Updated: July 2025
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining your Blackstone griddle’s performance and extending its lifespan. Whether you’re dealing with harsh winter weather or simply want to protect your investment between cooking sessions, choosing the right storage method can mean the difference between years of reliable grilling and costly repairs or replacements.
Your Blackstone griddle deserves proper care – and storage is just as important as regular cleaning and maintenance for keeping it in peak condition. In fact, improper storage is one of the leading causes of premature griddle failure, with rust and weather damage accounting for most avoidable repairs.
While cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your Blackstone griddle in excellent condition, understanding proper storage techniques is equally critical for preventing rust, damage, and premature wear. A well-stored griddle can last 10-15 years or more, while improperly stored units may need replacement within 2-3 years.
Learning how to store a Blackstone griddle properly should be a priority from day one of ownership. The right storage approach will protect your investment and ensure countless successful grilling sessions throughout 2025 and beyond.
Below, I’ll share four proven storage methods that work for different living situations and budgets. Whether you have a spacious garage or limited outdoor space, these strategies will help you keep your griddle protected from the elements and ready for action.
Method 1: Invest in a High-Quality Cover
A weather-resistant cover is your first line of defense against the elements, especially if you plan to store your griddle outdoors. While you technically don’t need a cover, having one dramatically expands your storage options and provides essential protection that can extend your griddle’s life by 5-10 years.
Storing your griddle outside without a cover exposes it to rain, snow, UV rays, and debris that can cause significant damage over time. Rust is the number one enemy of griddle longevity, and moisture exposure is the primary culprit. Even a single season of uncovered outdoor storage can result in surface rust that’s difficult to remove.
What to look for in a quality cover:
• Heavy-duty material: Look for 600D polyester or canvas construction with reinforced seams
• Waterproof coating: Ensures complete moisture protection with sealed seams
• Internal support system: Prevents the cover from touching the seasoned cooking surface
• Secure fastening: Adjustable straps or drawstrings to prevent wind damage
• Proper fit: Covers designed specifically for your griddle model
• UV protection: Prevents sun damage and fading
• Ventilation features: Air vents to prevent condensation buildup
Avoid cheap covers – they’re often too thin to provide adequate protection and may tear or fade quickly. I learned this lesson the hard way when my first bargain cover failed after just one season, leaving my griddle exposed to rain damage that cost more to fix than buying a quality cover would have cost initially.
Pro tip: Always ensure your griddle is completely cool and dry before covering. Trapping heat or moisture can cause condensation issues that lead to rust formation.
Recommended option: This heavy-duty cover features durable 600D material and an internal support pole that prevents contact with your seasoned cooking surface. The investment in quality will pay off with years of reliable protection.
Method 2: Indoor Storage for Ultimate Protection
Indoor storage offers the best protection for your Blackstone griddle, completely eliminating exposure to weather, temperature fluctuations, and outdoor contaminants. This method is ideal if you have adequate space and want to maximize your griddle’s lifespan. Indoor storage can potentially double or triple your griddle’s useful life compared to outdoor storage.
Best indoor storage locations:
• Garage: Most popular option with easy access and temperature stability
• Shed or outbuilding: Provides weather protection with outdoor convenience
• Basement: Climate-controlled environment (ensure proper ventilation and humidity control)
• Covered porch or breezeway: Partial indoor protection with natural airflow
• Utility room: Dedicated storage space with easy access
Preparation steps for indoor storage:
1. Clean thoroughly: Remove all food debris and grease buildup
- Dry completely: Allow 24-48 hours of drying time to prevent moisture-related issues
- Apply thin oil layer: Use high-heat cooking oil to maintain seasoning and prevent rust
- Disconnect propane: Store tank separately following local safety guidelines
- Cover or wrap: Even indoors, protection from dust and humidity is beneficial
- Elevate if possible: Store off concrete floors to prevent moisture absorption
Temperature considerations: Avoid storage areas with extreme temperature swings, as this can cause metal expansion and contraction that may affect the griddle’s flatness over time.
If indoor storage isn’t possible, choose the driest outdoor location available. Look for areas with natural wind protection, such as against a building wall or under an overhang. Even with a quality cover, minimizing direct weather exposure helps significantly.
Winter storage tip: Indoor storage becomes most critical during winter months when freezing temperatures and moisture create the harshest conditions for outdoor equipment. Frozen water can expand and cause significant damage to gas lines and surface coatings.
Method 3: Indoor Cooking Setup
Don’t let weather stop your grilling plans! Setting up your Blackstone griddle for indoor use allows year-round cooking while providing a storage solution. This approach works particularly well during extended periods of bad weather and is becoming increasingly popular among serious griddle enthusiasts in 2025.
Safety requirements for indoor cooking:
• Adequate ventilation: Open garage doors, windows, or use powerful exhaust fans (minimum 400 CFM)
• Proper clearance: Maintain at least 3 feet from walls and 8 feet from ceiling
• Stable surface: Ensure level, non-flammable flooring (concrete is ideal)
• Fire safety: Keep Class B fire extinguisher nearby and maintain clear exit paths
• Carbon monoxide awareness: Never use in enclosed spaces without ventilation – install CO detectors
• Gas safety: Check connections regularly and ensure proper gas line routing
Ideal indoor cooking locations:
• Garage with open doors: Provides weather protection while maintaining airflow
• Covered patio or breezeway: Semi-outdoor environment with overhead protection
• Workshop with ventilation: Additional space designed for equipment use
• Pole barn or carport: Open-sided structures with roof protection
Ventilation is non-negotiable: Propane combustion produces water vapor and carbon monoxide. Without proper airflow, you risk both property damage from humidity and serious health hazards from gas buildup.
When indoor cooking isn’t feasible, consider whether you can safely cook outside despite weather conditions. Light rain or snow won’t damage your griddle, though you’ll need to take extra precautions and may get wet!
Alternative option: If indoor griddle cooking isn’t possible, consider adapting your favorite griddle recipes for stovetop cooking during severe weather. Many griddle techniques translate well to large skillets or flat-top ranges.
Method 4: Portable Storage Solutions for Smaller Models
Compact Blackstone models offer unique storage advantages through their portability and specialized accessories. The 17-inch and 22-inch models are particularly well-suited for flexible storage solutions and are gaining popularity in 2025 among urban dwellers and apartment residents.
Benefits of smaller models:
• Carrying cases available: Custom-designed protective storage with foam padding
• Easier indoor storage: Fits in closets, under beds, or in cabinets
• Camping compatibility: Perfect for RV trips and outdoor adventures
• Seasonal flexibility: Easy to move between storage locations
• Apartment-friendly: Suitable for balcony cooking and compact storage
• Lower weight: Most people can easily lift and move these units solo
Carrying case advantages:
• Complete protection: Shields from impacts, moisture, and debris
• Convenient transport: Built-in handles and shoulder straps for easy carrying
• Organized storage: Compartments keep accessories and tools together
• Space efficiency: Stackable and compact design maximizes storage
• Professional appearance: Looks organized and intentional in storage areas
Perfect for camping enthusiasts: The carrying case makes it simple to transport your griddle to campsites, tailgate parties, or outdoor events. Choosing between the 17-inch and 22-inch models depends on your cooking needs and storage constraints, but both offer excellent portability.
Storage versatility: Smaller models with cases can be stored in closets, under beds, in RVs, or even in apartment storage areas where larger griddles won’t fit. This flexibility is especially valuable for seasonal use or limited living spaces.
Consider your lifestyle: If you frequently move, have limited space, or enjoy outdoor adventures, a smaller model with a carrying case might be the perfect solution. The case provides excellent protection while maximizing storage flexibility and maintaining portability.
Additional Storage Tips
Pre-storage preparation checklist:
• Clean thoroughly: Remove all food residue and grease buildup using appropriate cleaners
• Season properly: Apply a thin layer of high-heat oil to prevent rust formation
• Dry completely: Ensure no moisture remains, including in drip trays and crevices
• Check connections: Inspect gas lines, fittings, and regulators for wear or damage
• Secure accessories: Store griddle tools, scrapers, and covers together in labeled containers
• Document condition: Take photos to track any changes during storage
