How to Remove Rust and Reseason a Blackstone Griddle

A rusty griddle can look like a lost cause, but with the right tools and techniques, you can bring it back to life. Follow this step-by-step guide to remove rust and reseason your Blackstone griddle so it’s ready for your next cookout.

Tools You’ll Need

• Scraper (heavy-duty, preferably)
• Grill Brick (or pumice stone)
• Paper Towels
• Oil (Avocado oil works well, but any cooking oil will do)
• I used the Blackstone Cleaning Kit in my video below

Step 1: Heat the Griddle

Before you start scraping, turn your griddle to high heat and let it sit for about 20 minutes. The heat will loosen the rust, making it easier to remove. Wear heat-resistant gloves for safety.

Step 2: Scrape Off the Rust

Once the griddle is hot, use your scraper to remove as much rust and debris as possible. Scrape systematically, gathering the debris in one spot, then discard it. If the rust is severe, you might need to repeat this step.

Step 3: Scrub with a Grill Brick

After scraping, squirt 2 to 4 TBSN of oil onto the griddle and scrub it with a grill brick or pumice stone. This will smooth out the surface and remove any remaining rust or uneven spots. Use firm consistent pressure, don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease in there.

Step 4: Wipe It Clean

Use paper towels to wipe down the griddle. This step may take several rounds, as you’ll need to remove all the dirty oil, debris, and loosened rust. Add more oil and keep wiping until the surface is clean and free of black residue.

Step 5: Season the Griddle

Now that your griddle is clean, it’s time to reseason it to protect the surface and create a non-stick layer.

1. Turn the griddle to medium-high heat and let it preheat.
2. Apply oil to the surface:
   • 1 tablespoon for 2-burner griddles
   • 2-3 tablespoons for 4-burner griddles
3. Use paper towels to spread the oil evenly over the surface, creating a thin layer. Be sure to coat all areas, including the corners and edges.
4. Allow the oil to burn off completely. You’ll know it’s done when the smoke stops (this takes about 15-20 minutes).
5. Repeat this process three more times, applying a thin layer of oil and burning it off each time.

Check out my full blog post on How to Season a Blackstone Griddle!

Step 6: Cook Something Delicious

Your griddle is now rust-free and seasoned! Celebrate by making a batch of smash burgers or another favorite griddle recipe. If you are looking for some griddle recipes I have 101 of them in my ebook Griddle 101! Remember to clean and maintain your griddle regularly to prevent future rust buildup.

Final Tips

• Keep your griddle stored in a dry place or invest in a cover to protect it from moisture.
• For light maintenance, scrape and wipe down your griddle after each use, then apply a thin layer of oil.
• Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter and grab a free ebook with five easy griddle recipes—perfect for your newly restored Blackstone!

With these steps, your Blackstone griddle will look and perform like new. Keep on griddlin’, friends!