How Long Do Blackstone Griddles Usually Last?

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A Blackstone griddle isn't a casual purchase, not with most models costing more than a couple hundred dollars, with the bigger sizes priced at thousands. So, it's fair to wonder how many pancakes, hash browns, and steaks you can get out of it before it eventually gives up. Blackstone's answer: A lifetime. However, it doesn't attach an actual figure to that claim. In practice, a griddle can run for 10 to 20 years (or more) with basic care — 'care' being the key operating term here. This means the better you care for it, the more likely it is to last you generations. But that is also where things can go sideways.

The good news is that this cooking appliance isn't hard to care for. One of the biggest issues with a Blackstone griddle is rust. And to deal with it, you have to protect its cooking top from the elements after use. The cooking surface is made of bare steel with no built-in coating that'll wear off. And this makes it durable, but also prone to rusting. But at least you don't have to spend an afternoon cleaning your Blackstone griddle, unlike some other appliances (ovens especially), so you can put down those materials used in cleaning kitchen equipment.

The difference between a griddle that survives the coveted 10 to 20-year range and one that needs replacing early is maintenance. If you don't care for it, your griddle can develop rust within a few seasons. And since moisture doesn't go well with steel, keep water off it at all costs. That means you should keep it dry between cookouts. Moreover, you should store it in a cool, dry place, such as your garage, after covering it with a heavy-duty canvas cover to avoid dust and rust. And if you have the space, you could also keep it in a closet; just don't put anything else on top of it. You could try  an affordable Home Depot hack that adds Blackstone griddle storage for any items you want to store alongside the griddle. Though these precautions will help every owner, double down on them during a rainy season or if you live beachside.

Also, after you're done cooking, a few additional steps will help increase its lifespan. To elaborate, wipe down the surface to remove food residue and excess oil while the griddle is warm (not hot!) to the touch. In case the residue has hardened (maybe some cheese fell out of your juicy burger?), use some water and a scraper held at a 45-degree angle to get rid of it. Then, spray some Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner or vegetable oil to maintain its seasoning, then wipe off any excess with a paper towel.