How Often Does a Griddle Need to be Seasoned?

Whether you are firing up your griddle for the first time or are a veteran user, proper seasoning is crucial. Fortunately, the process of seasoning and maintaining a well-seasoned griddle is simple. Below are some top tips for keeping your griddle in top shape and ensuring your food tastes delicious after every use.

How Often Does a Griddle Need to Be Seasoned?

A griddle should be seasoned before its initial use. After that, it should be maintained by applying a light coat of oil after each use. Regular cooking on the griddle will also help to build up this protective seasoning layer over time.

How Do You Season Your Griddle for the First Time?

Start with a thorough cleaning: Begin with a clean griddle surface. Use a degreasing dish soap and warm, mildly soapy water with a sponge to wash away any existing oils or manufacturing debris. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to ensure all soap is removed.
Heat your clean griddle surface: Your griddle needs to be completely dry. Fire up the burners and let them run for 10 to 15 minutes. This will burn off any water and prepare the flat-top griddle to accept the seasoning. The surface will likely start to brown, which is a good sign!
Add oil or griddle conditioner: Once the griddle has cooled slightly, spread the thinnest possible coat of griddle seasoning or your favorite cooking oil across the entire surface. Wipe up any droplets or pooling, then turn the heat back on. Allow the oil or conditioner to cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it stops smoking.
Repeat the seasoning process: Repeat the previous step a few more times. As you build up these layers, the griddle surface will become dark black and smooth. This indicates that the griddle is fully seasoned and ready for cooking.

How Do You Maintain Griddle Seasoning Between Uses?

Griddle seasoning is essentially a hardened, protective layer on your cooking surface. While maintenance between uses is minimal, following these best practices will prolong its longevity:

You will need: water, a sturdy scraper, tongs, a good amount of paper towels, and a small amount of neutral cooking oil.

After cooking, scrape any food particles, oils, and liquids from the griddle surface and discard them.
Pour some water onto the griddle surface.
Turn the burners on to a low to medium heat. Use the scraper to move the water around, picking up any oils or smaller food particles as it evaporates.
Discard any sludge and repeat by adding water as needed until the surface is clean of debris.
Once the griddle surface is completely free of debris, oils, and water, add about a tablespoon of neutral cooking oil.
Using paper towels held with tongs, spread the oil in the thinnest possible coat across the entire surface, making sure to wipe up any drops or pooling.
Allow the griddle to cool and then cover it.

Is There Anything to Avoid Cooking on a Griddle?

While there isn’t truly anything you must avoid cooking on a griddle, it’s good to be aware that certain foods can interact differently with the seasoned surface.

Sugary sauces like barbecue, teriyaki, and sweet and sour sauces can reduce, concentrate their flavours, and easily burn. Instead of adding them initially, save these sauces and add them just before your food is done cooking, giving them less time to caramelize and burn.
The acidity in foods like lemons, limes, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vinegar can actually start to clean the griddle and degrade your seasoning in the process. Be sure to use plenty of water when cleaning up after cooking acidic foods, and always wipe the griddle down with a little oil when you are finished.
Bacon may be delicious when cooked on a griddle, but it can be problematic. It often contains sugar or artificial flavoring that can caramelize and burn onto the griddle. Fortunately, any residue can usually be quickly cleaned with plenty of scraping and a bit of water.

Be Prepared For BBQ Season With Team Harding

A well-maintained griddle is just one part of a fantastic BBQ season. To ensure you’re fully equipped for outdoor cooking success, explore our extensive selection of tools. For all your griddle cleaning tools, essential accessories, and even advice on keeping your outdoor cooking space comfortable, visit our showroom. Our experts are ready to help you make this BBQ season your best one yet!

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