If you have a griddle in your backyard or are planning to buy one, you must already be excited for all possible varieties of foods that you can cook up. Before you start, however, it can be a good idea to season the griddle with some oil (while also carrying this out regularly once you start using it).
But what exactly does seasoning a griddle entail? How do you do this and which oils should you use that can give you the best results?
To help you out, we have compiled this guide entailing the process of seasoning a griddle, how to get ready for seasoning as well as some of the best oils that you can use. Take a look!
What Is Seasoning?
Seasoning is a process that you can use on cookware (pans, pots, griddles) to prepare it for use so that food does not stick to it. This can also help prevent rusting, thereby increasing the durability and lifespan of the griddle.
This is usually done by heating up oils or fats in the utensil until they reach a temperature that is at or higher than their smoke point. This will result in a layer forming on the utensil (griddle, in this case).
The oil essentially polymerizes into a rough layer that sticks to the surface of the griddle.
There are specific oils that can work better for seasoning a griddle, so make sure you pick a good one.
Seasoning a Griddle (Step-by-Step Guide)
The following steps are involved when it comes to seasoning a griddle.
- Clean up the griddle by getting rid of any food scraps and then wipe it with a damp cloth or towel.
- Start heating up the griddle (without any oil) on high heat for up to 15 minutes.
- The griddle should turn dark in color and heat up considerably.
- Once you notice that the griddle is turning dark, add some oil to the surface of the griddle. Make sure you spread it around properly and uniformly across the surface.
- Cook the oil until the surface of the griddle turns dark and starts emitting smoke.
- You might need to repeat the process a couple of times.
- In case your griddle is brand new, keep the heat on a low setting and leave it on for up to an hour.
- Turn the heat off and let the griddle cool down.
- Repeat on a regular basis. Whenever the food appears to start sticking to the surface again, it might be time to season the griddle again.
Benefits of Seasoning a Griddle
The benefits of seasoning a griddle are as follows:
- Seasoning can help prevent the surface from corroding or rusting, thus increasing its lifespan.
- It can form a non-stick coating that can help prevent the food from sticking to the surface.
Make sure you carry this process out regularly if you want to feel these benefits.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Seasoning
Before you go ahead and start seasoning your griddle, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
Picking the Oil
The oil you choose should have a sufficient smoke point. In order for the oil to heat up sufficiently and form a coating on the surface of the griddle without burning, this temperature should be close to or higher than 400°F. If you drop it any lower than this, your oil may burn and the flavor of the food you cook may suffer.
Nutrient-rich oil can also be helpful since some of these nutrients may be absorbed by your meals. Of course, utilizing the oil for other reasons is something to consider (such as actually cooking with it).
Providing Air Circulation
Make sure there is enough air circulation around you, especially if your griddle happens to be inside your house. This is because the high temperatures that the oil must reach will make things hot and smoky, so open up your windows.
If you’re outdoors, then there’s no reason to worry, but it might be best to move any objects or furniture present nearby.
Multiple Attempts
You might need to season your griddle a couple or more times until the layer forms, especially if the griddle is new and you’re not used to the process. Heating the oil at a low temperature for a longer time might also help, but make sure you are present nearby so that you can keep an eye on it.
Best Oils to Season a Griddle
Refined vegetable oils are ideal for seasoning a griddle since they tend to have high smoke points while also being free of contaminants. Below, you can go through some options for the best oils to season a griddle, along with their pros and cons to help you decide which one to pick.
BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil
The BetterBody Foods Refined Avocado Oil can be an ideal choice for seasoning a griddle. It comes in a bottle of one liter or 33.8 fluid ounces and can be suitable for various purposes apart from seasoning such as frying, sauteing, dressing salads and baking, among others.
With a high smoke point of 500°F, this oil can allow you to heat it up to a high temperature without any risk of burning. In fact, this can help you form a stable and long-lasting layer of seasoning on your griddle.
This oil is pure and natural, has no genetically modified organisms (non-GMO), and no gluten.
Features
- Smoke Point: 500°F
- Quantity: 8 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Light
- Uses: Seasoning, frying, baking, sauteing, dressing
- Safety: Non-GMO, organic
Pros
- Naturally refined oil that does not contain any GMOs
- Gluten-free, making it ideal for diets of certain kinds or for those with allergies
- High smoking point to ensure strong and durable seasoning layer
- Useful for a wide range of purposes
- 10 grams of monounsaturated fats to prevent oxidization
Cons
- Small quantity, so you might need to keep buying frequently
Pompeian 100% Grapeseed Oil
The Pompeian Grapeseed Oil comes in a large bottle of around 2 liters or 68 fluid ounces, although there are other options that you can pick from while also subscribing to it for a regular supply.
This grapeseed oil has a high smoke point of 510°F, making it quite ideal for seasoning a griddle. This oil is also vegan, gluten-free, Kosher, non-GMO and free of allergens.
It is versatile, allowing you to use it for purposes like deep-frying, baking, stir-frying, air frying and regular cooking. You can also use it as a salad dressing.
This oil comes with a light flavor.
Features
- Smoke Point: 510°F
- Quantity: 68 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Light
- Uses: Seasoning, deep-frying, baking, stir-frying, air frying, cooking
- Safety: Non-GMO, allergen-free, gluten-free
Pros
- Organic and naturally refined oil that is non-GMO
- Gluten-free and allergen-free, making it suitable for diets and those with allergies
- Only a light and subtle flavor that will not affect the taste of your food
- High smoke point for forming a durable layer of seasoning
- Large container, lasting you for a while
Cons
- Some complaints about the bottle cap being a bit loose
Happy Belly Canola Oil, 48 Fl Oz
The Happy Belly Canola Oil is highly versatile and can work well for seasoning, cooking and frying. With a smoke point of over 430°F, you can use this oil for seasoning your griddle effectively.
This canola oil does not contain any trans fats and is also free of cholesterol, making it healthy to use for cooking as well (or if it gets absorbed into your food from the seasoning).
Canola oil has a neutral taste, allowing you to season it without the chance of the flavor getting into your food and altering its taste. The fact that this oil contains monounsaturated fats makes it a healthy option as well.
Features
- Smoke Point: 430°F
- Quantity: 48 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Neutral
- Uses: Frying, cooking, seasoning
- Safety: Cholesterol-free, non-GMO
Pros
- Organic and naturally refined, non-GMO, sustainable
- Large enough bottle that can last you a while (also contains subscribe and save option)
- Suitable for multiple purposes apart from seasoning
- Contains healthy fats and no cholesterol, making it a healthy option
- Neutral taste and flavor, preventing any alterations to the taste of your food
Cons
- Might end up smoking quicker than expected
BetterBody Foods Organic Coconut Oil
This naturally refined and organic coconut oil from BetterBody Foods can work well for seasoning your griddle since it comes with a high smoke point of up to 425°F. Apart from seasoning, however, you can also use it for various purposes like roasting, cooking, sauteing and deep-frying.
This oil has a neutral taste, flavor and aroma, allowing it to be a good choice for seasoning without the risk of it changing up the taste of your food.
Its yellowish appearance comes from the organic coconuts used to make this oil that is also devoid of harsh and harmful chemicals.
Features
- Smoke Point: 425°F
- Quantity: 56 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Neutral
- Uses: Seasoning, roasting, cooking, sauteing, deep-frying
- Safety: Non-GMO, chemical-free, gluten-free, Kosher
Pros
- Comes in a large quantity that can last you for a long time
- A high smoke point that can make it easy for you to season your griddle
- Neutral taste and flavor to retain the taste of your food
- Organic and naturally refined oil that is free from chemicals with the essential certifications in place
- Contains around 60% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that can boost your energy
Cons
- Several complaints about packaging issues
Planters Peanut Oil, 24 oz
Planters Peanut Oil comes in a bottle of 24 fluid ounces and can provide your food with a subtle nutty flavor. You can use this oil for various purposes like seasoning, cooking, grilling and deep-frying, mainly due to the high smoke point of peanut oil (up to 475°F).
This peanut oil is also safe, naturally refined and organic. It is also quite healthy since it does not contain unhealthy fats.
After seasoning, you can expect this oil to bond to your griddle well for a long enough time.
Features
- Smoke Point: Up to 475°F
- Quantity: 24 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Subtle nutty flavor
- Uses: Cooking, grilling, deep-frying
- Safety: Non-allergenic, organic, non-GMO
Pros
- Can be used for a variety of purposes such as seasoning, cooking, grilling, deep-frying and other high-heat cooking requirements
- Organic and naturally refined with non-GMO to make it healthy and safe
- Gluten-free and non-allergenic to make it suitable for those with dietary and allergy restrictions
- Adds a light flavor to your food
- High smoke point for easy seasoning
Cons
- Relatively smaller quantity that might get used up soon, especially after seasoning
Related: Looking For A Worthy Peanut Oil Substitute?
LA ESPAÑOLA Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil
You might only have heard of extra virgin olive oil being suitable for cooking and for use in salad dressings. However, due to its smoke point, you can also use it for seasoning your griddle effectively.
This olive oil is also naturally refined and completely organic. It does not contain any GMOs and is also free of preservatives and artificial flavoring while also being gluten-free and cholesterol-free that can suit your health requirements.
It is fresh and can offer a fruity flavor to your food if it gets absorbed into it after seasoning.
Features
- Smoke Point: 395°F
- Quantity: 68 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Fruity
- Uses: Seasoning, cooking, frying, dressing
- Safety: Non-GMO, preservatives-free, cruelty-free, cholesterol-free
Pros
- Large container of 68 fluid ounces that can last you a long time
- Adds a distinct and full fruity flavor to your food
- Contains monounsaturated fats and no trans fats, making it a healthy choice
- Rich in antioxidants
- Cold-pressed and natural and is non-GMO, cholesterol-free, kosher, halal and gluten-free
Cons
- Relatively lower smoke point, requiring extra time and effort for seasoning your griddle
Related: Does Olive Oil Go Bad: How Long Does Olive Oil Last?
Safya 100% Pure Sunflower Oil
The Safya 100% Pure Sunflower Oil comes in a bottle of 33.8 fluid ounces or one liter. You can either buy it once or subscribe to it to buy it frequently. It is organic and naturally refined, making it a healthy option for cooking, frying and seasoning.
It has a neutral flavor and aroma that will not interfere with the taste of your food. This oil is high-oleic, which means that it is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, also containing healthy polyunsaturated fats.
It is also rich in vitamin E. This oil has a smoke point of 450°F.
Features
- Smoke Point: 450°F
- Quantity: 8 fluid ounces
- Flavor: Neutral
- Uses: Seasoning, cooking, frying
- Safety: Non-GMO, preservative-free
Pros
- A safe and healthy option high in healthy fats and non-GMO without any artificial additives and preservatives
- Neutral flavor that will not interfere with the taste of your food
- High smoking point to make seasoning easier and long-lasting
- Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants
- Multiple uses
Cons
- Complaints of issues with the quality of the bottle
Which Oil Should You Use for a Blackstone Griddle?
If you have a Blackstone griddle, then you can simply use their own seasoning oil. Some other options include flaxseed oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, olive oil or shortening. Try to avoid using animal fat, especially if you are seasoning your griddle for the first time.
Further Reading: How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle