How to Clean a Rusty Flat Top Grill (Rusty Blackstone Griddle)

Need to know how to fix a rusty flat top grill? I was visiting my brother-in-law recently, and his Blackstone griddle was rusty, dirty, and in need of some TLC. Watch as I show you how to remove rust from a griddle so that it’s in tip-top shape and ready to cook on again.

Start by turning your flat top grill on to a low setting and add some water to the surface. The hot surface of the grill and the water will create a steaming effect which helps to loosen the dirt and grime on the griddle. Use paper towels or a rag to wipe down your griddle surface. Then, turn off the grill and let it cool back down.

If there is a lot of rust, you may need to use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly brush the rusty areas. I used a drywall sanding tool, because that’s all that I had available to use.

Then, if your flat top grill is rusty and dirty like my brother-in-law’s, you can add soapy water to the surface to help remove the rust and built up grime. Give the surface, outside, and inside edges a good washing with a soapy rag. Then, use a damp paper towel or rag to remove the excess soap.

Dry the griddle surface and outside/inside edges thoroughly with a clean rag or paper towel - I like to use paper towels for this. Then, add a very thin coat of oil to the flat top grill, turn the grill on low, and let the oil heat to its smoke point.

You’ll notice that the flat top grill surface will start to smoke. Let it continue to smoke for about 5-8 minutes, or until the smoke starts to subside. Then, turn off the grill and let it cool back down. Then, add another thin coat of oil, and bring the grill up to the smoke point again. Allow to smoke for another 5-8 minutes (or until the smoke starts to lessen), and then turn off the griddle and let it cool down again.

Repeat these steps as needed. *You can also watch my video “How to Reseason Your Flat Top Grill” for more detailed instructions on this process.

Then, your rusty flat top grill should be as good as new!
@campchef @BlackstoneGriddles
#griddlecooking #rustygriddle #reseason #flattopgrill #blackstonegriddle #blackstone

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[PattyCakeJake]

I’ve cleaned up my griddle twice with these steps. I live in Wisconsin and the cold winters make it hard to use on a regular basis. This process works really well. Just cleaned it up today and plan to make some smash burgers tomorrow night!

[HoosierCarnivore]

Soap is actually fine. Modern soap doesn't contain Lye which is what dissolves the seasoning from griddles or cast iron pans. Vinegar is great for rust removal. Gets it out of the pits. Good video!

[johndubinsky]

OMG thank you just went thru helene down her and my blackstone looks about the same! Fixing it tonight!

[KnDFlips]

Hopefully Bro-inlaw shelled out for some good grub to go on the flat top since you did the hard work for him! Lol....good man for showing him how to re-season. I'm a Weber nerd and have talked a lot of my family and friends into buying a Weber kettle or gasser only to find out the next time we visit that the grates are rusted over, old wet ash in the bowl...etc. I do the same, get it back in cooking shape and tell them how to keep it clean. Thanks for the videos, we won a 4 burner Blue Rhino Razor 3.5 yrs ago that is still in the box in the garage. I loaded up on accessories at Christmas, and will put it together and fire it up in the next few weeks. Cheers!

[johnmccaffery]

Good stuff man, glad I did mine right. Thanks for all your help!

[artespop]

Your brother in law definitely loves you

[antonioalmaguer]

Thanks buddy so you recommend me to clean it while it’s hot right like put soap and water while it’s hot not very hot but at least have it turned on. I don’t have one of those Blackstone ones I have a grill. I think it’s called a grill grill I’ll send you a picture.

[truthseeker]

Thanks! I just reseasoned mine and my Blackstone label and back creases looked bare just like yours. I'm more confident I did it right after watching your vid.

[paulsimmonsiii]

I live in STL Mo. I just bought a Blackstone. I have used it three times in a month. I have seasoned it well. It keeps forming rust spots being covered. My guess is the humidity. Will one of those silicone covers help me out?

[salmartin]

I almost went to extreme measures, i only used one burner the damage is minimal thank you FTK

[slngblde]

Mine was a lot worse than that when I got it, it was all rust. It had been outside uncovered for about 2 years.
That’s how I got it for $30. I knew it was salvageable.
A good bit of it scraped off then I put a wire wheel on one of my grinders and basically buffed off the rust. There are some pitted spots but it works as new now.

[waynethebarber]

I love your videos! You do so much for us... Thanks!
So what happens if you do warp your grill top from to much heat. Can you fill us in on how to live with a warped griddle? And tell us how to check the top, and how bad is a warp is? Thanks !!!

[bettystanford]

Thank you so much for making this video I didn’t do it right the first time all I got was black on the rags thanks again

[SarahHernandez-zvol]

We were just gifted a Blackstone that a neighbor didn't use anymore - likely because the rust is so extreme, to a point where the surface is dented. Can it still be restored even though it won't have a flat surface?

[jimcorman]

I inherited a 36" blackstone griddle that I just reseasoned. I noticed on Amazon they have wind screens for the gap between the griddle top and the base. Would these even out the griddle temp, or are they just a waste of time and money.

[pierrebedard]

Is it dangerous to have rust in the surround of the cooking surface?

[terryriley]

Is your griddle supposed to be a smooth surface, or should it have a kind of sorta rough texture surface???

[Taurine]

Similar topic/issue. Before getting a propane flat top, I’ve been practicing my flat top cooks on a ARTEFLAME 22" Griddle for my charcoal Weber. Given that you can easily adjust the heat on a propane system, how would you scrub down and reseason a charcoal-based griddle? My 22” flat top griddle in my Weber kettle looks just as bad as your in-laws!

[thomasj]

Question Sir !! At the end when you try the eggs on the new surface (9:40). On the bottom right corner I see a number of brown spots. What is that ? Cause I see them in mine from time to time. A few times a few small ones seemed to pop out after I scrape it. I continue to scrape and it almost seems like some a little pocket of residue is under the seasoning. Which surprised me cause I always feel I scrape/clean it to much while I cook. I almost get the feeling my scraper is to wide/straight where as my griddle may not be perfectly flat possibly leaving small amount that doesn't get scraped up. Sorry so long !!

[malibujoe]

I have question sir.
I have a camp chef 600 that have not used yet. Can I remove the four flame defectors under the grill part of the camp chef, as im just planning on only using the flat top and not the grilling grate. Are these heat shield s nessary to prevent warping?