Did you know a clean grill = safety & ⚡️ savings? Master the art of how to clean a flat top grill in 6 simple steps! Clean grill, happy chef!

Grill Master Secrets: The 6-Step Flat Top Cleaning Cheat Sheet

Seared steaks in minutes? Flat top grills are culinary champs, but grime holds them back! Don’t let burnt bits ruin your BBQ dreams. This guide unlocks how to clean a flat top grill in 6 easy steps to a sparkling clean griddle, saving your tastebuds & your grill’s life! ✨

We’ll dish up battle-tested tips for scraping, scrubbing, and seasoning your flattop back to its restaurant-worthy best. So grab your spatula, crank the heat, and prepare for a flavor revolution!

How to Clean a Flat Top Grill in 6 Steps

The cleaning process is simple; I will take you through it in this section. However, let’s first check the requirements before we proceed.

 You’ll need the following:

• Grill scraper or metal spatula
• Grill stone or wire sponge
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Cooking oil
• Warm water
• Paper towels or cloth

Step 1: Heat the Grill Surface

The first step is heating the grill surface, and here is why. It loosens up the food particles and grease, making cleaning easier. So, start by:

• Turn on the grill and set it to high heat.
• Let it heat up for about 10 to 15 minutes. 
• Alternatively, you can wait until you see some smoke from the grill.

Remember to exercise caution when handling a hot grill. Ensure that you:

• Wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.
• Keep a safe distance from the grill.
• Avoid touching the metal plate with your bare skin.

In addition, do you have any flammable items or liquids around the grill? Move them away to prevent any fire hazards.

Step 2: Use a Scraper to Remove Food

A scraper slides under and lifts off the food particles. You can use a grill scraper or a metal spatula for this purpose.

Remember to be gentle when using the scraper. Don’t apply too much pressure or scrape too fast. Too much pressure can damage the grill surface and create scratches or dents.

Plus, do not scrape over the screws or bolts on the grill. It often damages the scraper blade or even loosens the grill parts.

Step 3: Pour Water Over the Grill

Pour water over the grill to help release the remaining food particles or grease. Use warm water for this step because it dissolves the grease faster. To pour water over the grill:

• Use a spray bottle or pitcher to spray or pour the water slowly and evenly over the grill surface.
• Use a scraper or a squeegee to push the water and food debris to the drain or the grill’s grease trap.
• Pour more water if needed until the grill is clean.

Precautions

When pouring water over the grill, you need to watch out for potential hazards, such as:

• Avoid splashing or burning yourself with hot water or steam.
• Avoid pouring too much water at once because it can warp the grill due to thermal shock.
• Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, or soda. These liquids can damage the grill surface or leave unwanted flavors or residues behind.

Step 4: Let the Grill Cool Before Adding Oil

In this step, let the grill cool down before adding oil. It is essential because oil can catch fire or smoke if applied to a hot grill. Fat can also create a sticky layer on the grill surface, attracting more dirt and bacteria.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Turn off the heat and wait for about 10 to 20 minutes.
• Use this time to clean the other parts of the grill. Use a damp cloth to clean the knobs, handles, and legs.

When letting the grill cool down, do not expose it to cold drafts or water sources.

Step 5: Use a Grill Stone to Remove the Final Remnants

It is time to remove the final remnants of food, grease, or stains from the grill surface. You’ll need to use the grill stone. It is a block of pumice or other abrasive material. The grill stone can polish and smooth the surface and remove stubborn spots. Grill stones are available on Amazon or other online shops.

Here’s how to use a grill stone:

• Wet it with some water.
• Rub it gently over the grill surface in circular motions.
• You will see some black residue from the stone as it scrapes off the dirt.
• Cover the entire surface of the grill.
• Pay attention to any areas that are dirty or stained.
• Rinse the stone with water.
• Wipe the grill with a paper towel or a cloth.

Precautions

When using a grill stone, you need to be cautious, so:

• Avoid applying too much pressure or rubbing too hard. It can damage the grill surface and create scratches or dents.
• Avoid using the stone on areas that are not flat, like screws or bolts. That’s because they can damage the stone or loosen the grill parts.
• Avoid using other abrasive tools or materials, such as steel wool or sandpaper. These can damage the grill surface or leave behind metal fragments.

Step 6: Season the Grill With Oil

The final step is to season the grill with oil. It is essential because oil can create a protective layer on the grill’s surface. It prevents rust or corrosion, making your food less likely to stick or burn. Fat can also enhance the flavor and appearance of your food, giving it a nice golden crust and a juicy texture. 

Here’s how to season the grill with oil:

• Add a few tablespoons of cooking oil over the grill’s surface.
• Use any oil that has a high smoke point. You can opt for vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
• Avoid using oil with a low smoke point or a strong flavor. Such oils include olive oil, butter, or sesame oil. They often burn and leave behind tastes or residues you wouldn’t want in your food or grill.
• Spread the oil thinly and evenly over the grill surface with a paper towel or a cloth.

When seasoning the grill with oil, make sure that the grill is warm but not hot. You don’t want your grill to catch fire or smoke. You also need to avoid the following:

• Using too much oil can create a sticky layer that can attract more dirt and bacteria
• Use other substances besides oil, such as salt, pepper, or herbs. These can damage the grill surface. They may also leave behind sour flavors.

Don’t forget to sanitize the other areas of the grill to make it spotless for your next cookout.

Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Flat Top Grill

There you have it! A guide on how to clean a flat-top grill and make it squeaky clean and ready for your next cookout. So a recap on the grill cleaning steps include:

• Heat the grill surface
• Use a scraper to remove food
• Pour water over the grill
• Let the grill cool before adding oil
• Use a grill stone to remove the final remnants
• Season the grill with oil

Remember we have other helpful cleaning hacks on household appliances to help keep your home spotless.

FAQs

Can You Clean a Flat-top Grill with Soap and Water?

While soap cuts grease, it harms your flat top! It strips protective oils, inviting rust. Opt for mild alternatives like vinegar or baking soda for a sparkling, rust-free finish!

How Do You Clean a Metal Flat Top Grill?

Metal flat tops use the same cleaning method as flat grills but with a twist! Skip harsh chemicals, use mild soap, and ditch abrasive scrubbers to avoid scratches. Dry it well to keep rust away, and voilà, a sparkling grill awaits!

Can You Use an Onion to Clean a Flat Top Grill?

Sizzle, scrape, repeat! Unlock the cleaning power of onion with this simple trick. Slice, char, scrape it – your flat top will shine in no time. ✨