Cleaning Your Jenn-Air Grill Pan: Easy Steps To Follow

Keeping your grill pan clean is essential, not only for aesthetics but also for optimal cooking performance. Jenn-Air recommends using soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning grates and burner caps. For stubborn residue, a light or medium non-scouring brush can help. It's important to let the grill cool down before cleaning and to avoid banging grates together or against hard surfaces. For acidic spills, like vinegar or tomato, prompt cleaning is necessary to prevent damage to the finish. While some grates are dishwasher-safe, always check your model's Use and Care Guide for specific instructions.

Use a soft cloth or sponge with soap and water for routine cleaning

For routine cleaning of your Jenn-Air grill pan, it is recommended to use a soft cloth or sponge with soap and water. This method is gentle and effective, ensuring that your grill pan remains in optimal condition. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, ensure that your grill is switched off and cooled down before beginning the cleaning process. This is important for your safety and to prevent accidental damage to the grill's finish. Always refer to the label instructions on cleaning your specific model.

Once the grill is cooled, fill your sink or a large basin with warm water and add a mild soap or grease-lifting detergent. You want to create a soapy solution that will help break down grease and grime. Submerge the grill pan in the water and let it soak. This step will help loosen any stubborn residue, making it easier to wipe away. Allow it to soak for around 30 minutes. If there is still food stuck on the pan, use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away at the residue. Pay particular attention to any cooked-on food or grease, as these areas may require a little more effort to clean.

When cleaning, always use a soft cloth or sponge to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid steel wool or abrasive scouring pads, as these can damage the finish of your grill pan. Gently scrub the entire surface of the pan, including the edges and any hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soap residue.

After rinsing, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry the grill pan thoroughly. This final step is important to prevent water spots and streaks from forming on the surface. Ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away or using it again.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your Jenn-Air grill pan using a soft cloth or sponge with soap and water. This routine cleaning method will help maintain the appearance and performance of your grill, ensuring it operates optimally and looks its best.

Avoid abrasive materials like steel wool to prevent scratching

When cleaning your Jenn-Air grill, it's important to avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool. While steel wool may seem like an effective way to remove stubborn grease and grime, it can actually do more harm than good. Here are some reasons why you should avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool when cleaning your Jenn-Air grill pan:

Scratching and Damage: Steel wool is a highly abrasive material that can easily scratch the surface of your grill. These scratches can damage the finish of your grill, making it more susceptible to rust and corrosion. They can also affect the performance of your grill, impacting heat distribution and cooking results.

Instead, opt for soft cloths or sponges: Jenn-Air recommends using soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning grates and burner caps. Microfiber cloths are particularly effective at picking up grease and grime without scratching the surface. You can also try using a scrubbing brush with light or medium, non-scouring bristles to tackle stubborn residue.

Alternative cleaning solutions: If you're dealing with tough, baked-on grease or food residue, there are alternative cleaning solutions you can use instead of steel wool. For example, you can soak your grill grates in a solution of warm water and a good grease-lifting soap for about 30 minutes to loosen and soften the buildup. For more stubborn stains, you can use a commercial degreaser designed for stainless steel. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

Proper maintenance: To maintain your Jenn-Air grill pan and prevent the need for harsh cleaning methods, it's important to clean up spills and grease promptly. Acidic foods like vinegar and tomato-based sauces can affect the finish if not cleaned up immediately. Additionally, always allow your grill to cool down before cleaning and avoid banging grates and caps against each other or hard surfaces to prevent chipping.

By avoiding abrasive materials like steel wool and following the recommended cleaning methods and maintenance tips, you can effectively clean your Jenn-Air grill pan while preserving its quality and performance.

Clean food spills as soon as the grill is cool to prevent discolouration

Food spills on your Jenn-Air grill should be cleaned as soon as the grill is cool to prevent discolouration and permanent stains.

To clean your Jenn-Air grill, first ensure all controls are off and the grill is cool. Then, use a soft cloth or sponge to wash the grill with soap and water. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid spots and streaks.

Do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaning products, including soap-filled scouring pads, cooktop polishing cream, gritty washcloths or paper towels, as these will scratch the surface. For tough spots or baked-on grease, use a commercial degreaser designed for stainless steel.

You can also use a brass bristle brush to loosen food soil. Turn all burners to high for 10-15 minutes with the hood closed to burn off food soil, then turn off the burners, open the hood, and let the grates cool. Use the brass bristle brush to remove ash from the grill grates. When the grates are completely cool, they can be removed for a thorough cleaning with a mild detergent and warm water.

For baked-on soil, prepare a solution of 1 cup (250 mL) ammonia to 1 gallon (3.75 L) of water. Soak the grates for 20 minutes, then rinse with water and dry completely.

Soak cast iron grates in hot water and grease-lifting soap to remove buildup

If your cast iron grates are covered in tough grime or rust, it may be time to soak them. Start by filling a large bucket or tub with hot water. Add a few drops of grease-lifting dish soap. Place the grates in the water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen any stubborn residue, making it easier to scrub off with a brush.

It's important to note that cast iron is prone to rusting, so it's best to avoid soaking cast iron in water for too long. After soaking, use a nylon brush or scrubber to brush away any stuck-on food. If something is burned on, use a plastic scraper to loosen it. Then, dip the brush or scrubber into the water and detergent solution and clean the grates. Finish by rinsing with plain hot water and use a cloth to dry the grates completely. Set them aside.

Once every component of the grill is clean and dry, give all the surfaces a light coating of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly. Reassemble the grill and heat it to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes to help the oil penetrate and bind to the cast iron surfaces.

Dry grates after cleaning and apply a light coat of olive or vegetable oil

After cleaning your Jenn-Air grill grates, it is important to dry them thoroughly. This is to avoid any water spots or streaks, but also to ensure the grates are ready for their next use. Once the grates are clean, use a soft, lint-free cloth to dry them. Make sure the cloth is completely dry and wipe down the grates until they are completely dry to the touch.

After drying, it is a good idea to apply a light coat of olive or vegetable oil to the grates. This will help to protect the grates, especially if they are made of cast iron. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to apply the oil. Take a small amount of oil and rub it gently over the grates, ensuring they are evenly and lightly coated. This will help to prevent rust and keep the grates in good condition.

It is important to note that you should not put the grates back on the burners while they are still wet or oily. Make sure they are completely dry and then apply a light coat of oil, allowing it to absorb and dry before replacing them. This will help to keep your Jenn-Air grill in good working order and ensure your cooking experience is not impacted.

By following these steps, you can help to maintain the sleek look of your Jenn-Air grill and ensure optimal performance.

Frequently asked questions