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Blackstone Griddle Got Rained On
Rainwater and the seasoned cold-rolled steel of a Blackstone griddle top do not get along. If you accidentally leave your Blackstone griddle uncovered in the rain or use it in the middle of a strong rainstorm, it can strip the protective seasoning layer off the top. It can even lead to rust on the griddle top and the underside of the cold-rolled steel.
When this happens, rust is almost inevitable. The amount of work it takes to remove the rust, clean the griddle, and season it again can eat the better part of a Saturday afternoon.
That’s why so many people either purchase water-resistant griddle covers or choose to keep their Blackstone griddle indoors when they aren’t using it.
If a rainstorm strikes in the middle of a cook, you should do your best to keep the hood closed over the griddle or take steps to protect the seasoned cold-rolled steel from the rain.
Then make sure to dry the griddle top as soon as possible to prevent rust and corrosion.
What Happens If a Blackstone Gets Rained On?
When a Blackstone griddle gets rained on, and the water isn’t removed quickly, it can start to strip the protective non-stick seasoning layer.
At first, this can make your griddle top gummy and sticky. Given enough time, the rainwater can even cause the griddle top to develop a patina of unsightly rust. Water that finds its way to the underside of the cold-rolled steel can also start to rust the unprotected metal.
The stainless steel components of the burner elements and the steel protected under the powder coat will usually be fine. Though some other unprotected components could also suffer rust and long-term corrosion problems.
Can You Use a Blackstone Grill in the Rain?
You should not use a Blackstone griddle in the rain for anything more than a light sprinkle. If your model has a hood, you should keep the hood closed as much as possible, or try to move the griddle to a location that is protected from the rain.
Is Blackstone Griddle Cover Waterproof?
Blackstone branded griddle covers are made from 600 denier PVC fabric which makes them waterproof when properly secured to the griddle body.
Though even a slight tear or the straps secured loosely can let rainwater in.
Do Blackstone Grills Rust?
Even with a protective non-stick hydrocarbon seasoning layer, the cold-rolled steel of a Blackstone griddle’s cooktop can rust when exposed to water.
The underside of a Blackstone griddle is particularly prone to rust when exposed to water, as it doesn’t have any sort of protective coating.
The other parts of a Blackstone griddle are largely made out of stainless steel and many structural components are coated with protective powder coat paint, which protects them from rust.
Still, there are some fasteners and small components in certain models, which can rust when exposed to water.
How Do I Protect Blackstone Griddle from Weather?
When you aren’t using it, your Blackstone griddle should always be protected by a waterproof cover or kept indoors, such as in a garage or garden shed.
If you are in the middle of cooking and a cloud burst or light rain starts, you should close the hood to protect the griddle top.
If you don’t have a hood, an umbrella might suffice. Then do your best to dab any pooled water. It might also help to turn the griddle flame up to help rapidly evaporate raindrops.
Lightly tenting food on the griddle top with sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil can also protect it from getting wet.
Final Thoughts
A Blackstone griddle needs to be protected from rain and the elements to maintain the protective non-stick seasoning layer and prevent rust from developing on the cold-rolled steel cooktop.
This starts with keeping your griddle protected by a waterproof cover when you aren’t using it.
If you do need to use it, and there’s rain in the forecast, try to close the hood or tent the food with aluminum foil. An umbrella might come in handy if there’s a stray shower. If your Blackstone griddle does get a little rain on it, try to dry and clean it as soon as possible to prevent stripping the seasoning layer and minimize the risk of rust.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.