Should A Blackstone Griddle Be Level? [And How To]

Blackstone griddles are a type of flat top grill that is popular in commercial kitchens or outdoor cooking. But does your Blackstone griddle need to be level before cooking? Let's take a look to see if this is necessary.

Your Blackstone griddle should be level before cooking for a few reasons. First, if the griddle is not level, the grease and fat from your food will run off to one side. In addition, this will cause uneven cooking, as the heat will be distributed unevenly. To level your griddle, simply follow these steps:

  1. Find a flat surface to place your griddle on.
  2. Place a level on the griddle surface.
  3. Add washers under the top's feet. Or, add thin cardboard under the griddle's feet. Once the bubble is in the middle of the level, your griddle is now level.
  4. Test the cooking area by spraying water on the griddle.

Having a level cooking area is more important than one may think. In this article, we will discuss why your Blackstone griddle should be level and simple ways to do so. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about Blackstone griddles, so let's get cooking!

Grilling meat and other burger patties and corn, Should A Blackstone Griddle Be Level? [And How To]

How To Level A Blackstone Griddle And Why You Should

Blackstone griddles are a popular choice for those who love to cook outdoors or in commercial kitchens. Due to there being many moving parts, it is important to keep your griddle level before cooking.

A level griddle will help distribute heat evenly and prevent grease and fat from running off to one side. As a result, you could have uneven cooking, which can ruin your food.

Worse, you could have fat and grease leak onto your burner, which can be a fire hazard. Plus, the grease could end up on your porch or deck, which could stain or damage the surface.

To avoid these problems, follow these simple steps to level your griddle:

Chef making Mexican food in a griddle

1. Find A Flat Surface

First, you need to find a flat surface on which to place your griddle. Typically, your deck or patio will work just fine. However, even on a deck or patio, there may be a slight slope. If this is the case, try to find the most level spot possible.

2. Use A Level

Next, with the Blackstone griddle off, place a level on the griddle's surface. If the bubble is not in the middle, then you will need to adjust the griddle. Also, you should check different spots on the griddle to ensure that it is level all over.

3. Adjust The Griddle

To adjust the griddle, you will need to add washers under the top's feet or place thin cardboard under the griddle's feet. You can find washers at any hardware store, and thin cardboard is easy to find around your home.

If you go the washer route, place the washers under the griddle's top legs. Once the bubble is in the center of the level, the griddle is level.

If you use cardboard, place it under the griddle until the bubble is in the middle. Once you have adjusted the griddle, check different spots on the surface to ensure that it is level all over.

4. Testing The Cooking Area

It is important to test your griddle's cooking area before using it. The best way to do this is by spraying water on the griddle.

Spray water in the center of the griddle and watch to see how it dissipates. If the water forms into beads and rolls towards the edge, then your griddle is level. On the other hand, if the water pools in one spot or runs off to the side, then your griddle is not level, and you will need to adjust it.

Just be sure to completely dry the griddle before cooking on it to prevent rusting.

Can You Ruin A Blackstone Griddle?

Even though Blackstone griddles are durable, you can still ruin them. For example, if you do not season your griddle properly, then it will rust.

The most important time to season the griddle is before you first use it. This is a vital step in the process because it creates a nonstick surface and prevents rusting.

In addition, any moisture left on the griddle will cause it to rust. So, after each use, make sure to clean and dry your griddle. In addition, you need to clean and season the griddle after each use.

Lastly, storing your griddle properly is essential to its longevity. Be sure to store the griddle in a cool, dry place, such as a shed or garage with a cover.

How Do You Season A Blackstone Griddle?

As we mentioned, seasoning your griddle is very important. The process is simple and only requires a few steps and ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

  1. First, you should clean the griddle with soap and water. Then, rinse the griddle top with hot water, and dry it with a clean cloth.
  2. Next, heat the griddle on high for about 15 minutes. You want the griddle black and smoking hot. Once the griddle is hot and black, turn off the burners.
  3. Now, using Blackstone seasoning conditioner or vegetable oil, generously coat the griddle top. Use tongs and a paper towel to spread the oil around.
  4. You can then turn the burners back on high for about 30 minutes to help the seasoning set.
  5. When the smoke has dispersed, you can turn off the burners.
  6. Now, repeat these steps 3-4 more times. After the final time, turn on the griddle and let it cool down.
  7. Once it has cooled, you can use it to cook or add another layer of oil before storing.

By followings these steps, you will have a beautiful nonstick surface to cook on!

Chef making tortillas on a griddle

What Is The Best Oil For A Blackstone Griddle?

While everyone has their own preference for cooking oil, an oil with a high smoke point is ideal for a Blackstone griddle.

Some good options include:

You can experiment with different oils to see which one you like best. Just be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point so that it does not burn.

Can You Use Butter On A Blackstone Griddle?

You can cook with butter on a Blackstone griddle, as it adds flavor to your food. However, you should only use butter for cooking at lower temperatures.

Butter has a low smoke point, so it will burn quickly at high temperatures. However, you shouldn't use butter to season your griddle because it won't give a long-lasting nonstick surface.

If you do cook with butter, then be sure to clean the griddle afterward to prevent any leftover residue on the griddle.

Is It Okay To Leave A Blackstone Griddle Outside?

While storing your Blackstone griddle in a garage or shed is ideal, you can also leave it outside. However, you need to take some precautions to prevent rusting.

First, make sure to clean and dry the griddle after each use. You should also season the griddle with oil after each use to create a barrier against moisture.

Next, use a cover to protect the griddle from the elements. A cover will also help to keep it clean.

If possible, keep it under a porch roof or in another protected area. By taking these steps, you can keep your griddle in good condition for years to come.

Covering a griddle

Can I Use A Blackstone Griddle In A Garage?

Since garages are typically level surfaces, it may seem like a good idea to use your Blackstone griddle in the garage. However, it's not advisable to do so.

The reason being is that garages don't offer enough ventilation. Without proper ventilation, fumes can build up and be dangerous to inhale.

Also, if there are any flammable materials in the garage such as gasoline or cleaning supplies, they could ignite and cause a fire.

So, while you can store your griddle in the garage, it's best to use it outdoors where there is plenty of fresh air.

Can You Put A Blackstone Griddle On The Grass?

Chicken wings on the griddle

You can put a Blackstone griddle on the grass, but it's not the ideal surface. The reason being is that the grass is not level.

If you do want to put your griddle or grill on the grass, then use something to level it off. Typically, a grill mat will give you a stable and level surface.

Another option is to build a small platform out of wood boards or bricks. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your griddle is level and stable. This way, you can protect your grass and cook your food without any problems.

Check out this outdoor grilling mat on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Grilling meat and other burger patties and corn

By having a level surface, Blackstone griddles are ideal for cooking all types of food. Not only does this make them great for backyard cookouts but you can also use them for tailgating or picnics. No matter where you use your griddle, just be sure to have a level surface and plenty of ventilation.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

Can A Blackstone Griddle Be Built Into An Outdoor Kitchen?

Can I Sand My Blackstone Griddle?

Blackstone Griddle Pros And Cons: Is It Right For You?

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