How to Clean a Flat Commercial Grill

Meat on a flat commercial grill

A flat commercial grill is also called a griddle. It's a large, flat metal surface that you can use to cook everything from bacon, eggs and sandwiches to burgers, steaks, chicken and fish. Because they can be used to cook so many different types of food, commercial grills are used most of the day in a restaurant. Keep commercial grills clean so that they function well and meet sanitation and health standards required of the food-service industry.

Things You'll Need

• Grease disposal container
• Metal scraper/spatula
• Water
• Abrasive pad or grill brick
• Mild cleanser or soapy water
• Cloths
• Vinegar or club soda (optional)

Instructions

1. Turn off the grill and let it cool a few minutes. Empty the grease catcher into a container meant for grease disposal while you wait.

2. Scrape the grill's surface with a metal scraper or spatula to remove cooked-on food and debris.

3. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth, being careful not to touch the grill's warm surface with your hand.

4. Consult your grill's manufacturer instructions to determine how to best clean remaining grime. Some grills can be cleaned with abrasive pads or grill bricks; other, newer grills require cleaning with a brush. Some should not be cleaned with anything abrasive, as they may scratch, but require special griddle cleaner or soapy water.

5. Wipe the cleaned grill surface with a dry, absorbent cloth.

6. Spray a mild cleaner or soapy water onto the controls and outer surfaces of the grill and wipe them clean.

7. Dampen a cloth with a small amount of vinegar or club soda, if desired. Wipe the grill's surface with the cloth to keep your flat commercial grill looking like new.

References

• Food Service Warehouse: Get More From Your Griddle
• Practically Edible: Griddles
• All Food Business: Using Griddles