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An excellent Blackstone griddle lights properly, and it is suitable for cooking pancakes and flatbreads.
You could also rely on it to prepare meat with steakhouse flavors, vegetables with marinade, and much more.
Its even heat distribution makes it a perfect alternative to the traditional grill.
It offers you a large cooktop and adjustable heat, creating independently controlled cooking zones.
However, a dysfunctional griddle exposes you to various inconveniences.
First, this faulty device will not light. It might also provide significantly low heat, affecting your cooking experience in the long run.
You can also look at other signs, including warping, peeling, and rusting.
The insights below indicate why your device is not lighting.
Why Is My Blackstone Griddle Not Lighting?
Your Blackstone griddle is less likely to light if its igniter parts are out of position.
In this case, your device will not burn.
Various reasons could explain why your grill is not functional.
The main reasons for your Blackstone griddle not lighting are battery issues and displaced wires.
Suppose your device has a Piezo valve with multiple issues.
In this case, you’ll need to check whether all the parts are in place.
Ensuring that you place them correctly will help avoid significant problems in the long run.
You will also need to check the positioning of the igniter needles.
These needles should be approximately a quarter of an inch away from the burner tube.
Such proximity ensures that the grill burns effectively.
These needles should also be L-shaped. Being out of shape could compromise heat.
In addition, your Blackstone griddle might not light if there are wiring issues.
Suppose there is a wire out of place.
In this case, it would help if you considered plugging it back in, and correctly so.
There is a chance that your device will not light if it has no batteries.
Ensure that you place the batteries correctly to light up your device.
You’ll also need to install a fresh pair of AA-sized batteries. Replacing these batteries ensures that there is enough energy to fire the grill.
How Do You Light a Blackstone Griddle?
Lighting a Blackstone griddle is a straightforward process.
You could categorize this process into two: pre-startup and first startup.
Each of these processes requires you to hold down the igniter for a significantly short period, lighting up the Blackstone griddle.
Once your grill fires, you’ll be free to control the heat levels depending on personal preferences.
Various steps go into the pre-startup phase.
Here, you must ensure that the griddle plate is appropriately positioned, correctly sitting in the four holes.
You’ll then wipe off all the debris on the cast iron skillet and tighten all the gas connections.
Installing the AA-sized batteries into the igniter button should be a priority.
It is the only way to ensure that the device lights.
In addition, all the shelves and casters must be in position and rightly so.
You must also confirm that the propane tank is new and with the right OPD valve.
Once everything is set, ensure that you place your device in a wind-sheltered area.
Starting the device requires you to first turn the propane on.
You will then set the left burner too high.
Next, push the igniter button and listen to see whether it is ticking.
Turn on the second burner and repeat the process.
Once it lights, you can change the heat levels, depending on your preferences and what you want to prepare.
At the same time, it is vital to understand how to clean your device.
Experts recommend using a putty knife or scraper to remove any debris or grease stuck on the griddle.
It would be best if you also avoided soap and scrubbing down.
Instead, wiping the device with cooking oil will prove more helpful in the long run.
Does a Blackstone Igniter Need a Battery?
A Blackstone griddle igniter needs a battery to function.
This device requires one AA-sized battery to fire it up.
However, these AA-sized batteries are not included when purchasing your grill in most cases.
Proper battery placement ensures that the device functions better in the long run.
You’ll need to keep the AA battery in a way that the positive side faces you.
You can tell where the positive side is by looking at the battery.
At the same time, ensure that you replace these batteries from time to time.
A fresh pair of batteries will ensure that the Blackstone griddle fires up within a significantly short time.
Remember, it is only when the batteries have enough energy that the process will be seamless.
Should You Install a New Igniter?
You need to install a new igniter if you prove that the current one is faulty.
Ideally, you must be sure that the igniter module is dead.
You can check this after removing and inspecting the igniter.
Various steps suffice before you install a new igniter.
A functional igniter usually makes a clicking sound when you press it.
However, expect it to go silent if installed incorrectly or the batteries are dead.
Do not install a new one unless you consider and verify that these elements are not the cause of a silent igniter.
Alternatively, you could rely on the advice of a professional.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a Blackstone griddle is an excellent investment.
Yet, expect a few teething issues when using it, including not lighting.
The insights above will help you troubleshoot and solve the problems at hand.
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.