Griddles are fantastic tools for cooking a wide variety of delicious meals, from breakfast pancakes to gourmet dinners. However, like any kitchen appliance, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they remain in top condition. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your griddle, helping you keep it in perfect working order for years to come.
Daily Cleaning Routine
1. Cool Down Slightly
After cooking, allow your griddle to cool down slightly. It's easier to clean when it's still warm, but not too hot to handle.
2. Scrape Off Debris
Use a griddle scraper or a spatula to remove food particles and excess grease. Scraping the surface immediately after cooking prevents food from hardening and sticking to the surface.
3. Apply Warm Water
Pour a small amount of warm water onto the griddle. Avoid using cold water, as it can cause the metal to warp. The warm water helps loosen any remaining food particles.
4. Wipe Clean
Use a cloth, sponge, or a griddle pad to wipe down the surface. For stubborn spots, sprinkle coarse salt on the griddle and scrub with a non-abrasive pad. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive to lift stuck-on food.
5. Dry Thoroughly
Make sure the griddle is completely dry to prevent rust. You can use paper towels or a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
Seasoning Your Griddle
Seasoning your griddle is crucial to creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust. Here’s how you can do it:
Initial Seasoning
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Clean Thoroughly: Ensure the griddle is clean and dry before starting the seasoning process.
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Apply Oil: Use a high-smoke-point oil (such as vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil). Apply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel or cloth.
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Heat the Griddle: Heat the griddle until the oil starts to smoke. This process polymerizes the oil and creates a durable, non-stick surface.
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Repeat: Repeat the oil application and heating process 2-3 times to build a strong seasoning layer.
Regular Maintenance
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Reapply Oil: After each cleaning, apply a thin layer of oil to the warm griddle to maintain the seasoning.
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Touch-Up Seasoning: If food starts sticking or the surface looks dull, reapply a thin layer of oil and heat the griddle to refresh the seasoning.
Proper Storage
Proper storage is essential to prevent rust and maintain your griddle’s condition.
Keep It Dry
Ensure the griddle is completely dry before storing it. Moisture can lead to rust, which can damage the surface.
Use a Lid and a Cover
If possible, use a lid to protect it from dust and moisture. And a cover adds an extra layer of protection, keeping your griddle from sunlight, rain, snow, etc. Taking Blackstone 36 inch griddle as an example, using hard lid and cover together can greatly extend the life of griddle.
Indoor Storage
If you have an outdoor griddle, consider storing it indoors during periods of non-use or inclement weather. This step protects the griddle from the elements and prolongs its lifespan.
By following these steps, you can keep your griddle clean, well-maintained, and ready for your next culinary adventure. If you have any concerns when grilling, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at at Support@grillpartsreplacement.com or the online chat and let us know if there's anything our Support team can do to assist you.