Blackstone griddles have become a popular choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts due to their versatility and exceptional performance. As with any cooking surface, seasoning your Blackstone is essential to ensure optimal cooking results and extend its lifespan. However, a debate has emerged regarding the best oil for seasoning, with olive oil being a controversial choice. In this blog post, we’ll explore the question of whether you can season your Blackstone with olive oil and provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Purpose of Seasoning:

Before delving into the topic, let’s clarify the purpose of seasoning a griddle. Seasoning involves creating a protective layer of polymerized oil on the cooking surface. This layer prevents rust and corrosion, improves non-stick properties, and enhances the overall cooking experience.

The Truth about Olive Oil and High Smoke Points:

One of the main concerns regarding using olive oil for seasoning is its relatively low smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, has a smoke point of around 375°F (190°C), which is lower than other oils commonly used for seasoning, like vegetable oil or flaxseed oil.

During seasoning, the oil needs to reach high temperatures to polymerize effectively. If the oil’s smoke point is too low, it can break down and create undesirable flavors and even smoke excessively during the process.

The Better Alternatives for Seasoning:

While using olive oil for seasoning can be problematic due to its low smoke point, there are alternative oils with higher smoke points that are more suitable for the task. Some of the best options include:

1. Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil has a high smoke point and contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for seasoning cast iron surfaces like the Blackstone griddle.
2. Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oils like canola, soybean, or grapeseed oil have higher smoke points and are widely used for seasoning cast iron and steel surfaces.
3. Shortening: Solid vegetable shortening is another popular choice for seasoning as it creates a durable and non-stick layer on the griddle surface.

Conclusion:

In summary, while olive oil may not be the best choice for seasoning your Blackstone griddle due to its relatively low smoke point, there are several better alternatives available. Opt for oils with higher smoke points, such as flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, or vegetable shortening, to ensure a successful and effective seasoning process.

Remember that the key to a well-seasoned griddle is patience and consistency. Regardless of the oil you choose, multiple rounds of seasoning, each followed by thorough heating, cooling, and wiping, will gradually build up a durable and non-stick surface that will enhance your cooking experiences for years to come. So, embrace the art of seasoning and unlock the full potential of your Blackstone griddle with the right choice of oil. Happy griddling!