How To Clean An Outdoor Griddle: A Step-by-Step Guide

How To Clean An Outdoor Griddle: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Owning an outdoor griddle is an excellent way to enhance your backyard barbecues, weekend breakfasts, and family cookouts. Whether you’re using it to whip up pancakes, steaks, or veggies, keeping your griddle clean is key to prolonging its life and ensuring great-tasting meals. A clean griddle not only maintains better heat distribution but also prevents food from sticking and tasting burnt.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to clean an outdoor griddle, from daily maintenance after cooking to deep cleaning techniques. Following these steps will ensure that your griddle stays in tip-top condition for years to come.

Why Cleaning Your Outdoor Griddle is Essential

Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why it’s so important to regularly clean your griddle:

1. Prevents Rust: Metal griddles, especially steel or cast iron ones, are prone to rust if not maintained properly. Cleaning removes moisture and food particles that could cause corrosion.
2. Improves Food Quality: Leftover grease and food debris can lead to an unpleasant taste or burnt residue on your food. Regular cleaning ensures fresh, flavorful meals.
3. Increases Longevity: By keeping your griddle clean, you help extend its life, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
4. Ensures Safety: Built-up grease can cause flare-ups, which are not only dangerous but can also result in uneven cooking. Proper cleaning reduces fire hazards.

Tools You’ll Need for Cleaning Your Outdoor Griddle

Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary tools and materials. Having the right tools makes the process much easier and more effective. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Griddle scraper or spatula
• Griddle cleaning brush
• Cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
• Hot water
• Paper towels or a soft cloth
• Griddle cleaning stone or pumice stone (for stubborn stains)
• Stainless steel cleaner (if applicable)
• Heat-resistant gloves (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Outdoor Griddle

Now that you have your supplies ready, it’s time to get started. Follow these steps to clean your outdoor griddle thoroughly after each use and keep it in prime condition.

1. Turn Off the Heat and Let the Griddle Cool Down Slightly

Once you’re done cooking, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool for a few minutes. However, don’t let it get completely cold—cleaning is easiest when the surface is still slightly warm. This will help loosen grease and food particles.

Pro tip: Always wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands while cleaning a warm griddle.

2. Scrape Off Food Residue

Using a griddle scraper or spatula, gently scrape off any food debris or stuck-on bits. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle and move it across the surface to collect the waste. Push all of the debris toward the grease tray or a corner of the griddle.

Note: Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could scratch the surface of your griddle, especially if it’s made from stainless steel.

3. Add Water to Loosen Stubborn Stains

For tough, stuck-on food, pour a small amount of hot water onto the griddle while it’s still warm. The water will help break down the food residue, making it easier to scrape off.

Avoid using soap, as it can strip away the seasoning on your griddle. Seasoning is the natural layer of oil that builds up over time, creating a non-stick surface and preventing rust.

4. Scrub the Surface with a Griddle Brush or Cleaning Stone

Once the food residue is mostly removed, use a griddle-cleaning brush or stone to scrub the surface. Focus on any areas with grease buildup or stains. For very stubborn spots, a pumice stone or griddle cleaning stone can be effective without damaging the surface.

When scrubbing, use gentle, circular motions to avoid scratching the surface.

5. Rinse and Wipe Down the Surface

After scrubbing, rinse the griddle surface by pouring a little more water onto it, and then use a clean paper towel or soft cloth to wipe away any remaining debris. Make sure the surface is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

6. Season the Griddle Surface with Oil

To maintain your griddle’s non-stick surface and protect it from rust, apply a thin layer of oil after every cleaning. Use a high-smoke point oil such as vegetable or canola oil.

Here’s how to do it:

• Pour a small amount of oil onto the griddle surface.
• Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil evenly over the entire surface.
• Heat the griddle slightly to help the oil bond with the metal, then turn it off and allow the griddle to cool down completely.

Pro tip: Avoid using olive oil or butter, as they have lower smoke points and can burn easily, which will leave sticky residues on your griddle.

How to Deep Clean Your Outdoor Griddle

While daily cleaning after cooking is essential, you’ll also want to deep clean your griddle periodically, especially if it’s been heavily used or if there’s a lot of buildup. A deep clean removes the stubborn grease, grime, and burnt residue that daily cleaning might not catch.

Steps for Deep Cleaning

1. Heat the Griddle: Turn on the griddle to a high heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help loosen the burnt-on residue and make it easier to clean.
2. Scrape the Surface: Use a griddle scraper to remove as much debris and grease as possible.
3. Use a Griddle Stone: For tougher stains or residue, scrub the surface with a griddle cleaning stone. This will help remove anything that has baked onto the surface over time.
4. Apply Griddle Cleaner (Optional): If you’re using a stainless steel griddle, you can use a stainless steel cleaner or degreaser designed for cooking surfaces. Follow the instructions on the product, and rinse thoroughly to ensure no chemical residue remains.
5. Wipe and Reseason: After cleaning, wipe the griddle surface with a damp cloth to remove any remaining debris or cleaner. Once dry, reapply a thin layer of oil as you would after a regular cleaning.

Preventing Common Outdoor Griddle Issues

To keep your outdoor griddle in great condition, here are a few additional tips:

1. Cover Your Griddle: Always cover your griddle with a weatherproof cover when not in use. This will protect it from rain, dust, and other outdoor elements that can cause rust or damage.
2. Avoid Soap and Abrasive Cleaners: Never use harsh chemicals, soap, or abrasive scrubbing pads, as these can strip away the seasoning and damage the griddle surface.
3. Clean After Every Use: Regular cleaning after every cooking session is the best way to prevent buildup and make deep cleaning less frequent.
4. Season Regularly: The seasoning on your griddle acts as a protective barrier, preventing rust and making it easier to cook food without sticking. Make sure to oil and heat your griddle after each cleaning to maintain this layer.

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your outdoor griddle is crucial to its longevity and performance. By following these steps after every use, and periodically deep cleaning, you can ensure that your griddle remains in excellent condition. Proper maintenance not only improves the quality of your cooking but also extends the lifespan of your griddle, ensuring it continues to deliver the best results, much like the best outdoor griddles on the market.

So, whether you’re a seasoned griddle cook or a beginner, keeping your outdoor griddle clean and well-maintained is key to enjoying delicious meals and preserving your investment for years to come.