Sep 14th 2022 - Monica Cunanan

How to Clean a Griddle? Seasoning and more!

Cleanliness is important when operating a commercial kitchen, but so is maintaining a regular maintenance schedule for all of the kitchen equipment. It’s important to clean them after they’ve been used because it helps ensure that you remove any dirt or residue that may be clinging to them. This guide will help you clean and season different types of griddle.

How to Clean and Season a Griddle?

General Steps

Step 1: Cool Griddle
Step 2: Use Scrapper to Remove Food Particles
Step 3: Scrub the Surface of Your Griddle
Step 4: Dry and Season

Model Featured: Winco IGD-2095

To get the most out of your commercial griddle, it is important to follow proper cleaning procedures Griddle plates come in three different materials: steel, chrome, and composite. All have their own advantages and disadvantages, and each requires a different cleaning process. Understanding the differences among all three types of griddles will allow operators to ensure proper performance of their griddles and ensure they get the longest life out of them.

Steps for Cleaning Newly Purchased Griddle

Use Cleaning Solution:
Scrub!: Use a microfibre cloth that has been soaked in the cleaning solution. Wash all of the surfaces thoroughly. Make sure you're continually rinsing the sponge in the cleaner as you go around the entire surface.
Rinse and Dry: Empty the bucket and refill it with clean water. To get rid of any soap residue from washing the griddle, use a microfiber cloth dipped in clean water and wipe it down. When the griddle is completely clean, dry it off with a dry cloth. Let the grilling surface air dry completely before seasoning it.

It’s important to ensure that the grilling surface has no residual moisture. If there is too much moisture on the surface, then rust may form.

Model Featured: Lodge LPGI3

Season the Cooking Surface: This method involves applying oil to the metal to create a non-sticking cooking surface. Rust prevention is a necessary step for keeping your griddle in great shape.
- You can use vegetable oil for greasing. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of oil evenly with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- Heat each griddle at full blast. Heat the pan until the oils begin to smoke, which should take between 10 to 15 minutes.
- When the oil adheres to metal, the grill will get darker. Turn off the griddle burner and put it away until the surface is cool enough to handle.
- Repeat these steps twice more with more oil for a final total of three heat treatments. After the third time, shut down the grill and let it cool completely. Your grill will be black. So, you're now ready to start cooking.

Steps to Clean a Steel Griddle Plate:

Step 1: After the griddle has cooled down to 300º F - 350º F, apply room temperature (not hot) tap or distilled/deionized (DI) bottled or spring filtered) drinking waters.
Step 2: To clean off the grill grate, use a griddle scraper.
Step 3: Season the pan by adding oil, and then place a griddle brick on top of the pan. While the griddles are still hot, rub them with the grain of the steel.
- A third option is to use griddle-specific detergents on the plate surfaces, but be sure to thoroughly rinse them after.
Step 4: If there are hard-to-reach spots, a putty knife might also be useful for removing dirt and grime.

See More: How to Clean Stainless Steel Equipment

Steps to Clean a Chrome Griddle Plate:

Step 1: After the griddles are used, let them cool down to 300° F-350° F before scraping off any remaining debris with the special razor scrapper.
Step 2: After adding room temp water and scrubbing with a palmetto bristle brush, scrape into the grease trough.
Step 3: Use a non-abrasive, food-safe polish to cover the plate with a clean, dry cloth towel.
Step 4: Using a clean damp cloth, remove any remaining polish from your griddles.

Steps to Clean a Composite Griddle Plate:

Step 1: Let the griddles cool down to between 300°F and 350°F before removing them from the heat sources.
Step 2: To clean the griddle, use a standard griddle scrapper to remove any debris from the surface.
Step 3: Mix together equal parts of warm water and mild dish soap to create a soapy water.
Step 4: Use a non-abrasive scrubber to clean off any debris from the griddle surface. Throw away all leftover scraps.
Step 5: Rinse it thoroughly before using hot tap water to remove any residual soap.

Maintenance Tips

It is important to clean the cooking surface of any griddle plates used for commercial purposes regularly with an appropriate griddle scraper during usage.
To speed up cleaning the flat tops at the ends of services, wipe down the backsplash, inside and outside of side splashes, and the front of the grill during service.
Make sure to empty the grease drawer when necessary. After every cleaning, we recommend applying a thin layer of oil to the surface of the stovetop.
Finally, it is important not to use ice to cool down your hot griddle. This is to avoid thermal shock and damage to the cooking surface. Make sure to always use room temperature water.

Thinking of Buying Griddles for Your Business?

Restaurant Equipment is crucial for operating any commercial kitchen. At Culinary Depot, we're always happy to help you find the perfect commercial equipment for your needs. May it be: