Cleaning Grill Pans: Removing Oil The Right Way

Removing oil from a grill pan can be a tricky task, especially if the oil has been burnt on. The best method for cleaning your grill pan will depend on the type of pan you have. Cast iron pans can be cleaned with salt and water, salt alone, soap, or boiling water. Stainless steel pans can be cleaned with mild dish detergent and warm water, or harsher chemicals such as oven cleaner. Non-stick pans can be cleaned with baking powder and hot water, or dryer sheets.

Removing Oil from a Grill Pan

Use baking soda and water

To remove oil from a grill pan using baking soda and water, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. This will make the cleaning process easier and reduce the likelihood of scratches or other damage to the pan.

Next, create a paste by mixing baking soda and water. The exact measurements may vary depending on the size of your pan and the severity of the oil buildup. For a full pot bottom, a good starting point is 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the surface of the pan. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Once you have the paste, liberally apply it to the grill pan, ensuring that all the affected areas are covered. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or even overnight. This gives the baking soda time to work on breaking down the oil and grease.

After the waiting period, you can add more baking soda and scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, you can also add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste and then place the pan on the stove. Be careful not to heat the pan for too long, as you don't want the paste to burn again. Let the pan cool, and then wipe or scrub to remove the oil and grease.

Finally, wash the grill pan with warm water and mild dish soap to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan thoroughly before storing it to prevent rust.

Using baking soda and water is an effective and versatile method for cleaning grill pans and other cookware. It is important to adjust the amounts of baking soda and water based on the size and material of your grill pan, as well as the severity of the oil buildup.

Try vinegar

Vinegar is an effective ingredient to use when cleaning your grill pan, as it helps to break down and remove oil and grease. It is also a natural disinfectant, killing any harmful bacteria left behind by raw meat.

Using Vinegar to Clean Grill Grates

First, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Turn off your grill and allow the grates to cool, then spray the solution onto them. Leave the vinegar to soak for 5-10 minutes. Next, take a piece of aluminium foil around 3 feet (0.91 m) long and crumple it into a ball. Spray a little vinegar onto the foil, then scrub the grates. Flip the grates and repeat on the other side. Finally, rinse the grates with water and dry them with a towel or leave them to air-dry.

Soaking in Vinegar and Baking Soda

For a deeper clean, you can soak your grill grates in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. In a large rubbish bag, mix two cups of vinegar with one cup of baking soda. Place the grates in the bag and seal it tightly, then leave them to soak overnight. The next day, remove the grates from the bag and discard the bag and any remaining liquid. Rinse the grates with water and scrub away any remaining residue with a ball of aluminium foil.

Removing Oil Stains from a Frying Pan

To remove oil stains from a frying pan, fill the pan with 2 cups of water, then add 1 tablespoon each of baking soda, vinegar, and mild dish soap. Boil the mixture for 10 minutes on medium heat, being careful to adjust the heat as necessary to avoid the liquid boiling over. Use a wooden spatula to scrub away oil stains, then boil for another 5 minutes. Drain the pan and scrub it gently with a sponge and mild dish soap.

If the boiling method doesn't work, try making a paste from the same ingredients and scrubbing the pan with a ball of plastic wrap.

Soak in hot, soapy water

Soaking your grill pan in hot, soapy water is an effective way to remove burnt grease. It is best to do this after you have baked your grill pan in the oven to loosen the grease.

To soak your grill pan, put it in the sink and fill it up with hot water. Add a few drops of dish soap and mix the water until it starts to suds. Leave the grill pan to soak for about 8 hours.

After soaking, scrub the grill pan with a nylon brush. You can use warm water and dish soap to help scrub off the grease. Rinse your pan with warm water.

This method is suitable for stainless steel pans. For cast iron pans, it is recommended to use hot water and salt to clean off grease and food debris.

Use salt and water

To clean a grill pan with salt and water, start by allowing the pan to cool to the touch but not completely. Cover the surface of the pan generously with coarse kosher salt. Then, add a small amount of hot water to the surface, so the salt sticks together to form a paste-like texture. Use a sponge to scrub the salt around the pan, getting in between the ridges and all around the sides. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove salt and debris. Repeat if necessary.

If you're a firm believer in keeping your cast iron far away from water, you can skip the water and simply sprinkle the top of the pan with a generous amount of coarse kosher salt. 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. Using a new paper towel, do one more wipe and dump all residue and salt into the trash.

Reseason cast iron

To reseason cast iron, you will need to clean the pan first. This can be done by using salt and water, salt alone, soap, or boiling water. If you are using salt and water, cover the surface of the pan with coarse kosher salt and add a small amount of hot water to create a paste-like texture. Use a sponge to scrub the salt around the pan, getting in between the ridges and all around the sides. Rinse the pan with hot water and repeat if necessary. If you are using salt alone, sprinkle a generous amount on 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. Wipe down the pan with a new paper towel and dump all residue and salt into the trash. If you are using soap, place a small amount of non-abrasive soap or detergent in the middle of the pan and scrub all surfaces with a sponge or scrubber and a small amount of hot water. Rinse the pan with hot water and repeat the process. If you are using boiling water, fill the pan with two to three inches of water and place it on a stove. After a few minutes, food particles should begin to float to the surface. Use a spatula to loosen up any excess stuck-on food, then allow the pan to cool and dump the water down the drain. Rinse the pan with hot water and use a dry paper towel to wipe away any remaining food particles.

Once the pan is clean, it is time to season it. Set the pan on the stovetop or in an oven at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure any remaining water is evaporated. Take a paper towel and rub a neutral oil or shortening of your choice all over the pan, including the cooking surface, sides, bottom, and handle. Wipe away any excess oil with another paper towel. Let the skillet sit on the stovetop until it begins to smoke, or leave it in the oven for one hour and allow it to cool in the oven.

Frequently asked questions