Washing your griddle is a must. Whether it’s flipping pancakes on a sunny Sunday morning or searing steaks to perfection for a weekend BBQ, the griddle is my go-to for versatility and flavor. But, with great grilling power comes great responsibility, specifically when it comes to cleaning your griddle.

Today, let’s talk about not just how, but when and why you should wash your outdoor griddle. Trust me, it’s something every pit master and griddle guru needs to know to maintain their equipment and cook fabulous food every single time.

Fast Facts: Yes, you can and SHOULD wash your griddle. Washing your outdoor griddle is essential to remove food particles, grease, and potential rust, ensuring a clean and safe cooking surface. Regular cleaning also helps maintain the griddle’s performance and longevity, preventing flavor transfer and keeping your meals tasting great.

Why Washing Your Outdoor Griddle is Essential

Prevents Flavor Transfer

I remember the first time I made a rookie mistake — I cooked some heavily marinated chicken and the next day, used the same griddle for pancakes without a thorough cleaning. Needless to say, the hints of garlic and soy in my pancakes were not a hit.

Washing the griddle thoroughly after each use is crucial to prevent unintentional flavor transfers. The goal is to make every meal taste like it’s supposed to.

Maintains Food Safety

The importance of food safety can’t be overstated. Unwanted microorganisms love to grow on leftover food particles. A dirty griddle can be a breeding ground for bacteria which can lead to foodborne illness. Washing your griddle helps ensure that your cooking surface is sanitary.

Prolongs Griddle Life

A good griddle is a significant investment, so you want to make it last. Proper cleaning prevents rust, corrosion, and deterioration of the cooking surface. Regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the life of your outdoor griddle.

Enhances Performance

A well-maintained griddle ensures even heating and a non-stick surface. Food sticking to your griddle is often a sign of burnt-on residue. Regular washing helps your griddle perform at its peak, leading to better cooked meals.

When Should You Clean Your Outdoor Griddle?

After Every Use

I can’t stress this enough: clean your griddle after each session. It sounds tedious, but it’s worth it. Once your cooking is done and the griddle has cooled down enough to handle, but is still warm, that’s the perfect time to clean. The warmth helps to release food particles and makes cleaning easier.

Before Cooking

If your griddle has been sitting idle for a bit, it’s wise to wash it before firing it up again. Dust, debris, and maybe even some rust if it wasn’t adequately protected may have accumulated. Even if you cleaned it after its last use, giving it a once-over ensures a fresh start.

Seasonal Deep Cleaning

At the start and end of grilling season, give your griddle a deep clean. This involves a more thorough process to remove any stubborn grime and to re-season the surface for optimal non-stick performance.

Why You Should Not use Soap To Wash A Griddle

One of the most important things to know before you set out to wash a griddle is that you should never use soap. If you want the surface of your griddle to remain smooth and rust free, you should avoid soap at all costs.

Even if the surface of your griddle is made out of heavy-duty steel, there is a good chance that it has a finish that makes it similar to a cast iron skillet. If you wash your griddle with soap, the built-up seasoning will quickly begin to degrade.

Once the built-up seasoning is compromised, food is much more likely to stick to your griddle. There is also a chance that your griddle will chip, which will promote the formation of rust and other impurities. More on seasoning your griddle here.

How to Wash Your Outdoor Griddle

Basic Cleaning (After Every Use)

Step 1: Let it cool

After cooking, turn off the heat and let the griddle cool to a safe temperature but still warm.

Step 2: Scrape it down

Using a metal spatula or griddle scraper, gently scrape off any leftover food particles. Be thorough, but gentle, to avoid scratching the surface.

Step 3: Wipe it clean

Pour some water — and mild dish soap if necessary — onto the griddle while it’s still warm. The water will steam and help lift residue. Take a griddle-specific scrubber or a cloth and wipe the surface clean.

Step 4: Dry it thoroughly

Use a dry paper towel or clean dishcloth to dry the griddle completely. This step is vital to prevent rust.

Step 5: Season it lightly

Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the surface. This maintains the seasoning and helps protect it from the elements.

Deep Cleaning (Seasonal Maintenance)

Step 1: Heat it up

Turn on the griddle to a high setting and let it heat up to burn off any leftover residue.

Step 2: Scrape thoroughly

With a heavy-duty scraper, remove all the carbonized debris and cooking residue.

Step 3: Apply a griddle cleaner

Use a griddle cleaner for a deep clean and scrub the surface with a non-metallic pad to avoid scratching.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Rinse the griddle with water to remove all the cleaner and residue, and then dry it thoroughly.

Step 5: Re-season the surface

Heat up the griddle again, and then apply a generous amount of cooking oil, spreading it with a cloth or paper towel. Let it cool, wipe off excess oil, and your griddle is ready for storage or use.

Conclusion

Washing your outdoor griddle is a fundamental practice that should never be overlooked. It’s about respecting your tools, elevating your cooking experience, and ensuring the health and enjoyment of everyone you cook for.-Regular cleaning and proper maintenance will keep your griddle in top shape and make every meal an opportunity to impress. Remember, a clean griddle is the secret ingredient to that perfect griddle flavor.

Happy grilling, friends. Stay safe, eat well, and keep those griddles gleaming!