Seeing rust on your Blackstone griddle can be alarming—especially if you’ve invested good money in it and take pride in your outdoor cooking setup. The truth is, rust on a Blackstone griddle is very common, and in most cases, it’s completely fixable at home. Rust doesn’t mean your griddle is ruined. It simply means the protective seasoning layer has been compromised.
In this guide, you’ll learn a safe, proven rust removal method that restores your Blackstone griddle without damaging the cooking surface. No harsh chemicals, no risky shortcuts—just the right steps that actually work.
Table of Contents
🔍 Why Does a Blackstone Griddle Rust?
Blackstone griddles are made of cold-rolled steel, not stainless steel. Steel naturally rusts when exposed to moisture and oxygen without proper protection.
Common reasons rust appears include:
- leaving the griddle exposed to rain or humidity
- improper or thin seasoning
- storing the griddle without a cover
- washing with water and not drying properly
- long periods of non-use
Rust may look scary, but surface rust is normal and reversible.
⚠️ Is It Safe to Cook on a Rusty Griddle?
No. You should never cook directly on a rusty griddle. Rust can:
- affect food taste
- damage seasoning further
- spread quickly if ignored
The good news is that once rust is removed and the griddle is re-seasoned, it’s perfectly safe to use again.
🛠 Safe Rust Removal Method (Step-by-Step)
This method removes rust without harming the steel and prepares the surface for proper re-seasoning.
1️⃣ Heat the Griddle First
Turn your Blackstone griddle on HIGH for 10–15 minutes. This loosens rust, dries trapped moisture, and makes scraping easier.
Turn off the burners and let the surface cool slightly—but keep it warm.
2️⃣ Scrape Off Loose Rust (Gently)
Use a metal scraper to remove visible rust flakes and loose buildup. Do not worry about scratching—the steel surface is designed for scraping.
Work in smooth motions and focus only on rusty areas. Avoid aggressive grinding that removes healthy steel.
A dedicated flat-top griddle scraper makes this step easier and more controlled.
3️⃣ Use Light Abrasion for Stubborn Rust
For rust that doesn’t come off easily:
- use a grill stone or fine steel wool
- scrub gently in circular motions
- do not use power tools or harsh sanding discs
The goal is to remove rust, not thin the steel.
4️⃣ Wipe and Clean the Surface
Once rust is removed:
- wipe the surface with dry paper towels
- remove all dust and residue
- do not wash with water at this stage
The griddle should now look bare and clean.
🔥 Re-Season the Griddle (Critical Step)
Removing rust exposes raw steel, which must be protected immediately.
5️⃣ Apply a Thin Layer of Oil
Turn the burners back on to medium heat. Add a very small amount of high-smoke-point oil and spread it evenly across the surface using a paper towel.
The oil layer should be extremely thin—no pooling.
Using a griddle-specific seasoning oil helps create a strong protective coating and reduces future rust risk.
👉 This is a natural place to add your Amazon link for Blackstone seasoning oil.
6️⃣ Heat Until Oil Smokes Off
Let the oil heat until it smokes and burns off completely. This creates a polymerized layer that seals the steel.
Repeat this process 2–3 times for best protection.
🔒 How to Prevent Rust from Coming Back
Once your griddle is restored, prevention is key.
✔ Always oil lightly after cooking
A thin oil coat protects against moisture.
✔ Clean while the griddle is warm
Warm surfaces clean easier and dry faster.
✔ Store with a cover
Rain and humidity are rust’s best friends.
✔ Avoid water exposure
If water is used, dry immediately and re-oil.
✔ Use the griddle regularly
Frequent cooking keeps seasoning strong.
❌ What NOT to Do When Removing Rust
Avoid these common mistakes:
- using harsh chemicals or oven cleaner
- soaking the griddle in water
- using power grinders
- applying thick oil layers
- ignoring small rust spots
These mistakes can permanently damage the griddle.
❓ When Is Rust a Serious Problem?
Rust becomes serious only if:
- deep pitting is visible
- steel flakes off
- large areas are severely corroded
In most home cases, rust is surface-level and fully recoverable.
⭐ Final Thoughts
A Blackstone griddle rusting is not the end of your griddle—it’s simply a sign that the seasoning needs attention. With the safe rust removal method outlined above, you can restore your griddle to like-new condition in under an hour.
Once cleaned and re-seasoned correctly, your Blackstone will cook better, resist rust, and last for years.
Blackstone Griddle Smoking Too Much? Simple Fixes That Actually Work
