How to Clean Your Flat Top Grill? (With Video)

Cleaning your griddle is an essential aspect of maintaining its performance and ensuring you always serve up delicious and safe meals.

With so many tips and tools available, it can be overwhelming to figure out the best way to clean your griddle.

In this guide, we’ll cover the must-have supplies, address frequently asked questions, and provide a comprehensive yet simple approach to keeping your griddle in tip-top shape.

Supplies You Need for Cleaning a Griddle

Keeping your griddle clean and well-maintained is essential for ensuring delicious and perfectly cooked meals. To achieve this, you’ll need a few essential tools and supplies.

Here’s a list of items you should have on hand to effectively clean your griddle:

1. Griddle scraper: A must-have tool for scraping off food debris and residue from the surface of your griddle. Look for a sturdy metal scraper with a comfortable handle.
2. Griddle pad holder and scrub pad: A pad holder and scrub pad help remove stubborn debris without damaging the griddle’s surface. Opt for a palmetto brush if you have a chrome surface.
3. Paper towels or dish rag: Use paper towels or a designated dish rag to wipe down and dry the griddle surface after cleaning.
4. Stainless steel cleaning chemical: For more thorough cleaning, use a stainless steel cleaner specifically designed for griddle surfaces.
5. Cooking oil or seasoning material: A high-quality oil, such as avocado oil, is perfect for re-seasoning the griddle after cleaning. The oil should have a high smoke point and mild flavor.
6. Heat-resistant gloves: Protect your hands from burns while working with a warm griddle by using heat-resistant gloves.
7. Warm water: Avoid using cold water or ice on your griddle, as it can cause warping or cracking. Warm water helps loosen debris and makes cleaning easier.
8. Grill stone (optional): A grill stone is useful for tackling major caked-on messes or rusted cooking surfaces. It helps dislodge stubborn debris before re-seasoning your griddle.

By having these essential supplies at your disposal, you can keep your griddle clean and well-maintained, ensuring consistent cooking results and a longer-lasting appliance.

how to clean a Flat Top Grill or Griddle

A clean flat-top grill or griddle is essential for delivering delicious, perfectly cooked meals. But keeping it clean doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

1. Clean as you cook: To make cleaning easier, use a bench scraper to remove food residue and debris while you’re still cooking. This is especially helpful for sticky, high-sugar content dishes.
2. Turn off the heat before your food is completely done: This prevents leftover juices from burning on the grill, making it easier to clean afterward.
3. Scrape food debris immediately: Once you’re done cooking, use a bench scraper or spatula to scrape off food debris and residue, directing it into the grease trough.
4. Wipe the surface while it’s still warm: Use a paper towel or rag to wipe down the grill surface, sidewalls, and grease trough area. This helps prevent rust and distributes residual grease or oil to protect and season the grill.
5. Apply a thin layer of seasoning: Re-season your grill by rubbing a small amount of oil on the surface, then heat it up to cure the seasoning. This helps protect the grill from rust and maintains a non-stick cooking surface.
6. Cleaning a cold, dirty grill: If you haven’t cleaned the grill right away, heat it up to cooking temperature and then turn it off. Scrape off stubborn debris using warm water or a mixture of dish soap and warm water if necessary. After cleaning, follow the seasoning process as described in step 5.

Other creative cleaning ideas can be found in the video below:

FAQs about Cleaning Your Griddle

Cleaning your griddle is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Here are some frequently asked questions about cleaning your griddle, along with their answers:

Can I use soap to clean my griddle?

Avoid using soap on your griddle, as it can remove the seasoning and make the surface less nonstick. Instead, stick to warm water or natural solutions like vinegar or lemon juice.

How often should I clean my flat-top griddle?

You should perform routine cleaning after every use, which includes scraping off excess food, wiping the surface dry, and applying a thin coat of oil for re-seasoning. Deep cleaning is less frequent and depends on how well you maintain your griddle with routine cleaning.

Can I use ice to clean my flat-top grill?

No, using ice on a hot griddle can cause warping and cracking. It’s not recommended for residential griddles and should be avoided even for commercial ones.

What is the best thing to clean a flat-top grill with?

For routine cleaning, use a grill scraper, warm water, a spray bottle, and paper towels. For deep cleaning, a grill brick can be an effective solution. Avoid using chemicals on your cooking surface.

What are the benefits of cleaning a flat-top grill?

Cleaning your flat-top grill ensures a longer life for your appliance, serves safe and hygienic food, and prevents rust.

How do you clean a flat-top griddle without chemicals?

Use warm water with dish soap, vinegar, or lemon juice to break down stubborn messes. Follow the cleaning process outlined above for best results.

Are there flat-top grill cleaners on the market?

Yes, there are food-safe flat-top grill cleaners available. Blackstone offers a degreaser cleaner, and Griddle Master Max is another option for a food-safe griddle and grill cleaner.

Remember to clean your griddle regularly to keep it in top shape and ensure delicious meals every time.