How to Clean an Electric Griddle in 9 Simple Steps

Many people have electric griddles in their homes and use them for everything from serving eggs and bacon to grilled cheese sandwiches. Cooking on one is great, but then we have no clue how to clean an electric griddle.

What would an American breakfast be without the griddle? A pan-fried English mess, that's what. Not to take anything away from the English breakfast, but the griddle is a staple in American diners nationwide.

If you want the best performance out of your griddle, you need to maintain it. Here we'll look at cleaning an electric griddle without damaging it. We'll give you strategies to ensure you get a long service life out of this appliance.

What Do You Need to Clean an Electric Griddle?

The best method of cleaning an electric griddle type of grill depends on your model and the surface material used on the cooking plate. Different surface materials require different cleaning strategies, and we recommend you check your owner's manual for cleaning instructions before you start the process.

Non-stick and chrome-infused electric griddles don't require much in the way of specialized cleaning tools or hard work to bring it to a shine. There's no need to pull out the scouring pads and degreasing chemicals; water does most of the work involved with maintaining the surface to perfection.

Dish soap is ideal for cleaning non-stick griddles, but ensure you stick to the golden rule with these surfaces – Never use a steel kitchen tool to clean a non-stick surface. Chrome-infused griddles require a different approach, and our step-by-step process for bringing the cooking surface to a shiny finish works every time.

You'll need to follow to get your griddle looking its best after use:

• Paper towels
• A clean sponge or cloth
• Dish soap and hot water
• Baking soda
• Cold water
• Kitchen gloves
• A nylon, plastic, wooden spatula, or pad holder (stay away from steel tools)

Make sure you read the following procedure in full before starting so you don’t encounter any surprises in the middle of your work. Note that the suggested cleaning temperatures are lower than the typical griddle cooking temperatures of 350 °F to 375 °F

How to Clean an Electric Griddle – Step-by-Step Instructions

We recommend cleaning the griddle directly after use for the best results with the process and the cleanest surface possible. Cleaning right after cooking makes it easier to lift the food waste before it hardens on the surface and becomes challenging to remove.

1) Read the Manufacturer's Cleaning Instructions

Taking proper care of the electric griddle is vitally important to extend its service life and avoid the cost of refinishing or replacement. Clean the cooking surface before using the griddle for the first time. We know you haven't cooked anything on it yet, but prepping the surface for food allows you to remove any residues left on the surface from the manufacturing process.

Mix dish soap and warm water, and avoid getting water on any electrical components when cleaning. Rinse the surface and dry it with a fresh, clean cloth. Most griddles aren't dishwasher safe, so read the owner's manual before cleaning it for the first time.

2) Turn Off the Burners

After you cook your first meal on the griddle, it's time to clean it properly. Turn off the burners and ensure the controls are locked off before you start.

3) Run the Griddle at 300 ºF for 15 Minutes

If you finished eating and the griddle is already cool, there's a good chance the food waste and oils have yet to set. However, they'll be a little stiff and require some mild heating to make them easier to remove from the surface.

Set the griddle's temperature to 300ºF and let it warm for ten to 15-minutes. The ideal cleaning temperature may differ between manufacturing brands and models. Check your owner's manual for further guidance on the right temperature setting to use for cleaning.

If your electric griddle has no exact temperature setting, turn it on to the low setting and let it warm up.

4) Add Water to the Soiled Areas of the Griddle

Pour one cup of warm tap water with a few drops of dish soap over the soiled cooking surface, starting at the rear. Don't use dish soap if you have a chrome-infused surface. Water is essential in how to clean an electric griddle as it helps loosen up hardened food materials.

Let the water run to the drip tray at the front. Let the water come to a bubble on the surface for three to four seconds. This action loosens the food waste settling on the griddle.

5) Clean with a Non-Scratch Pad

Grab a wooden spatula or pad holder with a non-stick sponge or pad and clean the soiled area. Use a cleaning action pushing the water to the front drip tray. You might have to use extra pressure to clean heavily soiled parts of the griddle surface.

If the food waste is stubborn, repeat the process until it's clean. When it's clean, repeat the process one more time using fresh water to remove any soap residue on the surface.

6) Clean With a Damp Tea Towel

Wet the end of a terry cloth and fold it in half. Place it on the griddle and use your wooden spatula or pad holder to scrub back and forth on the cooking surface. Repeat the action until the cooking surface is clean.

7) Cool for 15 Minutes

After you finish wiping, turn the griddle off and wait ten to 15 minutes for the cooking surface to cool completely.

8) Wipe & Polish

After it cools, wipe the surface using a clean, damp terry cloth. Finish by buffing it with paper towels or a microfiber cloth.

If you notice any streaking, ghosting, or rainbowing on the surface, reheat the griddle to the low setting (300 ºF) for another 15 minutes.

Dip your cleaning cloth in white spirit vinegar and a 2-part water solution, and use the pad holder or spatula to re-wipe the surface.

9) Remove the Drip Tray & Clean

After cleaning the cooking surface:

1. Remove the drip tray at the front (if your griddle has one), and wash it in the sink with warm, soapy water.
2. Wipe the area around and under the drip tray clean of any cleaning residue.
3. After the drip tray dries, return it to its position.

This is a great time to consider cleaning all of your related cooking utensils, various types of pans, bowls, and so forth as well.

Why Is it Important to Clean Electric Griddles?

A dirty griddle affects the way your food tastes and cooks. Keeping the griddle clean prevents food waste from burning to the surface, ensuring the longest service life possible and avoiding the need for refinishing. A griddle with a clean cooking surface ensures the food cooks evenly and doesn't stick. This is why we learn how to clean an electric griddle appropriately.

How Can I Get the Burn Marks Off My Electric Griddle?

Mix some dish soap and warm water and heat the griddle for ten to 15 minutes at a low temperature. After it reaches temperature, turn it off and pour on the cleaning solution.

Let the water sit on the surface for ten to 15 minutes before following the cleaning guide above. You should only use soapy water for non-stick griddles. If you have a chrome-infused model, don't use any dish soap. The temptation might be to scrape the surface with a metal type of spatula but don't do that as you risk scratching the surface.

Water & Baking Soda

Water and baking soda make for a miraculous cleaning combination when cleaning a burned griddle. Mix two teaspoons of baking soda into a cup of water and repeat the cleaning process in our guide. The effervescent reaction of the baking soda and water makes for a great cleaning solution that blasts away burn marks.

Vinegar & Baking Soda

If that process doesn't remove the burn marks, try the same method but substitute the water and dish soap for vinegar and baking soda. Add two tablespoons of baking soda to a cup of vinegar and repeat the cleaning process to see if it makes a difference.

The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar makes a powerful cleaning solution far superior to water and dish soap. For an added boost of cleaning power, add a bit of cream of tartar to the solution.

FAQ’s for Cleaning an Electric Griddle

When it comes to cooking on and cleaning an electric griddle, so many other questions arise for newcomers to this wonderful cooking surface. Let's cover those now.

What Are the Best Foods to Cook On an Electric Griddle?

Griddles are great for making fried foods. Eggs, bacon, sausage, fried rice, and even grilled cheese sandwiches are top choices for cooking on the griddle. You can cook meats and vegetables easily by mentally creating sections on the griddle surface to keep everything in (no cross-contamination).

Can You Cook Veggies On an Electric Griddle?

Yes. Most veggies are suitable for cooking on the griddle. Garlic, onion, asparagus, eggplant, peppers, and mushrooms do well on the griddle.

Can You Put an Electric Griddle in the Sink?

Don't submerge a griddle in the sink; you'll ruin the electrical components of the alliance. If the griddle has a removable cooking surface, check the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning it in the sink and dishwasher.

Can You Put an Electric Griddle in the Dishwasher?

Some models of electric griddles come with removable surfaces that are dishwasher safe. Check the manufacturer's cleaning instructions before placing it in the dishwasher. Don't assume it's dishwasher safe because you can remove the cooking surface. Dishwashers will remove non-stick coatings. Never place electric components in the dishwasher, sink, or expose them to water.

Key Takeaways for How to Clean an Electric Griddle

• Cleaning an electric griddle prevents food waste from burning to the surface over repeated usage.
• Clean a chrome-infused griddle with water only. A non-stick griddle is suitable for cleaning with water and dish soap if necessary.
• Follow our step-by-step guide for cleaning your griddle.
• Never clean the surface with metallic kitchen tools.
• Most griddles, even removable plates, aren't suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher.
• Check the manufacturer's instructions before cleaning the griddle for the first time.

That’s How to Clean an Electric Griddle Without Damaging It

The process for how to clean an electric griddle is fairly simple once you know which chemicals aid in the process. Just don’t scratch the surface up by scraping it with metal objects. Don’t expect every little imperfection to come off either. In time it will accumulate more of these visible issues but everything is likely fine. It’s simply wearing its badge of honor.

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