Cooking with a flat-top grill is great until you're done and it's time to clean it. The top of any flat-top grill is often really difficult to clean because it is constantly lubricated with grease and laden with oil, water, ingredients, and all kinds of food. This makes it easy to get slimy, rusty, scratched, marked, or charred.
However, cleaning your fat-top grill can be easy, even if it has rust. If you use the right cleaning agents and tools, dedicate some time and effort to a thorough clean, and focus on areas that need special attention, you can not only clean and restore your flat-top grill but also remove any traces of rust and disrepair.
Parts Of a Flat Top Grill
“Flat-top grill” is just another name for a griddle, the widely used cooking appliance with a smooth, flat metal surface that can either be heated by gas burners or electric elements underneath.
To thoroughly and effectively clean your flat-top grill, you must pay particular attention to the parts of the grill that are most prone to attracting dirt: like the cooking surface, burners, the grease and dip tray, control knobs and panel, side shelves, heat shields, and the floor area underneath the grill.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to effect such a thorough cleaning.
Steps to Clean a Flat-Top Grill
Materials You Need
- A grill scraper or putty knife
- A grill brush (stainless steel or brass bristles)
- Steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper (if needed)
- Some white vinegar
- Baking soda (optional)
- Warm water
- Paper towels or cloths
- Cooking oil
- You should clean your flat-top grill ( or any cooking equipment, for that matter) every time you finish cooking on it. Removing dirt and food substances is easier when the cooking surface is not yet fully cold.
- Allow the grill to cool down, but keep it warm.
2. Scrape Off Food Residue
- While the cooking surface is still warm, use a grill scraper or spatula to remove the food particles and grease.
- You can use the grill scraper to remove food particles and grease and push the debris into the grease trap.
3. Apply Water or Cleaning Solution
- Pour hot water or a grill-safe cleaning solution onto the surface to loosen grease and stuck-on food. A mixture of vinegar and hot water would also do the job.
- Avoid pouring cold water on a hot grill, as it can warp the surface.
4. Scrub with a Grill Stone or Pad
- Use a grill stone or non-abrasive pad to scrub the surface gently.
- This helps remove tougher residue without damaging the surface.
5. Rinse and Wipe
- Pour more water to rinse off any remaining debris.
- Use a clean towel or cloth to wipe the surface thoroughly.
6. Clean the Grease Trap
- Empty and clean the grease trap to prevent buildup and odors.
- If your grill is cast iron or steel, apply a thin layer of oil while it’s warm to prevent rust and maintain seasoning.
Steps to Remove Rust
Cleaning rust from a flat-top grill requires care to restore its surface without causing damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Heat the Grill (Optional)
Turn on the grill to low heat for 10–15 minutes. This helps loosen debris and rust.
Turn it off and let it cool slightly for safe handling.
2. Scrape Off Loose Rust
Use a grill scraper or putty knife to remove as much rust as possible from the surface.
Work carefully to avoid scratching or gouging the metal.
3. Apply Vinegar
Pour white vinegar onto the rusty areas.
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to help dissolve the rust.
4. Scrub the Rust
Use a grill brush, steel wool, or fine-grit sandpaper to scrub the rusted areas.
For tougher spots, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste and scrub with steel wool.
5. Rinse and Wipe
Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove rust particles and residue.
Repeat the scrubbing process if rust remains.
6. Season the Surface
After the rust is removed, dry the grill thoroughly with paper towels.
Apply a thin layer of cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil) to the surface.
Turn the grill on low heat for 15–20 minutes to let the oil bond with the surface, creating a protective layer.
Preventing Future Rust
- Always clean the grill after each use.
- Season the grill regularly by applying a thin layer of oil.
- Store the grill in a dry area and use a grill cover if outdoors.
Tips for Cleaning Your Flat Top Griddle
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or overly harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Consider professional restoration or replacing the grill surface if the rust is severe and the surface has deep pitting.
By following these steps, your flat-top grill will be restored and ready for use, and regular maintenance will keep it rust-free in the future.
How Good Is Your Griddle?
Wilprep’s Electric Griddles
Some griddles are easier to clean than others, depending on the material they are made from. Wilprep commercial griddles are especially easy to clean and maintain because they are made of high-grade stainless steel.
Hassle-free cleaning is just one of the perks you get with a commercial griddle from Wilprep. They are energy efficient, the heating is efficient and even, and each griddle comes with specialized knobs to ensure precise temperature control for your cooking style.
Check out Wilpreps’ collection of griddles of all sizes and models, from smaller electric and gas griddles to bigger models for your kitchen. Also check out other types of commercial kitchen equipment Wilprep offers to benefit from the best products in the market.
Why Wilprep Griddles?
- Even the smallest electric models are equipped with two heating tubes, ensuring speedy and uniform heating.
- The expansive cooking surface of all Wilprep griddles lets you cook large batches of your favorite dishes with ease.
- With a temperature range from 120°F to 570°F, Wilprep electric griddles come with adjustable knobs to let you dial in the ideal settings for achieving the perfect sear on food items.
- Features like the handy drainage hole and removable tray make cleanup easy. They efficiently collect excess oil and food residue.
- Crafted with food-grade 430 stainless steel, Wilprep’s electric griddles offer superior corrosion resistance and easy maintenance.
Check out Wilpep for the best electric and gas griddles and other kitchen equipment to bring your best recipes to life. Also, don’t forget to check out other useful tips and information from Wilprep, such as how to clean your griddle and how to cook other items on it, like steak.
