Whether you’re flipping burgers, sizzling steaks, or making breakfast hash, a flat-top griddle can elevate an outdoor cooking experience. Unlike traditional gas and charcoal grills, these cooking appliances feature a smooth, flat cooking surface that’s not only perfect for backyard BBQs and all their fixings (read: hamburgers and steaks) but also foods like pancakes and scrambled eggs. Think of them as a supersized iteration of your cast-iron cookware. Blackstone griddles are top-tier models in this appliance category and a worthy investment, deserving of special care and attention to maintain their performance and keep them looking sleek. While cleaning your Blackstone may seem intimidating, you can have it gleaming and ready for your next alfresco dining experience in just a few easy steps.

A well-maintained griddle ensures better-tasting food, longevity of the grill, and, of course, a safe cooking environment. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning your Blackstone grill, including step-by-step instructions.

How Often Should You Clean Your Blackstone Griddle?

A bit of routine care goes a long way in preserving your Blackstone’s high-functioning state. When first purchased, your griddle should be wiped down with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water and then rinsed and dried to clean it of any debris it may have picked up during the manufacturing process. Afterward, season it as you would a cast-iron skillet.

After that initial cleaning, steer clear of the dish soap and stick to the following cleaning schedule: While it depends on how frequently you use it, you should aim for a light clean after each cookout and a more thorough deep cleaning every 10 to 15 uses or at the end of each grilling season.

Professional cleaner Dawn Arias-Spinelli, owner of Kleaner Image, adds, “In addition to your regular routine, you should perform a deep clean if you notice a lot of grease or food residue.” A clean surface isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making sure your griddle continues to work efficiently.

How to Clean a Blackstone (or Other Flat-Top) Griddle

With the right tools and this simple process, cleaning your Blackstone grill can be a straightforward task that ensures a nonstick surface for your next cooking adventure.

Materials:

• Griddle scraper (or flat spatula)
• Scour pad
• Paper towels or microfiber cloths
• Oil or cast iron conditioner of choice

Instructions:

1. Cut Power and Let Cool: Before you begin cleaning, ensure that the grill is completely off and that the surface has cooled. This step is key to both safety and efficiency. Cleaning a hot surface is not only dangerous but could damage the griddle.
2. Scrape Off Grease and Food: After the surface has cooled, take a griddle scraper or a flat spatula and gently scrape off any food debris or grease left on the cooking surface.
3. Wipe Down: Wipe down the griddle with paper towels or a microfiber cloth to remove the loosened debris.
4. Steam Clean (Optional): Turn the griddle back on for a few minutes to heat it up slightly and then spray with water. The resulting steam should loosen any remaining oil or food particles that are stuck to the surface. You don’t need it to get too hot—just enough to soften any leftover grease. (Think of it as a DIY steam clean.)
5. Scrub and Rinse: Using a scouring pad, gently scrub the surface of the griddle. Then, rinse with warm water. “Be sure to avoid soaking the griddle, as excess moisture can damage the griddle,” says Arias-Spinelli.
6. Dry Well: Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to fully dry the griddle and prevent rust. 

After your Blackstone grill is fully cleaned and dry, it’s important to re-season it to protect its nonstick surface.

• Coat it with a layer of oil (such as vegetable, canola, flaxseed, or Blackstone’s own seasoning and cast iron conditioner), using a paper towel to spread it around.
• Heat the griddle over low heat for about 10 minutes to let the oil absorb and create a protective coating.
• Wipe off any excess oil using a cloth or paper towel once the surface has cooled.

Tips for Keeping Your Blackstone Grill Like New

Aside from prolonging the life of your griddle, a clean Blackstone grill means better cooking. If food residue and grease build up over time, they can lead to uneven heating and affect the taste of your food.

To keep your grill sparkling clean and ready to be fired up, consider the following tips.

• Wipe down your Blackstone grill after each use. “As a general rule of thumb, a quick wipe-down will help maintain the cleanness of your grill,” says Arias-Spinelli. A few minutes of attention after grilling is worth the effort in the long run.
• Avoid heavy duty soaps and cleansers. Detergents and oven cleansers can strip the seasoning from your Blackstone grill. After that first initial clean, avoid using soaps and cleansers on griddles to best protect their surface.
• Store your grill properly. When not in use, use a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements.
• Deep clean seasonally. While light cleaning after each use is key, don’t forget to give your grill a more thorough cleaning at least once a season, or after heavy use. This will ensure you maintain the optimal cooking surface and prevent any tough buildup from forming.

Just like any great cooking appliance, your Blackstone griddle or flat-top grill deserves to be cared for, and, with a little attention, it’ll serve you and your family for many delicious meals to come.