How to Clean an Electric Griddle

The methods you use to clean a griddle depend on the type of griddle you have. In this case we’re talking about how to clean an electric griddle. Generally, the surface of electric griddles differ from their stove top counter parts in that they often have non-stick surfaces. Therefore, you cannot use metal tools to clean your griddle by scraping it without damaging the surface in the process. So we have to use other methods to loosen anything that’s stuck. This method is very similar to how to clean a pan.

Staying safe

It’s important to also keep safety in mind when we discuss how to clean an electric griddle. Make sure you’re wearing gloves throughout the process so you don’t get burned!

Clean your griddle while it’s hot

Ideally, you should clean your griddle while it’s still hot. If you let it cool down though it’s not the end of the world, add some water to it and heat it back up.

Soak and wipe the electric griddle

Use some paper towel to soak up and wipe off what you can from the surface of your electric griddle.

Scrap gently

For any stubborn food that is stuck to the surface, add some water to the pan and use some plastic or wooden utensils to scrap it off. Do this while your pan is still hot but be careful not to melt or burn your utensils. If this happens then turn down the heat of you electric griddle a little bit. Also, be careful adding cold water to a hot pan, hot water is best. Continue adding water and scraping until there is nothing stuck to the griddle.

Removing grit

The scraping technique may not be sufficient to remove the thick layer of burnt fat and grime that can accumulate on the surface of your griddle. If you’re still having trouble cleaning your pan with just the methods above then make sure your pan is hot and has a little bit of water in it, then use a green scourer to clean off the layer of grime. In case you don’t know what a scourer is it’s this.

When the pan is hot enough and there’s plenty of moisture in it then it should all wipe straight off with the scourer. Also make sure you don’t use a metal scourer or steel wool. It will damage the surface of your griddle.

Repeat steps until you get a satisfactory result

Note that your griddle doesn’t have to be perfectly spotless like the day you purchased it. If you use it frequently, it’s unnecessary to make it spotless every single time you cook on it. I like to leave a layer of fat on the griddle if I’m going to use it the next day. Just make sure it’s covered from airflow so it’s doesn’t get any dust or contaminants from the air stuck to it. With an cast iron pan it’s best practice to keep a layer of fat on the pan to ensure it’s longevity, an electric griddle is not too different so it’s an important factor to consider when we’re discussing the most efficient way on how to clean an electric griddle.