How to Clean a Rusty Flat Top Grill (Rusty Blackstone Griddle)
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- Опубліковано 4 чер 2024
- Need to know how to fix a rusty flat top grill? I was visiting my brother-in-law recently, and his Blackstone griddle was rusty, dirty, and in need of some TLC. Watch as I show you how to remove rust from a griddle so that it’s in tip-top shape and ready to cook on again.
Start by turning your flat top grill on to a low setting and add some water to the surface. The hot surface of the grill and the water will create a steaming effect which helps to loosen the dirt and grime on the griddle. Use paper towels or a rag to wipe down your griddle surface. Then, turn off the grill and let it cool back down.
If there is a lot of rust, you may need to use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly brush the rusty areas. I used a drywall sanding tool, because that’s all that I had available to use.
Then, if your flat top grill is rusty and dirty like my brother-in-law’s, you can add soapy water to the surface to help remove the rust and built up grime. Give the surface, outside, and inside edges a good washing with a soapy rag. Then, use a damp paper towel or rag to remove the excess soap.
Dry the griddle surface and outside/inside edges thoroughly with a clean rag or paper towel - I like to use paper towels for this. Then, add a very thin coat of oil to the flat top grill, turn the grill on low, and let the oil heat to its smoke point.
You’ll notice that the flat top grill surface will start to smoke. Let it continue to smoke for about 5-8 minutes, or until the smoke starts to subside. Then, turn off the grill and let it cool back down. Then, add another thin coat of oil, and bring the grill up to the smoke point again. Allow to smoke for another 5-8 minutes (or until the smoke starts to lessen), and then turn off the griddle and let it cool down again.
Repeat these steps as needed. *You can also watch my video “How to Reseason Your Flat Top Grill” for more detailed instructions on this process.
Then, your rusty flat top grill should be as good as new!
@campchef @BlackstoneGriddles
#griddlecooking #rustygriddle #reseason #flattopgrill #blackstonegriddle #blackstone
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I’ve cleaned up my griddle twice with these steps. I live in Wisconsin and the cold winters make it hard to use on a regular basis. This process works really well. Just cleaned it up today and plan to make some smash burgers tomorrow night!
Soap is actually fine. Modern soap doesn't contain Lye which is what dissolves the seasoning from griddles or cast iron pans. Vinegar is great for rust removal. Gets it out of the pits. Good video!
spot on....thanks
Vinegar?
Good stuff man, glad I did mine right. Thanks for all your help!
Glad I could help!
I love your videos! You do so much for us... Thanks!
So what happens if you do warp your grill top from to much heat. Can you fill us in on how to live with a warped griddle? And tell us how to check the top, and how bad is a warp is? Thanks !!!
Well i can only tell you what I have been told..I personally have not had one warp on me...knock on wood and hate to say that out loud...typically you would just let it cool back down...someone said Camp Chef said to put a huge bucket of water on the griddle while hot to keep metal down while heating and it should straighten out when cooled from expanding..
Your brother in law definitely loves you
ahhahah Look at this date of video...he hasnt used it since...ahahahha
Hopefully Bro-inlaw shelled out for some good grub to go on the flat top since you did the hard work for him! Lol....good man for showing him how to re-season. I'm a Weber nerd and have talked a lot of my family and friends into buying a Weber kettle or gasser only to find out the next time we visit that the grates are rusted over, old wet ash in the bowl...etc. I do the same, get it back in cooking shape and tell them how to keep it clean. Thanks for the videos, we won a 4 burner Blue Rhino Razor 3.5 yrs ago that is still in the box in the garage. I loaded up on accessories at Christmas, and will put it together and fire it up in the next few weeks. Cheers!
Awesome thanks buddy
I am a massive Weber fan as well. I actually started my channel with it but the viewers liked the flat top better so here we are
@@TheFlatTopKing I've got the Weber thing down...even use them for certain meats at bbq cookoffs. Have a 12" cast iron skillet that gets used almost everyday, so the flat top has always been in the back of my mind to put together and use when our family is over. We're "empty nesters", but have a big family. So when they are all over the flat top will come in handy. I've watched at least 25 or 30 of your videos among others, so again, thanks for the examples and instruction!
@@KnDFlips reach out anytime. Big news coming out soon as welll
Thank you so much for making this video I didn’t do it right the first time all I got was black on the rags thanks again
well thanks for commenting Betty...reach out if you need anything..
Thanks! I just reseasoned mine and my Blackstone label and back creases looked bare just like yours. I'm more confident I did it right after watching your vid.
Question Sir !! At the end when you try the eggs on the new surface (9:40). On the bottom right corner I see a number of brown spots. What is that ? Cause I see them in mine from time to time. A few times a few small ones seemed to pop out after I scrape it. I continue to scrape and it almost seems like some a little pocket of residue is under the seasoning. Which surprised me cause I always feel I scrape/clean it to much while I cook. I almost get the feeling my scraper is to wide/straight where as my griddle may not be perfectly flat possibly leaving small amount that doesn't get scraped up. Sorry so long !!
Not at all buddy thats why we ask you guys to reach out..
its natural...some will say its never happened to them in blah blah but the reality is its the seasoning coming and going...its about maintaining and maintenance...I think it could be to much oil when seasoning and the brown spots on the lower side is because of uneven heat distribution..its a cooler spot and it takes longer to season...I would scrape clean and maybe use a grill brick - I have a video for that- to make more even and reseason...I also have a video on how to re Season a flat top grill if needed
I have question sir.
I have a camp chef 600 that have not used yet. Can I remove the four flame defectors under the grill part of the camp chef, as im just planning on only using the flat top and not the grilling grate. Are these heat shield s nessary to prevent warping?
No I get that question alot and my back and forth with Camp Chef they have said that all parts are ok to keep in place regardless of what you are cooking with. I however have taken the grill grates on but have kept the deflectors on..No clue why but...
@@TheFlatTopKing Thank you for answering my questions, but in your opinion could the heat deflectors be removed ; because it seems like the will just corrode and deteriorate if I never plan on using the grilling feature. I also then agree with your decision to remove your grill grates because of the same deterioration effects.
@@malibujoe01 i mean yeah. I have had mine for 2.5 years and going strong with them on. Whats the worst thing to happen. Do a few with and a few with to see if u like it. Maybe half and half. If u find something let me know.
I almost went to extreme measures, i only used one burner the damage is minimal thank you FTK
Absolutely
Ouch!!!
Hey there, good video. I tried this process yesterday and during the application of the Flex Seed oil (the first and second time) my black coating/seasoning started flaking off even more and coming off. What do you recommend? Remove all the seasoning and start over?
If its flaking already then yes...i would start over...any reason why you are using Flax Seed oil...
@@TheFlatTopKing I thought flax seed oil was what was recommended? I don't have a problem using avocado or vegetable oil either.
@@rugerruger4032 let me refer you to this. It will explain a lot faster than me typing.
theflattopking.com/best-oil-for-seasoning-cast-iron/
@@TheFlatTopKing Thanks so much
Similar topic/issue. Before getting a propane flat top, I’ve been practicing my flat top cooks on a ARTEFLAME 22" Griddle for my charcoal Weber. Given that you can easily adjust the heat on a propane system, how would you scrub down and reseason a charcoal-based griddle? My 22” flat top griddle in my Weber kettle looks just as bad as your in-laws!
Unfortunately 2 different ideas...the coal will keep a black substance on the griddle...so only focusing on the top you would treat the same...aslo you might want to add oil all over when you season...its just helps the undercarriage.. dont need a lot but one or two coats underneath....the top treat just like a griddle top...clean dry oil and heat
@@TheFlatTopKing thank you!
I inherited a 36" blackstone griddle that I just reseasoned. I noticed on Amazon they have wind screens for the gap between the griddle top and the base. Would these even out the griddle temp, or are they just a waste of time and money.
Both...I think they absolutely help...but they actually heat the griddle hotter than normal...not perfect but its something. I purchased the 22in and use 1.25 dollar tree metal bench scrapers....two will fit but many times I just use one. This helps some heat to escape....it really is a trial and error...
@@TheFlatTopKing Thanks for the info!
Mine was a lot worse than that when I got it, it was all rust. It had been outside uncovered for about 2 years.
That’s how I got it for $30. I knew it was salvageable.
A good bit of it scraped off then I put a wire wheel on one of my grinders and basically buffed off the rust. There are some pitted spots but it works as new now.
I honestly think over time of correct use and reseasoning they will fill in. Great find brother.
If it does not smooth out it will not take me long to weld up the worst of them and redo the seasoning.
@@slngblde thats great you know how to do it. I have honestly thought about grinding mine down and restarting to show that process. It is unnecessary but maybe cool.
@@TheFlatTopKing it might cook better initially if you did it this way. The wire wheel somewhat polishes the surface.
I had several people tell me that would ruin it and seasoning would not stick to a smoothed out surface, it does.
@@slngblde yeah it does. I have done it to my cast pans. People do it all the time.
I need advise I bought a 36 In blackstone 4 burner. from Walmart. It looks like it was used without seasoning. Manager sold it to me for 150 dollars. Other than that it is new. How do I go by cleaning and seasoning. I have no idea what was cooked on it.
The biggest thing is getting the rust off. Try soap and a scouring pad. You might wan tot get sand paper or something litter. Hard to tell with out feeling it or seeing it. After the rust is gone just dry completely. I like crisco but use an oil that you would season cast iron with. ALWAYS on matter what ALWAYS preheat on low. Low will get hot enough. Use paper towles and lightly add the oil. Thinner the better. Just allow the oil to burn off. Re apply about 4 to five times. Let cool and start cooking with fatty foods like bacon, ground beef, etc.
It doesn't have rust. Just left over food and grease on it
@@thebryans835 man you are in great shape then. Just preheat. Use some water to loosen up the food and wipe clean. The i would re season just to be sure
Thanks I'm new to this I love your videos
Is it dangerous to have rust in the surround of the cooking surface?
No....it will happen for sure..why do you say dangerous...if you see rust you should take care of it but I dont think its dangerous
Issue I have is no matter how much I clean, the rust doesnt go away. For example, if I wipe it while it is on, still have rus stains on paper towels. What can I do?
Thats a tuff one with out me seeing it. IF you are on FB you can look me up at The Griddle Group by the flat top king and share some pics so i can help out. My first guess is the re seasoning didn't go as planned. Might have to redo...That is not as bad as it sounds..
Sand it down to bare metal, wash it with white distilled vinegar and re-season.
Is your griddle supposed to be a smooth surface, or should it have a kind of sorta rough texture surface???
That honestly depends on age and use. It can be rough and still non stick. Vise Versa.
@TheFlatTopKing it's only 7 months old...also when I use a small amount of oil and rub it on, the residue on my cloth rag is black, not the typical golden color
Great job thanks can I get more videos of your work?
We were just gifted a Blackstone that a neighbor didn't use anymore - likely because the rust is so extreme, to a point where the surface is dented. Can it still be restored even though it won't have a flat surface?
Probably...I would take to a machine shop and have em sandblast. Typically cost about 35 bucks or so...this would reveal the damage underneath along with truly cleaning and removing the rust...especially in the dimples and rivtis...
@@TheFlatTopKing Couldn't you just use an orbital sander? I'm in the process of sanding mine right now since it rusted during the winter. I started with 60 grit and then I'm going to 120 and eventually 220 grit. Once that's done I'm going to season it.
BTW, thanks for the video.
Wait a minute - does your brother live near Disney? I remember being at Hollywood Studios or Epcot and seeing the same exact wording in the sky about a year ago.
hahaahha Yes....absolutely...100
What part of Fl are you in?
We were right outdside Disney World. My brother in law lives there. He cuts threw the parking lot to work
@@TheFlatTopKing I will be at WDW on Oct 26-30
@@brianwluxevovacations215 have a blast.
Dig that shirt👍🏻
TY
I clean and season all the time but i live along the coast and it gets rust on it. I also have two covers over it.
Sometimes those soft covers actually hurt as well..
the moisture actually can come from underneath and not escape through the material when it evaporates...rain on wood or concrete can absorb...when it gets hot enough...it becomes moisture that rises....just a heads up
If a Sponge is not the ideal tool of choice for cleaning the grill then what would be the #1 tool of choice?
Bench scraper and paper towels...I have a video on how to clean a flat top grill that might help ya way better than this...
You commented the sponge was not the tool of choice, what would be?
I use a wet rag or a bunch of wet paper towels being held by tongs. It works well and keeps your hands away from the heat and steam.
I hate to use soap but yea he had too in this case
I see that his Blackstone is also peeling paint on the sides. Mine started doing that a month after I got mine.
I will have to ask about it. I didn't notice it.
Mine was cleaned after the last use and covered now has rust in different areas. When done reseasoning it what about oil it then add parchment paper
Not sure If you are asking or commenting..if asking can you just clarify a little...sorry
@@TheFlatTopKing asking about the parchment paper
My research suggests to use vinegar & backing soda to clean cast iron but you don't, why?
Its rolled steel...we treat this like cast iron...I dont use those two on my cast iron...why would you need it...90% of cooks...is a sinple steam clean and wipe dry...allow heat to dry as well...reoil and good to go...
Just a little push back on "there aren't that many this bad out there" comment. If you watch sales ads there are quite a few where inexperienced folk are unloading them. Most of them seem to be Blackstone's though it's not because the product is bad as much as it is in so many big box stores that impulse buyers who don't invest enough time and effort to learn how to properly use and care for them buy them and then let them deteriorate. Good deal for those who come along later and buy at a used/abused discount, but a shame for the cooker. Hopefully some of those folks will learn from your tutorials and speed up getting those subscriptions up to 10k before long.
I got ya. Another great point. Didn’t think about after market. Really good idea. Thanks Bob.
Mine was an impulse buy for its original owner. He never seasoned it properly and only used it 4 times in a little over 2 years. Then it sat outside uncovered and got quite rusty.
Ive been given two Blackstone's and both were a little oil and grill brick away from looking brand new
As long as the soap doesn't have lye in it it will not damage the seasoning. It's not that complicated
Bro Im cleaning mines as of right now 😂
Did it work? What process are you going through. How bad was it to begin with.
@@TheFlatTopKing it was Rusty as heck lol,I just use some dawn n water....
Then heat up with some peanut oil 🍻
@@ChefKingFresh im glad someone admitted to using soap. 💯 guarantee someone will say I ruined it by using soap. Ill use this response for reference.
His wasn’t that bad just pitted with rust on the back lip.
@@TheFlatTopKing
Its just like a cast iron pan 🍻
@@ChefKingFresh AMEN
I live in Florida. This seems like too much to deal with compared to a grill. I live right by the beach, everything rusts here
Honestly its not...my brother in law just doesn't use it...he still doesn't...still has it and its honestly been over a year..as long as you use it and protect it you are good...we have several and I mean several people of our FB group that say they have one at their beach house...use sparingly and love it
@@TheFlatTopKing I was thinking about getting one, and after each use, clean, oil, then bag it inside a big, thick yard sized trash bag. To keep moisture out. It’s an extra step, but should prevent a ton of headaches. Your thoughts?
@@CRASS2047 is it going to be used 1 a week or so. Is it covered. Buy one with a hood and buy an extra cover and you will be fine.
@@TheFlatTopKing I work out of town for weeks at a time. Sometimes a month or more. Everything rusts really bad here.
@@CRASS2047 Have you considered the New Pit Boss Ultimate Griddle...No maintenance and I have done everything people said you cant on it...NO rust, no oil, no Seasoning
Bet its your younger brother that owns that grill?? LOL
Assuming you were asked to cook many of your recipes on this visit…
HAHAHAAHAH nope just one.....heck since he doesn't cook he didn't have any ingredients
We made a french toast breakfast sandwich and had to buy everything...even salt and pepper
Can you eat that egg?
I would not.....it could have picked up some bad things...
No sir. That is no clean. That need to go back to raw metal then rinse with soap and water. Then use a high temperature oil. People this is why your mom told you don't eat just anyone's food
ahhaahhaha OK...SURE...cheers
You’ve clearly never owned a cast iron lol 😂 internet trolls gotta love em! Good job Randy
Sorry I only cook with cast iron. And own five griddle. None look like that. I bought three griddle from people who treated their just like this. And I went through the same process to restore them. That how I know what it takes. If you don't do this that old crappie will flake under your seasoning. Happen to me. Look at all the other videos on how to restore a griddle. Most do the same thing I said. Send me an email. I'll send you pictures of my before and after. My first griddle I bought five years ago look like the first time I seasoned it. And I use it twice a week. I watch videos to learn different way to clean a griddle. I'll stick to my way
@@randybrown9768 Since nobody else is as good as you, why aren't you making these videos?
Share your knowledge.
This is horrible cleaning. Their still rust. All u did was wipe it with soap and water.
hhahaah and it still looks fantastic 2 years later..hahahah in the video we USED sandpaper...this got rid of the rust...there were spots that were worse than others creating light brown spots...and in the end of the video...its gone...and as he cooked it was getting better... he still uses it today...thanks