If you’ve just purchased a Vevor 36” Cast Iron Griddle, welcome to the world of outdoor griddle cooking! This is actually the first griddle I’ve ever owned, and I wanted to make sure I seasoned it properly so it would last for years to come.
Seasoning is the most important first step before cooking on any new griddle, and in this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I did it. I used Blackstone’s Griddle Seasoning and followed the recommended process to ensure the best non-stick, long-lasting seasoning layer.
If you’re thinking about getting a Vevor 36” Cast Iron Griddle, I’ll include links throughout this post so you can easily find it on our Amazon Storefront.
Why Seasoning Your Griddle is Essential
Since this was my first griddle ever, I had to do my research to make sure I didn’t mess up the seasoning process. I quickly learned that seasoning is not just about preventing food from sticking—it’s also about protecting the cast iron from rust, improving heat distribution, and ensuring long-term durability.
Here’s why you must season your griddle before the first cook:
- Creates a natural non-stick surface – No one wants food sticking and burning.
- Protects against rust – Raw cast iron will rust quickly if not seasoned properly.
- Helps food cook evenly – A well-seasoned surface distributes heat better.
- Improves flavor over time – Every cook adds more seasoning, making your food taste better.
- Extends the life of your griddle – A properly seasoned griddle will last for years.
Even though this was my first time seasoning a griddle, I quickly saw how satisfying the process was—watching that fresh metal darken into a beautifully seasoned surface.
Step 1: Washing the Griddle
The first step is to wash off the protective coating from the factory. This coating is there to prevent rust during shipping but must be removed before seasoning.
- Use hot water and mild dish soap (I used Dawn).
- Scrub the entire griddle top using a clean rag or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap residue.
- Dry it completely with a clean towel.
Pro Tip: This is the ONLY time you should use soap on your griddle. Once it’s seasoned, never use soap again—it will strip the non-stick seasoning.
Step 2: Heating the Griddle for the First Time
After washing, it’s time to fire up the griddle and get it ready for seasoning.
- Turn on all four burners to high heat.
- Let the griddle heat up until the surface starts to change colors. It will turn a bluish-brown shade in spots—this is called “bluing” and means the griddle is getting hot enough.
- This takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the temperature outside.
Once the griddle has fully heated and changed color, you’re ready to apply the first layer of seasoning.
Step 3: Applying the First Layer of Oil
For this step, I used Blackstone’s Griddle Seasoning, but you can also use:
- Avocado oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
To apply the first layer:
- Use 3 tablespoons of oil to start.
- Grab a pair of tongs and some folded paper towels to spread the oil.
- Coat the entire griddle surface, including the sides and corners.
- Make sure the oil layer is super thin—too much oil will cause sticky spots.
Once you’ve applied the oil, reduce the heat to medium and let the oil heat up until it starts smoking.
Step 4: Burning in the Seasoning
The key to seasoning is letting each thin layer of oil completely burn off.
- Keep the burners on medium heat and let the oil smoke completely.
- This process is called polymerization, where the oil bonds with the cast iron.
- It takes about 10 minutes per layer.
- Once the smoking stops, that layer is set—do not wipe it off.
Step 5: Repeating the Process Five Times
To build a strong non-stick surface, you need to repeat the oiling and smoking process five times.
Each round follows the same steps:
- Apply a thin layer of oil.
- Spread it evenly with paper towels.
- Let it smoke completely.
- Repeat until you’ve done five layers.
This takes about an hour total, but don’t rush it—it’s worth the time.
By the end of the process, my griddle had developed a deep, dark non-stick finish that looked perfect for cooking.
Step 6: Cooling Down & Final Touches
After applying five layers of seasoning:
- Turn off the burners and let the griddle cool completely.
- Admire your work—your griddle is now ready for cooking!
I was so excited at this point, knowing that my griddle was properly seasoned and ready for its first cook.
What I Love About the Vevor 36” Cast Iron Griddle
Since this is my first-ever griddle, I wanted to choose one that would be high-quality, affordable, and easy to use. Here’s what I love about the Vevor 36” Cast Iron Griddle:
- Heavy-duty cast iron retains heat well.
- Large cooking surface is great for making multiple foods at once.
- Sturdy build but not as expensive as other high-end griddles.
- Easy to season and maintain with proper care.
If you’re thinking about getting one, you can check it out on our Amazon Storefront.
How to Maintain Your Seasoned Griddle
After seasoning, you need to take care of your griddle to keep it in great shape.
- After each cook, scrape off any food residue and wipe it down with a light layer of oil.
- Never use soap—warm water and a scraper will clean it just fine.
- If rust appears, scrub it off with a griddle stone and re-season.
- Store it covered to protect it from moisture.
With proper care, your griddle will only get better with time!
Watch the Full Video Tutorial Below
To see this entire process in action, watch my step-by-step video tutorial on seasoning the Vevor 36” Cast Iron Griddle.
- Watch now on YouTube.
- Subscribe to With the Bickhams for more outdoor cooking tips and griddle recipes!
Final Thoughts
Since this was my first time owning a griddle, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But after seasoning it and seeing the results, I can confidently say that this process is totally worth it.
A well-seasoned griddle will make cooking so much easier and give you better food every time. If you’re new to griddle cooking, follow these steps, take your time, and enjoy the process.
Thank you for visiting With the Bickhams Blog! Let us know in the comments if you’re seasoning your own griddle and what you plan to cook first.
Happy Griddling,
Craig & Melissa
With the Bickhams