The Best Guide to Cleaning a Flat Top Griddle with Tips

Owning a flat top griddle, like the Blackstone, brings joy to your outdoor cooking experience. 

However, knowing how to clean and maintain your griddle is crucial for keeping it in top shape. 

Whether you’re whipping up pancakes, burgers, or stir fry, regular cleaning ensures great performance and extends the life of your equipment.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning a flat top griddle, from daily care to deep cleaning techniques, plus a few product recommendations that make the job even easier. 

Let’s get started!

Understanding Your Flat Top Griddle

Before diving into cleaning, it's essential to understand what your griddle is made of.

Most commercial flat top griddles are constructed from materials like steel, cast iron, ceramic glass, or chromium.

Each material has its quirks when it comes to maintenance.

For instance, cast iron griddles require regular seasoning to prevent rust, while steel griddles are easier to clean but can still benefit from proper oiling.

Knowing your griddle’s material can help you avoid accidental damage and make sure you're using the correct cleaning method.

Discover More: Flat Top Griddle Scraper for Effortless Cooking and Cleaning

Why Cleaning and Maintenance Are Important

Keeping your flat top griddle clean is not just about aesthetics—it’s essential for maintaining its performance and ensuring food safety. 

Over time, grease, char, and food debris build up on the surface. 

This can lead to several problems:

• Sticky cooking surface: A dirty griddle causes food to stick, making your cooking frustrating.

• Poor heat distribution: Grease buildup can interfere with even heat distribution, affecting how your food cooks.

• Safety hazards: Accumulated grease can lead to potential fire hazards, especially when cooking at high temperatures.

By sticking to a regular cleaning routine, you’ll keep your griddle safe and enjoyable to use.

Essential Tools for Cleaning a Flat Top Griddle

To clean your flat top griddle effectively, you’ll need the right tools. Here’s what we recommend:

• Griddle Scraper: A bench scraper is a must-have for flat top griddle cleaning. Easy Function’s wood grill scraper is an eco-friendly option made from pine wood. It naturally conforms to your grill’s shape over time, giving you efficient scraping with every use.

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• Paper Towels or Dish Rag: Use lint-free paper towels or a clean dish rag to wipe down the griddle. This will help remove grease and char without leaving residue behind.

• Griddle Seasoning Oil: A high-heat oil, like avocado oil, is perfect for maintaining your griddle’s non-stick surface.

• Squirt Bottle: Use a squirt bottle filled with water to help loosen food debris. The steam created by water on a warm griddle helps release stubborn stuck-on bits, making cleaning easier.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Daily cleaning is key to keeping your griddle functioning well. 

Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:

• Scrape Food Debris and Residue: Right after cooking, while the griddle is still hot, use a flat-edged spatula or a griddle scraper to remove excess food debris. Scrape in the direction of your grease tray to ensure everything is removed efficiently.

• Wipe Down the Surface: After scraping, pour a small amount of water (or water with a drop of dish soap) over the griddle surface. Use a folded paper towel or rag with your spatula to scrub away the greasy buildup.

• Apply a Thin Layer of Oil: Once clean, apply a thin layer of high-heat oil to the griddle to maintain the non-stick surface and protect against rust. Make sure the oil is evenly spread, giving your flat top the best care between uses.

Read More: Top Flat Top Grill Cleaners: Best Picks & Tips for a Sparkling Surface

Deep Cleaning Techniques

Sometimes, your griddle will need more than a daily clean, especially after cooking greasy foods or if you haven’t cleaned it in a while. 

Here are a few deep cleaning tricks:

• Loosen Stuck-on Bits with Water: Pour a bit of warm water over the surface of your hot griddle. This will help loosen stuck-on food particles and grease, making it easier to scrape them off.

• Use Baking Soda for Tough Stains: For tougher stains, sprinkle baking soda on the surface and scrub it in circular motions. Baking soda is an effective, non-abrasive cleaner that can help lift stubborn grease and grime.

• Rinse and Repeat: Once you’ve scrubbed the griddle, rinse the surface with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth or paper towel. Repeat the process until the griddle is clean to your satisfaction.

Removing Rust Spots and Degreasing

If your griddle develops rust, don’t panic! Here’s how you can remove it:

• Removing Rust Spots: Start by using a wire brush like Easy Function’s bristle brush to scrub away any loose rust. You can also use an abrasive cleaner designed for grills to tackle more stubborn rust spots.

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• Degreasing the Grill Top: Use a flat-edged spatula to scrape away any grease buildup. If grease is particularly stubborn, use baking soda to help break it down.

Sanitizing and Seasoning

Once your griddle is clean, it’s important to sanitize and season the surface properly.

• Sanitizing with Heat: After cleaning, turn the griddle on to its highest setting for about 10 minutes. This will burn off any remaining grease, food particles, or bacteria.

• Re-Seasoning the Griddle: Once sanitized, add a small amount of vegetable oil to the surface and spread it evenly. Heat the griddle again to lock in the seasoning. This keeps your griddle non-stick and prevents rust.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Keeping your flat top griddle in great shape requires some troubleshooting and regular care.

Common Problems and Solutions

• If your griddle isn’t heating evenly, check for blockages in the gas line or burner.

• Always clean the grates and remove grease buildup after cooking to prevent flare-ups.

Regular Maintenance Tips

• After each use, scrape off food particles and wipe down the griddle with oil to maintain the surface.

• Consider investing in a cover or silicone placemat to protect the griddle when it’s not in use.

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Keep Your Flat Top Griddle in Shape

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for ensuring your flat top griddle remains in excellent condition for years to come. 

Tools like Easy Function’s wood grill scraper make the job easier by providing an eco-friendly, efficient way to clean without damaging your griddle.

And don’t forget about Easy Function’s bristle brush and bristle-free brush options for deeper, safer cleaning. 

You can even get discounts on Easy Function’s bristle brush by using promo codes GOGRILL2, GOGRILL3, or GOGRILL4, depending on how many you purchase.

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So, get started with your griddle cleaning routine today and enjoy stress-free grilling with a perfectly maintained flat top!