A Blackstone griddle is an incredibly versatile outdoor kitchen appliance. Before placing any food on it, you need to ensure that it is hot enough and well-seasoned.
But what if it fails to get hot? Sometimes, new and used grills will not get hot at all or hot enough to cook a meal. If this happens, take time to diagnose the problem. Here are some of the most common reasons why Blackstone griddle will not get hot and suitable solutions.
Blackstone Griddle Will Not Get Hot
Your Blackstone griddle may fail to get hot because the propane tank is empty, the ignition has issues, or a faulty assembly. The regulator could also be tripped, defective or dirty.
Here are a few reasons why your Blackstone may not be getting on.
The Propane Tank is Empty
Burning propane gas causes the grill to heat up. So, if the propane tank has issues, the flat-top grill will not get hot.
One of the most common reasons your griddle is not getting hot is that the propane tank may be off or empty.
When purchasing a propane tank, the valve comes in an off position. You will need to turn the valve towards the marked position before lighting the griddle.
If your grill will still not heat up, the propane tank could be empty. Use any of the methods below to test the propane levels:
Weight
Use a regular bathroom scale and weigh your propane tank. A standard, empty propane tank weighs approximately 17 pounds. The amount of propane needed to fill a standard tank weighs about 20 pounds. So, the new full-tank propane weighs 37 pounds.
With this in mind, it is easier to determine the propane levels based on the weight you get.
Water
Pour hot tap water over the propane tank. Then, run one hand down the side where you poured the water. If the tank has propane inside, it will absorb the heat from the water, therefore, staying hot for a longer time.
Be keen to notice any transition from feeling cool to hot. That is the level where the propane is at the moment. If you feel no heat at all, the tank is empty.
Gauge
You can purchase an inexpensive gauge attachment to help you determine how much propane you have left in the tank.
Always keep an eye on the gauge to know when the propane is about to deplete. This way, you will not be caught up without a replacement on hand.
Note:
To avoid running out of propane, always have an extra propane tank. Most stores charge a small rental fee for the tank. When it gets empty, take it back to the store for an exchange with a new one.
Always replace the empty tank, and you will never run out of propane when you need it most.
After carrying out the weight, water, or gauge test and it shows there is propane in the tank, consider other factors that can cause the grill not to heat up.
Something is Wrong with the Ignition
The ignition is the spark that lights the flames that heats up a Blackstone griddle. Since the ignition is battery-powered, the first step would be to check if the battery is in the right state.
Refer to the owner’s manual to find out the battery’s location and assembly instructions. The ignition system can stop working when the battery gets drained. Therefore, it is recommendable to replace the battery at regular intervals.
If the battery is working well, the problem could be that the ignition is not installed correctly.
All the Burners are Not Lighting
The heating of a Blackstone griddle comes from the burners positioned underneath. It’s the burners that burn propane gas to heat the grill to the temperature that you want.
Failure of all these burners to light may cause your griddle not to get hot. Moreover, failure of one burner to light may lead to uneven heating of the griddle cook-top.
What are the causes of burners not working?
- Ignition does not reach all the burners
- A dirty burner tube that hinders proper ignition
- Wind preventing a burner from lighting or blowing it out immediately after you light it.
Solution
The first step is to check and ensure that all the burners are on; you should see a blue flame.
If any of the burners is not on, you can light it using a utility lighter.
If it still doesn’t light, it could be a problem with a dirty burner tube. Sometimes debris and grease escape the grease management system causing clogging on the primary vent through where the propane gas passes.
You can also suspect this if you haven’t cleaned the burners for a while. With time most of the flame spots may become clogged and hinder the lighting up of the burners.
If this is the case, then follow the following steps to clean your burners:
Step 1: Ensure the griddle top is clean, then remove it so you can access the burners beneath.
Step 2: To remove the faulty burner, carefully unscrew the screws securing the burners on the griddle frame.
Step 3: Pull the tube carefully out of its position in the firebox.
Step 4: Using compressed air or a bottle brush, get rid of every debris in the flame ports. A round toothpick or a tip of a wooden grill skewer can also help you clear debris from any badly clogged flame port.
Step 5: Return the burner to its position and screw it back. Test it for proper ignition. If it produces a steady blue flame, place back the griddle top and continue using your griddle.
Note: A good propane flame should be blue with only a few flickers of yellow. However, too much yellow or orange in the flame indicates a low oxidation rate caused by either a dirty burner or low pressure in the gas.
You Have Tripped the Safety Mechanism of the Regulator
One of the essential safety features of a Blackstone griddle is the regulator. This is in line with USA regulations that require all grills to have a gas-flow limiting device for safety reasons.
Interfering with the regulator in any way may lead to the griddle not heating up.
The primary function of the regulator is to regulate the amount of fuel going to the griddle. If too little oil goes to the griddle, it translates into low heat, and the grill may not get hot enough.
You can avoid tripping the regulator by turning on the propane tank slowly. If you turn it on suddenly or too fast, it may trigger the regulator to shut off automatically.
However, if you have already messed up with the regulator, turn everything off and wait for about 60 seconds before trying again.
Follow these easy steps for fixing the regulator:
- Close the tank valve
- Let out all the gas that was already in the line by turning on the knobs on the griddle.
- Wait for about 10 seconds
- Turn off all the knobs of the Blackstone griddle
- Open the tank valve slowly, just a 1/4 turn
- Try and light the Blackstone griddle again
Blackstone recommends that you take about 30 seconds to make a ¼ turn of the regulator for enhanced safety of the regulator. Next, pause briefly, then make another ¼ turn. Avoid making a more than ½ turn on your propane tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Blackstone griddle not getting hot?
It could be because the propane tank is empty and it requires a refill. It could also be because the dirty regulator clogs the flame spots. Other reasons include a problem with the ignition, or some burners not lit.
How do I make my Blackstone hotter?
One of the easiest ways, especially during windy days, is to use wind guards. A wind guard ensures that your frame is steady, which helps the griddle heat up fast.
How long does it take for Blackstone to get hot?
The average time for all griddles to heat up is 8-9 minutes. Within this period, your grill should have reached a comfortable temperature to allow you to cook your food.
How do you know when a griddle is hot enough?
You can use this simple test. The grill is very hot if your hand can’t bear the heat after 2-4 seconds. If your hand can’t take the heat after 5-7 seconds, the grill’s heat is medium. Finally, the grill’s heat is low if your hand can’t bear the heat after 8-10 seconds.
Wrapping it up
A Blackstone griddle is a must-have appliance, especially for outdoor-cooking lovers. It is versatile and makes cooking easier.
However, you may find that it does not heat up fully at times. This is not a big issue, especially if you notice it immediately.
The advice here is that you troubleshoot the issue early enough so that it doesn’t become an inconvenience.