Cleaning Your Weber Griddle Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Keeping your Weber griddle pan clean is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. While Weber offers a range of dishwasher-safe products, the griddle pan requires a more careful approach. Before using the pan, it's important to season it by heating and applying oil. After cooking, allow the pan to cool, then scrape off any food debris with a spatula. Next, wipe the pan with a damp cloth, dry it, and finally, apply a thin layer of griddle seasoning. For more intensive cleaning, use warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush or nylon pads, but avoid metal pads to prevent scratching the porcelain coating. Always dry the pan thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place.

How to clean a lightly soiled Weber griddle pan

To clean a lightly soiled Weber griddle pan, first allow the griddle to cool down completely. Then, use a burger spatula to scrape off any food or debris. Next, wipe the griddle with a damp cloth or towel to remove any remaining residue. Dry the griddle thoroughly with paper towels or a clean towel. Finally, apply a fine layer of griddle seasoning or oil to the griddle, ensuring it is evenly applied. Store the griddle in a cool, dry place until the next use.

It is important to note that Weber griddle pans are porcelain-coated cast iron. Therefore, it is recommended to use non-abrasive cleaning tools such as nylon scrub brushes, nylon pads, or plastic scrapers to avoid scratching or damaging the porcelain coating. Avoid using metal pads or utensils as they can scratch or chip the surface.

Additionally, while most Weber products are dishwasher-safe, it is advisable to hand-wash the griddle pan with warm water and non-citrus-based soap to prevent clogging your dishwasher with cooked-on grease and food residue. Always dry the griddle pan completely before storing it.

What to do if there is caked-in residue

If there is caked-in residue on your Weber griddle pan, you can try a few different methods to clean it. Firstly, allow the pan to cool completely before attempting to clean it. Then, try using a hard plastic scraper to remove the residue. You can also try Lodge's cleaning advice for their porcelain cast iron: hand wash the pan with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush. If there is still residue remaining, use nylon pads or scrapers to remove it; avoid using metal pads or utensils as these can scratch or chip the porcelain.

For more stubborn residue, you can try a few different methods. One option is to use soap and steel wool, and then reseason the pan. You can also try using chainmail, soap, and elbow grease to remove the residue, and then reseason the pan. Another option is to put the pan in a garbage bag and soak it overnight in oven cleaner, and then scrub it with steel wool and reseason it.

If you're looking for a more natural solution, you can try using vinegar or powdered brewer's wash (an oxygenated cleaner) to break down the grease. You can also try boiling water in the pan to loosen the residue, and then using a razor blade scraper to remove it.

It's important to note that Weber griddle pans are porcelain-coated cast iron, so they don't require seasoning with oil. Always dry the pan thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place, and avoid stacking cookware.

How to clean a Weber griddle pan with a dishwasher

While some Weber products are dishwasher-safe, the company does not recommend putting Weber accessories or grates in the dishwasher. This is because the hot steam could damage and ruin these items.

If you want to clean your Weber griddle pan in the dishwasher, you should first hand wash the item with warm water and non-citrus-based soap. This will prevent the dishwasher from getting clogged with cooked-on grease and food.

However, it is recommended that you hand wash Weber griddle pans with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush. If there is food residue, use nylon pads or scrapers to remove it; metal pads or utensils will scratch or chip the porcelain. Always dry the griddle pan thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place. Do not stack the cookware.

What to avoid when cleaning a Weber griddle pan

To keep your Weber griddle pan in good condition, there are several things you should avoid doing when cleaning it.

Firstly, do not use any harsh or abrasive cleaning materials. This includes metal pads or utensils , steel wool, or scouring pads, as these can all scratch or damage the porcelain enamel coating. Instead, opt for nylon scrub brushes or pads, or even a hard plastic scraper to remove any caked-on residue. It is also recommended to avoid using salt as an abrasive cleaner, as this can contribute to caking.

Avoid putting your Weber griddle pan in the dishwasher, as the hot steam can cause damage. Always hand wash your pan with warm water and a non-citrus-based soap. Citrus-based soaps can damage the coating of your pan over time.

Do not use oven cleaner or any other harsh chemicals to clean your Weber griddle pan. These can damage the porcelain enamel coating and may be dangerous if not used properly. Similarly, avoid using PAM or other non-stick sprays, as these can leave a sticky residue that is hard to remove and may void the non-stick warranty on the pan.

When drying your Weber griddle pan, do not stack it with other cookware. Always dry it thoroughly before storing it in a cool, dry place.

How to season a Weber griddle pan

To season a Weber griddle pan, follow these steps:

• Heat your griddle on high heat for 15 minutes or until the griddle starts to turn a deep copper or dark brown colour.
• Carefully add 1 tablespoon of Blackstone griddle seasoning or high smoke point oil.
• Using a towel folded into a small square, carefully work the griddle seasoning into the griddle until it is evenly applied.
• Leave the dome open and allow the griddle to burnish in the oil for 5-10 minutes. Keep the heat on high.
• Repeat the above process two more times, every 15 minutes, until the oil has "dried" or polymerized with the griddle. Wipe off and prepare for cooking.

This process will fill the pores in the griddle's surface with polymerized oil, creating a stick-resistant, protective coating. It is recommended that you season your Weber griddle pan at least three times before use for optimal results.

Frequently asked questions