One Of The Biggest Disadvantages Of A Blackstone Griddle (And What You Can Do About It)

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Outdoor cooking is much easier when you have a clean, high-quality griddle. Blackstone is a popular brand, but their flattop griddles come with one disadvantage that could foil your weekend plans. One of biggest complaints about it is that rust forms quickly on the griddle surface, and no one wants a rusty burger. Blackstone griddles are made from steel and designed for outdoor use, meaning they're expected to be exposed to the elements. Covering your griddle can help protect it from moisture, but this doesn't guarantee it will remain rust-free. Some consumers reported that rust formed on their Blackstone griddle even when the grill cover was on. 

If your griddle has rust on it, these tips and tricks for grill cleaning can help if you're unsure of what to do. Always dry your grill or griddle thoroughly before putting it away, and keep it somewhere sheltered to avoid rain or snow soaking it. However, if you still see rust forming on it, you can get your Blackstone griddle back in top condition. You'll need cooking oil, a metal scraper, an abrasive scrubber such as a grill stone or steel wool, and paper towels. This DIY solution can help you clean off rust with common household items, but Blackstone also sells a Blackstone Griddle Top Restoration Kit. When used according to the package directions, it cleans and restores the surface, including dissolving rust.

Proper care can help prevent the worst of it, but even if you do everything right you may still see rust. If you choose not to use the company's restoration kit, you can try the following method. Use a putty knife or scraper to remove loose debris and rusty patches. Heating the griddle on high will also help soften the rust, making it easier to scrape away, but be sure to turn the griddle off before scraping the surface. Next, pour your favorite cooking oil onto the griddle surface and start scrubbing with a grill stone. Lastly, after it's scrubbed, use paper towels to wipe away the gunk. 

If you're familiar with how to remove rust, you may already be aware that you can use vinegar instead. Vinegar is food safe and acidic, making it a decent choice for rust removal. However, as vinegar can damage metal over time, you shouldn't let the vinegar soak on your Blackstone griddle. As the cooking oil or vinegar is softening the rust, use an abrasive scrubber of your choice to remove any remaining rust. When you're done, rinse with warm water to wash away the vinegar and debris. Give the surface a final wipe with water to remove any remaining debris, then dry it before storing your grill. Because scrubbing may remove the griddle's protective coating, it's a good idea to re-season it after a rust removal session. No matter if you're a DIY kind of person or prefer the company's recommended products, you should be able to restore your grill and prevent those rusty burgers.