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The Blackstone griddle has been a game-changer for numerous outdoor cooking enthusiasts, providing the benefit of a diverse coking station that matches your traditional kitchen setup.
But even with these pros, it may occasionally require you to troubleshoot some problems that develop over time, with a handy guide coming in handy for this.
Below, we discuss issues you may encounter with your griddle grease catcher, reasons why stuff may be sticking to your griddle, and the probability of ruining your Blackstone griddle.
Problems with Blackstone Griddle Grease Catcher
If you experience issues with your griddle grease catcher, it is likely that your grease cup is too far to the left, resulting in spilled grease.
Occasionally, the grease cup may shift in either direction of the tack weld meant to keep it in position, and you may notice grease spilling down your Blackstone griddle.
To remedy this, adjust the hook on the grease cup to ensure that that grease catcher is sitting directly below the drip point.
Another solution would be changing your drip point by making a small welding point to ensure your grease spills into the cup beneath.
Why Is Stuff Sticking To My Blackstone Griddle?
Food sticking to your griddle could result from multiple problems, with some being that your griddle is not cleaned correctly, has too much oil, or is not heated to the right temperature.
Just like every cooking surface needs a proper clean-up, your griddle should also not be left behind. Start by scraping off any leftover food on your surface and steam the griddle with water.
This will ensure that your food no longer sticks to the plate and that you remove any oil build-up. If you still encounter a sticky griddle after this, consider doing a deep clean. For this, clean your griddle top and re-season after you are done.
Another reason that your griddle is sticky may be due to too much oil. Using a Blackstone griddle will require you to use just the right amount of oil, as excess could result in a sticky surface.
Re-season your griddle with a light layer, with the best cooking oils being those with high melting points. A few to look into are olive oil, grape seed, and avocado oil.
Lastly, preheat your griddle before cooking to avoid any burnt food. Ensure that your griddle has enough oil before you start cooking, after which you can let it sit for a few minutes to create a barrier that forms a non-stick surface.
By doing this, you are guaranteed an easy cooking time, limiting any tedious cleaning processes after you are done with your meals.
Can You Ruin a Blackstone Griddle?
Unfortunately, even the most durable Blackstone griddles can get damaged due to improper cleaning and maintenance. One of the ways that you may be ruining your griddle is by using corrosive cleaning products that are damaging your seasoning layer.
Harsh detergents and oven cleaners may be suitable for cleaning your sinks and baking accessories, but they will likely result in harm when used on your Blackstone cooktop.
With this in mind, consider using plain water to clean off dirt when your griddle is still warm. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers as well, as these will also scratch your griddle plate. Blackstone griddles will often come with their own set of scouring pads, allowing you to avoid any damage to your plate.
Why Won’t My Blackstone Griddle Heat Up?
The reason that your Blackstone griddle is not heating up may be due to a faulty regulator or an empty propane tank that needs a refill.
The regulator is responsible for ensuring sufficient release of propane gas to the griddle, allowing you to heat your meal without any problem. A faulty regulator may be solved by resetting it and hooking it up to the propane tank. You can also tighten the silver screw on your regulators, as this may also limit gas flow to your griddle.
If your propane tank is also empty, your griddle will not heat up. For this, call up your local gas delivery service to help you refill your rank. You can also exchange your empty tank for a new one, with both being quick and effective ways of ensuring that your Blackstone griddle is up and running in no time.
Why Is My Blackstone Griddle Turning Brown?
The most common reason for your Blackstone griddle turning brown is rust. When your griddle surface is exposed to elements such as water and air, it will turn reddish-brown, with cast iron often reacting to oxygen in the air.
Rust can change the taste of your food and is considered unsafe to consume. To remedy this, use a stiff scraper to get rid of the rusted surface on your griddle. Water will also help you wipe off the rusted debris after scrubbing, allowing you to get a cleaner surface.
Follow this up with a layer of oil for a protectant for your griddle. You might also want to ensure that your Blackstone griddle is stored in a dry and cool area to avoid water pooling in the cooking areas. A heavy-duty canvas will also come in handy to prevent any wear and tear from exposed surfaces while also eliminating any build-up humidity.
Final Thoughts
While the Blackstone griddle is one of the most convenient ways to enjoy outdoor cooking, it occasionally comes with unique challenges.
This will require you to solve griddle grease emergencies along the way to remedy any sticky surface issues while also sticking to the proper maintenance practices to avoid ruining your Blackstone griddle.
Additionally, consider rectifying faulty regulators and empty tanks that may be causing your griddle not to heat up and any rust hazards that result in brown griddle surfaces.
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.