How to REALLY Clean a Commercial Flat Top Griddle or Plancha
Flat top commercial griddles and planchas are incredible pieces of commercial kitchen equipment. Whether you have a stainless steel or chrome surface, some proper care and routine maintenance can keep this kitchen workhorse in great shape for years to come. This video above and guide below will walk you through the proper steps for how to clean a commercial flat top griddle or grill.
Griddle Material Will Determine How to Care for It
Most griddles have a stainless steel steel cooking surface, while others are made of chromium, commonly called chrome. The type of griddle you have will determine how you clean it. Chrome cooking surfaces, for example, should never be subjected to abrasives like grill bricks or screens. Using abrasives may even void your warranty. Consult your service manual if you aren’t sure about the type of surface you have on your griddle.
What Supplies Do I Need for Cleaning a Commercial Griddle?
- Heavy-duty griddle scraper
- Griddle pad holder
- Non-abrasive griddle scrub pad (or palmetto brush for chrome surface)
- Stainless steel cleaning chemical
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
- Warm water (Avoid using cold water or ice, as griddles can warp or even crack from continual thermal shock)
- Food-grade cooking oil or griddle seasoning material
- Heat-resistant gloves
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Griddle
- Step 1—Turn off the thermostat and put on heat-resistant gloves.
- Step 2—While griddle is hot, scrape surface clean of food debris and grease buildup.
- Step 3—Apply a stainless steel-safe cleaning chemical onto the surface of the griddle.
- Step 4—Scrub the surface with a non-abrasive pad.
- Step 5—Wipe down the entire surface with a wet and then a dry cloth.
- Step 6—Remove and empty the grease tray.
- Step 7—Wipe down the body of the griddle with a damp cloth.
- Step 8—Turn the thermostat up to 350° F (176° C).
- Step 9—Spread a thin layer of cooking oil or seasoning material onto the hot griddle surface, then wait 30 minutes.
- Step 10—Wipe down the surface with a clean, dry cloth.
How to Clean a Chrome Griddle
- Step 1—While griddle is hot, scrape surface clean of food debris and grease buildup.
- Step 2—Pour warm water onto the surface and scrub using a palmetto brush.
- NOTE—Do NOT use an abrasive, such as grill bricks or scouring pads.
- Step 3—Repeat if necessary for tough buildup or stock-on food spots.
- Step 4—Allow surface to cool and air dry.
- Step 5—Cover the flat top with a nonabrasive, food-safe polish.
- Step 6—Wipe surface clean with a dry cloth.
- Step 7—Use a clean, damp cloth to remove all of the polishing compound.
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle
- Step 1—Let the griddle cool down once you’re done cooking.
- Step 2—Scrape the griddle surface with a metal scraper or spatula.
- Step 3—Wipe down the griddle surface with a paper towel or cleaning cloth.
- Step 4—Pour some water onto stuck-on food spots while the griddle is still warm. This will essentially steam off the tough food spots.
- Step 5—Using a griddle scrub pad, gently scrub the surface and stuck-on food spots.
- Step 6—Rinse the surface with water and cleaning cloths
- Step 7—Dry the surface with a dry, clean cloth.
- Step 8—Coat surface with a layer of oil, and in between each use.
How to Season a Griddle
After you thoroughly clean a griddle or flat top grill, seasoning is crucial. By heating and oiling the grates or cooking surface, you not only prevent rusting but you also help the unit operate at peak performance. For a full step-by-step process, please refer to our guide on How to Season a Flat Top Grill.
How Often Should You Clean a Restaurant Griddle?
Scheduled cleaning is essential for maintaining a commercial griddle. A variety of different maintenance tasks is the key to keeping units running smoothly. Light daily cleaning should be done between shifts, with a thorough cleaning and reseasoning completed at the end of the day. For deep cleaning procedures, they should be done on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on usage.
Why Should You Avoid Cold Water When Cleaning a Hot Griddle?
Cold water is a griddle’s worst enemy when it comes to keeping it clean. It can cause thermal shock to the surface and that can lead to warping, cracks or a reduced lifespan. Always use warm water on a griddle or allow it to cool down before rinsing. This will protect the integrity of the griddle and help prevent malfunctions.
What Oil is Best for Seasoning a Commercial Griddle?
When it comes to oil for seasoning a commercial griddle, an oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavors is essential. You want to have an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning and forming sticky residue. Some common oils you can use on your griddle include:
- Canola oil
- Vegetable oil
- Avocado oil