Cleaning a griddle can be an involved process, but it doesn’t need to be a source of stress. Cleaning the griddle can easily be worked into your routine with just a few quick steps.
Simply follow our simple step-by-step guide and your griddle can offer a perfect cooking top for years to come!
How Often Should You Clean Your Griddle?
Although it is not required, it is best to properly clean your griddle after each use. This will keep your griddle issue free and ready for use the next time you use it.
Why Should You Keep Your Griddle Clean?
A used griddle can become caked in a layer of old food particles after cooking. Thus, a clean griddle is a happy griddle. With a cooking surface that is fresh and clean, you will be able to cook the perfect meal every time. Don’t worry about what might have stuck to it previously – cook on a clean surface for the best results.
Dirty griddles, on the other hand, carry a higher risk of smoking, irregular cooking, and even rusty aftertaste. Poorly cleaned griddle surfaces are also stickier than the non-stick features of a properly cleaned and seasoned griddle.
How to Clean Your Griddle Step by Step
Now that you know the “why” of the matter, let’s learn how to clean a griddle after use. Here is the right way to prep and clean your griddle after each use.
1. Let the Griddle Cool
It is important to ensure your griddle is fully cooled before you begin the cleaning method. Cleaning your griddle when it is hot can result in burns, injury, or worse.
2. Scrape Excess Food Debris
Once your griddle is cooled, use a metal spatula or bench scraper to scrape the surface. This will help remove cooked food bits, grease, and other stuck-on food from the cooking top.
It is important to use a flat-edged scraping tool, rather than a serrated or uneven tool, for this step. This will ensure that you don’t damage the cooking surface.
3. Clean Out the Grease Container
The grease cup, which catches excess grease during cooking, should be checked often and cleaned after every cooking session. To clean your grease trap:
- Pull out the spring-loaded knurl knob,
- Rotate the handle back to empty the cup,
- Clean out with a paper towel or other disposable cloth, and
- Replace the grease container
4. Wash Thoroughly
Once your griddle is free of food bits and grease, it’s time to wash it. There are many griddle cleaner liquids available. However, dishwashing soap and hot water are a fine combination to wash your griddle’s cooktop.
Cleanse using a heavy-duty sponge or griddle pad with a firm touch. Repeat this process until the surface is free of debris, stains, and excess detritus. Be sure to rinse all of the excess soap residue from the griddle top once it’s been cleaned. This will ensure a damage-free wash.
For Tougher Jobs
If you need a deeper clean, you can remove your griddle’s cast iron top for better maneuvering. Simply remove the JJ hooks at the bottom back of your griddle. Then, slowly lift the griddle plate off of the housing.
You can now fully remove the plate and clean it to your heart’s content!
5. Dry Thoroughly
Once your griddle is clean, it is important to thoroughly dry the cooking surface. Failure to do so can result in rust, surface issues, soapy water spots, or worse.
Drying your griddle will also help you to notice if any residue or food particles were missed during the cleaning process.
To dry your griddle, simply wipe the entire surface with a paper towel or microfiber towel. Repeat this step until the griddle is dry to the touch.
6. Season Your Griddle
After your griddle is fully dried, it’s time to season. Seasoning is a thin layer of cooking oil that is applied to the surface of the griddle. This prevents it from rusting and provides a non-stick surface for cooking. Seasoning will keep your cooking surface non-stick and optimal for a variety of cooking scenarios.
To season your griddle, apply a thin layer of oil. We recommend a high smoke point oil such as vegetable, canola, or flaxseed. Distribute the oil evenly across the entire griddle surface.
Once applied, set your griddle to medium-high heat. Leave oil heating for 10-15 minutes until it has penetrated the griddle’s surface.
Learn more about how to season your griddle here, or watch the video below!
Shop the Best Griddles from HALO!
There’s nothing better than cooking in the open air on a hot, sizzling griddle. HALO Products Group offers a wide range of the griddles you need to level up your cooking. Get ready to be blown away by our amazing multi-burner options like the Elite2B, Elite3B, and Elite4B.