Chances are that if you’re reading this, you’re a proud new owner of the ComplEAT Griddle. Before you get out and start cooking burgers, bacon, and what have you on that fancy new square griddle, you need to season your carbon steel griddle. This simple prep work ensures you get the best out of the carbon steel griddle for as long as you own it. Now if you’ve never seasoned a carbon steel pan or griddle, don’t worry, it’s fairly simple and easy. You can also see our Product Care page on gerbergear.com for specific care and seasoning instructions.
In this article, we’ll cover the easy and simple way to season your ComplEAT Carbon Steel Griddle. If you’re also wondering how to season a carbon steel pan, the steps should apply, but you ought to check out the griddle for your next camping trip.
WHAT IS CARBON STEEL? AND WHY?
First things first, what is carbon steel? And is it different from cast iron? Or a nonstick pan?
Carbon steel is an iron alloy, so it’s very similar to cast iron but much lighter. That makes it an excellent material for the outdoors because it has the same nonstick qualities as a cast iron skillet without the heavy weight. Just like a cast iron skillet, there are some care needs for washing and cleaning.
STEP BY STEP
The Carbon Steel Griddle is pre-seasoned with a light coating of oil to protect it during shipping. Seasoning it will result in better performance and results while cooking.
Before you start, grab a cloth or paper towel, high smoke point oil [such as grapeseed or avocado oil], dish soap, scrub pads, aluminum foil, and warm water. You’ll also need access to your oven and stovetop.
- Scrub all surfaces of the griddle thoroughly with warm soap and water to remove all oil applied at the factory, especially the cooking surface.
- Dry the griddle with a towel and place it over low heat on the stovetop to ensure it is totally dry.
- Preheat oven to the smoke point temperature of your seasoning oil [for example, grapeseed oil has a smoke point of 420F.]
- With the griddle over low heat, use a paper towel or cloth to carefully apply a thin coat of oil to the entire griddle, including the outer bottom and side walls.
- After the oil is applied, heat the griddle on the stovetop for 2 minutes. After 2 minutes, turn off the stovetop and wipe the griddle down again so only a thin layer of oil remains.
- Place a large sheet pan lined with aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Remove the griddle handle and place the griddle upside down on the top rack of the oven directly above the sheet pan.
- Leave in the oven for 1 hour so the oil will properly adhere to the griddle, and then turn the oven off. Allow the griddle to slowly cool down to room temperature in the oven. Once cooled, your griddle is ready for use.
See what else you should have in your camp kitchen and make sure you’re ready for every meal on your next trip.
