat Until Smoking

Turn the burners back on to the highest setting and heat the griddle until the oil starts to smoke. This process, called polymerization, creates a hard, non-stick layer on the griddle. Allow it to smoke for about 30 minutes or until the smoke subsides.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

For a durable seasoning, repeat the oil application and heating process 2-3 times. Each layer builds upon the previous one, enhancing the non-stick properties and protection. Make sure each layer is thin and evenly applied.

Step 6: Final Coat

After the final round of heating, apply one last thin layer of oil. This coat helps protect the griddle from rust and ensures it remains non-stick. Let the griddle cool completely before storing it.

F.A.Q

What is the best oil for high-heat cooking on a Blackstone?

For high-heat cooking, avocado oil and peanut oil are excellent choices due to their high smoke points. Avocado oil has a smoke point of around 520°F, making it perfect for searing and grilling. Peanut oil also has a high smoke point, around 450°F, and adds a slight nutty flavor to your dishes.

Can I use vegetable oil for seasoning?

Yes, vegetable oil can be used for seasoning your Blackstone griddle. It typically has a high smoke point, around 400-450°F, which makes it suitable for the seasoning process. Vegetable oil is also widely available and cost-effective. However, some prefer oils with higher smoke points for more consistent seasoning results.

How often should I season my Blackstone griddle?

You should season your Blackstone griddle after every few uses or whenever the surface starts to look dull and loses its non-stick properties. Regular seasoning helps maintain the protective coating and ensures a non-stick cooking surface.

Can I use olive oil to season my Blackstone griddle?

While you can use olive oil, it’s not the best option for seasoning a Blackstone griddle. Extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, around 325-375°F, which can lead to inconsistent results. For better seasoning, choose oils with higher smoke points like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil.

Is coconut oil good for seasoning a Blackstone griddle?

Coconut oil can be used for seasoning, particularly in its refined form, which has a higher smoke point of around 400°F. Unrefined coconut oil has a lower smoke point, around 350°F, and is less suitable for high-heat seasoning. Keep in mind that coconut oil is high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels, so it should be used in moderation.

Wrapping Up

Seasoning your Blackstone griddle is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. By choosing the right oil, you create a durable, non-stick surface that enhances your cooking experience. Experiment with different oils to find what works best for you. With proper care and seasoning, your Blackstone griddle will provide years of enjoyable cooking.

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