A flat top grill is a versatile and convenient cooking appliance found in many home kitchens and restaurants. While it allows you to cook foods quickly and efficiently, the cooking surface needs regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of grime, grease and burnt-on food residue. Cleaning your flat top grill after every use will make the chore easier and help extend the life of your appliance. Follow these 6 easy steps to properly clean your flat top grill.
Gather Your Supplies
Before tackling the cleaning job, assemble all the supplies you will need:
- Grill scraper – A long handled scraper with a angled blade is ideal for scraping off residue. Avoid using a metal spatula as it can damage the cooking surface.
- Grill bricks – These are abrasive cleaning bricks designed for the high heat of grill surfaces.
- Degreasing cleaner – Look for a cleaner made specifically for flat top grills and griddles. Avoid acidic cleaners.
- Spray bottle of water
- Microfiber cloths, sponges and scrub pads – Terry cloth rags and abrasive scrub pads are useful for scrubbing off stubborn residue.
- Oven mitts – For protecting your hands from the hot grill surface.
- Disposable aluminum drip pans – For covering the grease trap channel while cleaning.
Allow the Grill Surface to Cool
- Turn off the grill and allow it to thoroughly cool before cleaning. Attempting to clean a hot grill can cause injury or damage to the appliance.
- For gas grills, turn the fuel source completely off and make sure all burner knobs are turned to the off position.
- Let the grill cool for at least 30-60 minutes after turning it off. Check that grill plates are cool to the touch before cleaning.
Remove Grease Traps and Covers
- Once cool, remove any removable grease trays and drip pans from the underside of the grill.
- Empty the grease traps of any oil buildup and wipe them clean with paper towels. Warm soapy water can help remove built-up grease.
- Use disposable aluminum pans to cover any exposed grease channels while you clean. This prevents food and residue from getting into the grease trap system.
Scrape Off Residue
- Use a long handled grill scraper to scrape off any burnt-on food residues from the grill surface. Hold the scraper at a 45 degree angle to the surface and apply firm pressure as you scrape.
- Focus on areas with noticeable buildup. Avoid using excessive force or you may damage the cooking surface.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe up any loosened food residue as you go. Having a spray bottle of water handy helps soften stubborn spots.
Apply Degreaser and Scrub
- Once you’ve scraped any chunks and loose residue, apply a degreasing cleaner made for grill surfaces. Spray or spread over the entire surface area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Use grill bricks, scrub pads, terry cloths or abrasive scrub brushes to scrub the cooking surface. Apply firm elbow grease to remove stubborn grease and grime.
- Pay special attention to areas around the edges and backsplash which tend to accumulate residue.
- For textured grill surfaces, use a toothbrush to clean the grooves and ridges. This prevents grease from getting trapped in the textured pattern.
- Rinse and reapply degreaser as needed until the surface is free of grease and dirt.
Rinse and Dry
- Once the surface is clean, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove all traces of cleaning solution. Wipe down with clean microfiber cloths.
- Make sure to get into crevices, corners and any textured areas of the grill surface. You want no residue left behind.
- Allow the surface to air dry completely before using the grill again. You can place a towel over the surface to absorb excess drips as it dries.
- For portable electric grills, wipe the exterior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any splatters or debris.
Do a Final Inspection
- Before cooking on the grill again, heat it up and do a final inspection of the cooking surface.
- Look for any spots or streaks you may have missed. Use grill bricks and degreaser to touch up any areas that need more cleaning.
- Once the entire surface is free of residue and shining clean, your flat top grill is ready for action!
Taking the time to thoroughly clean your flat top grill after each use prevents grease buildup and keeps it looking like new. Avoid letting grime accumulate between cleanings. Follow these easy steps for best results.
Tips for Easy Flat Top Grill Cleaning
Cleaning your flat top grill doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. Keep these handy tips in mind to make the cleaning process quicker and easier:
- Clean often – Don’t let residue build up. Wiping the surface after each use prevents sticking and burnt-on grime.
- Use grill covers – Covering the surface when not in use keeps grime from accumulating between uses.
- Degrease while still warm – Degreasing right after cooking when the surface is still warm helps lift residue easier before it gets burnt on.
- Use two scrapers – Keep separate scrapers for raw and cooked foods to prevent cross contamination.
- Avoid harsh cleaners – Stick to cleaners specifically made for grill surfaces. Acidic or abrasive cleaners can damage the finish.
- Re-grease before use – After cleaning, give the surface a light wipe of vegetable oil before cooking again to prevent food from sticking.
- Spot clean daily – Doing a quick scrape and wipe down of just the cooking surface area after use helps prevent big buildups.
- Deep clean less often – Doing a thorough deep cleaning of the entire grill every 5-10 uses is sufficient to keep grime at bay.
FAQs About Cleaning a Flat Top Grill
Should I clean my flat top grill after every use?
Yes, it’s recommended to clean your flat top grill after each use. Quickly scraping and wiping down the cooking surface after every cook prevents burnt-on food residue from accumulating. It makes cleaning much quicker and easier when you clean often.
Can I use oven cleaner on my flat top grill?
No, avoid using oven cleaner or any harsh caustic cleaners on your flat top grill. These can be damaging to the appliance coating. Use a cleaner made specifically for flat top grills and griddles.
What is the best way to clean a flat top grill surface?
The best method is to scrape off any chunks, apply a degreasing cleaner, let it soak for 5-10 minutes, then scrub thoroughly with grill bricks, pads and cloths. Rinse and dry completely afterwards.
How can I make flat top grill cleaning easier?
Covering the surface when not in use, cleaning right after cooking, and doing quick wipe downs after use all make regular deep cleaning much easier. Also using separate scrapers for uncooked and cooked foods helps.
What areas of a flat top grill need cleaning?
Focus cleaning on the entire cooking surface including edges and backsplashes where grease accumulates. Also remove grease traps beneath and wipe down exterior surfaces to remove splatter.
How do I clean a flat top grill with deep grooves?
For textured grill plates, use a toothbrush and toothpicks to scrub the grooves. Rinse well to remove all residue so it doesn’t get trapped in the textured pattern.
Conclusion
Keeping your flat top grill clean should be an important part of your regular cooking routine. Grease and food buildup not only make cooking messier and less efficient, but can also be a fire hazard if allowed to excessively accumulate.
By scraping, degreasing and scrubbing the cooking surface after each use, you can keep your flat top grill looking like new for years to come. Just a few minutes of effort after each use can save you hours of tough scrubbing later.
Always be sure to allow the grill to cool completely before cleaning to avoid injury. With the proper tools, cleaners and techniques outlined above, you can easily keep your flat top spotless and ready to sizzle. Happy grilling!
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