Cleaning A Burnt Griddle Pan: Effective Tips And Tricks

Burnt griddle pans can be a real pain to clean, but it's not impossible. The first step is always to let the pan cool down completely before attempting to clean it. Then, if there's a lot of grease, pour it into a container and throw it away. Don't pour grease down the drain as it can cause clogs. For light burns, add some lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap to the pan and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, use a silicone scrubber to remove the burnt food. For tougher stains, a mild abrasive like salt or baking soda can be used. Sprinkle the abrasive on the burnt area and leave it for 10-15 minutes, then scrub. For really stubborn stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and water, leave it on the stain for a few hours or overnight, and then scrub with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. It's important to avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scouring pads when cleaning a griddle pan as these can damage the non-stick surface.

Let the pan cool down before cleaning

Allowing your griddle pan to cool down before cleaning is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Here's why:

Firstly, it is important to let the griddle pan cool down to protect the non-stick coating. Non-stick griddles have a coating that can be easily damaged by sudden temperature changes. By letting the pan cool down naturally, you avoid the risk of thermal shock, which can cause the pan to crack or warp. This is especially important if you are using a non-stick griddle, as the coating can be delicate.

Secondly, allowing the pan to cool down makes it safer to handle during the cleaning process. A hot griddle pan can cause burns if handled without proper protection. By waiting for it to cool down, you eliminate the risk of injury and can clean the pan comfortably.

Additionally, a cooled-down pan gives any grease or burnt-on food residues time to loosen their grip on the surface. This makes it easier to remove them without needing to scrub aggressively. A gentle scrub with a soft sponge or cloth is often enough to remove the residues after the pan has cooled.

Moreover, letting the griddle pan cool down helps to prevent the formation of gradient temperature spots on the cooking surface. This ensures that the pan heats up evenly the next time you use it, resulting in better cooking performance.

Finally, by taking the time to let the griddle pan cool down, you can enjoy your meal without rushing through it. You can savour your food, and by the time you are done, the pan will be ready for cleaning. This makes the cleaning process more relaxed and less of a chore.

Use a mild abrasive like baking soda

Burnt-on food and grease on a griddle pan can be a challenge to remove, but it's not impossible. Here are some detailed steps you can take to clean your burnt griddle pan using a mild abrasive like baking soda:

Step 1: Let the Griddle Pan Cool

Before you begin cleaning, it's important to let your griddle pan cool down completely. Do not run it under cold water as this can cause thermal shock and damage your pan. Just let it cool down naturally on its own.

Step 2: Remove Excess Food and Grease

Once the pan is cool, use a spatula or scraper to remove as much of the burnt food and grease as possible. This step will make the cleaning process easier and help prevent scratches on the pan's surface.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda and Water

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that is ideal for removing burnt-on grease and grime. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the affected areas of the griddle plate. Then, add a little water to create a paste. You can also try heating the griddle on medium heat for 5 minutes and then lowering the temperature to medium-low for 30 seconds before turning off the heat and allowing the grill to cool.

Step 4: Scrub the Griddle Plate

Using a brush with nylon bristles, gently scrub the griddle plate in circular motions to ensure you clean every part of the surface. Be careful to not apply too much pressure to avoid scratching or damaging the non-stick coating. Repeat this process if necessary until all the burnt residues are removed.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Griddle

After scrubbing, rinse the griddle thoroughly under running water to remove all the baking soda and any remaining food particles. Then, dry the griddle completely with paper towels or a cloth before storing it. Leaving the griddle to air dry for a while is also a good idea.

Additional Tips:

• If your griddle is very badly burnt, you can try covering the burned area with a paste of baking soda and then using foil paper to cover the griddle. Let it sit for about 20 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes, as leaving it for too long can damage the non-stick coating.
• You can also use vinegar or lemon juice in addition to baking soda for a more intensive cleaning. The acid in these substances can help break down burnt-on food and create a fizzing reaction with baking soda.
• Always hand wash your griddle instead of using a dishwasher, as the high heat and water pressure can damage the non-stick coating.
• Avoid using metal utensils, abrasive scouring pads, or stiff brushes on your griddle to prevent scratches. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils and soft sponges or cloths instead.

Deglaze the pan with water or vinegar

Deglazing is a great way to clean your griddle pan without scrubbing. It is a cooking technique that helps you create a delicious sauce from the brown bits stuck to the bottom of your pan. Here's how you can deglaze your burnt griddle pan with water or vinegar:

Choosing Your Deglazing Liquid

You can deglaze your pan with just water if you don't have any other supplies. However, this will not add much flavour to your dish. For a more intense flavour, you can use vinegar. Choose a type of vinegar that matches the flavour profile of your dish. Good options include apple cider vinegar, distilled white wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar.

Deglazing Your Pan

First, cook your meat or vegetables in the griddle pan over high heat. Make sure that you leave enough space between each piece of meat to avoid steaming. Transfer the cooked ingredients to another dish, leaving the brown residue, or "fond", in the pan. If there is excess fat in the pan, spoon it out or pour it through a strainer, returning any brown solids to the pan.

Next, pour your chosen deglazing liquid into the pan. As a rule of thumb, use one cup of liquid for an entrée serving four people. Keep in mind that the liquid will reduce to about half its volume as it cooks. If you are short on time, you can use half a cup of liquid instead.

Now, heat the liquid over a medium-high burner. Scrape at the fond with a wooden or rubber utensil as the liquid boils, continuing until most of the fond has dissolved. If you are using vinegar or another acidic liquid, be sure to cook it for long enough to evaporate some of the acid.

Finally, pour the deglazing liquid over your dish or continue on to make a pan sauce.

Use a non-abrasive tool to scrub the pan

When cleaning a burnt griddle pan, it's important to use a non-abrasive tool to scrub the pan. This is because non-stick coatings are delicate and can be damaged by rough cleaning materials.

You can use a silicone scrubbing brush, a brush with nylon bristles, or a sponge with a soft, non-abrasive surface. If you're using a brush, be sure to scrub in gentle, circular motions to ensure that you clean every part of the griddle pan. Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent scratching or damaging the non-stick surface.

If you don't have a suitable brush or sponge, you can try using a hard plastic edge, such as an expired bank card, to gently scrape away the burnt-on food.

It's also important to note that you should avoid using metal utensils or scouring pads, as these can damage the non-stick surface.

Dry the pan thoroughly before storing

Drying your griddle pan thoroughly before storing it is an important step in the cleaning process. Leaving moisture on the pan can cause rust to develop, so it's best to be thorough.

First, use a cotton kitchen towel to dry the pan as much as possible. You can also use paper towels or a regular cloth. Once you've absorbed most of the water, leave the pan to air-dry for an hour or two. This will ensure that any remaining moisture evaporates.

If you're in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer to speed up the process. Just be sure to dry the pan thoroughly, paying extra attention to the ridges and corners, where water may have collected.

Once the pan is completely dry, you can store it away. If you have limited storage space and need to stack your cookware, use paper towels or fabric separators between each item to protect the non-stick surface.

By taking the time to dry your griddle pan properly, you'll help maintain its condition and ensure it's ready for your next cooking adventure.

Frequently asked questions