How to Care for a Flat Top Griddle
Flat top griddles are a versatile piece of cookware that many home cooks and chefs use for making a variety of foods. From searing, sauteing and toasting, griddles can be easy to maintain but occasionally difficult to clean. There are two major types of flat griddles: electric and gas models, which are perfect for commercial kitchens; and non-stick flat griddles that are placed on stove burners, which are good for home cooks. Each require specialized cleaning to ensure that they are free from bacteria and food debris. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Carbonated water (optional)
- Powdered cleaner
- Heat resistant gloves
- Steel wool
- Kitchen board scraper
- Nylon scrub pad
- Mild soap
- Clean, lint-free towel
Instructions
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Electric or Gas Griddle
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1
Turn off the griddle and unplug it. Put on heat-resistant gloves.
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2
Dust the surface of the griddle with powdered cleaner. Don't use too much cleaner; a light dusting on the surface is sufficient.
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3
Pour a small amount (enough to coat the griddle) of carbonated or tap water on the surface of the griddle. Be prepared, as this will cause a lot of steam and it's best to keep your hands and face clear of the area above the griddle.
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4
Scrub the griddle with a steel-wool pad until debris and grease loosens. Using a kitchen board scraper, push the bulk of the water into the grease trap at the front of the grill.
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5
Rinse the griddle again with water to remove the cleaner and debris. Scrape the rinse water into the grease trap using the board scraper.
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6
Use a lint-free towel to dry the rest of the griddle and remove any residual cleaners or grease.
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7
Empty the griddle's grease trap. Wash with soap and water, or put it through a commercial dishwasher, if possible. Replace the grease trap.
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8
Cover the griddle with a cloth when it is not in use.
Nonstick Home Griddle
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9
While the griddle is warm, but not hot, clean the griddle with a wet nylon scrub pad to release grease and debris.
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10
Place the griddle in the sink and wash with dish soap and water, ensuring that cracks and crevices are cleaned thoroughly.
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11
Dry the griddle completely to prevent corrosion. Store the griddle with a dishtowel wrapped around it to prevent chipping and cracks in the surface.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Carbonated water loosens grease more effectively, but tap water can be substituted if none is available.
Never clean non-stick surfaces with anything other than soap and water. Scraping the nonstick surface can damage the surface and ruin the pan.