If your business uses a commercial griddle, you will need to clean your griddle to avoid cross-contamination and keep
your equipment in good condition. Griddles are large pieces of equipment that are not easy to move, so keeping them
clean can be a challenge. While they are designed to stand high temperatures, they do require a bit of maintenance
to keep them in tip-top shape. With a little bit of effort and these helpful tips, your griddle will last for many
years of delicious cooking.
A griddle is a piece of cooking equipment that is designed to provide a flat, level surface on which foods are
prepared by pan-frying, grilling, or other methods. Griddles usually consist of a long, flat surface heated by gas
or electricity, with a source of direct or indirect heat underneath the surface to increase efficiency. A griddle
may be stationary or portable. Most griddles are made of cast iron or stainless steel, but some are made of
non-stick materials to accommodate easier cleaning.
It is important to clean your kitchen griddle as often as you can. It is a daily chore that will keep your griddle
in good shape for a long time. The best way to keep your griddle in good condition is to clean it regularly. Regular
cleaning will also help to keep your kitchen a tidy and pleasant place to be. Griddles are commonplace for germs to
spread, so keeping them clean will help to keep everyone healthy.
Types of Griddles
A griddle is a type of cooking surface that is flat and wide, often made of cast iron. Griddles are often used in cooking breakfast foods like pancakes and eggs, but they are also great for making sandwiches, grilling meat or veggies, or warming up slices of pizza. You can find different types of griddles for different purposes. When shopping for a griddle, look for one that is made from a high-quality, durable material that can resist high temperatures. A non-stick griddle will make it easier to maintain, and a griddle with a slide-out tray will make cleanup easier as well. Other models are designed with an induction system, which lets them be used with any type of cookware. The best griddle for you will depend on your needs and intended use.
Range TopThis versatile griddle can be used on the stovetop or in the oven to cook everything from pancakes to steaks. This is a great option for people who want the functionality of a griddle but also want the ease of a traditional range top. These griddles are usually cast iron, which means they retain heat very well and can be used on high heat without the risk of burning or melting. Cast iron is also very durable, so these griddles can be used for years. Depending on the material, range top griddles can be used on gas or electric stoves. Most of these griddles come in various sizes, so it's easy to find one that fits your range top. Shop Range Top Griddles |
Drop-InDrop-in flat top griddles are ideal for quick-service restaurants, convenience stores, and other businesses that need a fast turnaround on their griddle. Drop-in models are designed to be placed directly into the cooking surface of your range or commercial kitchen. While all of them feature a flat top surface, some also offer a non-stick coating for easier cleaning and quicker release of food. Others offer stainless steel or cast iron surface that are ideal for searing meat. A drop-in griddle usually comes with a grate that can be removed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Shop Drop-In Griddles |
Standard Duty ElectricIf you are looking for something less expensive than a stainless steel griddle but still want a professional-grade piece of equipment that can last a long time, then a standard duty model might be a good choice. Most standard-duty electric griddles are made of stainless steel or cast iron, and many have griddle tops that are non-stick or have an enamel finish that is easy to clean. Standard duty electric griddles also come with a variety of extras, such as timers, controls that can be mounted towards the front of the unit, and optional side panels that can be added to the unit to increase its overall capacity. Standard duty electric griddles can be plugged into any standard 110V outlet and do not require any special wiring to operate. Due to their lightweight construction, they are easier to move from one place to another than heavy-duty electric griddles. Shop Standard Duty Electric Griddles |
Heavy-Duty ElectricHeavy-duty electric griddles are designed for commercial use and are used in restaurants and cafes for cooking large quantities of food at one time. They are typically made of cast iron and have a non-stick coating for easy cleanup. Most heavy-duty electric griddles are made of cast iron or stainless steel. Cast iron is very sturdy but also heavy. It conducts heat slowly, which is great for keeping food at a consistent temperature. Stainless steel is lightweight but also very durable. It is easy to clean and will not rust. Heavy-duty griddles usually have a large surface area and many temperature settings. They often have indicator lights that show when they are turned on, and they often have cool-touch exteriors. Heavy-duty griddles have a higher wattage than other electric griddles. Shop Heavy-Duty Electric Griddles |
Standard Duty GasStandard duty gas griddles are the most basic category of gas griddles that are available on the market. They are sturdy, dependable, and offer a ton of cooking flexibility. It comes with a heavy-duty cast iron griddle plate for maximum durability. The griddle plate is cast iron, which is stronger compared to regular steel and stays flat. It is also easy to clean, thanks to its non-stick surface. The gas burner is designed to produce a low BTU output. Since they are not designed to withstand high volume use, standard duty gas griddles often come with additional safety features such as a shut-off timer. They are generally less expensive than other models, but may not be suitable for large volume operations or heavy-duty tasks. Standard duty gas griddles are typically small and portable, making them easy to transport from one location to another. Shop Standard Duty Gas Griddles |
Medium Duty GasMedium duty gas griddles are also a good option for home use, as they offer a lower heat setting for cooking delicate foods like seafood. These units are available with flat or curved tops, and they can have one or two burners. They have grates that can be removed for cleaning, and they have a variety of other features as well. These griddles are typically made of cast iron, which makes them very durable and long-lasting. Due to the non-stick properties of cast iron, these griddles are easy to clean, which makes them convenient for quick-service restaurants. Cast iron griddles are also very energy efficient, which can help to reduce your overall operating costs. These griddles also have a lower profile, making them easier to slide in and out from under cabinets. Shop Medium Duty Gas Griddles |
Heavy Duty GasHeavy-duty gas griddles are designed with a heavier-duty frame and materials that can withstand the high heat of a gas-fired griddle. They are typically made of cast iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel. Heavy-duty gas griddles are ideal for high-volume commercial kitchens where the griddles are in use for extended periods. Heavy-duty gas griddles will provide you with the evenest heat distribution, which is super important when cooking with gas. This even heat means that you won't risk burning your food or causing a grease fire. Cast iron griddles also retain heat better than other materials, which means less time waiting for your griddle to heat up. Shop Heavy Duty Gas Griddles |
InductionInduction electric griddles are the most versatile and advanced type of griddles. They are non-stick and very easy to use. You just have to plug them in and turn them on. Induction griddles have many advantages over traditional electric griddles. They are more efficient and faster in cooking food compared to the traditional griddles. They are more durable, compared to the traditional griddles. They are safer to use compared to traditional griddles. An induction electric griddle uses magnetic energy to heat the cooking surface. It does not emit any harmful fumes into the air, and it does not require preheating. Moreover, it delivers even heat to prevent food from burning. An induction electric griddle can be placed on any countertop due to its lightweight design. It comes with adjustable temperature controls to suit any cooking need. With a push of a button, you can start cooking on an induction electric griddle. Shop Induction Griddles |
Teppanyaki GriddlesTeppanyaki griddles are mainly used in Japanese cuisine but they are slowly becoming popular in other cuisines as well. Most teppanyaki griddles have a large flat surface that is used for cooking. They are also usually outfitted with a stove underneath for cooking with gas. Teppanyaki griddles are usually kept at a high temperature at all times to keep the surface hot. The best teppanyaki griddles should be made of cast iron or stainless steel to allow for even heat distribution, as well as a non-stick surface to make cleaning up easier. Additionally, teppanyaki griddles should have an open design to allow for the best possible heat flow. An open design also makes it easier to cook food at different angles. Shop Teppanyaki Griddles |
Griddle Heating Elements
There are different types of heating elements that can be used in a griddle. Some are designed for speed, others for even heat distribution, and some for power. The type you choose will depend on your preference and the intended use of the griddle. Most griddles use a combination of elements to achieve the desired results.
Electric
An electric griddle uses an electric heating element to cook food on its surface. The heating element is usually made of an alloy that conducts electricity. The electric current heats the alloy, which in turn heats the griddle and cooks the food. The majority of electric griddles have some form of non-stick coating on the cooking surface, which makes cleaning the griddle easier, and most of these coatings can be put in the dishwasher. The heating element on an electric griddle will be made from either an iron material or an enamel material.
Shop Electric GriddlesLiquid Propane
Liquid propane is a widely available, affordable fuel that is safe to store and easy to transport. This griddle is designed to be used with liquid propane gas, and can be used to cook food outside, or in the kitchen. It has an easy-to-clean nonstick surface. The griddle surface is made of cast iron for even heat distribution It has indicator lights to show when the power is on and when the griddle has reached the desired cooking temperature.
Shop Liquid Propane GriddlesNatural Gas
Natural gas griddles are the most popular griddle types used in restaurants and cafes. They are easy to use and maintain, and the heat emitted from these griddles can be controlled with ease. They have a flat surface and are usually made of cast iron or other materials that are good conductors of heat. Natural gas griddles come with cast iron or steel griddle tops, and the heat generated on these tops can be adjusted to suit the needs of the food being cooked.
Shop Natural Gas Griddles
How much does it cost to buy a griddle?
There are many different types of griddles you can choose from, depending on your needs. The most basic griddle model can cost as little as $30, while a more advanced model might cost well over $1000. It all depends on the features, brand, and size you choose. Some griddles are made with non-stick materials, but you can also buy one with a cast-iron surface as well. Some griddles come with accessories such as a temperature gauge or a timer, which can be very helpful for certain types of cooking.
Daily Griddle Cleaning Checklist
Griddles are a kitchen staple, but they can quickly go from a welcome helper to an unwelcome guest if not properly maintained. Cleaning your flat top grill daily after use will help in a variety of ways, specifically, it will leave the griddle with a clean, oiled surface that adds to the seasoning and keeps rust from forming in a humid environment. Over time, your griddle will naturally lose some of its non-stick properties and may start to look a bit battered. However, a little bit of TLC will go a long way towards getting your griddle back in tip-top shape, ensuring that it will continue to give you great service for many years to come.
Know Your Griddle Surface Type
Before you start cooking, make sure that you know what type of surface your griddle has. Knowing this will help you to maintain the griddle and avoid damaging it. Cast iron and steel are naturally nonstick, but they are heavy and hard to move around. And enameled cast iron griddles are even heavier. Stainless steel is a durable, hard surface that is easy to clean, but it can be slippery. And anodized aluminum is a nonstick surface that is lightweight. Knowing what griddle surface you have will help you take care of it and know what to do if it gets scratched or dented.
Items You Will Need
Even the best grease trap cleaning service can't guarantee success if they are working with dirty griddles. To maintain a sanitary work environment, every company needs to have a supply of griddle cleaning supplies on hand at all times.
Some items are:
Scraper or Metal Spatula
An offset or regular spatula will work just fine for most griddles, but if you have a cast-iron one, you'll want to use something that won't scratch or chip the surface. Cast iron is a very porous material, and scratches on the surface can cause it to lose its non-stick properties. A scraper (usually made of plastic or stainless steel) is best for cast iron griddles.
Kitchen Cloths
Kitchen cloths are essential cleaning cloths with multiple uses. They are super absorbent, very durable, and easy to clean. They are used for drying hands, cleaning small messes, and wiping surfaces.
Squeeze Water Bottle or Cup
Water Bottles are the most common and widely used product to store water in. Water Bottles are available in many different shapes and sizes, but the most common types are the ones that can be carried in your hand with a squeeze nozzle for easy squirting.
Tongs
Tongs are a type of kitchen utensil that is used to grab hot food or other items. Tongs are often made of stainless steel or other metals, but many are also available in silicone. There are different types of tongs for different purposes, such as serving, grabbing hot items, etc.
Grill brick (Cast Iron)
It is a brick-shaped product that is made of carbon. Carbon has many useful properties, one of which is its ability to absorb odors. The main purpose of a grill cleaning brick is to scrape off the charred remnants that are stuck to the griddle surface. When using a carbon brick to clean your grill, you are removing odors as well as cleaning it.
Seasoning Oil (Cast Iron)
Griddle seasoning oil is a blend of oils that are used to season griddles. These oils are best when they are used on cast iron griddles as they help to prevent rusting, improve nonstick properties of the surface, and prevent food from sticking to the griddle. Used to add flavor to the food that you are cooking on the griddle. It is usually a combination of different spices and ingredients that can be added to the oil to make it more flavorful.
Shop Scrapers and Spatulas
Shop Kitchen Cloths
Shop Squuze Bottles
Shop Tongs
Shop Grill Bricks
Cleaning Your Griddle
There are a few things you can do to make sure your griddle stays in good condition and lasts as long as possible. Washing it immediately after each use is a good start. Pay attention to what's happening on the surface while you're cooking. If you see something collect on the griddle that shouldn't be there, scrape it off with a spatula or scrapper. To get the most out of your equipment and ensure that your food is safe to eat, it's important to clean your griddle regularly.
The best way to clean your griddle:
When you are done cooking, make sure to let the griddle cool off before cleaning it. If you are in a hurry and forget to do this, you can damage the griddle and make it less effective. If you have a cast-iron griddle, it will rust if you do not let it cool off. The same goes for other materials such as stainless steel or carbon steel. If you let the griddle cool down naturally, it will last longer. If you rush the process and clean it while it is still hot, you risk melting the griddle.
Turn off your griddle and let it cool.
While the griddle is cooling, use a griddle scraper or metal spatula to scrape off all excess food particles and grease. If your griddle has a non-stick surface, be sure to use only non-scratching utensils when cleaning it. Scratching the non-stick surface can cause it to break down and lose its non-stick properties.
Take a water bottle or cup and pour some water on the griddle surface. It should be hot enough to steam and boil off.
Quickly scrape the excess water off. This water gets dirty quickly as the water is boiling off on the griddle surface, releasing the food build-up.
Fold Kitchen Cloth into a square for easy handling.
Pour water back on the griddle again and as it is steaming, use the tongs or scraper to push the folded cloth around the griddle surface in all directions and along the griddle walls.
Refold the Cloth for a clean side and repeat until the flat top grill surface is clean, smooth, and ready for re-seasoning if cast iron.
Cast Iron Griddle Re-Seasoning
When cleaning a cast iron griddle, it's important to re-season your griddle to protect against corrosion and keep it from degrading as quickly. Re-Seasoning gives your griddle the needed oil coating to keep a smooth, non-stick surface for future cleaning. Griddles, like any other cast-iron cookware, need to be re-seasoned after cleaning.
Cast Iron Griddle Re-Seasoning Steps are:
Turn the heat back on to a Medium to High level.
Allow the surface to get hot but not so hot that you smoke the kitchen out. A little smoke is fine but once it starts to smoke, you can turn the heat back off.
Using your seasoning oil of choice, drizzle a small amount onto the grill surface, think the size of a nickel. Yes, that small.
Use a grill brick to evenly spread the oil layer throughout the griddle surface.
Ensure no oil residue is left in excess anywhere on the surface with a wipe down with a clean cloth. There should be a very light coating on the surface of your griddle.
Allow your freshly cleaned and seasoned flat top grill or griddle to come back to room temperature on its own. Once it is cool to the touch, then you can cover and store it again.
How To Clean a Griddle Q&A
Griddles are a staple in every commercial kitchen, but they also make an excellent addition to any outdoor kitchen or indoor stovetop as well. Though typically made of cast iron, other materials such as stainless steel or anodized aluminum are also common. Regardless of the type of material, it's made from, every griddle will benefit from regular cleaning, especially if it's used often. If you're looking to maintain the one you have, keep reading for some helpful advice.
Do I need to clean my griddle after every use?
Yes. Your griddle will lose its nonstick properties with each use and you will need to give it a good scrub. Griddles are cleaned after each use to prevent food from sticking and to extend its life. Most griddles are non-stick, but some foods like scrambled eggs or pancakes may leave a residue that can cause the griddle to lose its non-stick properties if left too long. If you are using a cast iron or enamel-coated griddle, it is best to clean it right away to prevent rust or discoloration. Most griddles have a drip tray or a lift-out tray that can be easily removed and cleaned. Some electric griddles have self-cleaning functions.
How do you maintain a griddle?
The best way to maintain a griddle is to keep it clean. Always make sure to scrape the griddle after each use, and use a scraper to clean the griddle before each use. You should also have a plan for cleaning the griddle. You should have a schedule for deep cleaning the griddle, and make sure to have the right supplies on hand. If your griddle is non-stick, you should clean it with a sponge or non-abrasive spatula. If your griddle is not non-stick, you should clean it with a scraper and grill brick. Always make sure to dry the griddle after you clean it. Most griddles are made of steel, which can rust if it is left wet.
How do I get sticky residue off my griddle?
You can try scrubbing the surface of the griddle with a sponge to remove the stickiness, but if the stuff stuck to your griddle is super sticky, like syrup or something, you might need something stronger — like a commercial griddle cleaner. These products are designed to break down the chemicals that make surfaces sticky, so they can be helpful if you're dealing with a particularly stubborn mess.
Can you use ice to clean a flat top griddle?
No, using ice is not recommended for cleaning a flat top griddle. Due to the high heat that these griddles produce, they can easily melt the ice and cause damage to the surface if used. Avoid using ice cubes to clean your griddle as they can leave unsightly pockmarks. Additionally, ice cubes can crack the surface of your griddle if they are exposed to too much heat. The best way to clean a flat top griddle is to use a scraper and water. It is recommended that you clean your grill after every use to prevent it from becoming too soiled and difficult to clean. A scraper will remove any food particles that have fallen onto the surface of the griddle during use and can also be used to scrape away any burnt-on food that has been left to dry on the surface of the griddle.
Can I use steel wool on my griddle?
Steel wool is not recommended for cleaning griddles. The steel wool pads may scratch the surface of the griddle and cause it to lose its non-stick properties. The rough texture of the steel wool can cause scratches and dents on the griddle's surface, which can negatively impact the performance. Another thing to keep in mind is that steel wool will leave small particles of iron on the surface of your griddle. These particles can actually cause new stains and corrosion. Avoid using anything with a rough edge that could scratch the surface of the griddle.
