How to Clean Cast Iron Grill Griddle? – Easy Steps
Cast iron grill griddle is a prime and essential cookware in the kitchen. It is used to cook various exotic and delicious meals. From mushroom grilled chicken to grilled ham sandwiches, the cast iron grill griddle importance cannot be denied. However, cleaning the cast iron grill griddle is really important to make it last long. In this extensive guide on how to clean a cast iron grill griddle, we will explain all the steps in a simplified manner.
It has an exceptionally high heat conductivity due to which it remains hot. It is ideal for serving food and having a family picnic outside. However, that all is ensured if your griddle is in good condition. You can only ensure that through proper and regular maintenance. Let us get to the cleaning process of the cast iron grill griddle.
How to Clean Cast Iron Grill Griddle- 6 Simple Steps
Cast Iron grill griddles can be used from generations to generations. They are known to be great for juicy and extremely delicious food. If you are looking for an outdoor picnic party, a grill griddle is a must. However, you need to properly clean them. Below are 6 simple and easy steps that will aid you during the process. Let us get straight to those.
What Do You Require?
- Clogged sink
- Abrasive sponge or coarse brush
- Clean cloth
- Paper towel
- Dishwasher
- Plastic scraper
- Nylon brush
- Vegetable oil
- Baking soda
- Lemon
Let us now explain to you how to clean a cast-iron griddle every time after cooking a meal. This cleaning method is so effortless and will make cleaning simpler. Why to wait? Head over to this information read now!
1. Cooling the Cast Iron Grill Griddle
Once you have cooked the meal in the cast iron griddle, you need to cool it down. Keep that for enough time so that it becomes warm or attain room temperature. It should have the same temperature as lukewarm water. Otherwise, the griddle will be subjected to cracks. These cracks will be due to the difference of temperatures between water and the griddle. Believe us you wouldn’t want the cast iron to weaken due to this. Therefore, it is advised to take proper care.
2. Wipe the Food Residue
Now it is the time to wipe away the food residue. The residue is common as the food gets stuck during cooking. Therefore, you need to remove it. You can remove it in the instance when the grill griddle is warm. This will contribute to ease in removing the residue.
To remove it, you can take the help of a plastic scraper. Scrub the plastic scrubber on the griddle to ensure that all the residue or burnt food is removed. Always ensure to use a soft foamic or either plastic scrubber. If you switch to a steel wool or coarse scrubber, that will destroy the appearance of cast iron griddle.
3. Clean Using Dishwasher and Lukewarm Water
Once the residue is removed, you can proceed to the cleaning step. Throw off the residue and burnt food which has come off the griddle. Now take a basket and prepare a mixture of dishwashing soap with water. Make sure that the soap is mild and is not harmful for the cast iron surface.
Once the mixture has been prepared, you can take a sponge to clean the griddle. Soak the sponge in the mixture and rub it on the cast iron grill griddle. This will remove all the excess residue and will clean the pan thoroughly. Thus, the pan will be cleaned, ready to be seasoned.
4. Drying the Griddle
There is one step between cleaning the pan and seasoning, the drying. Drying is an essential step which should not be neglected. You need to dry the pan thoroughly to remove water droplets and other moisture. You can use a paper towel or a clean cloth for this purpose. The moisture is the biggest source of the development of the rust. Therefore, never skip this step.
5. Seasoning
Seasoning is again a very crucial step to make the seasoning cast iron grill griddle last long. However, if the griddle is already seasoned, you can skip this step. But, if you notice the food sticking, then it may be the appropriate time to season your cast iron griddle.
This step comes right after drying. For seasoning, you need to select an oil. This may be any cooking oil with a high smoke point. It is advised to use canola oil, vegetable oil or lard oil for seasoning. The choice is due to their high effectiveness. However, you can select any based on what is available to you.
After you have selected your oil, now is the time to season. For that, take 1-2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil and put in on the cast iron grill griddle. Now spread the oil uniformly and evenly, covering each and every cast iron surface of the griddle. To do that, you can use a paper towel. Make sure that the oil is just enough to cover all the cast iron surfaces. If there is excess, wipe it off.
Afterward, you have to heat the griddle. For that, you can either bake them or heat them on the stove. For the former method, you need to preheat the oven at 375°F for 15 minutes. Afterwards, place the griddle and increase the temperature from 365°F to 450°F. Let it like this for 60 minutes. Take the griddle out once it is cooled. Reapply the oil and place it again. Repeat this process 5 times for effective seasoning.
To adopt the latter method, switch on the stove and set it on medium flame. Now heat the griddle for 15 minutes. Reapply the oil and heat it again. Repeat it 5 times to season the cast iron grill griddle properly.
6. Storing the Grill Griddle
Wait for the griddle to dry out completely. Once it’s dried, store it in a dry cabinet. The exposure of cast iron to a humid atmosphere develops rust on cast iron. Therefore, it is essential to store in a completely dry place.
Frequently Asked Questions
