Griddling is an art. Like any art form, it takes practice to perfect. To prove this theory, we're counting down the top Beginner Mistakes Using the Blackstone Griddle. I’ve encountered plenty of hurdles during 5 years of griddle ownership. Some may call them mistakes. However, I prefer to think of them as "happy accidents," just like Bob Ross used to say. Let’s dive in and learn how you can avoid them to make better meals on yours.
Jump to:
- Beginner Mistake #10: Not Paying Attention to Heat Distribution on the Blackstone
- Beginner Mistake #9: Not Pressing Smash Burgers Enough on the Griddle
- Beginner Mistake #8: Being Unaware of Zone Cooking
- Beginner Mistake #7: Not Utilizing a Cover
- Beginner Mistake #6: Worrying Over Oils for the Blackstone Griddle
- Beginner Mistake #5: Preheating Your Griddle on High
- Beginner Mistake #4: Not Prepping Your Food Ahead of Time
- Beginner Mistake #3: Cooking Food in the Wrong Order
- Beginner Mistake #2: Touching Your Food Too Much
- Beginner Mistake #1: Not Controlling the Temperature
- Wrapping It Up
Beginner Mistake #10: Not Paying Attention to Heat Distribution on the Blackstone
One of the first lessons I learned was about the heat distribution on the sides of the griddle. With four burners putting out serious heat, it’s easy to forget that the area around the griddle can get scorching hot. I’ve melted more than a few plastic bottles and bowls that were too close to the edge.
The Solution:
You'll want to pay attention to the output of heat from your griddle. It's also a good idea to keep your cooking tools and ingredients away from the sides to avoid this common blunder.
Beginner Mistake #9: Not Pressing Smash Burgers Enough on the Griddle
If you're a burger lover, you know that the secret to a great smash burger is to press it down thin enough. I often didn’t press down hard enough, which meant I missed out on that delicious crust and juicy flavor that comes from cooking them in their own fat.
The Solution:
Whether you use a weight or just two spatulas, make sure to flatten those burgers! Also pay attention to the weight of the meat. I was using copious amount of beef. Now I like to use 2.5 to 3 oz balls to create my burgers.
For more information on the prevention of smash burger mistakes, check out this video: Top 10 Smash Burger Mistakes for Beginner Griddlers
Beginner Mistake #8: Being Unaware of Zone Cooking
Utilizing the four burners effectively is crucial. Initially, I thought they all needed to be set to the same temperature. I quickly figured out this is not the case. It didn't occur to me to keep one side lower for eggs while using higher heat on another side for bacon or pancakes.
The Solution:
This technique, known as zone cooking, helps maximize your cooking efficiency and ensures that everything finishes at the right time. Learn everything you can about this unique technique and how it can strengthen your ability to cook a variety of different items.
If you still need a bit more help, my explanation of what to cook on your griddle and at what temperature may be of use.
Beginner Mistake #7: Not Utilizing a Cover
Exposure to the elements can lead to rust on your Blackstone. It will not ruin the griddle, however you will have to sand it down and re-season it. This is not only tedious, it also can become costly.
The Solution:
Don’t underestimate the importance of a good cover for your griddle. A quality cover protects your griddle and extends its lifespan. Invest in one to keep your griddle in top condition!
Interested in more then just a cover for your griddle? In this video, I cover three essential accessories you should consider purchasing to protect your Blackstone.
Beginner Mistake #6: Worrying Over Oils for the Blackstone Griddle
When I first started, I was overwhelmed by the debate over which oil to use. Should I use avocado or grapeseed? Should I just stick with vegetable? Different websites tell you different things. This can lead you down a rabbit hole trying to figure it out.
The Solution:
Here’s the truth: use what you have! Vegetable or canola oil from your kitchen works perfectly for cooking and seasoning your griddle. Don’t stress over the oil—just get cooking! Presently, my favorite is avocado because it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
This video about other oils I enjoy cooking with will also help narrow things down.
Beginner Mistake #5: Preheating Your Griddle on High
Another rookie mistake is preheating your griddle on high. It’s tempting to crank it up, thinking it’ll get hot faster. However, this can warp your griddle and create temperatures that are too high for cooking.
The Solution:
It's recommended to preheat your Blackstone Griddle on medium-low to begin with. If you feel the need to kick it up a notch, gradually increase the heat as needed. This will prevent your griddle from any heat damage that can occur.
Beginner Mistake #4: Not Prepping Your Food Ahead of Time
If your griddle is outside and your ingredients are inside, you’ll find yourself running back and forth. This can cause delays in your cooking time and result in a chaotic experience for everyone.
The Solution:
Proper preparation is key! Have everything prepped, organized, and within reach before cooking starts. Whether it’s using ramekins or a simple sheet pan, having everything ready to use can save you plenty of hassle.
Beginner Mistake #3: Cooking Food in the Wrong Order
Cooking food in the wrong order will result in plenty of mishaps as your cooking. For example, if you cook your eggs (over easy) before you cook your bacon, the eggs will turn hard while waiting for the bacon to finish. The order in which you cook your food matters!
The Solution:
Research which food item you should cook first. Here's a little hint: the items that take the longest are usually the first ones to start with.
For example, when making breakfast, I learned to always put the bacon, followed by meat, and save eggs for last. This way, everything is hot and ready to serve at the same time. Remember: meat first, then potatoes, followed by eggs and veggies.
The chart above has been taken from my free ebook and can be used as cheatsheet. To receive the entire ebook, sign up for my weekly griddle newsletter!
Beginner Mistake #2: Touching Your Food Too Much
It’s tempting to keep flipping and moving food around, especially on a griddle. I made this mistake with my potatoes, thinking it would help them cook better. Moving food around actually increases their cooking time and can result in the uneven distribution of heat.
The Solution:
Try to resist touching and moving the items on the griddle. Letting them sit allows for that beautiful browning and crispiness. It will also give them adequate time to cook. The same goes for steak and burgers—give them time to sear!
Beginner Mistake #1: Not Controlling the Temperature
Finally, the biggest mistake I made was relying solely on the knob settings for temperature. These settings can vary significantly between different griddles, conditions, and seasons. If you aren't careful, your meal can result in pancakes and eggs that are over and under cooked.
The Solution:
Invest in a good infrared thermometer to measure your cooking surface accurately. Knowing your temperature is key to cooking everything perfectly without burning or undercooking.
Blackstone Temp Control 101 is also a post you should read for more information on controlling temperature. Also check out my video on Griddle Temperature Controls Explained for Beginners.
Get 10% off my favorite thermometer when you use the code Johnny10
Wrapping It Up
Griddling can be a fantastic way to create delicious meals. However, it does come with its own set of challenges. By learning from these happy accidents, you can elevate your griddling game and impress your friends and family with perfectly cooked meals. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep on griddling!
If you’re looking for more tips and recipes, check out my Griddle 101 E-book. Happy griddling!
Comments
No Comments