Your outdoor culinary experience can be taken to the next level just by owning a flat top grill. So, in this guide, you will be learning how to clean a flat top grill.
Owning a flat-top grill means you will be able to add items like scrambled eggs and pancakes to your collection.
You won’t also need to get worked up about the flare-ups that happen when hot fat drips onto the live coals.
Flat tops have so much more surface area compared to regular cooking grates, so this means you will have to clean more areas, which happens to be the only snag.
And, you shouldn’t allow that to discourage you. This guide is about how you can clean a flat top grill, and you will be presented with the best way to do so.
The Easiest Way to Clean a Flat Top Grill?
Cleaning your flattop grill is no different from cleaning the surface of where you prepare food. This is all part of the cooking process.
To make your skillet last and be around for years to come, you will need to care for and clean it properly.
And, you should also be aware that they can easily rust if they are not cleaned and seasoned frequently, thanks to the fact that they are made of iron.
A Step-By-Step Guide on Cleaning a Flat Top Grill
You should know that there are different options on how to clean a flat top grill and they will be discussed in this guide.
Water and Steam
- First, you should heat the grill, as this will help break down the stuck-on food particles. You can then proceed to spray water on the cooking surface.
- Afterward, you are to get a grill brush and use it to get rid of the food remnants. And, with that being done, you are to get the water out.
- You can do this by draining it. When that is done, you are to repeat the above steps, and this should go on till your flattop grill is clean.
Liquid Soap and Sponge
- You are to get dishwashing soap or liquid soap and spread a few drops of it on a flat surface. Then, also get a sponge and use it to scrub.
- This is you cleaning the grill traditionally. And, when that is done, you can proceed to rinse it with clean water.
Vinegar and Water
- Get vinegar and water, and then mix the same amount. Proceed to heat your grill, as you know. This will help break down the unyielding food particles.
- Afterward, you scrub away the debris, and to do this, you will need a heavy-duty scraper. And, when that is done, you are to then spray the vinegar and water solution on the grill.
- You are to use this to form a gunk. Then, turn off the grill and sprinkle some more solution while you brush.
- You are to repeat the above steps if you have not gotten your desired result.
Lemon Juice and Soda Water
- Get lemon juice and mix one-third of it with water. Then, proceed to heat the grill, which will in turn break down the stuck-on food particles.
- You will then get a brush or scraper, as you will make use of this to scrub away the food remnants.
- Afterward, you are to get the lemon juice and water mixture and then spray them on the grill. And, with that being done, you are to brush the grill to get rid of the formed sludge.
Hot Oil
- Get a neutral oil such as canola or peanut and pour a small amount of it on the flat-top grill. Then, heat the grill to medium.
- Then, you are to scrub the oil into the surface with a pumice stone. This will allow it to blend with the other fats.
- Also, you should scrub the oil in a circular motion, as this will help prevent creating conspicuous lines on the grill.
- Afterward, you are to turn off the grill and allow it to cool down. This should be done immediately after the hot oil has mixed with the existing remnants.
- When that is done, you are to proceed to dab the surface clean using paper towels. I would strongly suggest you invest in a grill brick if you intend to use this particular method frequently.
- These devices are particularly manufactured for the cleaning of flat top grills. Although they do not absorb the oil from the surface, they only get rid of the oil from the surface, which in turn makes them easy to clean.
- They do not blot odors, so you can make use of them regularly without having to worry about flavor contamination.
What Are the Signs That Your Flat Top Grill Needs a Deep Clean?
Flat top grills might start to collect sludge in the corners. This is if you make use of them regularly.
Below will be some signs of when your flat top grills need to be cleaned thoroughly:
- First, when you are done grilling a huge, delicious burger, you go ahead to take a bite and you scream, “What on earth is this taste?”
- You might also have some built-up remnants or grease on your skillet if you taste your food and it tastes off.
- In addition to the off taste, you may also notice some changes in the color of your food. Then, you should know that there might be some unpleasant leftovers on your cooking surfaces.
- And finally, this guide, which also has to be the most obvious of them all. You should know that it is time to clean your flat top grills if you can clearly see any grease or remnants.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean Flat Top Grill
You might also be asking about how often you will need to clean your flat top grill since you now know how to clean it.
Preferably, you should clean your flat top grill after each use. Before you proceed to scrub the cooking surface with a soft grill brush or scouring pad, you are to let it cool down until it is warm.
This is because, when the grill is still warm, getting rid of the stuck-on food particles, unyielding fat, grease, and other drippings is much easier.
You do not have to worry about thoroughly cleaning your flat top grill every day if its purpose is for home use.
The deep cleaning can be scheduled to be every 4 to 6 months, although this is based on how often you use it.
Thoroughly cleaning your flat top grill requires taking apart the whole appliance and examining the burners, exterior, and gas pipe for cuts, leakages, rust, and other issues.
And, when you are not using your grill, you should ensure that it is covered as it will help protect it from tough weather conditions and other elements like dust, debris, and dirt.
This is especially essential if you frequently leave your grill outdoors in the yard. And, with all that being said, this will be the wrap-up of this guide on “How to Clean Flat Top Grill.”