# How to prepare my griddle for cooking season?

> If you havent used your griddle for a couple months there are a couple items you should check over to make sure your first cook of the season goes smoothly W

Source: https://help.blackstoneproducts.com/en_us/how-to-prepare-my-griddle-for-cooking-season-H16gpCoZp

Last updated: 2025-11-14T22:30:44.414Z

If you haven't used your griddle for an extended time, check the following:

*   ****Check all propane connections.**** Inspect your propane tank and your regulator for damage or blockage and [perform a leak test](https://help.blackstoneproducts.com/en_us/how-do-i-perform-a-leak-test-on-a-system-with-the-20-lb-regulator-SyepCj6).
*   ****Clean out burner tubes with the gas off.**** Insects or debris may be causing a blockage in your burner tubes. For more information on how to clean your burner tubes, see our article "[Why are the flames on my griddle burning yellow?](https://help.blackstoneproducts.com/en_us/why-are-the-flames-on-my-griddle-burning-yellow-Hy8s30oT)".
*   ******Install fresh batteries if your unit requires them.****** 
*   ****Verify your ignition system functions.**** With the gas off and griddle plate removed, check for a spark between each ignitor needle and burner tube.  Follow the ignition instructions in your owner's manual. If there are issues igniting the unit, see our article "[Why is my griddle not igniting?](https://help.blackstoneproducts.com/en_us/why-is-my-griddle-not-igniting-BkKj2RobT)" 
*   ****Prep your griddle plate.**** [Clean and condition the griddle plate](https://help.blackstoneproducts.com/en_us/how-do-i-clean-my-steel-griddle-top-Sk5laRjZp). If needed, see our article "[How do I remove rust from my griddle top?](https://help.blackstoneproducts.com/en_us/my-griddle-top-is-rusting-Hkgo3AiZT)"
*   ****Clean the griddle body.**** To protect your unit, remove any dirt or grease on the griddle body. With the gas off use a mild detergent to clean the base and legs of your griddle. Our [Blackstone Griddle Degreaser Cleaner](https://blackstoneproducts.com/products/cleaner-and-degreaser?_pos=1&_sid=6066a075a&_ss=r) will remove oil or grease left over from the last cooking season.