How to clean a flat top grill? Do you want to learn the proper way to clean your flat top grill? Cleaning a flat top grill can be intimidating, but with these simple steps, you’ll have your grilling surface looking brand new in no time. Flat top grills are becoming increasingly popular but required special care due to their heavier construction and close contact with food surfaces. In this blog post, I will discuss the materials needed (epically cleaning solution) as well as key tips on how to get the job done properly and safely. Whether it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned or just need a refresher course, let’s dive right into knowing all about cleaning that trusty flat top grill!
How Often Should You Clean A Flat Top Grill?
- You most likely didn’t do any research on “how frequently to clean a flat top grill” before making the purchase.
- The good news is that you won’t need to perform a thorough deep clean as frequently if you treat them carefully.
- After using your griddle, you’ll frequently notice that the cooking surface appears to be fairly clean.
I am aware of your assumption, but we are unable to skip it. Even if a flat top grill doesn’t seem unclean, you should clean it after every usage because food is prepared on the surface.
However, that does not imply that it must be thoroughly cleaned after every usage. In addition to ensuring that the food you serve is safe, cleaning your griddle after each cook can help it last a lot longer. I advise giving the griddle a good wipe down every so often if it isn’t being used much and is just lying in storage to make sure no moisture is getting inside.
Signs Your Flat Top Grill Needs Deep Cleaned?
Flat top grills may begin to gather grime in the corners if you use them frequently. Here are various indicators that flat top grills require thorough cleaning:
You recently completed grilling a big, juicy burger. When you bite into something, you wonder what the flavor is.
If your meal tastes “wrong,” your griddle may have accumulated grease or residue.
If the color of your meal seems a touch odd, there can be some undesired leftovers on your cooking surfaces in addition to the “off” taste.
The last, and most obvious, step is to clean it if you can see any grease or residue.
Supplies You’ll Need
You’ll need a few things in addition to elbow grease to clean a flat top griddle. You may simplify this cleaning process for yourself with the correct tools. On the other hand, if you use the incorrect tools, the grill could be harmed.
Here are some examples of the equipment needed to clean a flat top:
- Grill Scraper: This blade is used to remove food from the griddle. To enable you to scrape the food while the grill is still hot, it typically has a plastic handle. Additionally, you may use it to chop meals.
- Grill Brush: To thoroughly clean the grill, a grill brush is required. To make it simpler to remove stuck-on food muck, it has thick bristles on a wooden handle.
- Grill Screen: Aluminum oxide is applied to rayon-based grill screens. Cleaning up the grease and food crumbs during those thorough cleanings is beneficial.
- Griddle Pad Holder: This is essentially a holder that can hold both the grill screen and the scrub pad. When cleaning the grill while it is still hot, it is necessary. Additionally, it’s beneficial to keep your hands as sanitized as you can.
- Flat Top Grill Cleaner: There are all-natural cleaners designed exclusively for flat top grills. Some of them are high-temperature cleaners, which are excellent for cleaning your grill after a sloppy cook.
- Grill Brick: The grill brick is the only item you need to use to clean the flat top. It can perform practically all of the cleaning tasks that the other equipment can in one go.
How To Clean A Flat Top Grill – Deep Clean
You’re probably seeing what I saw after your griddle’s first use. The stove surface is covered in food debris. Almost everywhere there is grease.
Do not worry. Here’s how to thoroughly clean a flat top grill:
Step 1: Let It Cool
- After preparing a delicious meal, you might feel tempted to start cleaning up before serving it.
- I’d strongly advise letting your flat top grill cool down entirely for safety concerns.
- Your hand shouldn’t slip when the grill is still hot.
Step 2: Scrape It Off
- Let’s tidy up our creation when you’ve finished your supper, shall we?
- Scrape the entire cooking surface and the edges with a metal spatula (or griddle scraper). Make sure to remove any grease and debris.
- Push everything into the grease tray if your flat top grill has one for the time being (but don’t forget to clean that tray sometimes, too!).
- Don’t freak out if your flat top grill is particularly bad—for example if food from a few months ago is stuck to it and won’t come off with a scraper.
- Use a little warm water to assist loosen the residue on very grimy griddles. The cooking surface can handle some elbow grease, so don’t be afraid to use it!
- Even if your griddle appears to be beyond repair, I strongly advise avoiding cleaning your flat top grill with chemicals.
- The last thing you would want to do while cooking for your family is to leave chemical traces.
- Furthermore, such substances actually harm your flat-top grill and cause rust.
- However, if it’s extremely nasty, you can wash the surface of the grill with warm, soapy water and a grill pad or brush.
Step 3: Wipe It Up
- Take a couple paper towels and clean everything with them.
- Make sure to target any places with water as you remove any remaining residue.
- I want to make sure we remove all remaining grease, residue, and particularly any water in this phase.
By doing this, you can prevent rust on your griddle.
Step 4: Oil It Down
- There is one more thing to complete after cleaning your griddle. Nearly there.
- Apply a small layer of your preferred cooking oil or spray on all cooking surfaces.
This helps prevent corrosion and keeps the non-stick surface that you worked so hard to develop during the seasoning period intact.
How To Clean A Flat Top Grill – Routine Cleaning
Don’t let the daily grind of cooking get to you! Taking a few moments post-cooking for routine maintenance is essential for keeping your griddle in its best condition and ensuring that each meal tastes as scrumptious as possible.
Step 1: Scrape Leftovers
Use a griddle scraper to remove all of the remaining grease or food debris after each use.
Step 2: Use Warm Water
Spray water on the flat top and give it a thorough rinsing once it has cooled.
Step 3: Dry It
The surface should be fully dried with a paper towel or rag. Rusting may occur if moisture is left on it.
Step 4: Re-Season It
After each cook, I advise you to re-season your griddle.
You only need to apply a thin layer of oil to the surface rather than re-season the food completely.
Safety Tips Around Your Flat Top Grill?
- Be aware of children. Your griddle’s knobs are easily turned by them, which increases the risk of them burning themselves, the food, or anything nearby.
- Take a look around you. Accidents can occur if you’re too close to vinyl siding or if adjacent children are tossing a football.
- Do not put anything on top of your griddle. Bags, containers, and other flammable items may catch fire suddenly.
- Cook in a room with good ventilation and light.
- Keep an eye on your propane. Put a moist cloth on the tank and stop cooking if you can smell too much gas.
- Call 911 if a gas leak or fire makes you feel unsafe, and let the specialists handle the matter from there.
Video: How To Clean A Flat Top Grill
How To Re-Season A Flat Top Grill
By seasoning your flat top grill (also known as a griddle), you can cover the cooking surface with a layer of protection. If you perform a deep clean, be sure to master this phase.
Additionally, if you’re researching and about to make your first purchase, season it just before using it.This shielding layer assists in reducing rust danger as well as wear and damage. Even if your griddle is fresh new, you should clean it a little before seasoning it.
Use soap and water to clean the cooking surface of your flat top grill. This eliminates any leftover grease and built-up grease. After cleaning, completely dry it. It will then be prepared for seasoning as a result. Do you have a clean flat top grill? It’s time to season your griddle, which is great!
What you’ll need is as follows:
- Oil will work, whether it be vegetable, flax, extra virgin olive, or coconut oil.
- Toilet paper: This will help you spread the oil evenly.
- Make sure your flat top grill is clean before applying any oil. Food debris
- Cooking Utensil: Metal spatula or tongs are effective (just remember to double-click them before using).
- Gloves That Resist Heat: Later on, you can thank me for this.
How To Store Your Griddle
It’s time to season your flat top grill now that the griddle has been well cleaned and you have your ingredients.
- Turn increase the heat on all burners to high for ten to fifteen minutes.
- Apply a thin layer of oil and use a paper towel and frying tool to spread it all over the cooking surface, edges, and sides (or grill glove)
- Watch the grill as the oil heats up to a smokey level until the smoking stops. This could take up to 30 minutes.
- After the grill stops smoking, turn it off and give it time to cool completely.
- The first seasoning cycle has ended. Repeat the process from beginning to end 2-4 more times, depending on the finish you want.
- When finished seasoning, clean with cooking oil to prevent any rust.
You can either start cooking on it now or store it at this stage.
I advise carrying out this action following each deep clean. Although it’s not necessary to properly season after every meal, I do leave a little film of oil on the food to help prevent rust.
1. How Often Will You Use It?
Having your flat top grill in a practical spot will make your life much simpler if you intend to use it frequently.
Mine is located on our screened porch because I use it almost every other day. It seems to extend inside because it is so close to the kitchen.
2. Will It Be Exposed To The Elements?
You should have some kind of grill cover for your griddle if you plan to store it outside.
When flat top grills are kept outside, moisture can enter more easily and lead to rusting. Consider how hot your propane tank is getting if it’s in the sunlight depending on where you are.
3. Is It In The Reach Of Children?
Given how simple it is to switch on most flat top grills, it’s crucial to consider if children will have access to it.
If it’s not possible to entirely keep children away from it (I can understand this better than most because I have 8 kids! ), make sure to store it with the propane disconnected.
Wrapping It Up
If you take care of your flat top grill, it will continue to function flawlessly for many years to come as a multipurpose cooking tool. You can avoid having your food damaged by old, caked-on food by using a clean flat top grill. Depending on the mess, a flat top grill can be cleaned in a variety of ways, but the best method is to clean it right away after using it to cook.
What To Do If Your Griddle Surface Is Already Cooled
If your flat top grill is already cooled and you want to season it, the process is similar. First, use a metal spatula or brush to remove as much of the caked-on food as possible.
- Take care not to scratch the cooking surface in any way.
- Next, apply an even layer of oil over the entire surface with a paper towel or a cloth and spread it with a metal spatula or brush.
- Then, turn the heat to high and allow the grill to heat up until it starts smoking.
- Once the smoke stops, turn off the heat and let it cool down before cleaning again with cooking oil.
- Repeat this process a few times for the best results.
What To Never Do When Cleaning Your Camp Chef Or Blackstone Griddle
- Never use abrasive tools to clean your griddle. Such tools can easily scratch or damage the cooking surface, thus making it an unsuitable choice for any kind of cooking.
- Also, do not pour water on a hot griddle as it will cause steam and create stubborn food particles that are difficult to remove.
- Finally, never leave the cooking oil on the surface of your griddle for too long as it can become rancid and create an unpleasant odor.
- Always make sure to clean off any excess oil after you are done using the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean A Flat Top Grill
Do I need to season my flat top grill after each use?
No, you don’t have to. However, it is a good idea to clean off any food particles or oil buildup and season the griddle every few uses to ensure it stays in good condition.
Can I use soap on my flat top grill?
Yes, but only if it is not a non-stick surface. If your griddle has a non-stick coating, then use soap sparingly and make sure to rinse it well with water afterward.
Can I Use Soap To Clean My Griddle?
Yes, you can use soap and hot water to clean your flat top grill. However, you should avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaners that may damage the griddle surface.
Can I Put My Griddle In The Dishwasher?
No, your griddle should never be washed in a dishwasher as it will ruin the finish of the surface.
What Should I Do If I Notice Rust On My Griddle?
If you notice any rust on your griddle, use a metal brush to scrub off the area. Then apply a layer of oil and heat it until smoking, let it cool down, and clean off the excess oil with a paper towel before using it again.
It is also a good idea to cover your griddle when not in use and store it in a dry place to prevent rust formation.
What Can I Use To Polish My Griddle?
Rubbing a small amount of vegetable oil on the surface with a cloth can help restore the shine of your griddle. You may also want to consider purchasing a specialized polish for your griddle.
How Often Should I Clean My Flat Top Griddle?
It’s best to clean your flat top griddle after each use. This will help keep it in good condition and prevent the need for more heavy-duty cleaning.
Can I Use Ice To Clean My Flat Top Grill?
No, you should never use ice to clean your flat top grill. Ice can damage the griddle surface and may cause it to warp.
Final Thoughts
If you have a flat-top grill, then you know that they are a bit more difficult to clean than your average grill. However, with this handy guide, you will be able to get your grill looking good as new in no time! Now you know that how to clean a flat top grill. Just remember to follow these steps and be patient and your grill will be sparkling clean in no time. Sweet Basil’s Cafe hopes you will find this guide helpful. Thanks for reading, enjoy your outdoor cooking! Enjoy the grilling season with confidence and a clean flat top grill.
