Protect Your Blackstone Griddle For Winter: A Step-by-step Guide

As the winter season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare your Blackstone griddle for the colder months. Proper winterization of your griddle will help protect it from the elements and ensure it’s ready for use when the warm weather returns. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare your Blackstone griddle for winter, ensuring its longevity and optimal performance.

1. Deep Clean the Griddle

Before storing your Blackstone griddle for the winter, it’s essential to give it a thorough deep clean. This will remove any food residue, grease, and grime that may have accumulated during the grilling season. To deep clean your griddle, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the griddle and heat it to medium-high heat.
2. Using a grill scraper, scrape off any food residue or debris from the griddle surface.
3. Apply a degreaser or grill cleaner to the griddle surface and let it sit for the recommended time.
4. Scrub the griddle surface with a grill brush or sponge to remove any remaining residue.
5. Rinse the griddle surface thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

2. Apply a Protective Coating

Once the griddle is clean and dry, it’s time to apply a protective coating to help prevent rust and corrosion during the winter months. There are various types of protective coatings available, such as cooking oil, WD-40, or commercial griddle protectants.

To apply the protective coating, follow these steps:

1. Apply a thin layer of the protective coating to the griddle surface using a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Spread the coating evenly over the entire surface, ensuring it covers all areas.
3. Allow the protective coating to dry completely before storing the griddle.

3. Disconnect the Propane Tank

If your Blackstone griddle uses propane as fuel, it’s crucial to disconnect the propane tank before storing the griddle for the winter. This will prevent any potential leaks or accidents. To disconnect the propane tank, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the propane tank valve.
2. Disconnect the propane hose from the griddle.
3. Store the propane tank in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

4. Cover the Griddle

To protect your Blackstone griddle from dust, moisture, and other elements during storage, it’s essential to cover it properly. You can use a custom-fit griddle cover, a tarp, or a heavy-duty plastic bag.

1. Place the cover over the griddle, ensuring it fits snugly and covers the entire griddle surface.
2. If using a tarp or plastic bag, secure it tightly around the griddle using bungee cords or rope.

5. Store the Griddle in a Dry Place

The ideal storage location for your Blackstone griddle during the winter months is a dry, climate-controlled area. This could be a garage, shed, or basement. Avoid storing the griddle outdoors or in areas exposed to moisture or extreme temperatures.

1. Place the covered griddle in the chosen storage location.
2. Ensure the area is free from moisture and pests.

6. Perform Regular Maintenance Checks

Even during the winter months, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance checks on your Blackstone griddle. This will help identify any potential issues early on and ensure the griddle is ready for use when the grilling season returns.

1. Regularly inspect the griddle for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage.
2. If any issues are found, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

7. Prepare for Spring

When the warm weather returns, and you’re ready to start grilling again, here are a few steps to follow to prepare your Blackstone griddle for use:

1. Remove the protective coating from the griddle surface using a degreaser or grill cleaner.
2. Clean the griddle surface thoroughly with a grill brush or sponge.
3. Rinse the griddle surface with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
4. Reconnect the propane tank and check for leaks.
5. Season the griddle surface with cooking oil to protect it and prevent food from sticking.

The Final Touch: Enjoy Your Blackstone Griddle!

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Blackstone griddle is properly prepared for the winter months and ready for use when the grilling season returns. So, enjoy the winter months, and when spring arrives, fire up your Blackstone griddle and enjoy delicious grilled meals with friends and family.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I leave my Blackstone griddle outside during the winter?

A: It’s not recommended to leave your Blackstone griddle outside during the winter. Exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and harsh weather conditions can damage the griddle. Store the griddle in a dry, climate-controlled area to protect it from the elements.

Q: How often should I clean my Blackstone griddle during the winter?

A: While the griddle is not in use during the winter, it’s still important to perform regular maintenance checks. Inspect the griddle for signs of rust, corrosion, or damage. If any issues are found, address them promptly to prevent further damage.

Q: What is the best way to protect my Blackstone griddle from rust during the winter?

A: To protect your Blackstone griddle from rust during the winter, follow these steps:

1. Clean the griddle surface thoroughly to remove any food residue, grease, or grime.
2. Apply a thin layer of protective coating, such as cooking oil, WD-40, or a commercial griddle protectant, to the griddle surface.
3. Cover the griddle with a custom-fit griddle cover, a tarp, or a heavy-duty plastic bag to keep it dry and protected from moisture.