Winter is coming. And unfortunately, it is the season when you have to put your griddles back in to store. Outdoor grills are a popular investment for those that love to grill outdoors.
However, the truth is that not all of them are designed to be left out in the winter. This can lead to rusting and corrosion of the metal components.
Don’t want to get those rust spots but don’t know how to store blackstone griddle for winter?
No problem, I’ll help you to protect your griddle from harsh weather conditions. I have detailed guidelines on winterizing your griddle with storage tips. Read on to get your answer.
How to store Blackstone Griddle For Winter?
Blackstone recommends putting the griddle in a cool, dry place to protect it from humidity or water. Any water droplets left on the flat top surface can lead to rusting and compromise the lifespan of your BBQing investment. So clean the Blackstone Griddle thoroughly, apply some oil to the surface, and then store it in a covered area. Make sure it is dry and will be dry in the upcoming days to avoid any corrosion.
Here is a two-step simple procedure for Blackstone winter storage.
1. Prepare the griddle for storing
The first step you have to follow before storing your griddle is to clean the surface. There might be some residues left from your last cooked grilled burgers.
It’s better to do it when the surface top is hot as it will be easier to pull off.
Otherwise, you’ll need a scraper or spatula to scrape it off. You can try Blackstone scouring pads for this. Then pour some water and clean it with a paper towel.
2. Coat the surface with oil
Make sure the griddle is clean and dry thoroughly before moving to the next step. You better know that seasoning is not only essential for a non-stick cooking surface but a protective covering for extending the lifespan of your griddle.
So apply a thin layer of oil and spread it over the surface. Allow it to settle down for at least two hours. It will protect the surface from rusting and harsh weather conditions.
Where to store Blackstone Griddle in Winter?
Blackstone recommends storing your griddle in a cool and dry place. Always store it in a covered area like a garage or under a shed. If you do not have such availability, you can remove the surface top of the griddle and bring it inside. Yes, unassemble it the way you assembled it when it came the first day.
The main reason for winterizing Blackstone Griddle is to protect it from snow or condensation. So make sure to store it anywhere safe from getting exposed to moisture. You can also store it on the porch where you park your car. Just make sure the griddle is covered.
Should I store my Blackstone Grill covered or uncovered?
You should always cover your griddle before storing it. Don’t leave your griddle uncovered regardless of whether you’re storing it inside or outside.
Some Blackstone griddles come with a lid. Cover it with that lid and place a desiccant underneath to soak extra moisture or humidity. If your griddle doesn’t have a lid, unfortunately, then you have to use a cover to store your Blackstone griddle in winter.
Types of cover to use while storing Blackstone Griddle in winter
If you want your griddle to last for years, you have to protect it from environmental conditions by covering it. Covers ensure that the product is safe from rust spots, scratches, and dust. If you are not sure what type of cover you should go for, below are mentioned some.
- Polyester Heavy duty cover
It’s good to invest in a good griddle cover like Blackstone Heavy Duty Griddle cover. It protects the griddle from getting exposure to the hazards it is prone to.
The best about this griddle cover is that it comes with buckles that protect the base too. You can buy any heavy duty cover that has features like this one.
- Griddle hood
You can purchase a griddle hood if your Blackstone griddle has attachment sites. It is pretty good to prevent rust, mice, and dust from entering the surface. Make sure you keep your griddle inside, while you’re covering it with a hood. It can not prevent rain or water droplets as a polyester cover does.
Another option is a hard top lid that protects the surface from condensation. Unlike a griddle hood, it can protect the surface from water droplets or snow.
Make sure the griddle lid is sturdy enough that it can not be blown by the wind. Try Blackstone Hard top lid.
- DIY Tarp cover
Don’t have enough money to invest in a griddle cover? No problem, you can make your own with scratch. Take a tarp of size equal to your griddle top surface. Choose the one with multiple layers so that it protects the surface completely. You can also make a hardcover with the help of metal or wood.
Can I leave my Blackstone Griddle outside in the winter?
Do not store Blackstone Griddle outside in the winter even with a cover. When you leave it outside, it is more prone to mice, rodents, rust, snow, or rain. you can think about storing it outside if you have protected outdoors.
Just keep it away from the hotspots, where it can be exposed to moisture. However, it depends on where you live.
If you live in an area where it snows or rains a lot, never store your griddle outside. Also, if you live near an ocean or river, think twice before storing the griddle outside.
Below are some griddle storage tips if you have plans to store the griddle outside.
Some Blackstone Griddle Storage Tips
- Whenever we put anything unused in the garage, we start piling stuff on it. Do not. It will ruin the surface of your griddle and cause cracks.
- Do not store your griddle on a lawn. It will be exposed to uninvited moisture. Keep it away from the hotspots where it can catch dampness.
- Clean the griddle before and after storage. Cleaning the griddle before will keep the pests, rodents, and rust away from the surface. While cleaning afterward will make sure the griddle is clean from dust or other toxic material.
Can you use a griddle in the winter?
Yes, you can continue using Blackstone griddle during freezing months if you want to. Again, it depends on where you live. You may have more fun cooking on a griddle in the winter than you do in the summer.
Make sure that the surrounding weather is ideal and that you’re wearing appropriate clothes like wear fingerless gloves and a stretchy outdoor adventure outfit to make it easier to get around in!
The weather should not be too windy or snowy. It will take more time to cook meals on your Blackstone Griddle during winter. Use a wind guard/screen and griddle hood to protect from strong winds.
The Best Guide to Blackstone Griddle Cooking Temperature Chart
Preheat the griddle top for a longer time. Your tank will use more propane gas in cold temperatures.
How do you store Griddle in between uses?
Storing a griddle in between uses is the same way you store it for a longer period during winter. Cleaning, applying some oil, and covering it.
The only difference is storing it where it is accessible. So when you need to use it, you can get it out easily. Do not throw it away in the basement if you plan on using the griddle weekly. You can simply store it outdoors with a waterproof heavy duty cover.
How to keep mice out of a Blackstone griddle?
Is it Safe to Use Grill after Mice? (6 TIPS TO KEEP MICE OUT OF GRILL)
There are a few steps you can take to prevent mice from getting into your Blackstone griddle:
- Keep the griddle clean and free of food debris. Mice are attracted to food, so making sure there is no food on or around your griddle can help deter them.
- Store your griddle in a secure, covered location when it’s not in use. This will make it more difficult for mice to access the griddle.
- Use a mouse-proof storage container. If you need to store your griddle outside, consider using a storage container that is specifically designed to keep mice out. These containers typically have tight-fitting lids and are made of materials that mice cannot chew through.
- Use mouse traps or repellents. If you have a mouse problem in your area, you may need to take more aggressive measures to keep them away from your griddle. Setting up mouse traps or using repellent products can help keep mice at bay.
It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect your griddle for signs of mouse activity, such as droppings or chew marks. Taking these steps can help protect your griddle from mice and keep it in good working order.
Can you use Blackstone griddle in garage?
It is not safe to use a Blackstone griddle in a garage. Blackstone griddles produce heat, smoke, and potentially dangerous fumes that can build up quickly in a confined space like a garage. This can create a fire hazard and can also be harmful to your health. Additionally, grills should not be used indoors because they produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in high concentrations.
If you want to use your Blackstone griddle in a covered space, it’s best to use a screened-in porch or patio that has good ventilation. This will allow the heat, smoke, and fumes to dissipate and will reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you must use your Blackstone griddle in a garage, make sure the garage door is open and there is good ventilation to allow the smoke and fumes to escape. It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of an emergency.
How to clean Blackstone griddle after winter?
Follow the step-by-step method to deep clean your griddle after winter.
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