How to Clean a Flat Top Grill or Griddle [2023 Complete Guide]

From homes to commercial kitchens, a flat top grill or griddle is a common fixture. It is a great alternative to traditional design, especially if you are using gas instead of charcoal. Over time, however, it accumulates dirt, which makes it unhygienic. Not to mention, it also impacts the taste of the food you are cooking. With this, regular cleaning is important, which is also crucial for making the kitchen a safer space.

If you are clueless about how to clean a flat top grill or griddle, read on! We’ll share some of the best methods that will work. There’s more than one way to do it, depending on the time that you have and the materials that are available.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Flat Top Grill or Griddle

Ready to get your hands dirty? Below are the different cleaning methods that will work. The discussions below are based on various materials that you can use.

Soap and Water

This is the most common option for most people. After all, soap and water are present in any household, which makes it the default choice.

1. Start by having a sponge wet and squeezing liquid soap. Preferably, use mild detergent. Avoid those with harsh chemicals, since they will linger on the grill and transfer to food.
2. Spray water on the grill and start scrubbing.
3. Apply enough force to get rid of debris accumulation.
4. Once you are done, rinse the grill. In some cases, you might need to run the sponge on the grill again.

Vinegar and Water

Chances are, you have vinegar in the kitchen. It is one of the most versatile cooking ingredients, which also double as a household cleaner.

1. Put warm water and vinegar in a plastic spray bottle.
2. Turn on the grill to high heat. Spray the mixture all over the grill, focusing on the areas with the highest concentration of dirt and grime.
3. Scrape the surface using a grill brush.
4. Rinse the grill. If there is still dirt, repeat the spraying and scraping.

Lemon Juice

Like vinegar, lemon juice is another popular option for natural cleaners. Its acidity makes it effective in getting rid of the deposits in the grill. Most people prefer this over vinegar because lemon has a refreshing scent.

1. In a spray bottle, mix two parts warm water with one part lemon juice.
2. Spray the mixture on the grill.
3. Scrape any hard dirt on the surface. Repeat if necessary.

#Video: How to clean and season a Flat Top Griddle

Cleaning Your Grill Depending on the Material

Flat top grills and griddles are available in various materials. your choice of cleaning method is important as it prevents damages. Otherwise, you might be harming the grill, making it unusable and inefficient instead of cleaning the surface. Below, we’ll talk about the different materials and the best approaches to cleaning them.

Stainless Steel

Most of the flat top grills and griddles are made of stainless steel. It is a common material because it is long-lasting and economical. However, it is not the best looking and it can also emit a lot of heat, which makes the kitchen hot. If you have a stainless steel flat top, here’s how you can clean it:

1. Let the griddle cool down before you start cleaning.
2. Once it has reached room temperature, pour water on the top. This will get rid of oil and dirt.
3. Remove the hard debris using a scraper or brush. You can also use a griddle pad and screen for this task. Make sure that you cover all areas.
4. Rinse the grill and wipe using a clean cloth.
5. Apply a stainless steel cleaner on a rag and spread on the grill. Some will come in the form of a spray. Wipe them off once done.

Chrome

It is a common material that you will find in commercial kitchens. It is expensive, so it is seldom used in households. The secret to cleaning chrome is to use materials that are less abrasive since it is quite fragile.

1. Start by turning on the grill to up to 350 degrees. Once it is hot, clean the surface using a scraper, preferably one with a soft end. Remove as much particles as you can.
2. Pour warm water on the top and scrub using a non-abrasive cleaner. Repeat until it is clean.
3. Turn off the heat and rinse. Once you are done, use a rag to wipe the surface. Dry and apply a polish if needed.

#Video: How to Clean the Flat-top Grill

Re-Seasoning Your Flat Fop Grill and Griddle

After cleaning the grill, it is also a good idea to have it re-seasoned. The latter is crucial not just for restoring a clean look but also for bringing back its peak functionality. This will make the grill last longer. Luckily, this is an easy process that anyone can do using basic materials that are readily available.

1. Get the top hot. Turn on the heat to the highest level and wait until the surface is smoking.
2. Spray water on the surface and wipe using a paper towel. If it is too hot, use a spatula or any object that will hold the towel as you wipe. Get rid of any dirt or debris.
3. Once the surface is clean, add olive oil. Spread it evenly, making sure that you cover all parts of the grill.
4. Let the oil heat up. Do not be afraid when you see smoke. This is necessary as it means that the oil is settling on the surface. Such is what will create the non-stick cooking surface. Apply oil and repeat up to five coats.
5. Once done, drain the grill of oil and wipe with a clean cloth. The next time you use it, it is already seasoned.

#Video: Seasoning Your Blackstone Griddle Top | Blackstone Griddle

Signs You Need to Clean Your Grill

Does your grill need a cleaning? One of the most common signs to watch out for is its color. Obviously, if it is darker than the original color, it is already dirty. The grill will turn black or brown. Discolorations will be apparent on the surface when soot and grime accumulate.

The smell of the grill is another potential indicator of the time to clean. Over time, it accumulates oil and food particles, among other things that can result in a foul odor. If it smells off, take it as a sign of the need to clean.

It can also become inefficient when it is dirty. When you notice that it takes a long time before the grill smokes or warms up, then this is another indication that cleaning is needed. If you don’t, then you will end up wasting gas.

Another sign that you should watch out for is the flare-up. In most instances, when the grill is dirty, the flames are more common. This can be because of the deposits on the surface. Cleaning is crucial for kitchen safety.