How to Restore a Rusty Blackstone Griddle - What's the Best way to Remove Rust & Resurface?

[@justmyopinion9259]

The grill brick you have to use with oil and while it's hot.. they actually work really well

[@IHaveBrilliantIdeas]

Thought I was gonna have to replace my blackstone due to rust. You are the man!

[@sylviakoresh4161]

Hi! I used your combo method sander and wire wheel brush on a drill to clean a rusty flat top grill in a food truck, worked really well! The job was super easy and fun, and my client was happy! Thank you so much!🥰🥰🥰

[@GodGunsGutsandNRA]

Oven Cleaner to remove all prior seasoning, then soak the entire top in white vinegar removes all rust. I then sprayed the underside of the griddle with grape seed oil, and rubbed in in well. For the top I use lard or beef tallow, and about 4 coats left a smooth surface. Very important to use very thin coats.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Good tip. I’ll have to try it

[@BEEZv4]

White vinegar worked awesome !

[@breannaboswell1286]

I wouldn’t use oven cleaner on a porous eating surface. It’s pure poison. 10/10 do not recommend that.

[@GodGunsGutsandNRA]

@@breannaboswell1286 You do not start using the griddle without using cleaning and using vinegar. I guarantee that unless you eat a totally organic diet, you are eating way more dangerous things. 10/10 I have used oven cleaner to clean old cast iron all my life.

[@jonathansanders3577]

This was really helpful, thank you. I used the 4 in. wire wheel method and it worked pretty well. I went through my drill's battery 4 times, but it got it pretty clean.

[@jedidias7091]

I was thinking of using the wire wheel as well. Good out come and after a few uses how is it

[@r.g.1266]

Came to YT from their website, so could leave a 👍🏼 review for the better method of cleaning a griddle top.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. I appreciate it

[@michaelvalaika9383]

LOVE the video. I think I'll try a disc sander using a sanding wheel (I use to take aluminum down to bare when I fix raw speakers), which seems like a nice hybrid of both the quick methods, and it is REAL FAST without scarring the surface. Then perhaps a finer grit wheel, etc, etc. FYI for everyone saying the rust returned, I have mine in salt water air year round and I hit it with PAM spray after I clean up after cooking. I used to use a coat of thin oil on a paper towel after it cooled, but PAM is real quick. The only reason I'm looking at this video is a nor'easter blew my cover off the grill over the winter and I returned to find it in that state at my camper 5 months later! Basically it's putting cold oil on your grill as a sealer.

[@JoeAnshien]

Blackstone has a video on resurfacing and they use a stone. I tried it and you are sooo right, that stone does not do crap!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I tried the stone with some oil and it worked a bit better, but I still don’t like it.

[@jimmywang9011]

The grinder was the best, my wife complained the whole time , but she got the job done

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Glad it worked.

[@TrimansWife]

😂😂😂

[@BigDomo13]

😂😂😭😭😭atta boy

[@CaseysCountry5]

Great vid and very helpful as I’m at that stage with mine!

[@Justfixityourself]

I like your quick videos. You get “right to it”. Good job 👍. I’m on board...Dan

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@RICHARDINTHEKITCHEN]

Thanks for your video. I’ve had 2 17’s. I seasoned the first the traditional way, but the latest one I seasoned in the oven. Came out completely blacked out. You might try that next time.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Did it make much smell in your kitchen?

[@RICHARDINTHEKITCHEN]

@@daveshouseofbbq No sir. Not much at all. I had my vent fan on and the kitchen window. I was very pleased. Everything was blackened.

[@RICHARDINTHEKITCHEN]

@@daveshouseofbbq I wish I had made a video of it.

[@TheseTangledWebs]

Wire wheel from harbor freight and a finishing sander did the trick. Cheers.

[@TVsBen]

Gonna just have to pick me up a wire wheel and get all the rusty spots out of my Blackstone. Great video, thanks for the clear demonstration.

[@darktoadone5068]

Going to Ace Hardware in the morning to get a multi tool for the corners.

[@newgeneration3496]

I would imagine a flap disk/polisher for a grinder would make quick work of the easy spots then the sander for the corners. Glad I caught you’re video cause u showed a few ways to tackle it👍🏻

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Flap disk would work great.

[@goldencalf5144]

Have you tried oven cleaner? I used oven cleaner to strip off the pre seasoning on a Lodge cast iron skillet and it worked a treat. It is a hazardous, corrosive chemical but you can basically wipe the gunk away after letting it sit for a few hours.

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

I'm writing this down. Need for ventilation? Okay to do in smaller apartments when critical thinking is used?

[@goldencalf5144]

@@TheBinklemNetwork Absolutely need good ventilation. It's preferable to spray on the oven cleaner outside if possible. After spraying, I put the skillet into a sturdy plastic bag and taped it shut. Vapours from oven cleaner are extremely corrosive and irritating. Also, make sure you're wearing safety glasses or goggles and gloves when spraying it on. It will cause severe burns to skin and eyes on contact.

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

@@goldencalf5144 thank you, thank you!

[@rickymundy8663]

Thank you for showing us different methods. My wife is going by Harbor Freight tomorrow for the wire wheel. Thanks again Ricky

[@daveshouseofbbq]

You’re welcome. The wire wheel is great. Especially if there is a lot of rust or build up on the surface.

[@mistresspearson7161]

Hey Dave. Thanks for your video. Everytime you sped up the video you told us what the real time was. Except for the end when you were seasoning. How long do you let the grill stay on for while seasoning?.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I don’t remember the time exactly, but I think it’s about 15 minutes.

[@esli7833]

The stone works wonders if you use a bit of oil as lubricant

[@NoneYaBidness762]

4.5 inch angle grinder with polishing wheel. Worked great.

[@southernheat9278]

This helps so much! Thanks! 3 minutes later.. “Kids lets go, we’re headed to Harbor Freight!”

[@dgperforms1]

Best Method I’ve found incorporates ALL 3. Wire wheel to remove the buildup and bulk. Sander…80,120,then 220 grit to smooth the surface. Then Grill Stone with a bit of Cooking oil to finely Smooth the Surface. Then a proper Seasoning

[@northlandacres]

Did you notice that the stone actually made the surface smoother? Took out any wire wheel scratches?

[@ericataylor7112]

Thank you, this was the best video that I have see that helps with removing rust. Thank you for the details. That's what I was looking for! I really appreciate it! Sending love from TN!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate the feedback

[@meals123]

Hi. Did you go with the wheel brush like he did? Hope it worked well.

[@jtr82369]

The wire wheel works great cuz it doesn’t get clogged up, it learned that doing rust removal on my shipping containers. Great video, I’m resurfacing my blackstone next weekend

[@CarlosLopez-gm5cf]

Been looking for a video that cleans the corners and edges. THANK YOU!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

No problem!!

[@colleengraham5073]

Going to try and restore my griddle that's been neglected for a good year in this South Florida humidity. Thanks for the video!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Glad I could help.

[@cbinder46]

not to be that physics nerd, but when you said you thought the wheel worked better due to the circumference putting down more torque, i couldn't help myself. The torque output is actually the same since torque is measured at the point of rotation, IE the chuck of your drill. The only contributing factor to the torque output is the power of the motor. What I think you were seeing with the 4" wire wheel was a drastically higher angular velocity at the outer most point. So those wires are contacting the rust and grime at a faster speed, which I think would give you the same effect. What kind of finish were you seeing on the surface after taking the wire wheel to it? Is the steel of the flat top harder than the wires? Looked like a very effective strategy of cleaning, but I worry that there might be scratches on the surface

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Physics Nerd you are correct. What was the term I was looking for? The wheel has a wider diameter than the cup, but the drill keeps it at the same revolutions per minute. What would that be?

[@cbinder46]

@@daveshouseofbbq angular velocity is the term. It's the speed that any point along a radius is traveling about a central rotational axis. The point you are concerned with would be the tip of the wire, the rotating axis would be the chuck of the drill

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Clayton Binder 👍 to answer you question the surface of the griddle didn’t seem scratched at all. The griddle surface appears to be much harder than the wire wheel.

[@joea3978]

When you were seasoning it did you not let it cool in between each season?

[@niccicrouch403]

Hi Dave! Thanks for the video. We are having a rusting issue with our Blackstone and wanted to know if you ran into this issue. My husband used the wire wheel and got it looking just like yours. Then he seasoned it. After a couple of days, the rust came back. Did this happen to you? Any suggestions? Thank you!!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I still have rust every time I take it out of the garage. I scape it down and re oil it before each use. Not ideal, I know.

[@cjm0174]

Cleaning and burning off the water after every use and then apply a very thin layer of oil will help. Also a good cover never hurts

[@joshsmith7692]

You have raw steel in the elements. It's going to rust. I don't think you can season it well enough to keep humidity from getting between the seasoning and the steel.

[@ChefCJ]

Informative and helpful then, and it still is now! Thank you!

[@_Voodoo_]

Do I need a stronger drill? I have a craftsmen battery drill and the wire wheel didn't do anything.

[@matthewc4296]

Excellent job with the grill. That combination of tools was great.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. Works great.

[@honeyofoats5619]

@@daveshouseofbbq i have a question, when the you put the heat high, does the middle always get this purple and bluish color?

[@ometofu]

What grit of sandpaper were used? It is more than half an year now. It is more prone for more rust given it was sandpapered?

[@dougierotten]

I think he said 80 grit.

[@2012thehero]

5 inch orbital DeWalt sander with 80-100 grit disks works for me, gets that gunk OFF, but you might have to use 4 or 5 to get it really clean

[@wigglebolt4079]

I’m thinking about getting rid of my Blackstone because of this rust issue, I’m in FL and it rusts constantly even though it’s covered

[@francismarion6400]

I concur just not worth the constant cleaning.

[@97widerider]

Good and informative, Ty. Brick isn’t totally useless but good for maintenance cleaning.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Yes, and after I shot this video, I realized it works a lot better if you use a little oil on the surface first

[@RandyMeeks]

Thanks for this video! perfect and to the point! Liked and Subbed.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. I did the same

[@RockwallCNC]

I restored a heavily rusted blackstone that a friend gave me by slathering it with a product called Naval Jelly and then rinsing it off in a few hours. Much less labor intensive than a wire wheel.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Ooh. Thanks for the tip, I’m putting that on the list to try.

[@keepitbasik7479]

Have you tried the brick when grill is hot. Spraying hot water then using the brick?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Yes. It works pretty well so small area clean up after cooking. Still not a fan of the residue it leaves behind. Thanks for watching

[@salvadorferrer8968]

Great video, I actually followed your instructions with the drill sander.. nice and shiny until 1 week later the rust is back. Any idea why?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Did you season it? My rust always comes back, but it’s usually just surface rust that can be scraped off

[@jolly.red.giant.]

What's the best way to protect your griddle when I bot being used for months at a time? Oil/season it right up then cover and store somewhere away from elements ?

[@cuskinatr2]

Yes. A proper season should protect it from rust. If the season layer gets chipped from tools etc, that's where the rust comes. Put a thin layer of oil on it after use and buy a cover. Sitting for too long unused isn't good tho, so try at least burning off a layer of oil every once in a while to keep the coating fresh.

[@francismarion6400]

I use mine once a month and I'm done with it. Spend 30 mins to clean and half a roll of paper towels. not convenient at all unless you use it every day.

[@larrymontgomery9906]

Nice concise information. Thanks

[@Bigweeeeezy]

Great video I to was gifted a Black Stone that was only used twice and was covered but it was left outside and the GA humidity got to it extremely helpful video thanks again for posting the video.

[@Oscar-pg1ph]

Wayne what have u done to prevent it from happening again? It just happen to me and I’m not happy at all

[@Bigweeeeezy]

@@Oscar-pg1ph after cleaning and seasoning it depending on were you live you may need to keep it indoors. I live in GA and have lost 2 grills with covers to this GA weather so now I keep all outdoor cooking equipment in my garage.

[@TVsBen]

@@Oscar-pg1ph I have the "official" Blackstone griddle cover and it was not very useful in the winter. I live in Illinois and have to keep it indoors in my shed during the winter.

[@paulaw418]

@@Oscar-pg1ph Happens to mine EVERY year! (Southeastern Pennsylvania) This year I'm keeping it the garage! But a surefire way to keep from happening, use at least twice a week during the winter (all year 'round). Even if all you do is cook a lb or 2 of bacon one day & sauteed mushrooms, peppers & onions another. Using it regularly should be enough to keep it 'usable.'

[@elknrut]

Question, I used 80grit and 120 grit and resurfaced a 36" griddle. When I was done the tiny pits had a microscopic bit of grey in them even after wiping down with water and cloth. I went ahead and reseasoned and now the seasoning is coming off. I'm guessing it's due to the small leftover debris that got stuck in those pits. Guess I will try the wheel, does that clean it all off?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

It’s does an ok job with the pits, but doesn’t get them completely out.

[@krikit96]

​@daveshouseofbbq were you able to get the pits using the wheel? I just spent 2 hours with that brick and it wasn't really helpful. I have a sander, but it's only 60 grit. I'm gonna make a run to Harbor Freight or Walmart tomorrow. Any suggestions for all these tiny dips and craters I'm battling?

[@elknrut]

@@krikit96 after 2 tries and the re seasoning peeling off, I contacted Blackstone. They recommended doing it again and reasoning with vegetable oil. That worked much better.

[@rbowersedmd]

Thank you!! Excellent suggestions!

[@robwaelchli1063]

With the stone you need to out oil down then scrub with it. Not use it dry.

[@MCMAGIC.]

Thanks Dave!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

You’re welcome

[@JavierGarcia-zh3rl]

So how you. Take care after you seasoned?

[@bowesman1000]

very informative. rust is a problem with these blackstones and i am thinking twice about getting one. there is a channel that was cooking blackened cod and about 1/3 of the cooking surface was rusted and he was cooking in the rust and just denying it. is this caused by neglect of oiling after using or do they all do this eventually?

[@northroad1]

it's neglect. you can keep it spotless but it takes attention to detail

[@JNArnold]

I think its recommended you either cook or re-season the griddle once a week. Can be easy to forget about it especially if you're not using it on a regular basis. Rust can show up pretty quick if you're not on top of it and you're in a humid climate. That said they're really awesome to cook on and if you're doing that all the time then it gets a lot easier to keep it maintained.

[@TomHorsmanAmateurBBQ]

Nicely done Dave!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Tom Horsman Thanks Tom. Not looking bad for a free griddle.

[@michaelklein5095]

what was the power tool you used that you attached to the wire wheel.....im assuming you need a very high speed unit...brand and model please...thanks

[@daveshouseofbbq]

It was just a DeWalt corded drill. Cordless would work just as well. Any drill will do.

[@kevinlittleton2327]

Whats the best method for the Blackstone with the non-stick style coating on the top?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

kevin Littleton No Idea. I’ve never used that kind. Maybe do a Google search on cleaning non-stick pans. Procedure should be the same.

[@orlandoa.2530]

Don't speak english, but 3m quick clean griddle kit

[@ppdangler]

Dave, thanks man, just got gifted a 36inch blackstone and wow is it rusty. I'm gna hit it with the wire wheel wiah me luck!!! I'll post updat

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Good deal. It works well. I’ve found the real way to keep it looking good is to use it. When mine sits untouched for a while, that’s when it starts looking rough.

[@chvydrptop]

Grinder with a wheel wire brush, 5 minutes. You still have to clean the edges but most of it gets cleaned.

[@phatrides222000]

I would go with the grill stone from that point on.

[@jamescurtis9267]

I would have finished up with the grill stone. The stone is not intended to be used dry, it should have oil or at least water. Grill stone is the best when some build up appears to keep the surface smooth.

[@ABikerDude]

Thank you and great vid!

[@mexican707]

Honestly the easiest way to clean a 17inch just put it in the oven on the cleaning cycle. Once it's cooled down you can start the seasoning process as you would with a normal cast iron pan. And do it it the oven. You can get a nice even season and you season everything ! There will be no spots where oil doesn't come in

[@Mncat30]

Any reason not to use peanut oil? Just picked up a new blackstone ..can't wait to play :)

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I’d imagine peanut oil would work work great, but I’ve never tried it.

[@curtekstrom9531]

The best Product to Season a Griddle or Grates, Bacon Grease.

[@phyllissearcy6229]

just purchased a used griddle... less than a year old but only used a couple of times... it has started rusting so I am assuming it needs a good cleaning and re-seasoning. any tips???

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Well it’s an interesting question. I’d start by cleaning the rust off and then seasoning it based on blackstones instructions. Some people season and keep it oiled, some clean it back to silver after each use.

[@aubreychadwickwhite8230]

The grinding wheel is my fav.❤

[@littleaussielegends7395]

Perfect video thanks Dave. Subscribed

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks for watching

[@Potrvlb]

Thank you for the great video! My griddle is in need of a massive clean up 😑. Will be using the wire wheel so thank you!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Have fun. It can be a messy job.

[@Mike_Dubo]

Question: Could I season a griddle that size, like I would a cast iron skillet, by oiling it up, and placing the griddle in an oven set to 450 degrees Fahrenheit?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I don’t see why not. It’s small enough. If you try it, let me know how it works.

[@Mike_Dubo]

@@daveshouseofbbq Think I got it to work! Did it twice, and it seems to be seasoning just fine. Now I just need to find a place inside to keep it out of the humidity.

[@linuxsport]

Thank you for such a great guide.

[@clinicalskillswithjohn8114]

Dave you bloody champion. Thanks mate 👍

[@APOLITRON]

Thanks my dude, I just got some rust on my 36" and this gave me some good ideas.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Excellent. Glad I could help.

[@DavidE2024]

what do I use with the 4 Inch Wire Wheel? an angle grinder? or what? Thanks!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I was using an electric drill.

[@DavidE2024]

@@daveshouseofbbq thanks, and is the other one called a Detail Sander?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

yes. I’ve also seen it called a multi-tool

[@DavidE2024]

@@daveshouseofbbq bought an angle grinder today and 4 inch wire wheel, for $50, then saw a video of someone that got his griddle top sand blasted, so I'm going to do that instead :-)

[@Seandilencaldwell]

Great video. What part of Ohio? Southern here

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Northeast.

[@leeedgington7610]

Fantastic video keep up the excellent work!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@cuttinthruchaos7248]

Has anyone used the 3M griddle cleaning kit on a blackstone?

[@Harleyforever20]

I have seen that system that you are talking about. I have a griddle on my offset smoker. I tried a grill brick with some pretty nice success. However, I need to focus in the corners and edges the next time.

[@themeatstall9001]

Outstanding video Dave

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. I appreciate it

[@CookingWithBubba]

Sander is great for the corners

[@jonathanm8956]

Does this remove rust as well?

[@damongrambow7077]

Exactly what I was looking for! 4” wire wheel it is!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

It works well

[@atlswanns]

Looks good. Thanks Dave.

[@nomad90125]

OK" here some advice from the RR burger establishment. Prevention is better than cure "right".! My griddles are cleaned like new at the end of every days work. First allow the griddle to cool enough to touch. Then scrape excess oil and grease with metal scraper. 3" wash with steel wool and a water, washing up liquid mix 50/50. Rubbing hard in small circular motions, when u feel the surface area smooth, then wipe immediately with dry cloth. 4, the finishing touch," Pour lemon juice, like you buy in plastic squeeze bottles, over the griddle. Rubbing in circular motions again wiping with dry cloth as you go. The griddle should look like new. Do not put any oil on the metal surface. The lemon juice will stop any corrosion.

[@lawrencelarry1408]

This one is high carbon steel it needs to be seasoned with oil. Lemon juice is acidic it will strip of the season and cause it to rust. Yours is probably stainless steel.

[@BBBYpsi]

Would like a link for that handy tool you used

[@daveshouseofbbq]

It’s just a wire wheel in a drill. Any hardware store will have the wire wheel. I got mine at Harbor Freight.

[@ryanroelofs5223]

My seasoning keeps peeling after I resurfaces my 36 inch blackstone… I keep thinking about all the angles .. anyone have a suggestion? Maybe the top wasn’t smooth enough? Or ???

[@stephanieyeminez89]

Hi how's it going? Hope all is well stopping by too say hello. Great video.

[@leeharding8035]

Thanks Dave, wire wheel ordered!

[@adamm7376]

You can get a 8 pack of wire wheels at Walmart for $8 and I just resurfaced my griddle with it worked great

[@carolinjane54]

This video gives me hope for my griddle! It is a red rusty mess!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

You can save it.

[@mikenedoma1363]

AWSOME, thank you.

[@SuperEddietv]

I'm pissed. My grill sat for 3 weeks, under cover of a lid and a grill cover, all the way to the ground, on a back porch away from rain and it still rusted. I Keep avocado oil on it like all of my other griddles and cast iron pans. It's looking like I found an issue with these as I see others with the same problem.

[@stanleyzylak9766]

What part of ohio are you from

[@francismarion6400]

It's alot of maintenance to use once a month. I live in Florida and it rusts FAST!

[@kevyNova123]

Thank you sir!

[@locpatino2385]

Very nicely done

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks

[@glammedbynatalia]

What number sanding paper I should use to smooth out a new cast iron pan? I order one from Walmart but it’s on the ruffed side

[@daveshouseofbbq]

I’m not sure I would use sandpaper on a cast-iron pan. I would try co coat with oil and build up a layer of seasoning. That might smooth it out a bit.

[@Element-tu8jw]

After you remove all the bulk material use the brick to polish it off. Turn the heat on, poor some cheap vodka on it like McCormicks, polish with the brick. I advise some thick rubber gloves to avoid splash burn.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Nice. I’ve never heard of the vodka trick. I’ll have to try that.

[@DanteD1123]

Can I use a cordless drill for the wheel??

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Yup. As long as it spins at a decent speed

[@cookingwithcad6382]

Another great video, Dave.

[@djbookie909]

Was looking for a new method but I've been doing it right

[@daveshouseofbbq]

It works, although from what I’ve heard I used the stone incorrectly, you need to add a little oil to it.

[@adamgonzales7453]

Very helpfull

[@sugarsalt6637]

Dremmel would be good for the corners

[@glammedbynatalia]

Is the grill stone a pumice stone?

[@daveshouseofbbq]

It’s is definitely very similar. As other people have pointed out, make sure you use it with oil, not on a dry griddle.

[@savagevaulter]

Wow extremely helpful!!

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saltwaterredfish8456]

Nice, very cool video.

[@daveshouseofbbq]

Thanks. I appreciate it

[@ECUCHRIS904]

Has anybody used CLR on it to clean?