For most folks, cooking up on their trusty Blackstone griddle is a year-round delight. But when winter gets really cold and snowy, it’s time to change things up. Especially if you live in a place covered in snow and ice.
Now, if you reside in sunny Florida, well, consider yourself fortunate—you can continue griddling all year long.
As winter approaches, many griddle owners face a common dilemma – How to store Blackstone Griddle for Winter? Leaving it exposed to the winter’s wrath can lead to rust and damage, putting your investment at risk.
The Blackstone griddles are constructed from cold-rolled steel, a material known for its higher resistance to corrosion compared to many other metals.
However, extended or repeated exposure to harsh elements such as water and humidity can still lead to rust formation. The sight of rust patches and the thought of costly repairs can be disheartening.
In this comprehensive grillcuisines.com guide, we’ll cover:
— Expert tips and tricks on How to store Blackstone griddle for winter to ensure that your griddle remains in pristine condition
— Where to store Blackstone Griddle in winter?
— And much more!
You might also find our guide on 15 common Blackstone problems and their solutions quite helpful and informative.
Table of Contents
How to Store Blackstone Griddle For Winter?
For Blackstone, winter storage put 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 investment. So clean the Blackstone Griddle thoroughly, apply some oil to the surface, and then store it in a covered area like garage or shed. Make sure it is dry and will stay dry in the next few days to prevent any rust and corrosion.
How to Winterize a Blackstone Griddle
Winterizing your Blackstone griddle is crucial to protect it from the harsh winter weather and ensure it remains in top condition for the next grilling season.
Here is a 4 step simple procedure for Blackstone winter storage.
1. CLEAN THOROUGHLY FOR STORAGE
The first step you have to follow before storing your Blackstone griddle for the winter,is to give it a thorough cleaning to remove any leftover food particles, grease, and grime.
There might be some residues left from your last grilling session, especially if you cooked juicy burgers. When dealing with such residues, it can be easier to remove them when the griddle surface is still hot. The heat helps to soften and loosen the stuck-on particles, making them easier to scrape off with a griddle scraper or spatula.
Once you have cleaned the griddle from all the debris, it’s time to move on to the next step. To give it a more thorough cleaning, you can wash the griddle plate with a mixture of soapy water and a sponge.
Prepare a solution of warm water and a mild dishwashing detergent in a bucket or container. Dip a clean sponge or cloth into the soapy water solution, ensuring it’s well-soaked but not dripping.
Now gently scrub the entire griddle plate, paying attention to any remaining grease or food residues. This will help remove any lingering traces of cooking oils or stubborn stains.
After scrubbing, rinse the griddle plate thoroughly with clean water. It’s important that no soap residue is left behind.
Once rinsed, use dry towels or paper towels to wipe off any excess moisture from the griddle plate’s surface. Leave the griddle out in the open air for some time to air dry completely.
Once the griddle is thoroughly dry, you can move on to the seasoning step to protect the surface from rust during winter storage.
2- SEASON THE GRIDDLE FOR STORING OUTSIDE
After you’ve diligently cleaned the griddle surface, the next important step is to apply a protective layer of oil.
This is a very simple step but very effective in preventing rust, especially during the winter months. Here’s how to do it:
Make sure the griddle is clean and dry thoroughly before moving to the next step. Here’s how to season your griddle properly:
- Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the griddle surface, with an even coverage. You can use oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil.
- Use a cloth or paper towel to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface, including the edges and corners.
- Allow the oil to settle and penetrate the griddle for at least two hours. This seasoning layer will not only enhance its non-stick properties but also protect it from rust and the harsh elements of winter.
3- ALWAYS COVER GRIDDLE FOR STORING OUTSIDE
You should always use a cover for storing Blackstone outside. Whether you’re storing it indoors or outdoors, never leave your griddle uncovered.
After cleaning and applying oil, just close the lid and cover your Blackstone griddle, and you’re all set. Don’t overcomplicate it. If it’s oiled and covered you’ll be good!!
Some people also place a desiccant like silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing crystals underneath the griddle when storing Blackstone outside to soak extra moisture or humidity.
If your griddle doesn’t have a lid, unfortunately, Use a grill cover to store your 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.
WHERE TO STORE BLACKSTONE GRIDDLE IN WINTER?
Blackstone recommends storing your griddle in a cool and dry place. Ideally, you should store it in a covered area, such as a garage or under a shed, to protect it from the elements.
However, if you don’t have access to such storage options, there’s an alternative approach: You can disassemble the griddle remove the surface top of the griddle, and bring it inside. Yes, disassemble it following the same steps you used when you initially assembled it on the first day
This allows you to transport and store the griddle indoors, providing it with the protection it needs during the winter months. Proper storage is essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your Blackstone griddle.
The main reason for winterizing Blackstone Griddle is to protect it from snow or condensation. You can store your griddle on a covered porch or in a similar sheltered area where you park your car. Just be sure to provide adequate protection by using a suitable griddle cover.
CAN YOU LEAVE A BLACKSTONE GRIDDLE OUTSIDE IN THE WINTER?
Can you keep a Blackstone outside? No, I would not recommend leaving your Blackstone griddle outside during the winter months even with a cover., especially if you live in an area with cold temperatures, snow, and freezing conditions.
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 it 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.
BLACKSTONE GRIDDLE STORAGE TIPS
Those are important considerations for storing your Blackstone griddle properly:
Avoid Piling Items on Top:
Avoid piling items on top of your griddle when storing them in the garage or any storage area. Doing so you can damage the griddle’s surface and potentially lead to cracks or other forms of damage.
To keep your griddle in the best possible condition, store it in a dedicated space where it won’t be subjected to additional weight or pressure from piled items.
Avoid Storing on a Lawn:
Storing the griddle on a lawn can expose it to moisture, which can lead to rust and other issues. It’s better to place it in a dry, sheltered area.
Pre And Post Storage Cleaning:
Cleaning the griddle before storing it helps keep pests, rodents, and rust at bay. A clean griddle is less attractive to pests, and rust is less likely to form on a clean surface.
Cleaning the griddle after storage is also essential to remove any dust or other contaminants that may have settled on it during its time in storage.
CAN YOU USE A GRIDDLE IN THE WINTER?
Yes, you can continue using the 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.
STORING GRIDDLE IN BETWEEN COOKS
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.
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.
CLEANING BLACKSTONE GRIDDLE AFTER WINTER
Follow the step-by-step method to deep clean your griddle after winter.
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