Even though flat-top grills have existed for many years, they are now gaining popularity in the BBQ world.
Although they resemble griddles, flat-top grills are designed with a circular heating instrument that cooks food quickly and distributes heat evenly.
Furthermore, you can use pots and pans on your flat-top grill, which also explains its popularity.
However, one thing most people do not consider when purchasing a flat-top grill is how to clean it.
Cleaning your flat-top grill is extremely important, so it’s best to know how to clean it properly.
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How Often Do I Clean My Flat Top Grill
If you take care of your flat-top grill, you will not have to deep clean it very often.
Compared to a portable pellet grill, your flat-top grill will look cleaner even if you’ve just used it.
However, this doesn’t mean you should not clean your flat-top grill every time you use it is used.
It simply means you do not have to spend time deep cleaning your flat-top grill.
Moreover, cleaning your flat-top grill will ensure you are serving your loved ones or guests safe food and make your flat-top last longer.
But that doesn’t mean the flat-top grill needs to be deep cleaned after each use.
How Do I Know My Flat Top Grill Needs To Be Deep Cleaned?
If you use your flat-top rill regularly, you will notice gunk starting to build up in the corners of the grill.
This could be a sign that your flat-grill needs a good deep cleaning.
As I mentioned above, flat-top grills distribute heat evenly, which means it cooks food evenly.
If grease or food residue is on your flat-top grill’s surface, it will prevent heat from being distributed evenly.
Therefore, if your flat-top grills start cooking your salmon unevenly, it is time to deep clean it.
When you cook food on your flat-top grill, the food should not have any unfamiliar particles on its surface.
If your food has burnt flakes of oil on its surface, it’s time to give your grill a good cleaning.
Food will stick to the surface of the flat-top grill unless it has a non-stick coating.
However, if all of your steaks stick to the grill’s surface every time you use it, it’s probably time for deep cleaning.
Grease accumulation can cause bacteria to develop on your flat-top grill if it is not cleaned.
Bacteria can lead to food poisoning. So, it’s best to give your flat-top grill a deep cleaning if there is stubborn grease on your grill.
Tools for Cleaning a Flat Top Grill
Before I show you how to clean a flat-top grill, let’s discuss the necessary tools.
Bench Scraper
Bench scrapers are used to scrape debris from the surface of the flat-top grill. Bench scrapers are large, flat metal utensil that has a plastic handle.
The metal edge of the bench scraper is tapered at an angle.
However, a bench scraper will not damage the grill’s surface.
There are also plastic scrapers, but they are more likely to give under pressure and break.
Meatal bench scrapers can withstand the pressure needed to remove caked-on debris.
However, do not apply too much pressure, or you will damage your flat-top grill’s surface.
Paper Towels and Dishcloth
It’s best to use both paper towels and a clean dishcloth to clean your flat-top grill.
The paper towels will absorb any grease on the surface of your grill.
Plus, you can use paper towels to season your flattop grill.
You can use the dishcloth to remove any food debris once the grease has been removed from the flattop grill.
Oil
Like a cast-iron skillet, your flat-top grill must be seasoned with oil. Avocado oil is a popular choice.
However, you can also use vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or grape seed oil.
As long as the oil has a high smoke point and subtle flavor, it’s perfect for seasoning your flat-top grill.
Once you have cleaned your flat-top grill, apply a thin coat of oil to your flat-top grill once you’ve cleaned it.
How To Clean a Flat Top Grill
Once your food is almost finished cooking, turn off the heat. I know what you’re thinking. If I turn off my flat-top grill, my food will stop cooking.
However, the flat-top grill will still be hot when you turn it off. It will generate enough heat to cook your food thoroughly.
If you leave the food on the grill until it is completely cooked, the juices will run onto the flat-top grill making it harder to clean.
Therefore, turn your grill off when your food is 95% done.
Place your food on one side of the grill and use your bench scraper to scrape the debris off the free side of the flat-top grill.
Once you have removed the food from your grill, use your bench scraper to scrape the debris into the grease trap.
If there are bigger pieces of food residue, use a spatula to push them against the side walls of the grill.
Use the spatula to lift the debris from the grill and place it into the garbage.
Once most of the grease and food debris has been removed, use paper towels or a dishcloth to wipe down the surface of your flat-top grill.
Make sure you wipe down the cooking surface, the grease trap area, and the interior and exterior sidewalls.
Wiping the grill helps remove moisture. It also distributes any remaining oil and seasons the flat-top grill.
Next, apply 1-2 tablespoons of oil to the surface of the grill and use a paper towel to rub it into the grill. Turn on 2 burners and allow the flat-top grill to heat up.
This will cure the seasoning creating a non-stick cooking surface.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean your flat-top grill is essential. After all, flat-top grills are not cheap.
Cleaning your flat-top grill the right way will ensure it stays in working condition for years to come, allowing you to grill delicious BBQ foods that everyone will love.
You might also be interested in the following:
- How To Clean a Weber Grill
- How To Clean a Blackstone Grill
- How To Clean a George Foreman Grill
- How To Clean a Traeger Grill
- How To Clean Pit Boss Pellet Grill
- How To Clean Grill Grates
- How To Clean BBQ Grease off Concrete
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.