Blackstone griddles boast an incredible build quality, but even they are not immune to rusting. A rusty flattop is not safe to cook, but you would be delighted to know that no griddle, especially Blackstone ones, are beyond salvation.
We will talk about the best way to clean rust off Blackstone griddle so that you can bring your favorite cooking gear back to life.
What Is Rust?
So many of us think of rust as a crusty reddish-brown coating on metal and don’t give it much thought, but rust refers to the corrosion and oxidation of iron. Iron alloys are also vulnerable to this phenomenon.
According to chemistry, rust is Hydrated Iron (III) Oxide symbolized as Fe2O3. It forms when iron combines with oxygen and water in an oxidizing process.
We often consider the terms corrosion and rust as interchangeable, but in reality, they are not. Corrosion means any form of natural degradation of metal, whereas rust is a specific type of corrosion that happens because of oxidation. Therefore, our discussion in this piece will solely focus on avoiding oxidation.
How To Stop Rust From Forming?
Anything that consists of iron needs to have a protective layer on the outside. Otherwise, it would be impossible to stop the oxidization. Automobiles and bicycles, for example, use anti-rust paint. There are also rust-resistant alloys that come with various formulations of iron and other metals.
Why Are Blackstone Griddles Not Made Of Stainless Steel?
The solution to the rust problem seems quite obvious. Why doesn’t Blackstone use stainless steel to build the flattop?Â
The reason is stainless steel is not as good as iron in distributing heat. Moreover, it’s not safe. Stainless steel contains nickel, molybdenum, and other metals, which might leach into the food while cooking.
Dr. Herbert M. Shelton warned about the dangers of using stainless steel in cookware in his Hygienic Review. He wrote, ‘’The kind of steel used in most stainless steel cookware is not the best metal in which to prepare foods. Most stainless steel cookware sold in stores is of such a nature as to allow chrome and nickel to bleed out into foods as water and food chemicals react with the walls of the vessels as they are heated. The chrome and nickel salts are retained when ingested. They cannot be eliminated. They build up and in time can create troublesome conditions’’.Â
Therefore, using stainless steel is not a viable option for Blackstone and other griddle manufacturers.
Best Way To Clean Rust off Blackstone Griddle
Things You Need
- Dishcloths/rags
- Scraper
- Pumice stone/ sandpaper
- Cooking oil
- Vinegar/lemon juice
What To Do?
Make sure there are no flammable things around the griddle. If you are cleaning the griddle in your kitchen, clear up the kitchen counter to make room for the things you would need to recover the griddle.
Light up the griddle and turn the knobs to reach the maximum heating point. Leave it for thirty minutes or so. The heat is essential to weaken the hardened top of the rusty surface.
You can wait for a few minutes after turning off the griddle. Then, put on your gloves and start cleaning the top. The sooner you get to work, the softer the rust layer would be.
Take the scraper and drive it through the rusty exterior. You have to apply sufficient pressure to get rid of the rust, so don’t hesitate to be a bit rough. The reddish-brown coating should start to come off as you scrape. Keep on doing this until the surface becomes clean.
The griddle top will lose its smoothness because of the rust, but thankfully, you can restore it. Put some cooking oil on the griddle. The amount should be sufficient to cover the top surface in a thin layer. You can add some vinegar or lemon juice with the oil to help with the spread.
Take a pumice stone or a piece of sandpaper, and start scrubbing. Your movement should be mild so that you don’t accidentally dent the top. Make sure you cover the whole surface. Continue doing this till the griddle appears bright and smooth.
There should be some greasy leftovers because of the oil and rust. Clean them off with rags or paper towels. Then, pour some more oil and start scrubbing again.
Once you feel convinced that the flat top has recaptured its true shine, rinse it with a mixture of warm-lemon water. In doing so, the rustic smell will not linger on, and the cooking area would be as shiny as new.
Finally, you will have to apply a new seasoning before you use the griddle again. Leave the griddle at its maximum heat settings for a while. When it becomes hot enough, spray some warm water on the top and wipe it off with a paper towel. Push the paper towel with a spatula to avoid getting burnt.Â
Then, pour some oil and spread it across the top. Let it smoke, and then pour some oil on the griddle again. Repeat this process a few times to get a durable seasoning
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I Cook In a Rusty Griddle?
Final Words
Now that you know the best way to clean rust off the Blackstone griddle, you can deploy this technique to resurrect your rust-ridden Blackstone. Don’t use a flat top that has the slightest trace of rust.
Follow our guidelines to restore your Blackstone griddle to its original glory, and eliminate the threat of rust-induced health hazards.
Pingback: Can You Use a Blackstone Griddle Inside?
Pingback: How to Care for a Blackstone griddle