Can You Store A Blackstone Griddle Outside? No Big Deal!

Blackstone griddles are chef favorites for good reason. They’re durable and versatile, perfect for cooking anything from breakfast to dinner. 

One big plus is their large cooking surface, which heats evenly. Here’s a fascinating tidbit: Blackstone has gone viral on the TikTok platform!

Owning one does come with some responsibilities, such as storage and maintenance. The way you take care of it will affect its performance and lifespan. 

Do you know the best way to store your griddle outside? This article will help you understand the truth about Blackstone grills.

can you store a blackstone griddle outside

CAN YOU STORE A BLACKSTONE GRIDDLE OUTSIDE?

Absolutely! While old-school grills might go belly up in bad weather, the Blackstone Griddle is a champ at outdoor cooking come rain or shine. 

Because the griddle can be bulky at times, not everyone has enough space in their homes to store it. If there isn’t enough room inside to store the griddle, it can be kept outside.

But if you’re leaving it out in the elements, don’t forget these golden rules to keep it going strong. A well-loved griddle serves up a heap of lip-smacking outdoor feasts.

Key Points for Outdoor Storage

Your local weather plays a big role in outdoor griddle storage. High humidity and rain can harm your Blackstone. Coastal areas? Watch out for salt air, it speeds up rust.

If you’re in a mild, dry zone, storing it outside might be okay. Still,keep an eye on temperature swings.. Extreme temps can make the griddle expand or shrink, risking damage.

If your Blackstone grill has wheels, you can bring it inside after you’re done cooking, but that’s not always an option. In this situation, I would recommend buying a cover. You can choose between a variety of covers.

Got a cover or shelter? Great, it shields your griddle from the elements. Especially handy if you lack garage space. Consider a top-notch Blackstone cover to fend off UV rays and more.

Is It Bad To Keep Blackstone Griddle Outside? 

Storing your Blackstone outdoors is handy, especially for frequent grillers. No need to lug it around! But convenience has a downside. Many things in your surroundings are out of your control, which is why this is the case Weather can wear it out. 

If it rains or snows a lot where you live, for example, you shouldn’t store it outside. These things can make the griddle less durable, so you won’t get much use out of it.

Watch for rust from rain and humidity, and fading from UV rays. Don’t forget, temperature swings can warp the griddle. So weigh the risks before leaving it out.

Outdoor storage can mess with performance, too. Rust can make the surface uneven, throwing off your cooking game. To keep it in top shape, regular upkeep is a must.

Also, as long as the grass is wet, you shouldn’t use the griddle outside. The grass can damage the griddle. To keep a grill outside, you should put it on concrete or a deck.

A fence that can’t be locked is another silly red flag. If there’s no wall between the griddles and thieves, thieves can take them.

DO BLACKSTONE GRIDDLES RUST?

Blackstone Griddles are fantastic cookware – durable, even heating, and stylish. Yet, they can develop rust over time.

What Makes Rust Happen?

According to some data, rust could make outdoor gear last 30% less long.

Rust, or iron oxide, targets iron and steel items like griddles. It forms when iron meets oxygen and moisture, a process called oxidation.

High humidity or prolonged wetness can speed up rusting. Salt air and acidic leftovers can also make it worse.

But rust isn’t just ugly. It can mess up your grilling, too. It can cause pits on the surface, leading to uneven heat.

Is Your Blackstone Griddle Rust-Prone?

All Blackstone griddles have one thing in common: a flat, cold-rolled stainless steel top. It’s durable and retains heat well. But like any steel gear, it can rust if you’re careless.

Factory seasoning helps ward off rust at first. But over time, wear and cleaning can erode this layer, exposing the steel to air and moisture.

Some Blackstone griddles do rust, often due to poor storage or maintenance. Like leaving it outside uncovered or not drying it after cleaning.

Storms, floods, and snow all cause rust, rusting, and broken machines. Also, coastal places are renowned for this because air salt makes rusting worse. 

In hot weather, fine sand can damage moving parts and wear down metal. When exposed to UV light for a long time, plastic parts can rust.

However, these griddles aren’t rust magnets. With the right care, most users find theirs stay rust-free for years. So, upkeep is your best rust-busting weapon. 

HOW DO I KEEP MY BLACKSTONE FROM RUSTING?

While Blackstone griddles can rust, you can easily fend off the dreaded rust monster. Their top-notch materials, regular seasoning, good cleaning habits, and a trusty cover all team up to keep rust at bay

But like any steel gear, it can rust if you’re careless. Is Your Blackstone Griddle Flaking? Find out more about this common issue and how to prevent it.

Rust: A Costly Enemy for Your Griddle

Stopping rust isn’t just about looks; it’s a pocketbook issue too. Rust messes with your griddle’s performance, from uneven heating to food sticking. Worst-case? It can create holes in the surface.

Preventing rust saves you cash in the long run. Replacing a rusted Blackstone isn’t cheap. So, a little anti-rust TLC keeps your griddle cooking longer and your wallet happier.

Keep Rust at Bay: Your Quick Guide

One of the most common questions we get is how to clean a Blackstone griddle properly to prevent rust and maintain its performance.

Step 1: Clean and Dry

First up, clean your griddle after every use. Stick to griddle cleanser or mix mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth to avoid scratches. After rinsing, dry it right away to dodge rust buildup.

Step 2: Add a Protective Layer

Keep rust away with a protective coat. Use Blackstone’s own griddle conditioner or cast iron seasoning. Put on a thin layer right after cleaning, while the griddle’s still warm. This barrier keeps moisture from touching the griddle surface, helping you sidestep rust.

Smart Hacks for Stopping Rust Long-Term

  1. Double-Season

Blackstone advises seasoning your griddle before and after each clean. Heat it till it smokes, then rub on some oil. This creates a rust-fighting, nonstick layer.

  1. Smart Storage

Keep your griddle indoors, in a cool and dry spot. If outdoor storage is a must, opt for a top-notch, waterproof cover.

By following these simple tips and doing regular upkeep, you’ll keep your griddle looking fresh and functional for years.

Store your Blackstone Griddle Inside

Blackstone griddles and other outdoor tools can be broken by bad weather. Storms, floods, and snow all cause rust, rusting, and broken machines

How to get the griddle ready to use inside? How to make the most of the room you have? And why air flow is important?

In a basement or other closed area, it’s easy and safe to store your grill. There are ways to save room for indoor storage. To make the most of vertical room, use shelves or additional stacked bins.

Don’t forget about air. If you don’t have enough air flow, storing a Blackstone griddle inside can be dangerous.

CAN YOU USE A BLACKSTONE IN THE WINTER?

Absolutely, you can fire up your Blackstone griddle during the winter chill. Just keep in mind, when the mercury takes a dip, you might need to tweak your grilling plan a bit.

Winter Grilling: Blackstone Griddles in the Cold

Winter grilling is doable with a Blackstone griddle. However, cold weather has its challenges: 

First, it takes longer for your griddle to heat up, affecting both cooking time and food quality. It does pose challenges to  keeping the flame burning in cold weather with propane grilling.

Second, the cold can make the griddle surface shrink. This might lead to warping or even cracking if you’re not careful.

So, what to do? Well, plan for extra warm-up time before you start cooking. This ensures your griddle hits the right cooking temp, even in the chill. 

Also, consider using a windscreen. It helps keep the cooking surface at a steady temperature. With these tweaks, winter grilling can be a breeze.

Winter Care Tips for Blackstone Griddle

Cold weather grilling with your Blackstone? No problem! But you’ve got to heat things up first. Crank up the griddle to high to offset the chill, letting it hit the right temp.

To trap heat and shield from snow, invest in a griddle lid. A temperature gauge is your pal here—it helps you keep cooking even when it’s frosty.

Clean-up matters even more in the winter. Wipe off any leftover food to prevent freezing on the griddle surface. Before tucking it away, make sure it’s bone dry to avoid rust.

For outdoor storage, a quality griddle cover is a must-have. Even better, store it under a shelter to keep snow and ice at bay. Do all this, and your griddle will be spring-ready, even after a tough winter.

HOW THE WEATHER AFFECTS BLACKSTONE GRIDDLES

The weather can throw a wrench into your plans for using your Blackstone griddle and grilling outdoors, but if you’re prepared, you can still come out on top.

Weather Woes

Rain and your griddle? Not a great mix. Wet conditions fast-track rust. Your griddle doesn’t like high humidity either; it makes rusting quicker and surface wear inevitable.

Temperature swings are another culprit. They can cause your griddle to expand or shrink, leading to cracks or warping. This is especially dicey in places with harsh winters and scorching summers.

So, the weather’s not just small talk—it’s big business when it comes to keeping your griddle in top shape. Keep an eye on the sky and know when to take cover!

Shield Your Griddle: Weather-Proofing Your Blackstone

As I mentioned earlier, you’d better get a cover. Griddle shields keep rain, snow, and sun at bay. They’re your first line of defence against weather woes. For extra safety, stow your griddle in a shed or garage if you can

Weather also dictates your care routine. Wet or humid? Make sure to dry your griddle fully to avoid rust. Hot and arid? You’ll need to oil your griddle more often to prevent cracks.

In short, the right cover and regular upkeep are your griddle’s best pals against the elements. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have a trusty griddle come rain or shine.

WRAPPING UP

The choice to store your Blackstone griddle outdoors hinges on the protective steps you can take. Sure, it’s handy and space-saving, but it also exposes your griddle to weather risks. Think it through.

Rust prevention is key to a griddle’s lifespan. Clean, dry, and coat your griddle regularly to keep it in top shape. Adapt your care habits to the weather, and don’t forget that griddle cover.

Even in winter, your Blackstone can perform well. Just preheat properly and manage the temperature. With the right care, your griddle’s got a long, tasty life ahead.

  • Delilah Joe Douard

    Delilah Joe Douard, the passionate founder of Camping Harmony, is a 30-year-old outdoor enthusiast. Despite the common misconception that outdoor activities might be more suitable for men, Delilah has embraced her love for nature and actively encourages other women to do the same.