- What is a griddle anyway?
- How easy is it to clean your griddle?
- How to clean a griddle after use: quick guide
- How to clean a cast-iron griddle
- How to clean a Blackstone griddle grill
- How to clean a BBQ griddle or flat top grill
- How to clean an electric griddle
- How to clean a stainless steel griddle
Whether you're cooking a steak, making pancakes, or sauteing vegetables, your griddle is your best friend. This handy cooking companion lets you do it all, and then some. There's just one major drawback. When it gets greasy and dirty, it can be a real pain to clean.
So, how do you clean a griddle? The trick is knowing how to clean your specific type of griddle. Whether it's built into your gas hob, propped over a BBQ, or a huge commercial flat top, there's a knack you need to know about. Luckily, you've come to the right place to get it right.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take. We'll cover everything from how to clean a cast-iron griddle with burnt-on food to how to clean a griddle with rust. Read on to learn the best approach for your griddle and how you can get started right away.
What is a griddle anyway?
Not familiar with the term? Okay, let's start with the basics. A griddle is a flat, heated cooking surface you can use for a wide range of cookery approaches. You don't need to pop a pan or pot on top of it. Instead, you whack the food straight onto it and get sizzling.
Of course, since you're cooking fresh food directly on the griddle, it can get mucky faster than you might expect. That could be bad news for your health. Common types of bacteria found on kitchen surfaces include E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Norovirus and hepatitis A.
Cleaning is an absolute must. With that in mind, it's essential to know the correct way to clean your griddle and ensure it remains 100% safe for your cooking and health.
How easy is it to clean your griddle?
If you're thinking of cleaning your griddle, you may worry that it's going to be hard. However, you needn't panic. The process is pretty simple. You simply have to know what you're dealing with.
There's a whole range of options (from cast iron griddles, stainless steel griddles, non-stick griddles, to flat top grills), and each has its quirks. Use the wrong tool or cleaning product, and you could end up damaging or failing to clean the griddle properly.
Now that you understand the ins and outs of griddle cleaning, let's take a look at how to get it right. Follow our quick step-by-step below to kick things off.
How to clean a griddle after use: quick guide
Before we get into how to deal with different materials and grill types, let's cover the basics. If you're looking for everyday cleaning advice, follow our tips below:
What you need:
- A griddle scraper or spatula
- Paper towels or microfibre cloth
- Warm water
- Washing-up liquid
- Griddle stone (optional)
- Cooking oil
Step 1: Let it cool first
Don't make the mistake of cleaning it right away. Ideally, you want to wait until the griddle is warm but not scorching hot. That way, you can clean it without hurting yourself.
Step 2: Scrape the surface
Next, use your scraper or spatula to remove any excess food. This is the easiest way to get rid of the bits of grime and food that have stuck on the griddle.
Step 3: Wipe the griddle
Once you've done that, the next step is to wipe away the remaining residue carefully. You can also use a little warm water to loosen any of the sticky parts here.
Step 4: Grab the washing up liquid
If you're dealing with stainless steel or electric griddles, you can use a small amount of washing-up liquid and a soft cloth. Note: You should avoid soap on cast iron.
Step 5: Dry completely
When you're done cleaning your griddle, ensure that it is completely dry. One of the worst things you can do is leave it (especially if it's made of cast iron).
How to clean a cast-iron griddle
Now that you've got the basics down, let's talk about how you should approach different griddle materials. Cast iron is super durable. However, it can be a pain to clean. Here's what you need to know.
Step 1: Scrape it well
First things first, scrape off any excess food with a metal spatula or grill scraper. Get rid of all those nasty bits.
Step 2: Use a little water
Add a splash of water to loosen burnt bits. However, take care as water can damage the material.
Step 3: Try a chainmail scrubber
Try using a chainmail scrubber to remove any stubborn stains or dirty areas. You may need to use some elbow grease here.
Step 4: Oil it up
Finally, coat the cast-iron griddle with a thin layer of oil. This prevents rust, which can be a real problem for cast iron products.
How to clean a Blackstone griddle grill
Do you have a Blackstone griddle? These are often popular for outdoor cooking. However, you need to take care when cleaning them. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Start by scraping (again)
While the griddle is still warm, scrape off food with a Blackstone scraper.
Step 2: Wipe away the excess
Next up, you'll need to wipe down the griddle with a paper towel. This is an essential step as it allows you to clean the surface properly.
Step 3: Use warm water next
Pour some warm water directly onto the griddle, and then scrape the surface again. You should find that the tougher marks start to come off at this point.
Step 4: Dry and oil (if necessary!)
Finally, you should dry the griddle as soon as possible. If needed, you may also want to oil the griddle at this point.
Bonus: Don't use the following products
Cleaning a Blackstone griddle can be tough, and there are certain products that you want to avoid using. These include general soap, harsh chemicals, and abrasive pads. You should also ensure that you don't leave this type of grill in the rain, as it can be damaged.
How to clean a BBQ griddle or flat top grill
Whether it's on your backyard BBQ or a standalone grill, the approach that you use will be more or less the same. These items need cleaning as soon as possible. Let's take a look at how:
Step 1: Get burning
You should let it burn, literally. You can burn off any excess grease by heating it after cooking. If you're trying to deal with particularly tough spots, give this a go.
Step 2: Scrape away
Next up, you're going to need to scrape off the residue with a metal scraper. You can also use a griddle stone if the buildup is thick.
Step 3: Wipe with water
When you've done that, the next step is to wipe the area with warm water and then dry it thoroughly.
Step 4: Oil the area
Finally, lightly oil the entire area before covering it up. Follow this process each time.
How to clean an electric griddle
Spoiler: Electric griddles need a bit more care to protect all of the electrical parts. For that reason, you need to know the right way to approach the task.
Step 1: Unplug the grill
Safety always comes first. You need to unplug the grill and let it cool completely before proceeding. This is non-negotiable.
Step 2: Wipe it down
You can use a damp cloth to wipe down the electric griddle. However, you need to steer clear of running water, as that can be risky.
Step 3: Remove any food
You can use a spatula to remove stuck-on food. Target specific areas and make sure that you get it right.
Step 4: Clean the extra parts and dry
Finally, you can clean the drip tray with washing-up liquid and water. Then, dry all parts thoroughly before reassembling the grill.
How to clean a stainless steel griddle
Looking for some good news? Stainless steel is generally easier to clean than cast iron. However, it still needs care to prevent any unfortunate staining. Follow our steps.
Step 1: Scrape it down
For a stainless steel griddle, you should use a plastic or wooden scraper. Directly deal with any of the food stains.
Step 2: Use some vinegar or bicarbonate of soda
Want to know a quick hack? We've got two: You can spray the griddle with vinegar and then wipe it clean. Alternatively, for heavy grease, try using some bicarbonate of soda.
Step 3: Rinse and dry
Finally, rinse the stainless steel grill and then dry it thoroughly.
Learning how to clean a griddle properly is easier than you might think. Make sure you follow our advice to get it right from the start. Remember, the approach you use will depend mainly on the material of your griddle. Use the proper technique for your grill.
Q&A
Did we miss something? Check out our frequently asked questions below:
How often should I clean my griddle?
You should clean your griddle after every use to avoid any nasty buildup. You may also want to deep-clean your grill every month or so.
Can I use soap on my griddle?
Yes, but only on stainless steel or non-cast iron griddles. If you have a cast-iron griddle, you should never use soap on it.
Can I put my griddle in the dishwasher?
Only if it's dishwasher-safe. Check the product details before you try this one. You should never put cast iron in the dishwasher as it will rust.
Which of our tips worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.
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