Ever found yourself struggling to get that perfect sear on your steak or that crispy edge on your pancake? I’ve been there too. That was until I got my Blackstone Griddle. This thing has changed my grilling game, and I’m here to share why it could change yours too.

I picked up my first Blackstone Adventure Ready 17″ Griddle from my local Walmart on a whim back in 2020 and to be honest, I have been completely hooked ever since. Heck, it literally inspired my to make this site because I genuinely felt it was a game-changer, especially as a dad cooking for multiple mouths everyday. It just made life easier!

Sure, it’s not perfect—nothing is—but I’m hard-pressed to find a better do-it-all solution for backyard cooking. And in full disclosure, it’s way better than a typical grill. Don’t hate me, I’m just being real!

In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to start cooking on a Blackstone griddle. I’ll cover proper setup, seasoning, cooking techniques, cleaning and maintenance. You’ll also get my top 10 meal ideas and recipes specially tailored for the Blackstone.

What is a Blackstone Griddle?

Alright, let’s break it down. If you’re reading this, you probably have an idea of what a Blackstone Griddle is, but let’s get everyone on the same page.

A Blackstone Griddle is basically a flat top grill, and when we say “griddle” and “flat top grill,” we’re talking about the same thing. It’s a large, flat steel surface that lets you cook multiple foods at once. The real estate space and heat zones from the burners are the real selling points here—you can manage a variety of foods simultaneously without juggling different pans.

The Blackstone Griddle is unique because of its versatility. You get a spacious cooking surface made from cold-rolled steel, which means you can whip up breakfast classics like pancakes and eggs, and then switch over to dinner favorites like steak and vegetables. It’s not just limited to flat cooking either; the burners on the grill side let you do more traditional grilling, like burgers and chicken.

In a nutshell, the Blackstone Griddle combines the best of both worlds, making it an all-in-one powerhouse for your backyard cooking adventures.

Key Features and Benefits of Blackstone Griddles

No matter which Blackstone griddle model you choose, you’ll find some universal features that make cooking a breeze:

• Large Cooking Surface: Ranging up to 720 sq inches, there’s plenty of room to cook for a crowd.
• Durable Cooktop: Made from cold-rolled steel, ensuring longevity and consistent heat.
• Stainless Steel Burners: Most models have at least two independently controlled heat zones.
• Rear Grease Management System: Simplifies cleanup by directing grease away.
• Portability: Wheeled legs allow you to move it easily.
• Versatility: Functions as both a grill and a griddle.

Additionally, Blackstone griddles come with optional accessories like hard covers, cutting boards, and shelves, adding even more functionality.

Whether you’re grilling, making pancakes, baking pizza, or simmering sauces, the Blackstone griddle provides the versatility to be creative with your outdoor cooking. It’s perfect for feeding large groups, meal prepping, or simplifying your backyard barbecue setup with an all-in-one appliance.

Setting Up Your Blackstone Griddle for the First Time

Before diving into delicious Blackstone cooking, you’ll need to set up your griddle properly. Here’s how:

1. Choose a Level Location: Place your Blackstone on a flat, stable surface like a patio, deck, or yard. Avoid sloped or uneven ground. Lock the rear casters to keep it stable.
2. Assemble the Components: Attach side shelves, the rear grease trap, handle, and any other parts that came with your model. Follow the assembly instructions provided.
3. Season the Cook Surface: Seasoning is crucial for a non-stick surface and enhanced flavor. Here’s the process:
   • Wash the cook surface with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly.
   • Apply a thin coating of high smoke point oil (e.g., grapeseed or avocado oil) over the entire cook surface.
   • Heat the griddle on low for 10-15 minutes, then turn to high for another 10-15 minutes.
   • Allow it to cool and repeat the oiling and heating process 2-3 more times.

Your griddle is now seasoned and ready to go!

Additional Tips for First-Time Setup:

• Check for Gas Leaks: If you’re using a propane model, ensure all connections are secure and check for gas leaks before lighting.
• Organize Your Space: Arrange your cooking tools and ingredients nearby for easy access.
• Preheat Properly: Always preheat your griddle before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
• Keep Safety in Mind: Always follow safety guidelines, especially when dealing with propane and high heat.

By setting up your Blackstone griddle correctly, you’ll be ready to enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals in no time.

Connect Propane Tank

For propane models, connect your Blackstone to a standard 20 lb propane tank using the provided regulator and hose. Make sure all connections are tightened properly.

For natural gas models, ensure you have hired a certified technician to install your griddle and hook it up to your home’s natural gas supply.

Leak Test

It’s critical that you test for gas leaks before using your Blackstone for the first time. Just mix up a batch of soapy water in a spray bottle and spray the connections and valves.

If you see bubbles, there is a leak present. Turn off the gas and do not use the griddle until a leak is fixed by a professional.

If no leaks are present, you’re ready to get cooking! Just familiarize yourself with the control knobs and heat zones before starting it up.

Cooking Techniques for the Blackstone Griddle

Now for the fun part – time to start cooking! Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your Blackstone griddle:

Preheating

Always preheat your griddle before placing food on it. Turn all burners to high and close the lid for 10-15 minutes to heat up.

Use an oven thermometer placed on the grill if you want to get precise with temperatures. The cook surface should reach around 400-450°F.

Managing Heat Zones

The Blackstone has multiple independently controlled burners so you can create heat zones. This lets you move food around for direct or indirect cooking.

For example, searing steak over direct high heat before moving to a lower temp indirect zone to finish cooking. Having two or more zones gives you flexibility.

Grilling on a Griddle

To grill foods like burgers, chicken or veggies, keep the burners on high and cook the food directly over the flames.

Leave the lid open and flip halfway for grill marks. Brush or spray oil to prevent sticking.

Aim for grilling temps of 350-450°F. The flames will create plenty of heat for quick grilling.

Griddling

To cook foods directly on the flat top like eggs, pancakes or stir fry, use a lower heat between 300-375°F. Close the lid to help food cook evenly. Use oil or butter to prevent sticking.

You can use griddle accessories like a griddle press to flatten sandwiches or a splatter screen to contain pops and sizzles when frying.

Simmering and Braising on a Griddle

A cool feature of the Blackstone griddle is you can use pots and pans directly on the cook surface to simmer sauces or braise meats. Just turn your burners down to a lower 250°F zone.

This gives you extra room for sides or even a full meal. You can also fill a cast iron pan with water and use it as a makeshift boiler.

Smoking on a Griddle

To infuse your food with smoky flavor, make a smoker pouch with aluminum foil and add your favorite smoking wood chips. Place directly on the grill while cooking. The smoke penetrates giving foods an extra layer of flavor.

You can also buy a smoker box specifically sized for the Blackstone that controls the smoke.

Pizza on the Blackstone Griddle

The large surface area is perfect for baking pizzas from scratch. Roll or stretch out your dough and top with sauce and toppings. Cook 5-10 minutes until the crust is crispy and cheese is melted.

Combination Cooking

One of the best perks of using a Blackstone griddle is the ability to mix up cooking techniques. Imagine searing a steak over direct high heat to get that perfect crust, then moving it to indirect heat to finish cooking evenly. Or starting chicken thighs on the grill before braising them in a pot of sauce right on the flat top.

The key to mastering combination cooking is effectively managing your heat zones and using them to your advantage. With a bit of practice, you’ll be flipping pancakes, grilling burgers, and searing steaks like a pro. Get creative with your cooking steps to achieve the best results.

Blackstone Griddle Maintenance 101

To keep your Blackstone griddle in top shape and ensure it lasts for years, regular maintenance is key. Here’s a quick guide to maintaining your griddle:

Daily Cleaning

• Post-Cooking Cleanup: After each use, scrape off any food residue with a griddle scraper while it’s still warm. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning.
• Wipe Down: Use a paper towel or a cloth to wipe down the surface. For stubborn bits, a bit of water can help, but avoid soaking it.

Seasoning

• Regular Oiling: After cleaning, apply a thin layer of high smoke point oil like flaxseed, grapeseed, or avocado oil. This helps maintain the seasoning and prevents rust.
• Deep Seasoning: Every few weeks, perform a deep seasoning. Heat the griddle, apply oil, and let it bake in. Repeat 2-3 times for a robust seasoning layer.

Rust Prevention

• Cover Up: Always use a griddle cover when not in use to protect from moisture and debris.
• Avoid Water: Keep water off the surface to prevent rust. If rust spots appear, scrub with a grill stone or sandpaper, then re-season.

Grease Management

• Grease Trap: Regularly empty the grease trap to prevent overflow and potential fire hazards.
• Burner Care: Check burners for clogs and clean with a brush if needed. Ensure burners are cool and disconnected from propane before cleaning.

Periodic Checks

• Tighten Screws: Periodically check and tighten any loose screws or connections.
• Inspect Hoses: Check propane hoses for any wear or leaks.

And thats really it! It might seem like a lot, but its really just quick things that you can do to save yourself some headaches along the way.

5 Tips For Your First Cook on the Blackstone Griddle (Video Tutorial)

Check out my video below where I cook along with you and help you with your first cook on the Blackstone griddle, see Im a real person!

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Griddle

To keep your Blackstone looking like new and prevent any stuck on gunk, it’s important to properly clean after each use:

Scrape Loose Debris

Use a stiff grill scraper or spatula to scrape any chunks of food debris from the cooktop while still warm. It’s much easier to remove immediately after cooking versus letting it sit and harden.

Remove Grease

Wipe down the cook surface with paper towels, shop rags or a grill scrubber pad to remove excess grease and oils. Empty and clean out the rear grease management system as well.

Clean with Water

Give the surface a thorough cleaning with hot water, either spraying with a hose or scrubbing with soapy water and a nonabrasive scrub pad.

Use a plastic or wooden scraper as needed for stuck on bits. Rinse thoroughly.

Dry Completely

Always dry the griddle thoroughly after cleaning. Water droplets can lead to rust if left to sit. Wipe down with a towel or paper towels. You can also heat the surface for 10-15 minutes on low to evaporate any lingering moisture.

Re-oil and Season

Give the entire cooktop a light coating of oil to refresh the seasoning after each cookout. This maintains the non-stick properties of the seasoned steel.

In addition to after each use cleaning, do a deeper clean by scrubbing with a griddle stone or fine grit sanding block 2-4 times a year. This removes any carbon buildup that regular cleaning won’t catch.

Use grill cleaner and reapply a fresh layer of protective oil after deep cleaning. Keeping your Blackstone properly cleaned prevents long-term damage.

Storing A Blackstone Griddle

When storing your Blackstone for long periods, fully clean the cook surface and then coat in oil to prevent corrosion. Prop open the lid so air can circulate.

Store indoors or use a protective cover if keeping outside. Remove and drain the grease management system so grease doesn’t solidify.

By properly caring for your griddle after every cookout and doing periodic deep cleans, you’ll enjoy years of use without any rust or deterioration.

10 Meals You Can Cook on a Blackstone Griddle

Now for the best part – cooking delicious meals!

Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle: Getting Started

The Blackstone griddle opens up so many possibilities for backyard cooking fun and great tasting food.

With the ability to grill, griddle, simmer and more, you can expand your outdoor culinary horizons.

Here are 10 of my favorite foods to whip up on the Blackstone along with tips for success:

Burgers

Smash burgers, gourmet burgers and everything in between taste great from the grill side of the Blackstone. Get those crispy edges while cooking through the middle. Adding a griddle press gives you ultimate control over thickness.

Tip: Don’t press burgers more than once and resist the urge to smash repeatedly. This can lead to a drier, tougher burger.

Steak

Get perfect sear marks on juicy, restaurant-quality steaks. Use the direct high heat side to get that crust before moving to indirect heat to finish to your desired doneness.

Also: Pat steaks dry beforehand and let them come to room temp for more even cooking.

Vegetables

The flat top is perfect for getting a nice char on veggies. Try zucchini, squash, bell peppers, asparagus and more. Toss in olive oil and seasonings for quick grill marks.

Tip: Softer veggies like peppers and zucchini can go direct. Harder denser veggies like potatoes may need to par-cook first.

Stir Fry

Make restaurant-style stir frys with wok hei right on your Blackstone griddle. Use the burners to your advantage to create super hot and cooler cooking zones.

Tip: Use a splatter screen lid to contain the flash frying action.

Breakfast

Cook up eggs any style, pancakes, hash browns and other breakfast goodies all on one appliance. You can really pump out food fast for large groups.

Hint: Cover with a dome lid while cooking cheesy eggs or hash browns to melt the cheese nicely.

Pan Pizzas

Use cast iron skillets right on the flat top to bake amazing fresh pizzas. Customize with your favorite toppings. The direct heat gives you an extra crispy crust.

Pro Tip: Flour or cornmeal the pan bottom so the pizza can slide right off when done.

Quesadillas

Large quesadillas are a cinch to make on the Blackstone griddle. Fill with cheese, chicken, steak, shrimp and more. Use the press to get perfectly crispy tortillas.

Tip: Brush the top tortilla with oil and cook that side first for maximum crispness.

Sandwiches

From grilled cheese to paninis, the press on the Blackstone lets you make diner-style pressed sandwiches. Add sauteed onions, peppers or other veggies to take it over the top.

Helpful Tip: Use mayo instead of butter on the bread for extra crispy grilled cheese.

Fajitas

Skirt steak sizzling with peppers and onions is simple to whip up for crowd-pleasing fajitas. Bring the flavor with Mexican seasoning blends. Serve up with tortillas and fixings.

Tip: Cut skirt steak across the grain before marinating for more tender bites after grilling.

As you can see, the options are endless with a Blackstone griddle! It’s the ultimate tool for backyard cooking and entertaining.

Helpful Blackstone Griddle Accessories

Having the right accessories for your Blackstone griddle makes cooking easier and more efficient. Here are some of my recommended accessories to take your experience to the next level:

• Grill scraper/chopper – Makes removing stuck on food simple after cooking. A chopper style handle provides leverage.
• Steel grill brushes – Great for applying oil or sauces across the entire cook surface. Avoid wire brushes which can damage the steel.
• Griddle spatula – You’ll need a good high heat resistant spatula for flipping. I like ones with a beveled edge.
• Griddle press – Flattens sandwiches and thin meats evenly. Some styles have removable grill plates.
• Grease management tools – Cups, buckets and scrapers that neatly contain the rear grease runoff.
• Cutting board – Lets you prep food right on your Blackstone for added convenience.
• Thermometer – Monitor your griddle temps for precision cooking.
• Cast iron griddle pans – Use smaller pans for eggs, sides etc. right on the flat top.
• Storage cover – Provides protection from outdoor elements when not in use.
• Side shelves – Expand your prep space on select models.
• Propane tank holder – Secures your tank safely underneath the unit.
• Cargo carrier – Makes transporting your Blackstone easy if needed.

Outfitting your griddle with the right tools tailor-made for it will help you get the most functionality possible. Look for accessories that are durable and enhance the Blackstone experience.

FAQs About Using a Blackstone Griddle

Still have some questions about how to use your new Blackstone griddle? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

How do I prevent rust on my griddle?

Follow proper cleaning methods after each use to remove debris. Dry thoroughly, coat with oil and keep covered when storing. Avoid over-scrubbing down to bare metal.

What temperature should I cook hamburgers at?

Aim for 400-450°F for quick cooking burgers without drying them out. Higher direct heat gets the crust while cooking through.

Is it okay to cook acidic foods like tomatoes on my Blackstone?

Yes, but clean afterwards right away. Acidic ingredients can take off the seasoning if left to sit. Avoid cooking the same acidic foods repeatedly.

How can I get better grill marks on a Blackstone Griddle?

Let meat come to room temp before grilling for more defined marks. Brush with oil first. Press down with tongs/spatula as it cooks for darker marks.

Should I clean my griddle after every use?

Yes, do a quick clean after each cook to prevent any stuck on residue from hardening. Do a deeper thorough clean periodically.

What oil is best for seasoning and maintenance?

Opt for high smoke point oils like avocado, grapeseed or peanut. Avoid olive or butter which can burn. Crisco works well for initial seasoning.

Is it safe to cook on my Blackstone indoors?

No, Blackstones are designed for outdoor use only and can produce carbon monoxide. Never use in a garage, porch or enclosed space.

How can I dispose of old grease properly?

Allow grease to completely cool and solidify before transferring to a metal container or bag. Trash normally or check for local grease disposal programs.

Can I use metal utensils on my Blackstone?

Yes, metal is fine as long as it’s not anything too abrasive that can scratch the surface.

How do I know if my griddle is level?

Use a bubble level tool or fill halfway with water. The water should evenly spread out without pooling to any one side.

Still have more questions? Reach out to me here at Griddle King , directly to Blackstone customer support for guidance on getting the most out of your griddle.

Hopefully this beginner’s guide gives you plenty of tips to get started cooking on your new Blackstone. From proper setup and seasoning to cooking techniques and meal ideas, you now have the knowledge to unleash your inner grill master.

The only thing left to do is get outside and start cooking up some magic on your Blackstone griddle! Have fun with the recipes and techniques. Part of the joy of owning one is experimenting and finding your own Blackstone style.