Can You Put Blackstone Utensils in the Dishwasher?

Understanding Blackstone Utensils and Their Material Composition

Blackstone utensils are cooking tools designed for use with Blackstone griddles. The company produces spatulas, scrapers, squeeze bottles, and other accessories. Most Blackstone utensils feature stainless steel construction for metal components and heat-resistant plastic or rubber handles.

The materials determine dishwasher safety. Stainless steel handles high temperatures well. Plastic and rubber components may degrade under intense heat and harsh detergents. The adhesive bonding handles to metal parts can weaken over time in dishwashers.

Blackstone manufactures several utensil types:

• Metal spatulas with plastic or wooden handles
• Stainless steel scrapers with rubber grips
• Squeeze bottles made from food-grade plastic
• Basting covers constructed from stainless steel
• Tool hooks and magnetic holders for organization

Each material responds differently to dishwasher cycles.

Official Blackstone Recommendations for Utensil Care

Blackstone provides care instructions on product packaging and their website. The company recommends hand washing for most utensils. This guidance protects both the metal surfaces and handle materials.

The official care steps include:

1. Rinse utensils immediately after use
2. Wash with warm water and mild dish soap
3. Dry completely before storage
4. Apply a light oil coating to metal surfaces
5. Store in a dry location

Blackstone warns against prolonged water exposure. The connection points between handles and metal components are vulnerable. Water can seep into gaps and cause rust or handle loosening.

Why Hand Washing Protects Your Blackstone Tools

Hand washing extends utensil life significantly. The process allows you to control water temperature, pressure, and cleaning agent concentration. You can inspect each tool for damage during cleaning.

Key benefits of hand washing:

• Prevents handle degradation from high heat
• Protects adhesive bonds
• Allows immediate rust prevention
• Maintains surface finish quality
• Enables thorough drying

Dishwashers use water heated to 130-170°F. This temperature range softens plastic handles and can warp rubber grips. The high-pressure spray dislodges poorly secured handles. Harsh detergents strip protective coatings from stainless steel.

The drying cycle presents additional risks. Heat can exceed 180°F in some models. Plastic components may melt or become brittle. Wood handles crack and split under this stress.

Dishwasher Risks for Different Blackstone Utensil Materials

Stainless Steel Components

Pure stainless steel utensils tolerate dishwashers better than mixed-material tools. The metal resists corrosion and maintains structural integrity. However, repeated dishwasher exposure can dull the finish. Hard water deposits accumulate in crevices. Detergent chemicals may cause minor discoloration over months of use.

Plastic Handles and Bottles

Polypropylene and polyethylene plastics degrade in dishwashers. The high heat causes warping. Colors fade. The material becomes brittle and prone to cracking. Squeeze bottles lose flexibility. Caps may no longer seal properly.

BPA-free plastics still suffer damage. The “dishwasher-safe” label on some plastics refers to top-rack placement only. Bottom-rack exposure guarantees faster deterioration.

Wooden Handles

Wood handles require the most careful treatment. Dishwashers destroy wood quickly. The combination of heat, moisture, and detergent strips natural oils. Wood swells during the wash cycle and shrinks during drying. This cycle creates cracks. The handle loosens from the metal attachment point.

Wood utensils need regular oiling. Mineral oil or food-grade wood conditioner maintains moisture balance. This treatment prevents splitting and extends service life.

Rubber and Silicone Grips

Rubber grips harden in dishwashers. The material loses its non-slip properties. Silicone handles fare slightly better but still degrade. The bright colors fade to dull gray. Repeated exposure makes the material sticky or tacky to touch.

Comparison Table: Hand Washing vs. Dishwasher Cleaning

Factor	Hand Washing	Dishwasher
Handle Longevity	5-10 years with proper care	1-3 years before replacement needed
Metal Finish Quality	Maintains original shine	Dulls over time, possible spotting
Time Investment	2-3 minutes per utensil	No active time required
Energy Cost	Minimal (hot water only)	Higher (heating elements, pump motor)
Cleaning Effectiveness	Excellent with proper technique	Good but may miss handle crevices
Risk of Damage	Minimal when done correctly	High for mixed-material tools
Rust Prevention	Immediate drying prevents rust	Moisture can remain in joints

Step-by-Step Hand Washing Process for Blackstone Utensils

Follow this method to clean your Blackstone tools effectively:

Step 1: Pre-rinse Remove food debris immediately after cooking. Use hot water to dissolve grease. Scrape stuck particles with a plastic scraper.

Step 2: Soap Application Apply a small amount of mild dish soap. Avoid antibacterial soaps with harsh chemicals. Use a soft sponge or cloth. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads on handles.

Step 3: Scrubbing Clean metal surfaces with gentle pressure. Pay attention to corners and beveled edges. Wipe handles with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking wooden handles.

Step 4: Rinsing Rinse under warm running water. Ensure no soap residue remains. Soap buildup attracts dirt and creates sticky films.

Step 5: Drying Dry immediately with a clean towel. Pay special attention to handle-to-metal connection points. Stand tools upright to air-dry completely before storage.

Step 6: Maintenance Apply a thin coat of cooking oil to metal surfaces monthly. This prevents rust and maintains smoothness. Treat wooden handles with mineral oil quarterly.

What Happens if You Use the Dishwasher Anyway

Some owners ignore manufacturer recommendations. They place Blackstone utensils in dishwashers despite warnings. The consequences vary by utensil type and dishwasher settings.

Short-term effects:

• Handle colors fade after 5-10 washes
• Slight loosening of handle attachments
• Minor surface dulling on stainless steel
• Residual detergent smell in plastic components

Long-term effects:

• Complete handle separation from metal parts
• Cracked or brittle plastic bottles and handles
• Rust formation at connection points
• Warped spatula blades from high heat exposure
• Total failure of wooden handles (splitting, rotting)

One user reported handle failure after 20 dishwasher cycles. Another experienced rust spots appearing within three months. These outcomes require premature replacement and increase long-term costs.

Special Considerations for Specific Blackstone Products

Blackstone Griddle Spatula Set

The classic spatula set includes four spatulas with plastic handles. These tools see heavy use. Hand washing preserves the non-slip grip texture. Dishwasher exposure makes handles slippery and uncomfortable.

Blackstone Squeeze Bottles

Squeeze bottles contain measurements and dispensing caps. Dishwashers warp the bottle walls. The measurements become inaccurate. Caps lose their seal, causing leaks during storage. Hand wash only.

Blackstone Griddle Scraper

The scraper features a sturdy blade and handle. The blade edge dulls faster in dishwashers. The metal hits other items during the wash cycle. This contact damages the cutting edge. Keep sharp by hand washing.

Blackstone Basting Cover

The dome-shaped cover is solid stainless steel. This item tolerates dishwashers better than other tools. Place it on the top rack. However, hand washing still prevents water spots and maintains the mirror finish.

Alternative Cleaning Methods for Stubborn Residue

Some cooking sessions leave tough buildup on utensils. Grease, cheese, and caramelized sugars stick firmly. These situations require extra cleaning steps.

Baking Soda Paste Method: Mix three parts baking soda with one part water. Apply paste to stubborn spots. Let sit for 10 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly.

Vinegar Soak Method: Fill a container with equal parts water and white vinegar. Submerge the metal portion only. Soak for 15-20 minutes. Scrub and rinse. Dry immediately.

Hot Water Degreasing: Boil water in a pot. Remove from heat. Submerge metal parts for 5 minutes. The heat loosens grease. Wipe clean with a cloth. This method works well for spatulas.

Never soak wooden handles. Limit plastic handle exposure to hot water. These materials absorb moisture and degrade.

Cost Analysis: Replacement vs. Proper Maintenance

Blackstone utensil sets cost $30-$60 depending on the number of pieces. Individual spatulas run $12-$18 each. Proper maintenance extends their life to 8-10 years. Dishwasher damage shortens this to 2-3 years.

Maintenance costs over 10 years:

• Hand washing (water and soap): $15-$20
• Mineral oil for wooden handles: $8-$10
• Total maintenance cost: $25-$30

Replacement costs over 10 years (dishwasher use):

• Three spatula set replacements: $90-$180
• Extra individual replacements: $24-$36
• Total replacement cost: $114-$216

The savings from hand washing reach $90-$190 over a decade. The time investment equals roughly 15 minutes per month. This calculates to 30 hours over 10 years. The hourly savings rate is $3-$6.

Environmental Impact of Cleaning Method Choice

Dishwashers consume significant resources per cycle. A standard cycle uses 4-6 gallons of water. Heating elements draw 1200-1500 watts. Hand washing a few utensils uses less than one gallon.

Resource comparison per cleaning:

• Dishwasher: 0.5-0.8 gallons (when washing full load)
• Hand washing: 0.3-0.5 gallons for 4-5 utensils

The dishwasher is efficient only when fully loaded. Running a cycle for a few utensils wastes energy and water. Hand washing small batches makes environmental sense.

Product lifespan affects environmental impact. Manufacturing replacement utensils requires raw materials, energy, and transportation. Extending tool life through proper care reduces overall environmental burden.

Storage Tips After Cleaning

Proper storage prevents damage and maintains cleanliness. Blackstone tools need dry, ventilated storage spaces.

Best storage practices:

• Hang utensils on hooks to promote air circulation
• Use magnetic strips for metal tools
• Store bottles upright to prevent cap leaks
• Keep tools away from moisture sources
• Separate wooden handles from metal items
• Avoid crowded drawers where tools rub together

Blackstone sells griddle caddies and tool holders. These accessories organize utensils and protect them. The investment pays off through extended tool life.

Making the Final Decision on Dishwasher Use

The evidence strongly favors hand washing Blackstone utensils. Manufacturer recommendations, material science, and user experience align. Dishwashers damage handles, weaken connections, and shorten tool life.

Consider dishwasher use only for solid stainless steel items without handles. Place these on the top rack. Use the gentlest cycle available. Skip the heated dry option.

For all other Blackstone utensils, hand washing remains the best choice. The process takes minimal time. The benefits include extended lifespan, maintained performance, and cost savings.

Your Blackstone griddle represents an investment in outdoor cooking. The accessories deserve equal care. Protect your investment through proper cleaning methods. Your utensils will serve you reliably for years to come.