What Is a Blackstone Griddle Made Of
If you own a Blackstone griddle—or you’re thinking about buying one—you’ve probably wondered what it’s actually made of. It looks heavy, solid, and industrial. It heats differently than a regular grill. It rusts if left unprotected. It gets better with seasoning.
So what exactly is a Blackstone griddle made of?
The short answer: a Blackstone griddle is primarily made of cold-rolled steel for the cooking surface, with a powder-coated steel frame and stainless steel components depending on the model.
But that simple answer doesn’t explain why it performs the way it does. To really understand how a Blackstone works—and how to maintain it—you need to understand the materials behind it.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Table of Contents
The Cooking Surface: Cold-Rolled Steel – What Is a Blackstone Griddle Made Of
The most important part of any Blackstone griddle is the flat cooking top. This surface is made from cold-rolled steel, not stainless steel and not factory non-stick coated metal.
Why cold-rolled steel?
Cold-rolled steel is:
- Extremely durable
- Excellent at retaining heat
- Ideal for seasoning
- Capable of developing a natural non-stick surface
Unlike aluminum or thin sheet metal, cold-rolled steel holds and distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface. That’s why you can cook pancakes on one side and sear steak on the other without dramatic temperature swings.
Griddle Cover for Blackstone 36″ Griddle
Why It’s Not Stainless Steel
Many people assume the cooking surface is stainless steel because the body often looks shiny. It is not.
Stainless steel:
- Resists rust naturally
- Does not require seasoning
- Does not build a polymerized non-stick layer easily
Blackstone intentionally uses carbon steel (cold-rolled steel) because it seasons like cast iron. When properly maintained, it develops a dark, hardened cooking surface that improves over time.
The tradeoff? It will rust if neglected.
Thickness of the Cooking Plate
Blackstone griddle tops are typically:
- Around 7-gauge steel (varies by model)
- Thick enough to resist warping under high heat
That thickness is why:
- Heat spreads evenly
- The surface doesn’t flex during cooking
- Temperature remains stable even when cold food is added
This heavy steel plate is one of the main reasons Blackstone griddles feel solid and commercial-grade.
The Frame and Body
The body and frame of a Blackstone griddle are usually made from:
- Powder-coated steel
- Painted steel
- Occasionally stainless steel components
The powder coating helps protect the exterior from weather exposure. However, unlike stainless steel, it can chip if scratched hard enough.
This is why covers are important for long-term outdoor storage.
Burners and Heat Components
Under the griddle plate, you’ll find:
- Stainless steel burners
- Propane gas lines
- Regulator and valve system
The burners are designed to distribute flame evenly under the steel surface. Because the cooking plate is thick, the flame doesn’t directly contact food—heat transfers through the steel first.
That’s part of why Blackstone griddles are excellent for:
- Searing
- Smash burgers
- Breakfast cooking
- Stir fry
Grease Management System
Modern Blackstone models include a rear or side grease management system. This system is typically made of:
- Steel channeling
- Removable grease cup
The grease tray itself is not stainless steel in most models, so it should be emptied regularly to prevent corrosion.
High Smoke Point Oil for Blackstone Griddle (Best Options & Why They Matter)
Why the Steel Rusts (And Why That’s Normal)
Because the cooking surface is cold-rolled carbon steel, it contains iron. Iron reacts with oxygen and moisture. That reaction causes rust.
This is not a flaw—it’s simply the nature of steel.
The reason this isn’t a problem is because seasoning protects it. When you apply high smoke-point oil and heat it properly, the oil bonds to the steel and creates a protective layer.
Some users prefer using a formulated conditioner like Blackstone Griddle Seasoning & Cast Iron Conditioner because it’s engineered specifically to bond to this type of steel and reduce uneven buildup.
But standard high smoke-point oils also work well when applied properly.
How the Material Affects Cooking
Because of its steel construction, a Blackstone griddle behaves differently than:
- Non-stick pans
- Stainless steel grills
- Aluminum flat tops
Cold-rolled steel:
- Holds heat longer
- Recovers temperature quickly
- Develops natural non-stick properties
- Improves with repeated use
This is why many professional kitchens use steel flat tops instead of coated surfaces.
Is a Blackstone Griddle Cast Iron?
No.
Although it behaves similarly to cast iron once seasoned, it is not cast iron. Cast iron is thicker and heavier, and it’s molded differently.
Blackstone uses rolled steel instead of cast iron because:
- It heats faster
- It weighs less than cast iron
- It is more resistant to cracking
The cooking experience feels similar, but the materials are different.
How Long Does the Steel Last?
When properly maintained, the steel surface can last for many years—often a decade or more.
Longevity depends on:
- Proper seasoning
- Regular oiling after cooking
- Keeping moisture off the surface
- Using a protective cover
Steel does not “wear out” easily. Most issues come from rust due to neglect, not material failure.
What About Stainless Steel Blackstone Models?
Some Blackstone models advertise stainless steel construction. In most cases, this refers to:
- Exterior panels
- Side shelves
- Burner covers
The cooking plate itself is still cold-rolled steel in nearly all models.
Stainless steel exteriors improve durability and appearance but do not change how the cooking surface behaves.
How to Protect the Materials
Because of the steel construction:
After every cook:
- Scrape food residue while warm
- Wipe clean
- Apply a thin oil coat
During storage:
- Use a fitted griddle cover
- Avoid leaving it exposed to rain or humidity
These simple steps preserve both the cooking surface and the powder-coated body.
Why Blackstone Chose Steel Instead of Non-Stick Coating
Non-stick coatings:
- Wear down over time
- Scratch easily
- Cannot be restored
Cold-rolled steel:
- Can be re-seasoned
- Can be restored after rust
- Improves over time
This design choice makes Blackstone griddles more durable long term, even though they require a little maintenance.
Final Thoughts
So what is a Blackstone griddle made of?
Primarily:
- Cold-rolled steel cooking surface
- Powder-coated steel body
- Stainless steel burner components
That steel top is the heart of the griddle. It’s why Blackstone cooks differently from a traditional grill. It’s why seasoning matters. And it’s why, when maintained properly, the cooking surface actually improves with age.
Understanding the material helps you:
- Maintain it properly
- Avoid rust problems
- Season it correctly
- Cook more confidently
Blackstone didn’t choose steel by accident. It’s what makes the griddle perform the way it does.
