If your Blackstone griddle keeps turning off during cooking, it can be both annoying and confusing. One minute everything is heating perfectly, and the next minute the flame goes out, food stops cooking, and you’re left wondering what went wrong. This issue often feels serious, but in reality, most shutdown problems are caused by simple, fixable issues.
In this article, we’ll break down why a Blackstone griddle keeps turning off and explain safe, practical solutions you can apply right away—without damaging your griddle.
Table of Contents
🔍 Why Does a Blackstone Griddle Keeps Turning Off?
A Blackstone griddle turns off when gas flow is interrupted, safety mechanisms activate, or external conditions affect the flame. This can happen suddenly, especially during longer cooking sessions.
Let’s go through the most common reasons and how to fix each one.
1️⃣ Propane Regulator Safety Lock Triggered
This is the number one reason a Blackstone griddle keeps shutting off. The propane regulator has a built-in safety feature that restricts gas flow if it senses a pressure issue.
Common causes:
- opening the propane tank valve too fast
- sudden flame changes
- reconnecting the tank incorrectly
✅ What Actually Works
Turn off all burner knobs. Close the propane tank valve completely and disconnect the regulator. Wait one to two minutes, reconnect it securely, then slowly open the tank valve before lighting the burners again.
If this problem happens repeatedly, replacing the regulator often provides a permanent solution.
2️⃣ Propane Tank Running Low or Faulty
A nearly empty propane tank can cause inconsistent gas flow. As pressure drops, the flame may go out entirely, especially when multiple burners are running.
Signs:
- flame weakens before shutting off
- griddle works briefly, then stops
- problem worsens during longer cooks
✅ What Actually Works
Check your propane level and switch to a full tank if needed. Sometimes the tank itself is faulty, so testing with another tank helps confirm the issue.
3️⃣ Wind Blowing Out the Flame
Outdoor conditions play a huge role in flame stability. Strong wind can blow directly across the burners, extinguishing the flame even though gas is still flowing.
Signs:
- griddle shuts off mostly on windy days
- one side goes out first
- flame flickers before turning off
✅ What Actually Works
Cook in a wind-protected area or shield the burners. Using griddle wind guards helps block airflow, maintain flame stability, and prevent sudden shutdowns.
4️⃣ Overheating and Safety Shutoff
If grease buildup, blocked airflow, or poor ventilation causes excess heat under the griddle, safety systems may shut the burners down to prevent damage.
Signs:
- shutdown happens after long cooking sessions
- excessive heat under the griddle
- grease tray very full
✅ What Actually Works
Keep the grease tray clean and avoid letting grease overflow. Make sure air vents are not blocked and allow airflow under the griddle body.
5️⃣ Burner or Gas Line Blockage
Grease, carbon buildup, or debris inside burner tubes can restrict gas flow, causing flames to sputter and shut off.
Signs:
- uneven flame before shutdown
- burner won’t relight easily
- popping or hissing sounds
✅ What Actually Works
Turn off gas and allow the griddle to cool. Remove the griddle top and inspect burner tubes. Clean gently with a brush or compressed air to restore proper gas flow.
6️⃣ Moisture or Rain Exposure
Moisture can interfere with gas flow and flame stability, especially if the griddle was left uncovered in rain or high humidity.
Signs:
- problem appears after rain
- burners take longer to relight
- shutdown happens suddenly
✅ What Actually Works
Allow the griddle to dry completely before use. Store it covered when not in use to prevent moisture buildup.
7️⃣ Loose Connections or Improper Setup
Loose hose connections or misaligned components can interrupt gas flow during cooking.
✅ What Actually Works
Check all hose connections, ensure the regulator is firmly attached, and confirm the griddle is assembled correctly and sitting level.
🔥 How to Prevent Your Blackstone from Turning Off Again
- always open propane tank valve slowly
- check propane level before cooking
- block wind exposure
- clean burners and grease tray regularly
- store the griddle covered
- inspect connections periodically
Preventive care makes shutdown issues rare.
❓ When Should You Be Concerned?
You should stop using the griddle and inspect it further if:
- you smell gas
- flames go out repeatedly without wind
- shutdown happens immediately after lighting
- burners won’t relight
In such cases, replacing the regulator or checking gas components is usually the fix.
Blackstone Griddle Uneven Heat – Reasons & Fixes
⭐ Final Thoughts
If your Blackstone griddle keeps turning off, it doesn’t mean the griddle is defective. Most shutdown issues are related to propane pressure, wind, fuel supply, or maintenance habits. Once these problems are corrected, your griddle will run smoothly and safely for long cooking sessions.
Understanding how gas flow and outdoor conditions affect your griddle gives you better control—and more enjoyable cooking every time.
