The Best Way To Clean Your Center Griddle Pan

Keeping your griddle clean is essential to maintaining its non-stick coating and ensuring it performs at its best. Here are some tips on how to clean a centre griddle pan:

- Clean your griddle after each use to prevent food particles and grease from hardening on the surface.

- Allow the griddle to cool down before cleaning. Using hot water on a hot griddle can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks or warping.

- Avoid using harsh detergents, steel wool, or abrasive cleaning pads, as these can damage the surface of the griddle.

- For a cast-iron griddle, use a mild dish soap and a non-abrasive scrubber or sponge. Towel dry and apply a light coating of vegetable oil or cooking spray after cleaning.

- For a chrome-infused griddle, do not use soap or cleaning chemicals. Instead, pour a cup of hot water over the griddle to loosen grease and food particles, then use a wooden spatula with a non-scratch pad or sponge to clean the surface.

- For a non-stick griddle, you can use a small amount of soap or detergent. Scrub with a non-scratch pad or sponge and rinse with hot water.

Use salt and water to scrub the pan

Using salt and water to scrub your griddle pan is an effective way to clean it without damaging the surface. The coarseness of kosher salt provides an abrasive cleaning solution that helps to remove stuck-on food particles. This method is also useful if you want to avoid using water, as it can be done with just a small amount of hot water to form a paste-like texture with the salt.

To clean your griddle pan with salt and water, first allow the pan to cool to the point where you can touch it, but do not let it cool completely. Generously cover the surface of the pan with coarse kosher salt. Then, add a small amount of hot water to the surface. The amount of water should be enough to make the salt stick together and form a paste.

Use a sponge or a folded paper towel to scrub the salt around the pan, making sure to get in between the ridges and all around the sides. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove the salt and any debris. Repeat this process if necessary.

If you want to avoid using water altogether, you can simply sprinkle a generous amount of coarse kosher salt on the top of the pan and use a folded paper towel to rub the salt into the stuck-on food. Add more salt as needed and continue to scrub the pan with the salt and paper towel. Finally, use a new paper towel to wipe down the pan and dump all the residue and salt into the trash.

Clean the pan while it's still warm

Cleaning your griddle while it's still warm is a great way to prevent food from hardening onto the pan. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your griddle while it's still warm:

Step 1: Prepare the Griddle

Turn off all cooktop burners and remove any pots or pans. It's important to start cleaning while the griddle is still warm, but not hot, so you may need to wait a few minutes before beginning.

Step 2: Scrub the Griddle

Gently scrub the warm griddle with a cup of water to create a clean surface. Use a non-scratch pad or sponge to avoid damaging the griddle's surface. You can also use a wooden spatula to protect your hands.

Step 3: Pour Water on Soiled Areas

Pour up to one cup of tap water onto the soiled areas, starting at the back of the griddle. Allow the water to run towards the drip tray in the front. This will help loosen up grease and stuck-on food particles.

Step 4: Use a Pad Holder with a Non-Scratch Pad

Use a pad holder or wooden spatula with a non-scratch pad or sponge to clean the soiled area. Apply pressure to heavily soiled areas and repeat as needed until all residue is removed.

Step 5: Remove Remaining Residue

Wet a terry cloth towel and fold it in half. Place it on the griddle and use the pad holder or wooden spatula to scrub back and forth until all dirty water and debris are removed.

Step 6: Cool the Griddle

Turn off the griddle or remove it from the heat and allow it to cool down completely. This typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 7: Wipe and Polish the Griddle

Once the griddle is cool, wipe it with a clean, damp towel, followed by a microfiber cloth. If streaking occurs, heat the griddle back to 300°F or use a mixture of white vinegar and water to wipe the griddle again.

Step 8: Clean the Drip Tray (if applicable)

If your griddle has a drip tray, remove it and clean it in the sink with warm soapy water. Wipe the area under the drip tray clean and put the tray back in place once dry.

Remember to always use gentle cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials when cleaning your griddle. With proper care, your griddle will last for years to come!

Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly

Rinse the griddle with hot water to remove any remaining soap residue. It is important to ensure that all soap is rinsed off the griddle before drying.

Use an absorbent dishcloth or paper towels to dry the griddle thoroughly. Make sure to get rid of any water on the griddle to prevent rust from forming. Leaving water on a cast-iron griddle can cause rusting and damage the finish.

After drying the griddle, place it on the stovetop and turn on the burners to low heat. This step ensures that any remaining water evaporates. Let the griddle warm up for about 5 minutes.

Once the griddle is completely dry, turn off the heat and let it cool down on the stovetop. It is important to let the griddle cool completely before storing it away.

Re-season the pan with oil

Re-seasoning your griddle pan with oil is a simple process that will help protect the pan from rust and keep food from sticking to its surface. Here's a step-by-step guide to re-seasoning your griddle pan:

Step 1: Clean the Griddle Pan

Start by scrubbing the griddle pan with warm, soapy water to remove any residue or stuck-on food. Rinse the pan thoroughly and then dry it completely with a clean dish towel or paper towels. You can also place the pan on the stovetop over low heat to ensure that any remaining moisture is evaporated.

Step 2: Apply Oil to the Griddle Pan

Once the griddle pan is clean and dry, it's time to apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the entire surface, including the inside and outside of the pan. You can use a variety of oils for this step, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or even melted shortening. Avoid using too much oil, as this can cause the pan to become sticky.

Step 3: Place the Griddle Pan in the Oven

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any oil drips. Then, place the oiled griddle pan upside down in the oven.

Step 4: Heat the Griddle Pan in the Oven

Leave the griddle pan in the oven for about an hour. The oil will polymerize and form a hard, plastic-like coating during this time. The oven's even heat will ensure that the oil sets evenly on the pan. You can also turn on the stovetop to medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes to season the pan.

Step 5: Allow the Griddle Pan to Cool

After the hour is up, turn off the oven and let the griddle pan cool down completely before handling it. Do not remove the pan from the oven until it has cooled to room temperature.

Tips for Re-seasoning:

• It is important to re-season your griddle pan regularly, especially if you use it frequently. Aim to re-season at least twice a year or more if you notice food starting to stick to the pan.
• Make sure the griddle pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust from forming.
• When re-seasoning in the oven, place the pan upside down and use foil to catch any excess oil that drips off.
• Avoid using flaxseed oil, as it tends to flake off and can be expensive.

Avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads

When cleaning a griddle, it's important to avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads. This is because cast-iron cookware is quite porous and sensitive to excess moisture, which can cause rusting. Instead, use mild dish soap and a non-scratch pad or sponge to clean your griddle.

If your griddle is made of cast iron, it's important to season it before use. This involves letting thin layers of oil cook on the surface of the griddle at high heat. These oils break down, oxidize, and polymerize into a hard, plastic-like coating, protecting the pan against moisture and providing natural non-stick qualities.

To clean a cast-iron griddle, start by placing it in a sink full of warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap and a non-metal, non-abrasive scrub pad to remove any food particles. If your griddle has a lot of stuck-on food, try using a salt scrub. Make a paste with coarse kosher salt and water, and scrub the paste over the stuck-on food until it comes loose. Rinse the griddle thoroughly and dry it with a cloth.

Once your griddle is clean and dry, it's important to lightly oil it before putting it away. Use a paper towel to apply a light layer of cooking oil to the surface of the griddle, removing any excess with a clean paper towel. This will protect your griddle from rusting.

If your cast-iron griddle has rust, you can remove it with a salt scrub. For more severe forms of rust, use steel wool or an abrasive scrubbing pad. After removing the rust, you will need to repeat the seasoning process.

It's important to note that you should never leave your griddle to soak in the sink, as this can cause rusting. Always clean your griddle by hand and avoid using harsh chemicals or scouring pads.

Frequently asked questions