Not satisfied with your Member’s mark griddle’s cooking performance? Does it have sticky surface or is it damaged easily? Beware your griddle needs seasoning.
Most people don’t know how to season their Member’s mark griddle in the right manner. so here in this article, we will guide you thoroughly through the seasoning process.
What is Seasoning?
In simple terms, Seasoning involves applying multiple coatings of oil to the griddle surface and heating it to a high temperature. This bakes the oil into the griddle top, creating a slick non-stick surface that is blackened and protected from rust and oxidation.
Requirements for Seasoning
Here we have mentioned the requirements for seasoning. Collect it before starting the process.
- Paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Long handle tongs
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Griddle scraper
- Cooking oil
Best Oils for Seasoning
After conducting thorough research on it, we have collected some best oils for seasoning. These oils receive mostly positive reviews. You can use any one of them for seasoning.
- Vegetable oil
- Vegetable shortening
- Canola oil
- Flax oil
- Olive oil (it burns off at lower temperatures, but some still recommend it)
We will use vegetable oil for this demonstration.
Preparing Your Griddle
After collecting all the required items start by preparing your griddle. The great thing is that Member’s Mark 4 burner gas griddle is pre-treated with cooking oil to prevent rust and damage during shipping. When seasoning your griddle top, start by cleaning the griddle top with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt.
Step-by-Step Seasoning Process
After preparing your griddle, follow our mentioned steps to properly season your griddle. By following these steps, your griddle remains in excellent condition and performs well for years to come.
- Apply Oil
Accurately Apply oil to the griddle top, sides, and corners. Use a paper towel to coat the surface thoroughly.
- Heat the Griddle
After applying oil, Light the griddle and set the control knobs to the high setting. Heat the oil to its smoke point; you will notice the griddle top changing color.
- Repeat Process Until Surface Becomes Dark
When the oil stops smoking, repeat these steps at least five times until the griddle surface becomes dark. This builds a strong seasoning bond.
Maintaining Your Seasoned Griddle
With continued use, the seasoning bond will improve. Apply a coating of oil at the start and finish of each cook to help maintain the seasoning. Before storing your griddle, scrape off any remaining debris and re-season the surface.
Once the griddle top is clean, scraped, and dry, apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust. Always use your included griddle cover when the griddle is not in use, but only cover it when it has fully cooled.
Experts Tips
Start by heating the griddle on low, then gradually increase to super high heat to prevent warping. Some new models have reinforcement on the flat top to prevent warping, but not all.
Contrary to the belief that olive oil isn’t suitable for high temperatures, many seasoning videos recommend it. However, oils with higher smoke points, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil, might be a good choice. Some users find avocado oil to be the best, but grapeseed oil is also a durable option.
Conclusive Note
If your Member’s Mark griddle has a sticky surface or gets damaged easily, it likely needs proper seasoning. Seasoning involves applying multiple layers of oil and heating the griddle to create a non-stick surface.
Use suitable oils like vegetable or canola oil and follow the correct steps to ensure your griddle performs well and lasts longer. Regular maintenance, such as applying oil after each use and cleaning properly, will keep your griddle in excellent condition. For best results, start with low heat and gradually increase to prevent warping.
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