Updated: July 2025

The Rock Griddle has revolutionized indoor cooking for thousands of home chefs who want authentic griddle flavors without the space and commitment of outdoor equipment.

This innovative reversible griddle pan brings restaurant-quality cooking to your stovetop year-round, making it perfect for beginners, apartment dwellers, and anyone wanting to master griddle techniques indoors.

However, many users struggle with cleaning their Rock Griddle because they apply traditional griddle maintenance methods that simply don’t work—and often make the job harder than necessary.

Here’s the game-changer: cleaning The Rock Griddle is actually easier than most traditional griddles once you understand its revolutionary RockTec surface technology and why it can handle cleaning methods that would damage other griddles.

Unlike large standalone griddles that require careful seasoning maintenance and gentle cleaning, The Rock Griddle’s advanced manufacturing process makes it incredibly forgiving during cleanup.

If you’re ready to learn the proper way to clean your Rock Griddle without damaging its non-stick surface—and discover why soap and scrubbing are actually your best friends—you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about maintaining your Rock Griddle for peak performance and longevity!

How To Clean The Rock Griddle

Now that you understand why The Rock Griddle differs from traditional griddles, let’s walk through the proper cleaning process. You can safely use soap, hot water, and abrasive cleaning tools without worrying about damaging the surface or removing protective coatings.

This is a significant departure from traditional griddle care, where we typically avoid soap to preserve seasoning layers. Here’s your comprehensive step-by-step cleaning guide:

Daily Cleaning Steps

• Safety first: Turn off heat and allow the griddle to cool for 10-15 minutes (it should be cool enough to handle safely but still warm enough to help loosen stuck-on food)
• Initial rinse: Run warm water over the surface to remove loose food particles and grease
• Apply cleaning solution: Use warm dish soap and hot water directly on the griddle surface—don’t be shy with the soap!
• Choose your cleaning tool strategically: – Soft sponge or cloth for light debris and everyday cleaning – Abrasive cleaning pad or steel wool for stubborn, stuck-on food – Plastic scraper for thick, carbonized buildup
• Scrub thoroughly: The RockTec surface can handle aggressive scrubbing without damage—apply firm pressure when needed
• Rinse and repeat: Rinse with fresh hot water and add more soap if needed for heavily soiled areas
• Tackle stubborn stains: For extremely stubborn residue, soak the griddle in hot soapy water for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing with abrasive tools
• Final rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely with a clean towel to prevent water spots
• Store properly: No re-seasoning required—simply store in a dry location

Deep Cleaning Method

For monthly deep cleaning or when dealing with particularly stubborn buildup from high-heat cooking:

• Extended soaking: Submerge in hot soapy water for 30 minutes to 1 hour to soften carbonized food particles
• Use heavy-duty tools: Steel wool, abrasive pads, or even a metal spatula to scrub away stubborn buildup
• Apply degreasing dish soap: Use a heavy-duty degreasing formula for accumulated grease buildup
• Work in sections: Focus on one area at a time for thorough cleaning
• Inspect and repeat: Rinse thoroughly and check for any remaining residue—repeat the process if necessary
• Baking soda paste: For extreme cases, make a paste with baking soda and water, let sit for 10 minutes, then scrub

Success rate: Using these proven methods, virtually every Rock Griddle can be restored to like-new condition with proper technique and patience.

While some burned-on food or hardened grease may require extra soaking time and elbow grease, the RockTec surface treatment makes even the toughest cleaning jobs manageable without fear of permanent damage.

Understanding The Rock Griddle’s Unique Design

The Rock Griddle functions more like a heavy-duty, professional-grade frying pan than a traditional griddle, which explains why standard griddle cleaning advice doesn’t apply and often leads to frustration.

Like any quality cookware, it may occasionally have stubborn stuck-on food, but it can always be restored with the right approach—no matter how bad the buildup appears.

What Makes The Rock Griddle Different

The Rock Griddle’s RockTec surface treatment sets it apart from traditional cast iron or carbon steel griddles. This innovative manufacturing process creates a cooking surface that’s both non-stick and incredibly durable.

Construction details: The griddle features a forged aluminum base infused with steel pellets, creating a naturally textured surface with microscopic peaks and valleys that enhance non-stick properties while distributing heat evenly.

Why this matters for cleaning: This unique construction makes the surface extremely scratch-resistant and allows you to use aggressive cleaning methods that would destroy traditional griddles.

Key Benefits for Cleaning

Exceptional scratch resistance: The hardened aluminum surface can withstand steel wool, abrasive pads, and metal scrapers without losing its non-stick properties or developing scratches that trap food.

Soap compatibility: Unlike traditional griddles where soap strips away protective seasoning layers, you can use any dish soap without worrying about damaging the surface.

No re-seasoning required: The RockTec surface maintains its non-stick properties permanently, even after aggressive cleaning sessions.

Heat cycling resistance: The surface won’t warp or lose its properties from repeated heating and cooling cycles during cooking and cleaning.

Why People Find It “Difficult” to Clean

Misconception about griddle care: Many users apply traditional griddle maintenance rules, avoiding soap and abrasive tools when these are actually the most effective cleaning methods for The Rock Griddle.

Inadequate oil usage during cooking: The Rock Griddle still requires cooking oil or butter to prevent sticking, especially when cooking high-protein foods. Users who skip this step often experience more stuck-on food, making cleanup unnecessarily difficult.

Lack of proper technique: Without knowing they can use aggressive cleaning methods, users often struggle with gentle cleaning approaches that aren’t effective for tough residue.

Cleaning when cold: Many users wait until the griddle is completely cool, making stuck-on food much harder to remove than when cleaned while still warm.

Understanding that The Rock Griddle can handle more aggressive cleaning than traditional griddles should transform your maintenance routine from frustrating to simple.

Pro tip: Always use a small amount of oil when cooking, especially for foods like eggs, fish, or lean meats, to minimize sticking and make cleanup even easier.

For more griddle cleaning techniques, check out our guide on cleaning different griddle types to see how The Rock Griddle’s maintenance compares to other models.

Final Thoughts

The Rock Griddle isn’t difficult to clean—it just requires a different approach than traditional griddles. Once you understand its unique RockTec surface treatment, maintenance becomes not just straightforward, but actually easier than most cookware.

Key takeaway: Embrace the freedom to use dish soap, hot water, and abrasive cleaning pads. The Rock Griddle is specifically designed to handle these cleaning methods without damage, making it more user-friendly than many traditional griddles that require careful maintenance.

Remember to use cooking oil during cooking to minimize sticking, clean while the surface is still warm for best results, and don’t be afraid to scrub hard when needed. With these simple techniques, your Rock Griddle will stay in perfect condition for years of delicious meals!