An electric griddle is a convenient and versatile tool. It can help you cook meat, eggs, pancakes, steak, toast, sandwiches, burgers, etc., with ease from your kitchen countertop or patio if it’s an outdoor style. While cooking with an electric grill is a breeze, cleaning an electric grill is not that easy.
The grease buildup and food residue stubbornly stuck to the non-stick plates can harbor pathogens, which can not only ruin the delectable taste of your recipes but can also cause foodborne illnesses in your patrons and staff members. Besides, it can also hamper the functionality of the griddle itself. Therefore, you must clean the electric griddle regularly.
If you do not know how to clean an electric griddle, continue reading. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss all about cleaning electric griddles—from necessary supplies to a step-by-step guide on cleaning and maintenance tips.
Why Should You Clean Your Electric Griddle?
Cleaning an electric griddle at the end of each use is crucial to keep it clean and avoid the accumulation of food and grease residues. Here are a few reasons why you should clean the electric griddle after each use:
- Prevent cross-contamination: By thoroughly cleaning your electric grill after each use, you can reduce the risk of cross-contamination between various foods.
- Ensure health and functionality: Dust and dirt accumulation can increase health risks and affect the proper functioning of your electric griddle, necessitating regular cleaning.
- Prevent the buildup of grease and food residues: Cleaning an electric griddle at the end of every use helps prevent grease buildup, which not only increases the fire risk but also brings bad odor and attracts vermin to your kitchen.
Essential Supplies to Clean Electric Griddle
Cleaning an electric griddle effectively requires the appropriate set of tools. Here’s what you will need for effectively cleaning an electric griddle:
- Microfiber Cloths: With soft yet absorbent fibers, microfiber cloths make an excellent choice for wiping grease off the griddle surface without scratching.
- Scraper: A dedicated non-abrasive griddle scraper equipped with a flat edge is invaluable for clearing away food debris from griddle surfaces without damaging the surfaces.
- Mild Cleaning Solution: Warm, soapy water helps effectively cut through the stubborn grease and grime buildup without harming its non-stick coating.
- Gloves: Rubber or latex gloves provide essential protection from hot surfaces and cleaning chemicals during the cleaning process.
- Heat-Resistant Pad: Positioning a heat-resistant pad underneath the griddle protects both your countertop and yourself from potential heat damage during cleaning.
How to Clean an Electric Griddle Step-by-Step
Cleaning the electric griddle after each use helps ensure the cooked food’s health, safety, and deliciousness. But when you fail to clean the griddle for too many cycles, the baked-on grease may require a thorough cleaning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean an electric griddle thoroughly:
Step 1: Unplug the Grill
Before you begin cleaning your electric griddle, you need to unplug it and allow it to cool down. This is crucial to protect you from heat and electric shock. The grill should be still a bit warm when you begin cleaning it.
Step 2: Scrape Off Excess Food and Grease
Using a rubber spatula or a non-abrasive scouring pad, carefully scrape away any leftover food and grease from the griddle surface. For optimum results, consider scraping along the ridges of the grill surface.
Step 3: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
To deal with stubborn stains, grease, and grime buildup, make a warm, soapy water solution and apply it to the griddle surface with a microfiber cloth or any other non-abrasive sponge. Rinse the sponge or washcloth frequently when wiping the griddle surface. Consider using a dollop of dish soap on your sponge for stubborn stains. Once the surface is cleaned, consider wiping it with a clean, damp cloth to eliminate any cleaning solution or residue.
Sep 4: Washing the Drip Tray
Remove the dip tray from your griddle and take out the grease collector. If there is any collected grease, carefully dispose of it and clean it with a warm, soapy solution and a sponge. Before reattaching them to the griddle, ensure that they are completely dry.
Also, consider cleaning the area under the griddle where the drip tray sits. The grease buildup in this area could pose a fire hazard if not cleaned regularly.
Step 5: Cleaning Stubborn Grease and Grime
For stubborn grease and grime that are not cleaned by the warm, soapy water, you can consider using baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water, apply the paste onto the greasy areas, and give it a few minutes to work on the grease and grime before scrubbing it with a sponge.
Step 6: Rinsing and Dry the Griddle
Once cleaned, thoroughly rinse the griddle with plenty of water to ensure that there is no trace of soap or baking soda. After rinsing, dry the griddle using a dry towel. You can leave the griddle for air drying, but if you do not have ample time, you can wipe it dry with a towel.
Step 7: Apply a Protective Coating
To safeguard the griddle from rust and corrosion, use a paper towel to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the surface.
Electric Griddle Regular Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your electric griddle in its optimal condition and prolonging its lifespan. Here are a few practical electrical griddle maintenance tips:
- Clean After Each Use: Cleaning the griddle after each use helps prevent excessive grease and grime buildup, which becomes difficult to remove later on. For particularly messy foods, more frequent cleaning may be required.
- Regularly Inspect the Power Cord: You should regularly inspect the power cord of the electric griddle for any frays, cuts, or exposed wires. Promptly replace the cord if you notice any damage to prevent electrical hazards.
- Avoid Cooking Extremely Fatty Foods: Avoid cooing excessively fatty foods in the griddle, as it can be challenging to clean and could lead to residue buildup.
- Season the Griddle: For optimal non-stick results, regularly season your electric griddle by following the manufacturer’s instructions for seasoning, which is usually applying a thin layer of oil and heating it.
- Use Soft Utensils: When cooking on a griddle, select soft utensils made of silicone or wood, as metal utensils can scratch their surface and reduce non-stick properties.
- Store Correctly: Before storing a griddle for an extended period, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. And put it in an airy, cool location with its cover on to prevent dust accumulation.
- Conduct Regular Deep Cleanings: Schedule regular deep-cleaning sessions if your griddle is in frequent use, following the manufacturer’s guidelines to remove stubborn residue and maintain optimal performance.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Harsh cleaners or scouring pads could damage the griddle surface, affect its non-stick properties, and reduce lifespan. So, always use soft, non-abrasive clothes and sponges to clean the electric griddle.
- Be Mindful of Electrical Components: Getting electrical components wet is never a good idea. So, when cleaning an electrical griddle, be mindful of its electrical components. Try not to get them wet.
- Empty Drip tray Regularly: Examine and empty the drip tray regularly to keep your griddle from overflowing. Consider emptying and cleaning it thoroughly to eliminate any grease or grime buildup when not in use.
Choose the Durable and Easy-to-Clean VEVOR Electric Griddle
VEVOR is known for its high-quality, easy-to-clean, and affordable cooking equipment. So, it is no wonder that when you are looking for a highly efficient and easy-to-clean electric griddle, VEVOR’s electric griddles collection tends to pop up as a top choice.
From our wide collection of electric griddles, you can find excellently large griddles that have expansive cooking areas, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously. Our griddles also feature precise heating control, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes.
Our electric griddles are designed for easier cleaning. They feature an oil drip hole and an oil storage box, which collects the residue oil that can be easily disposed of. Once oil and food residue is removed, the stainless steel surface of the electric griddle can be easily wiped clean.
FAQs about Cleaning Electric Griddle
Q: How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Electric Griddle?
You should clean your electric griddle after each use to prevent excessive grease and grime buildup, which becomes difficult to remove later on. You should also deep clean your griddle regularly if it is being used frequently.
Q: How to Clean a Burnt Non-stick Griddle?
Pour warm, soapy water solution onto the griddle surface and let it rest for a while before wiping it off with a non-abrasive sponge. If this does not get the work done, create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to burnt areas. Let the paste sit for a while before wiping it off.
Q: How to Remove Sticky Residue From The Griddle?
Use a plastic scraper or spatula to lift sticky residue from the griddle when it is warm. If it does not work, pour warm, soapy water onto it; let it sit for a few minutes so the sticky substance loosens before wiping it off.
Q: Do I Need to Season My Griddle After Every Use?
While complete griddle seasoning might not be required after each use, applying a light layer of oil to maintain its non-stick surface is a good idea. Consider following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding seasoning for your specific model of the griddle.
Q: How to Prevent Grease Buildup on Your Electric Griddle?
Clean the griddle surface and empty and clean the drip tray and grease collector after each use to prevent grease buildup. Also, try avoiding cooking excessively fatty items in your griddle.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning the electric griddle is imperative for food safety, maintaining the griddle’s optimal condition, and prolonging its lifespan. Follow the easy steps and maintenance tips discussed in this comprehensive guide to ensure that your electric griddle is always properly cleaned and functioning properly.
If you are looking for an efficient and easier-to-clean electric griddle, check out the VEVOR Non-Stick Teppanyaki Stainless Steel Grill. It offers a large non-stick cooking surface and a clean cooking plate manufactured with cast iron and a stainless steel body.
