If you're anything like us then you’ve used your Carbon Steel Griddle all summer, porting it from stove to grill, tucking it into your campfire cooking kit, hauling it out for backyard BBQs or al fresco weeknight dinners. Smash burgers, griddle top breakfasts, it’s seen it all—and while we keep our griddle permanently affixed to our stovetop, that’s not the case for everyone.
If you tend to use your griddle most in the summer and otherwise want to stow it away for the winter—or just plain need a place to keep it when it's not in use—then it’s important to make sure it’s stored properly to prevent rust, scratches, and other damage. Proper griddle storage will keep your Carbon Steel Griddle in great shape for years, guaranteeing you’ll have many more summers of tasty griddled goods.
There are many ways to store the griddle, whether in a cupboard, stacked between towels, or right on the stovetop if you find yourself using it beyond the outdoors. And for folks who prefer to keep the griddle tucked away or plan to take theirs on the go, we designed a Griddle Utility Bag to keep it (and all its accessories) safe and dry.
How to Properly Store Your Griddle
Proper grill storage is crucial to prevent rust, damage, and wear. Below, we offer a few tips to keep your griddle looking good before it goes into hibernation.
Clean Before Storing
We might seem a little obsessed with cleaning around here, but that’s because it’s the most important step to make sure your cookware remains in good shape forever. It’s especially important before long term storage.
We’ve broken down all the cleaning tips in our griddle cleaning guide, but we want to call out one important thing in particular: oil. Apply a pea-sized drop of oil to your griddle, then buff it all over the griddle’s surface with a clean towel or paper towel. This extra layer of seasoning helps protect the griddle against rust—especially important before being stored, particularly if you live in a humid environment.
Storing Techniques
Even though you might use your griddle primarily outside, we don’t recommend storing it there: too prone to rust from outside moisture, plus it’ll get extra grimy from dust and other delights of nature.
There are many ways to store your griddle. Some people prefer to keep it right on the stove, for easy access and everyday use. (Shout out to all the other cooks out there who use their griddles in lieu of toasters.) If you store your griddle on the stovetop, though, be sure to watch for any random sprays of water or other moisture from your daily cooking. Keep the griddle dry when it’s not in use to prevent rust, and a bit of oil applied on the surface every now and then wouldn’t hurt.
You can also slide your griddle into a drawer or store it on its side in a cupboard. If doing that, it’s best to tuck a towel or soft trivet on either side of the griddle to prevent scratches or other damage.
The most convenient way to store your griddle, of course, is inside our Griddle Utility Bag, designed to fit perfectly over our Carbon Steel Griddle, hold all its accessories, and protect the carbon steel from rust.
Maintain Semi-Regularly
If you’re storing your griddle away until next summer, it’s still important to regularly check the griddle to make sure it hasn’t been inadvertently exposed to moisture—especially if you live in a humid environment. Check every month or so, and if you notice any discoloration or rusting, then remove it right away.
It’s always a good idea to apply a new layer of oil, too. Since carbon steel is slightly porous, over time the oil gets absorbed and the surface dries out. If your griddle is too dry to the touch or looks visibly dull and dry, it could probably use another small coat of oil.
Benefits of the Griddle Utility Bag
We designed our Griddle Utility Bag to be a catch-all for not just our Griddle, but also its accessories. No more searching through your drawers or cabinets to find the Grill Press, Griddle Spatula, and other griddle tools: keep it all in one place and you’ll be ready to cook up some smash burgers when the craving hits.
The primary purpose of the bag, though, is protection: covering the griddle completely when storing prevents scratches, rust, and other damage that might occur, whether in storage or on the go. The more you take care of and maintain your griddle, the longer it’ll last.
Ready to Cook?
Summer might be approaching its end, but your griddle will live on to see many more sunny days and outdoor cooking adventures. Keep it stored properly and you’ll be ready to whip up a diner-style breakfast, grill a whole slew of vegetables, and press up loads of panini and grilled cheese for your next party.
The Griddle Utility Bag, made of 1000D nylon with a coated nylon interior, promises extra protection and innovative storage for your Griddle and all of its accessories. Shop now to protect your griddle in storage and on the go.
