What Utensils to Use on Blackstone

Why Your Utensil Choice Matters for Blackstone Griddles

Blackstone griddles feature a cold-rolled steel cooking surface. This material requires specific care to maintain its seasoning layer and prevent damage. The wrong utensils scratch the surface, strip the seasoning, and create rust problems.

Metal utensils work best on Blackstone griddles. The steel surface handles metal tools without damage. Plastic and silicone utensils melt at high temperatures. Wood utensils burn and splinter. Metal tools provide durability, heat resistance, and effective food handling.

The seasoning layer on your griddle creates a non-stick surface through polymerized oil. Metal utensils preserve this layer better than alternatives. Proper utensil selection extends your griddle’s lifespan and improves cooking performance.

Best Metal Utensils for Blackstone Griddles

Stainless Steel Spatulas

Stainless steel spatulas rank as the top choice for Blackstone cooking. These tools resist rust, handle high heat, and provide excellent scraping power.

Key features of quality stainless steel spatulas:

• Beveled edge for sliding under food
• 4-6 inch wide blade for large cooking areas
• Long handle (12-15 inches) for heat protection
• Rigid construction for pressing and chopping

The beveled edge cuts through stuck food without gouging the surface. A wide blade moves multiple items at once. Long handles keep your hands away from heat zones.

Carbon Steel Tools

Carbon steel utensils offer flexibility and strength. These tools bend slightly under pressure, which helps conform to the griddle surface.

Carbon steel requires more maintenance than stainless steel. Oil the tools after cleaning to prevent rust. The trade-off provides better food release and scraping performance.

Specialized Griddle Spatulas

Purpose-built griddle spatulas feature designs optimized for flat-top cooking. These tools include:

• Extra-wide blades (6-8 inches)
• Perforated surfaces for grease drainage
• Angled handles for comfortable wrist position
• Reinforced edges for chopping

Blackstone manufactures its own spatula line. These tools match the griddle’s specific dimensions and cooking style.

Essential Utensil Set for Blackstone Owners

Core Tools

Build your utensil collection with these essential items:

1. Two large spatulas – One for flipping, one for scraping
2. Domed melting lid – Metal construction for steaming and melting
3. Griddle scraper – Flat blade for post-cooking cleanup
4. Grill press – Cast iron weight for smash burgers
5. Squeeze bottles – For oil and water distribution

Supplementary Tools

Add these items for advanced cooking techniques:

• Long-handled tongs (metal construction)
• Chopping spatula with sharp front edge
• Bench scraper for large food transfers
• Bacon press for flat, crispy results

Tool Storage Solutions

Store utensils near your griddle for easy access. Magnetic strips attach to the griddle’s side panel. Hook systems hang from the side shelf. Tool caddies keep everything organized.

Utensil Materials Comparison

Material	Heat Resistance	Durability	Maintenance	Cost	Best Use
Stainless Steel	Excellent (1400°F+)	Excellent	Low	Medium	All-purpose cooking
Carbon Steel	Excellent (1400°F+)	Very Good	Medium	Low-Medium	Scraping and chopping
Cast Iron	Excellent (1400°F+)	Excellent	High	Medium-High	Presses and weights
Aluminum	Good (1200°F)	Good	Low	Low	Light-duty tasks
Plastic/Silicone	Poor (400-600°F)	Poor	Low	Low	Not recommended
Wood	Poor (burns)	Poor	Medium	Low	Not recommended

How to Use Metal Utensils Without Damaging Your Griddle

Proper Technique

Metal utensils require correct handling to protect your griddle’s surface:

Scraping method: Hold the spatula at a 20-30 degree angle. Push forward with steady pressure. Avoid vertical stabbing motions.

Flipping technique: Slide the spatula completely under food before lifting. The beveled edge should glide along the surface without catching.

Cleaning approach: Use the flat edge of a scraper after cooking. Move in long, smooth strokes across the entire surface.

Pressure Guidelines

Apply moderate pressure during cooking. The seasoning layer tolerates normal use. Excessive force removes seasoning unnecessarily.

Heavy scraping becomes necessary only for stuck-on carbon buildup. Standard cooking requires gentle manipulation of food items.

Utensils to Avoid on Your Blackstone

Plastic and Silicone Tools

Plastic utensils melt at griddle temperatures. Blackstone surfaces reach 500-600°F during normal operation. Most plastic tools fail at 400°F.

Melted plastic contaminates food and damages the seasoning layer. Silicone handles better heat than standard plastic but still degrades above 500°F.

Wooden Utensils

Wood burns and splinters on hot griddles. Wooden spatulas char at the edges. Splinters embed in food and scratch the surface.

Some outdoor cooks use wooden scrapers for cleanup. This practice risks leaving wood fibers on the cooking surface.

Coated or Non-Stick Utensils

Utensils with non-stick coatings release chemicals at high temperatures. The coating also flakes off and contaminates food.

Blackstone griddles need no additional non-stick properties from utensils. The seasoning layer provides adequate food release.

Maintenance Tips for Your Metal Utensils

Cleaning Protocol

Clean metal utensils after each cooking session:

1. Scrape off food debris while tools are warm
2. Wash with hot water and dish soap
3. Dry completely with a towel
4. Apply thin oil coat to carbon steel tools
5. Store in a dry location

Hot water removes grease better than cold water. Complete drying prevents rust formation.

Rust Prevention

Stainless steel resists rust naturally. Carbon steel requires active protection:

• Oil the surface after every cleaning
• Store in low-humidity areas
• Check regularly for rust spots
• Sand and re-oil rusted areas immediately

Light surface rust removes easily with steel wool. Deep rust pitting requires tool replacement.

Sharpening and Reshaping

Griddle spatulas benefit from occasional edge maintenance. A file or grinder resharpens beveled edges. Remove burrs and rough spots that catch on the griddle surface.

Bent spatulas lose effectiveness. Straighten minor bends with pliers. Replace severely damaged tools rather than attempting repairs.

Historical Context: The Evolution of Griddle Cooking Tools

Commercial griddles appeared in American diners during the 1920s. Early cooks used whatever metal tools they had available. Heavy steel spatulas from industrial kitchens became the standard.

Home griddle cooking gained popularity in the 1950s. Manufacturers began producing specialized tools for flat-top cooking. The focus shifted from industrial durability to home user convenience.

Blackstone entered the outdoor griddle market in 2005. The company revolutionized backyard cooking by making large, affordable griddles accessible to home cooks. This created demand for purpose-built outdoor griddle tools.

Modern griddle utensils incorporate ergonomic designs and improved materials. Tool manufacturers now optimize products specifically for outdoor flat-top cooking rather than adapting indoor equipment.

Selecting the Right Utensils for Your Cooking Style

Breakfast Cooking

Breakfast preparation requires specific tool characteristics:

• Wide spatulas for pancakes (6+ inches)
• Chopping edges for hash browns
• Egg rings for portion control
• Bacon press for flat strips

Multiple spatulas help manage different foods simultaneously. Dedicate one spatula to eggs, another to meat products.

Burger and Sandwich Preparation

Smash burgers demand heavy-duty tools:

• Grill press with substantial weight
• Sharp-edged chopping spatula
• Wide flipping spatula
• Dome lid for melting cheese

The press creates the characteristic crispy crust. A sharp spatula cuts cooked burgers into portions.

Stir-Fry and Hibachi-Style Cooking

Asian cooking techniques require specific tools:

• Two spatulas for tossing and mixing
• Chopping spatula for cutting vegetables
• Metal tongs for ingredient control
• Scraper for sauce incorporation

The two-spatula method mimics professional hibachi techniques. One spatula holds food while the other chops and flips.

Professional-Grade vs. Budget Utensil Options

Professional Tools

High-end griddle utensils cost $25-50 per tool. These products offer:

• Thicker metal construction (14-16 gauge steel)
• Reinforced handle connections
• Precisely beveled edges
• Lifetime warranties

Professional tools last for decades with proper care. The investment makes sense for frequent griddle users.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

Affordable utensils cost $10-20 per tool. These provide:

• Adequate performance for occasional use
• Standard metal construction
• Basic designs without advanced features
• Limited warranties

Budget tools serve beginners well. Replace them as you develop preferences and cooking frequency increases.

Value Assessment

Consider cost per use rather than initial price. A $40 spatula used twice weekly for five years costs $0.15 per use. A $15 spatula replaced annually costs $0.30 per use.

Quality tools improve cooking results and reduce frustration. Poor utensils bend, break, and fail at critical moments.

Summary: Building Your Ideal Blackstone Utensil Collection

Start with two stainless steel spatulas as your foundation. Add a metal scraper for cleaning and a dome lid for melting cheese. This basic set handles most cooking tasks.

Expand your collection based on your cooking preferences. Breakfast enthusiasts need egg rings and bacon presses. Burger lovers require grill presses and chopping spatulas. Stir-fry fans benefit from additional spatulas and metal tongs.

Choose metal utensils exclusively for your Blackstone griddle. Stainless steel offers the best combination of durability and low maintenance. Carbon steel provides flexibility at the cost of additional care.

Store your tools properly to maximize lifespan. Clean after every use. Dry completely before storage. Apply oil to carbon steel tools regularly.

Your utensil collection grows with your skills and cooking ambitions. Invest in quality tools that match your usage patterns. Proper utensils protect your griddle investment and improve every cooking session.