A griddle can be an expensive investment. This is especially true for the higher quality ones, like a Blackstone griddle. Because of such, it’s only natural that you know how to keep a griddle in good condition so you can make the most of your investment.

In this article, we are going to offer you some essential tips on how you can maintain your griddle.

Be Mindful About The Temperature

Most griddles are made from durable materials like steel. However, even steel can be susceptible to damages brought on by sudden temperature changes.

Keep in mind that the juices coming out from your ingredients (e.g. meat, vegetables) is relatively cooler than the griddle surface. If you remember from your physics class, metal expands when it heats up. On the other hand, if a metal is cooled, it will also shrink. When the metal expands and shrinks uniformly, it’s not a big of an issue. The problem starts when there’s sudden unevenness of temperature.

In the case of griddles, when the relatively cooler temperature from the juices hits the surface, it will cause the surface of the griddle to shrink. However, the middle and underside layer of the griddle is at a different temperature. This means that the middle and underside layer will stay at the same size. Now imagine this scenario.

The top layer shrinks, and the mid layer stays the same. This movement will cause a lot of stress, which will eventually create microcracks.

Keep in mind that these movements are so minute, and the naked eye can’t notice it. However, if you keep doing it, it will eventually make your griddle brittle. To combat this problem, temperature control is a must.

You can start heating up your griddle at a specific setting for at least 5 minutes. After that, drop down a notch for at least 2 – 3 minutes before you start cooking on the griddle. So if you start with a medium setting, you drop down to medium-low. If you start with a medium-low, take it down to the low setting. By doing so, you can achieve a better “evenness” in heating across the surface.

Also, it’s highly advisable to use a medium or low setting when cooking with a griddle as it minimizes the temperature difference between the griddle and the food items you are cooking. Ultimately, this will also reduce the chances of microcracks and other damages.

Cleaning

Part of proper griddle maintenance includes proper cleaning. When it comes to griddle cleaning, one essential tip to keep in mind is you should do it while the surface is still warm. Warm food particles are easier to clean, which means you don’t have to do hard scrubbing that may lead to nicks and scratches. Also, your best friend is a metal spatula, so it’s best that you get one if you don’t have it yet.

After you have removed all the food bits, you’d want to wash the griddle with mild dish soap and hot water. What you should never use is an abrasive detergent cleaning agent as this can damage the surface and remove the seasoned finish.

Seasoning

Keeping your griddle seasoned is essential as it provides the griddle surface with a “coating.” This coating will help keep the moisture out, which prevents the griddle from rusting too soon. The coating also contributes in terms of providing the griddle surface with “non-stick” properties.

It’s highly advisable that your season you griddle before using it for the first time. After that, you can just season the griddle after each use. Also, only season it after you have thoroughly cleaned it.

Before you do the seasoning procedure, make sure the griddle is completely dry. Then, apply a very thin layer of oil and then turn up the heat afterward. The surface will start smoking soon after. Don’t mind it as this is normal. Continue the heating process until all the smoke has disappeared.

Properly seasoning a griddle is a tutorial by itself. Hence, it’s best that you check some step-by-step guide for it.

Storage

The best place to store your griddle is in a clean and dry area. If you choose to wrap it with a bag, make sure you leave an opening and not completely seal it. This is for better air circulation, which then prevents the griddle from “sweating.”

Sweating can make your griddle more susceptible to rust.

Wrapping It All Up

Knowing how to maintain a griddle is not rocket science. It’s a pretty simple and straightforward task. You just need a guide on how to do it properly and the keeping in mind that tips that we mentioned above is a good start.

It’s also a good idea to get a high-quality griddle in the first place as it’s easier to maintain and last longer. Check for a few Blackstone griddles as they are known to be one of the best in the industry.

Summer is here and with it comes plenty of excitement as we get to enjoy the free vitamin D, mood-boosting sunshine, and a nice family and friends time at a BBQ. The outdoor cookout moment you share with your closest companions brings a fresh and sizzling moment courtesy of the beautiful summertime. And what other better way than to kick-start the season by owning at least one the best griddles in the market. Summer griddles have grown to be the staple appliance for most households immediately when summer arrives. They have proven to be exceptionally useful for gatherings of almost any size.

Blackstone griddles are popular for their spacious cooking surface which makes them ideal when dealing with a large crowd full of appetite. It is, for this reason, we have listed some of the best griddles for summer that families and chefs from all over the country have approved.

2018 Best Griddles for Summer

1. Best Table Top Griddle

The Blackstone 17″ Table Top Griddle is a compact and useful appliance that is perfect especially for the lovers of hotdogs, burgers, steaks, sautéed mushrooms with onions, pancakes, eggs, and other sorts of creative combinations. With just 268 sq. inches, your outdoor experience can be compared to none as the H-style burner provides an even distribution of heat. This is important as it will allow the food to properly cook and when your piece is ready simply wipe the surface with a paper towel and you are done ““ no special type of cleanup gear required. The tabletop grill is a reprieve from traditional grilling where you had to work with a grill, charcoal, pots, pans, and cleanup gear.

2. Best Outdoor Griddle

36″ Blackstone outdoor griddle with 4 burners has been crafted to offer top functionality to its customers. This functionality together with portability brings a whole new grilling experience in the outdoor space. If you are one of the many people who prefer to have their food or bites done faster and consistently, then the 36″ outdoor griddle fits you very well. Consistency is brought by the solid steel which enables an even temperature once cooking begins. Whether you plan an intimate setting or a large group of friends, the 4 independently moderated burners will perfectly cater for the craving, especially if you are a breakfast lover.

3. Best Stainless Steel Front Griddle

Blackstone”s stainless steel front 28″ is a summer griddle that gives the chef of the day tons of versatility and the best part in all this is the aesthetic benefit that it brings in any cooking space. You can have the legs folded when you want to change your position and have them back when you get to the next point. The griddle has a 10-gauge thick rolled steel surface which is excellent for heat retention as well as distribution. Two burners are available for temperature control where each has an output of 17,000 BTU. It is appropriate for family and friends as the 28.5″ by 16.5″ cooking surface can hold 44 hotdogs, 12 steaks, or 18 hamburgers which can serve a significant number of people.

4. Best All-Purpose Griddle

Being summer, an all-purpose cooking unit that can be used outdoors is necessary. Tailgater combo is an all-purpose unit that is easy to carry around thanks to its adjustable legs. You can move with it on any terrain and still manage to set up and cook. There are 2 burners available to help you control the heat depending on what you are preparing. As long as you know what you”re doing, Tailgater has a frying pan, dutch oven, and a stock pot to ensure that the meal cooks perfectly. It can hold up to 4 steaks or 20 hotdogs which provides the best fit for small gatherings. All you need to do is make sure that the temperature is right, grill, and enjoy the beauty that summer brings.

5. Camp Chef”s Flat Top Griddle

Camp Chef”s Flat Top is the ideal griddle if you”re planning to make your favorite sandwiches or even enjoy the sizzling effect of fresh fish on the grill. It is easy to use and its restaurant style makes it the convenient option when it comes to draining grease. There is an added heat diffuser plate which aids in distributing heat evenly minimizing the hot spots. The flat top griddle is pre-seasoned with “true seasoned finish” and is ready to use in almost any setting.
The downside with the flat top griddle from Camp Chef compared to Blackstone products is that they are hard to clean. The other notable issue is with the design; Blackstone griddles are aesthetically on point. Most grillers see Camp Chef”s product as having the functionality but lacking the all-important attractive look that makes the summer gatherings a delight.

Blackstone griddles display a cocktail the passion, commitment, and cutting-edge technology that the creators and innovators have shared to come up with exclusive cooking units. These griddles come with a fresh summer experience where customers get to make outstanding meals. The units are versatile and they have the capacity to satisfy different numbers and great options are available for almost any budget. Finally, before buying you should first look at what you need, have a rough estimate of the people you”ll be expecting, and lastly what you can afford.

The quality of your kitchen appliances should not be your biggest concern, but this does not mean that you should expect less. Poor quality will say that you need to buy one more, or often have to be content with quality cooking. You do not want to deal with this.

The performance of your kitchen appliances should be especially important if you cook and bake a lot, but it can be just as important if you prepare only occasionally. Everything should be well prepared and go high.

Using an electric frying pan in your kitchen will give you many things to do. You can cook all kinds of dishes from pancakes to chicken, and you can do this even if you do not have a cooker. The electric frying pan also gives you more space for cooking.

You need to keep in mind many different things when you start buying high-quality electric griddles. If you just buy the most expensive one? Not! The higher the price, the higher the quality.

Remember the brand. Try to find something familiar that has an excellent reputation for quality. If you have branded appliances that you love and are happy with, look for griddles in this brand in which you can be sure.

Strive for performance on the grill, not just durable. For example, a grate with a stove is placed on the plate and only the heat in which the burner is obtained. That’s where the advantage of the electric frying pan. You all heat up. Make sure it heats up and heats up.

Do not be afraid to go shopping. Do not just buy the first one that you see. Look online and browse websites to find out what other people can say about different griddles to get the best quality at the best price.

People often think that the only things that use electric griddles are pancakes and fried eggs. It’s a delusion. Electric griddles are ideal for Panini, French toast, potatoes, pancakes, pancakes and so on.

Electric griddles are a universal addition to any kitchen. A large flat surface warms evenly, giving all the dishes even when cooking. They are terrific for large families or when you need to prepare for a group. Most electrical griddles today come with a removable culinary surface for easy cleaning.

Most of the electric griddle panels are equipped with a drain trough, which gives a healthier and less fatty food. This feature is especially useful in the preparation of bacon, hamburgers or sausages. This makes the cleaning of the frying pan much more convenient.

Electric griddles heat up very quickly and are ready for use in a matter of minutes. Products will not cling to the non-stick surface, so cleaning is not carried out. Plastic spatulas are recommended for use with a frying pan, since a non-sticky surface can scratch.

The thermostat is one of the important advantages of an electric frying pan that allows you to adjust the temperature as a cook. It is also removable for more affordable storage and cleaning of the frying pan. You will never have to worry about burning food, because there is a control for warming to keep food warm when you are ready to serve.

Electric griddles can be used for the quick preparation of breakfast and hot meals for large families. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you make the right purchase.

The size

Electric griddles are more extensive than other kitchen appliances. Make sure that you have a place to store your frying pan until it is used. Also, make sure that you can clean it after it.

Culinary surface

The non-contiguous culinary surface is extremely widely used, especially if you plan to cook eggs and pancakes. This will also make your meals healthier because you will not need to use as much oil.

Heat

Make sure that it heats up evenly. You can read a lot of customer feedback about the product and if there are any problems with heating.

Cost

Typically, the price range for an electric griddle is $ 30- $ 75. If you plan to prepare the necessary items for breakfast, a model from 35 to 40 dollars should satisfy all your needs.

Droppers

Some models include a removable tray for collecting fat, which gathers fat from foods such as bacon. This leads to a healthier diet. However, it is more to clean.

Make sure that you conduct an adequate research on the Internet and read customer testimonials before you make a purchase. Electric frying pan is an excellent purchase for those who need extra space for cooking, or for those who do not have access to a stove plate. It is also ideal if you are camping and have access to electricity and cooking for large crowds.

In my opinion, the best griddles are Blackstone ones! They’re a bit more expensive than the others, but you get some great quality! I have the 17″ one and I haven’t regretted my decision, ever!