Why Is My Blackstone Smoking So Much While Seasoning?

On this page (9 sections)

1. Why is my Blackstone smoking a lot while curing?
2. What should I do if the smoke gets heavy?
3. How can I reduce smoke during the next seasoning coat?
4. Does the type of oil cause heavy smoke?
5. Can wind or a burner problem make the smoke worse?
6. What if my Blackstone is new or the cooktop looks uneven?
7. Which parts should you check if smoke keeps returning?
8. When should I stop seasoning and get help?
9. How do I decide whether to keep seasoning?

Heavy smoke while seasoning a Blackstone usually means oil is pooling or the heat is too high. Turn the burners off if smoke is dense, let the griddle cool, then wipe away excess oil and resume with a very thin layer.

Seasoning needs heat and oil, but the oil should form a thin film rather than puddles. Follow the manual for your model, since burner settings and seasoning steps can differ.

Why is my Blackstone smoking a lot while curing?

Too much oil is the most common reason a Blackstone smokes heavily during curing. A thick coating can smoke for a long time instead of forming a thin, even layer.

Oil can collect around the edges, in low spots, or where the cooktop meets a side wall. Spread it across the entire surface, then wipe again so it looks nearly dry.

High heat can also make oil smoke quickly. If smoke is thick, turn off the burners and let the cooktop cool before adjusting the oil or heat.

Some smoke is expected when oil heats, but clouds that obscure the surface or make breathing uncomfortable call for a pause. Keep the area ventilated and follow the manufacturer’s directions for your specific griddle.

What should I do if the smoke gets heavy?

Turn the burners off and let the griddle cool until you can safely wipe it. Don't add more oil to a surface that's already smoking heavily.

Keep children and pets away from the hot cooktop. Don't splash water on a hot griddle, since that can cause steam and hot oil to scatter.

Once the surface is cooler, use a clean, lint-free cloth held with long tongs to lift away visible excess oil. Reapply only a small amount, spread it thinly, and wipe off any streaks or pools.

If smoke continues after removing excess oil, stop and check your model's manual. Make sure the griddle is outdoors or in the location approved by the manufacturer, with enough ventilation.

How can I reduce smoke during the next seasoning coat?

Use a thin coat, moderate heat, and enough time for the oil to finish heating. A glossy puddle is a sign to wipe more oil away before continuing.

1. Start with a clean, dry cooktop and follow the manual's cleaning instructions.
2. Apply a small amount of the recommended oil.
3. Spread it over the entire surface, including corners.
4. Wipe off visible excess until the cooktop looks nearly dry.
5. Heat according to the instructions for your Blackstone model.
6. Let the coat finish before adding another thin layer.

Don't rush by adding extra oil or turning the burners to maximum. If the oil starts smoking heavily, switch off the heat and let the surface cool before checking your work.

For a broader look at the process, read How To Season BBQ Grill? and How Do You Season A BBQ Grill?. Those guides cover grill seasoning generally; your Blackstone manual should guide its specific steps.

Does the type of oil cause heavy smoke?

Oil choice can affect how quickly smoke appears, so use an oil recommended by your Blackstone manual. Avoid switching oils midway through a seasoning session just to chase a particular result.

Smoke also depends on the amount of oil and the surface temperature. Even an appropriate oil can smoke heavily if it pools or gets heated too fast.

Use a small amount and spread it evenly. If you aren't sure which oil is suitable for your griddle, check the manufacturer’s care instructions before applying another coat.

How do I tell whether there is too much oil?

Look for wet streaks, shiny pools, or oil collecting along the edges. Wipe those areas until the cooktop looks evenly coated but nearly dry.

A uniform thin film is the goal. Use a fresh cloth if the one you started with has become saturated, and keep your hands well away from the hot surface.

Can wind or a burner problem make the smoke worse?

Wind and uneven heating can make smoke appear stronger in one area. If one burner or section seems unusually hot, pause and check the manual before continuing.

Keep the griddle on a stable outdoor surface away from items that could catch fire. Don't use it in an enclosed space or where smoke can build up.

If a burner flame looks abnormal or the griddle behaves differently from the manual's instructions, shut it down and contact the manufacturer for model-specific help. Don't take apart gas components unless the manual directs you to do so.

What if my Blackstone is new or the cooktop looks uneven?

A new griddle may need the initial preparation described in its manual before cooking. Follow the steps for your model rather than treating every griddle like a charcoal grill.

The phrase “curing” is often used for seasoning, but the exact preparation can vary by cooktop and model. For a new grill in general, see How To Season A New BBQ Grill?.

If the seasoning looks patchy after the smoke clears, don't add a thick layer to cover it. Let the surface cool, wipe away excess oil, then use thin coats according to the instructions.

For grates on a charcoal grill, the process differs from a flat griddle. Our guide to How To Season BBQ Grill Grates? explains that separate task.

Which parts should you check if smoke keeps returning?

Check the oil film, the cooktop’s cleanliness, and the burner behavior before adding another coat. Food residue or old grease can smoke when heated, so start with a cool surface and clean it as directed.

For cleaning supplies, compare Blackstone griddle cleaning kits.

A grate replacement won't fix oil smoke from a flat-top griddle. If you're maintaining a Weber kettle instead, the Weber replacement charcoal grate for 22-inch models holds charcoal below the cooking grate, leaving space for airflow.

For an 18-inch Weber kettle, this replacement grate is made to hold charcoal beneath the separate cooking grate.

The hinged Weber grate is a cooking grate for compatible 22-inch Weber charcoal grills, with lift-up sides for adding fuel. It doesn't fit Smokey Mountain Cooker smoker models.

These charcoal grill parts address a different setup from a Blackstone flat top. Confirm your grill model before choosing a replacement grate.

When should I stop seasoning and get help?

Stop if the smoke is dense, the flame looks unusual, or you feel unwell. Turn off the burners, move away from the smoke, and follow the manual’s safety guidance.

If smoke keeps coming back after you clean the cooktop and apply a very thin oil film, contact Blackstone support with your model number. Describe what you see and when it happens, such as whether smoke comes from the cooking surface or from beneath the griddle.

For smoke from other grill types, see Why Is My Grill Smoking Too Much?. Pellet grills use a different fire and airflow system, covered in Why Is My Pellet Grill Not Smoking?.

How do I decide whether to keep seasoning?

If smoke eases after you wipe away excess oil and lower the heat, continue only with thin coats and the steps in your model’s manual. If smoke stays heavy or a burner seems abnormal, stop and ask the manufacturer for help.

Use the grill-specific guides for charcoal grates and new grill preparation when those are the equipment you’re working on. For a Blackstone, the practical rule is simple: apply less oil, spread it evenly, and pause when the smoke becomes heavy.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my Blackstone smoking so much while seasoning?

Heavy smoke often means too much oil is on the cooktop or the griddle is hotter than needed. Turn the heat off if smoke is dense, let the surface cool, and wipe it until it looks nearly dry before applying a thinner coat.

Follow the instructions for your Blackstone model.

Should a Blackstone smoke when you season it?

Some smoke can appear as a thin oil layer heats and bonds to the cooktop, but thick, persistent smoke is a reason to pause and check the oil amount and heat. Ventilate the area, keep the lid open if your model has one, and follow the manual.

How much oil should I use to season a Blackstone?

Use only enough oil to leave a very thin film across the cooktop. Spread it over the whole surface, including corners, then wipe away visible pools or streaks with a clean cloth held by long tongs.

Repeat thin coats as your model's instructions direct.

Can I turn off my Blackstone while it is smoking?

Yes. If smoke becomes dense or uncomfortable, turn the burners off and let the griddle cool before wiping away excess oil.

Keep people clear of hot surfaces, ventilate the area, and don't pour water on a hot griddle.

Restart only when the surface and oil amount are under control.