The Ultimate Guide to Seasoning Your Flat Top Griddle: From Novice to Non-Stick Pro

Flat top griddles are a versatile addition to any outdoor kitchen, offering a large cooking surface for everything from burgers and pancakes to stir-fries and seafood. But to unlock their full potential, you need to season them properly. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a non-stick surface that will last for years.

Why Seasoning Matters

Seasoning creates a protective layer on your griddle’s surface, preventing rust and ensuring food doesn’t stick. This layer is essentially polymerized oil, formed when oil is heated to a high temperature. The more you season, the thicker and more effective this layer becomes.

When to Season Your Griddle

• Brand New Griddle: Season your griddle before using it for the first time. Most new griddles come with a protective coating that needs to be removed.
• After Cleaning: If you’ve used a degreaser or soap, you’ll need to re-season your griddle.
• Regular Maintenance: Seasoning after each use helps to maintain the non-stick surface and prevent rust.

What You’ll Need

• High-Smoke Point Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a low smoke point and can leave a sticky residue.
• Paper Towels: Use these to apply and wipe off the oil.
• Heat Source: You can season your griddle on a stovetop, outdoor grill, or even in your oven.

Step-by-Step Seasoning Guide

1. Clean the Griddle: If it’s new, wash it with warm soapy water to remove the protective coating. If it’s used, scrape off any food debris with a metal spatula and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
2. Heat the Griddle: Heat the griddle on medium-high heat for about 15 minutes.
3. Apply Oil: Pour a small amount of oil onto the griddle surface. Use a folded paper towel (held with tongs) to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface, including the sides.
4. Let it Smoke: Allow the oil to smoke and cook onto the surface for about 10-15 minutes. The griddle should turn a dark brown or black color.
5. Repeat: Repeat steps 3 and 4 several times, allowing the griddle to cool slightly between each application. The more layers you build up, the better the seasoning will be.
6. Cool Down: Let the griddle cool completely before storing.

Seasoning Tips

• Thin Coats: Apply thin coats of oil, as too much oil can create a sticky buildup.
• Patience: Seasoning takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation when seasoning indoors, as the oil will smoke.
• Don’t Use Soap: Avoid using soap on a seasoned griddle. Simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use.

Maintaining Your Seasoned Griddle

• Wipe After Use: Wipe down the griddle with a paper towel while it’s still warm to remove any food debris.
• Oil It Up: Apply a light coat of oil after each use to help maintain the seasoning.
• Store Properly: Store your griddle in a dry place to prevent rust.

Troubleshooting

• Sticky Surface: If your griddle is sticky, it may have too much oil buildup. Heat the griddle to burn off the excess oil, then re-season with a thin coat.
• Rust: If you notice rust, scrub it off with a grill brush and re-season the affected area.

Conclusion

Seasoning your flat top griddle is a simple but essential step to ensure optimal cooking performance and longevity. With a little effort and patience, you’ll create a non-stick surface that will enhance your outdoor cooking experience for years to come.