Problems With the Blackstone Griddle
😩 “What’s Wrong With My Blackstone?” — I Asked Myself This Last Weekend
If you’ve been griddling for a while, you’ve probably faced one of those annoying moments when your Blackstone just doesn’t cooperate.
Maybe it’s not heating evenly.
Maybe it’s starting to rust.
Maybe the ignition just won’t click anymore.
I’ve been there. More than once. And I know how frustrating it can be — especially when you’re hungry and ready to cook.
So I put together this guide to help you fix the most common problems with the Blackstone griddle… fast.
Here are 7 real issues, their causes, and simple DIY fixes that you can try today, without calling a repair guy or replacing your griddle.
Blackstone Griddle Seasoning Issues – What You’re Doing Wrong
High Heat Grill Oil for Seasoning
Blackstone Griddle Cover – Waterproof and Heavy Duty
Table of Contents
🔧 1. Uneven Heating on the Griddle Surface
Symptoms: One side cooks faster than the other. Hot spots and cold spots.
What’s going wrong?
This usually happens when burners are clogged or the griddle top isn’t sitting evenly on the frame.
Fix it today:
- Turn off the griddle and let it cool completely
- Remove the griddle top and clean the burners using a soft brush or toothpick
- Check for grease or food blocking the flame ports
- Ensure the griddle surface is sitting level on the frame
- Test all burners for a full flame
🔥 2. Igniter Not Clicking or Sparking
Symptoms: No spark, no flame, clicking sound is weak or absent.
Why does it happen?
The battery in the igniter might be dead, wires could be loose, or the igniter tip is dirty or misaligned.
Quick Fix:
- Unscrew the igniter button and replace the AA battery
- Check all wire connections inside the control panel
- Clean the igniter electrode with sandpaper
- Ensure the electrode tip is 2–4 mm away from the burner
If the igniter still won’t spark after all this, consider replacing it.
🌧️ 3. Rust on the Griddle Surface
Symptoms: Orange patches, brown streaks, flaky areas
What’s happening?
Moisture exposure + lack of seasoning = rust. Even a few drops of rain can ruin a flat top.
Fix it like this:
- Heat griddle on high for 10–15 mins
- Use a metal scraper to remove rust flakes
- Scrub the surface using a grill stone or pumice block
- Wipe clean, then reseason with oil (repeat 3–4 times)
🔥 4. Low Flame Even at High Setting
Symptoms: Weak flame, low heat, poor cooking power
Common cause:
Regulator issues or a tripped safety mechanism in the propane tank.
Here’s the fix:
- Turn off the griddle and propane tank
- Disconnect the regulator, wait 1–2 minutes
- Reconnect and open the propane slowly
- Then light the griddle again
Still not strong? Replace the regulator.
Blackstone Regulator and Hose Replacement
🧼 5. Sticky Griddle Surface After Cooking
Symptoms: Food sticks, surface feels gummy or uneven
Why does it happen?
Too much oil is used during seasoning, or not enough heat is used during the process.
How to fix it:
- Scrape off the sticky layer with a griddle scraper
- Reheat and apply a very thin oil layer
- Let it smoke until it stops — then repeat 2–3 times
Thin coats, high heat = smooth, non-stick finish
🧯 6. Griddle Smells Like Gas
Symptoms: Strong propane odor, even when burners are off
Warning: This is a serious safety issue.
Possible cause:
Loose hose connection or leaking regulator.
Emergency fix:
- Turn off the propane tank immediately
- Use soapy water and brush around the hose connections and the regulator
- If you see bubbles, it means there is = leak
- Tighten the connection or replace damaged parts
Blackstone Replacement Propane Hose and Regulator Kit
Never ignore a gas smell. Safety first!
⚙️ 7. Griddle Doesn’t Get Hot Enough
Symptoms: Can’t reach high temps for searing or stir-fry
Why does this happen?
Usually due to clogged burners, wind interference, or regulator failure
Simple Fixes:
- Clean burner tubes using a soft wire
- Cook in a sheltered area — wind can blow flames
- Replace old propane tank (low pressure)
- Upgrade to a high-flow regulator if needed
🛠️ Summary Table – Quick Glance
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven heating | Dirty burners or uneven surface | Clean burners, level the griddle |
| Igniter not clicking | Dead battery or misalignment | Replace the battery, adjust the electrode |
| Replace the battery, adjust the electrode | Moisture + no seasoning | Replace the battery, adjust electrode |
| Low flame | Safety lock or faulty regulator | Reset propane, replace regulator |
| Sticky cooking surface | Over-oiling, underheating | Scrape and reseason properly |
| Gas smell | Loose hose or leak | Clean burner, block the wind, replace propane |
| Not hot enough | Clogged burner or wind | Scrape rust, reseason the surface |
🛒 Must-Have Tools for Quick Repairs
💬 Final Thoughts – Don’t Toss It, Fix It!
Most of the problems with the Blackstone griddle are simple and totally fixable — often in under 30 minutes.
So before you get frustrated, remember:
You don’t need to replace your griddle. You just need to understand it.
Fix it. Clean it. Care for it, and you’ll keep enjoying backyard cookouts for years to come.
