Removing Rust: Reviving Your Griddle Pan

Removing rust from a griddle pan can be a time-consuming and laborious task, but it is simple to do yourself. Rust occurs when iron, water, and oxygen interact, and can be prevented by keeping your griddle dry, oiled, and stored in a well-ventilated area. To remove rust, you will need heat-resistant gloves, a metal scraper, steel wool, sandpaper, and either vinegar or a rust remover. First, heat the griddle for 20 minutes to loosen the rust. Then, scrape away the rust, and scrub the surface with a vinegar and water solution or a rust remover. Rinse and dry the griddle, and season with oil to prevent future rust.

Use a wire brush to loosen surface rust

If you're looking to remove rust from your griddle pan, using a wire brush is a great first step. This tough abrasive is perfect for removing any food, grease, or loose rust from the surface of your griddle.

Firstly, ensure you have the right safety equipment. Goggles, gloves, and long sleeves will protect you from any flying rust particles.

Now, take your wire brush and begin to scrub the surface of the griddle. You can also use steel wool or even a scrunched-up piece of aluminium foil if you don't have a wire brush. Work in gentle, circular motions to avoid causing an uneven surface. Keep going until the metal is shiny and bright.

If you're dealing with more intensive surface rust, you might need to use a power tool like a drill or grinder with a wire brush attachment. This will be more effective at removing rust but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as you don't want to damage the griddle's surface.

Once you've loosened the surface rust with the wire brush, you can move on to the next step of removing embedded rust with a rust remover. But remember, the wire brushing step is crucial to ensuring you get that griddle back to its former glory!

Remove embedded rust with a rust remover

Rust is not only unsightly but can also ruin the flavour of your food. If rust has accumulated on your griddle pan, you can use a rust-removing solution to help remove rust embedded in the metal.

A popular method is to soak the griddle in a 1:1 vinegar and water solution for three to eight hours, depending on how rusty the griddle is. This method is effective because the strong acidity of vinegar is perfect for breaking rust away from the griddle surface without the need for harsh chemicals.

Another option is to apply a baking soda scrub. Create a paste with baking soda and a little water, apply the paste to the griddle, and scrub with a scouring pad. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove rust without damaging the griddle surface.

If natural remedies do not work, you can consider a commercial rust remover. Allowing this to sit for a few hours will break down any rust with ease.

After treating the griddle with a rust remover, rinse and dry the griddle thoroughly with a clean towel to ensure no liquid remains. Water is the friend of rust, so leaving any area damp will only encourage rust to reform.

Rinse and dry the griddle

Rinsing and drying your griddle is an important step in the cleaning process, as any moisture left on the surface can cause rust to form. Here is a detailed guide on how to effectively rinse and dry your griddle:

• After removing rust, burnt food, or other debris from the griddle, it is important to rinse the surface to remove any remaining residue. Use hot water to fill a bucket or sink, and dip a clean cloth or towel into the water.
• Wipe down the cooking surface with the damp cloth, ensuring that you cover the entire area, including the sides and back rim. This will help to remove any soap or cleaning solution used in the previous steps.
• Once you have rinsed the griddle, it is crucial to dry it thoroughly. Use a dry towel or cloth to absorb any remaining water or moisture from the surface. Ensure that you dry the griddle completely before moving on to the next step.
• Allow the griddle to air dry for a few minutes to ensure that all surfaces are completely dry. Leaving any area damp will encourage rust to form, so it is important to take the time to dry the griddle thoroughly.
• If your griddle has a grease cup, be sure to remove it, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it completely before replacing it. This will help prevent the build-up of grease and moisture, which can contribute to rust formation.
• After rinsing and drying the griddle, it is important to season the surface to create a protective layer that will help prevent rust from forming in the future. This can be done by rubbing a thin layer of oil onto the griddle surface, including the sides and back.
• Store your griddle in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and moisture. A heavy-duty cover can also be used to protect the griddle from the elements and prevent rust formation.

Remember to rinse and dry your griddle thoroughly after each use to maintain its condition and prevent rust from forming. This will help ensure that your griddle lasts for years to come.

Season the griddle

Seasoning a griddle is an important process that will ensure your griddle has a long life and a non-stick surface. It involves building polymerised layers of oil on the griddle, which act as a smooth buffer between the food and the metal.

Clean your griddle

Start by cleaning your griddle with soapy water and a scrub brush. Rinse with hot water and dry with a clean paper towel or cloth. This will ensure your seasoning oil penetrates the entire cooking surface.

Level out your griddle

Once your griddle is clean, use a built-in level to ensure your cooking surface is even. This will help keep your seasoning oil evenly layered and avoid pooling. Adjust your griddle until the bubbles on your level are centred.

Heat your griddle

Turn on your griddle's burners to a high heat setting and let it heat up for around 10-15 minutes. You may notice your griddle's surface starting to smoke and discolour, which is normal. Ideally, you want the metal to reach about 200°F (93°C).

Oil your griddle

Select a food-safe cooking oil with a high smoke point. Oils with high smoke points include avocado, vegetable, coconut, ghee, grapeseed, sunflower, and canola. Using tongs or heat-resistant gloves, apply a thin, even layer of oil to the griddle's surface, including the sides, handles, and bottom.

Turn up the heat

Turn up the heat to between 450-500°F (232-260°C). The oil will start smoking and charring, which is what you want. Let the griddle sit in the heat for about an hour or until the oil stops smoking, whichever comes first.

Repeat as needed

New griddles will need multiple layers of polymerised oil to be truly seasoned. Manufacturers recommend between four and six coats of oil. Repeat steps 4 and 5 as needed until you have built up a dark, even surface.

Cool your griddle

Once you've created your layers of seasoning, remove the griddle from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.

Maintain your griddle

After each use, clean your griddle and apply a thin coat of oil to the surface. When you preheat your griddle for the next cook, the surface should get hot enough to polymerise that thin layer of oil, creating another layer of seasoning. It is recommended to do a full re-seasoning every 10-15 uses.

Use a metal scraper to remove gunk and rust

To remove gunk and rust from your griddle pan, you'll need a metal scraper and heat-resistant gloves. Some sources also recommend having a grill stone, steel wool, or medium-grit wet-or-dry sandpaper on hand.

Start by putting on your heat-resistant gloves for protection. Then, turn on your griddle and set the heat to high for about 20 minutes. This helps to loosen the rust, making it easier to remove. Once the griddle has cooled down, get your metal scraper and begin scraping down the entire surface until no more corrosion is visible.

If your griddle has more intensive surface rust that won't scrape away, you may need to use a grill stone, steel wool, or medium-grit wet-or-dry sandpaper. Apply gentle circular motions to prevent causing an uneven surface and stop when the metal is shiny and bright.

After scraping, you can further clean your griddle by applying a few tablespoons of oil to the surface and then scrubbing it with a grill stone, steel wool, or sandpaper. Wipe the griddle clean with a cloth or paper towels, and repeat the oil application and wiping process until all signs of rust debris are gone.

Frequently asked questions