How To Clean A Flat Top Grill [Complete Guide]

When cooking on a flat top grill, you are usually using a lot of sugars, seasonings, and ingredients that can leave behind residues. Regardless of what you are grilling, every BBQ session should end with proper cleaning and sanitation.

To clean a flat top grill, use a bench scraper to scrape off debris and grease build-up. It is best done when the grill is still hot. Wipe the surface with a clean and dry paper towel or a dishrag. Depending upon the surface material, you can deep clean with a grill cleaning solution or use grill cleaning screens. Dry the surface. Finish off by seasoning the grill with a thin layer of cooking oil. 

Flat top workhorse can be put to multiple uses, which can lead to build up of charred food pieces, grease, and other food particles over time. Regular cleaning will ensure a shiny and bright surface to produce delicious cookouts every time. Sanitization and seasoning of the surface are also important to improve the longevity of the grill. Continue reading to find out how to effectively clean a flat top grill.

Why Is It Important To Clean A Flat Top Grill?

Did you know that about 10% of BBQ cookouts on a flat top grill are left behind as debris? Flat top grills have a larger surface area than any other grills and consume more grease. When the debris from food is left uncleaned, it can build up over time and mix with the fresh ingredients to alter the taste of the dish. A dirty grill produces uneven cooking, and the residue from the previous session holds bacteria and contaminates the food. Also, the excess grease and the debris can easily fill-up the drip tray, which can overflow and create a mess.

How To Clean Grill Top

To minimize cleaning chores, it is best to keep the grill clean while you are still cooking. Once you notice food or burnt residues, use a paper towel or a bench scraper and scrape it down into the grease trough of your flat top grill. The longer you keep the residues burning, the harder it is going to get to clean the grill.

Step 1: Cleaning The Grill Surface

Turn off the thermostat and start cleaning the flat top grill when the surface is cool enough to touch. While cleaning, follow the directions of the grill cleaner you are using. The tool/materials required to clean a flat top grill:

Paper Towels

Once you have emptied the flat top grill, always use a soft paper towel to clean the surface. This is the safest and the best way to clean a flat top grill as it ensures that the surface of the grill suffers minimum wear and tear. You can use a combination of a dishrag and paper towels for better cleaning.

Bench Scraper

A bench-scraper is an all-time pitmaster’s favorite for quick cleaning of any grilling surface. It is a large (usually rectangular) piece of metal with a comfortable handle grip that can be easily used to ‘scrape off’ the cooking surface of your flat top grill. A scraper should be used when the griddle is still hot so that it can easily clean up the food debris and the grease build-up.

While using the scraper, be extra careful about not damaging the stainless steel surface of the grill. Some of our favorite multipurpose bench scraper picks are:

• Oxo Good Grips Scraper & Chopper

•  Spring Chef Bench Scraper

• Alltop Multipurpose Stainless Steel Scraper & Chopper

You can also scrape off excess dripping with the help of a grill brush.

(Note: The following methods should only be used if you need to clean stubborn debris and your grill supports using these hardware/chemicals). 

Grill Cleaning Screens

Grill cleaning screens are super convenient to use and can be used to clean food particles and thick layers of cheese and sauces that stick badly on the grill surface. They are pre-treated with aluminum oxide that easily removes remnants of burnt food particles. The screens are washable, reusable, available in different sizes, and can clean almost every surface.

Grill Cleaning Solutions

Grill cleaning solutions work as degreasers that effectively clean your flat top grill (stainless steel) or any other BBQ surface. When choosing a grill cleaning solution, make sure it is made of natural, non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-flammable ingredients. These sprays are also a safer alternative to wired grill brushes. Apply the grill cleaning solution onto the surface of the flat top grill and scrub the surface with a non-abrasive pad or dish rag/ paper towel. Wipe down the surface with a wet cloth and then a dry cloth. Some of the most popular grill cleaning solutions are:

• Kona Safe / Clean Grill Cleaner 

• Easy Off Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner

• Scotch Brite Griddle Cleaning

• Citrusafe Grill Cleaning Spray

• Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit

If you do not want to opt for a chemical-based grill cleaning solution, you can also use a vinegar and water mixture, beer, lemon juice, or onion as a scrubbing agent on a hot flat top grill. You can also simply use a dishwashing liquid and sponge to clean the surface.

Step 2: Remove And Empty The Grease Tray

Once you have collected all the debris, remove the grease tray and clean it with regular dish soap. Dry it before placing it back into the grill.

Step 3: Season The Flat Top Grill

Once you have cleaned the surface of the grill, it is important to season the grill with a thin coat of oil. Turn the thermostat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176℃) and spread a thin layer of seasoning oil onto the grill surface. Wait for a few minutes and wipe down with a clean, dry cloth. Use oil that has a high smoking point and a mild flavor. For the purpose of seasoning a flat top grill, you can use Avocado Oil or Olive Oil.

How To Clean A Blackstone Flat Top Grill

For cleaning a Blackstone Flat Top Grill, just heat up the grill to the full setting and use a Blackstone Angel scraper to scrape off excess residues. Use gentle strokes and remove the residues with a paper towel. If you still have some residues left, spray some water on the hot griddle and again use the paper towel to wipe away the residues. Spray a little bit of olive oil or Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Cast Iron Conditioner, and you are all set for the next cookout!

Most flat top grills have a stainless steel cooking surface; however, some may have chrome-coated surfaces. If you are using a chrome flat grill, do not use any abrasive (such as scoring pads), which could damage the surface of the grill. You can use paper towels, water, a sponge, or a palmetto brush instead.

How Often Should You Clean A Flat Top Grill

Deep cleaning of a flat top grill will depend upon how often you use the grill. Cleaning is essential at least once in every season. The more you grill, the more the amount of carbon will get deposited on the grill. If you barbeque too often, make sure you scrape away the food residues, empty the drip tray and wipe off with a paper towel after every use; if you are a professional or grill food every day, then deep clean at least once in two months.

A perfect BBQ experience starts with a properly cleaned and seasoned grill top surface. Depending upon the construction of your flat top grill, the above directions can be applied for both commercial and home usage.

Also read:

• The Best Infrared Grills [REVIEWS & BUYER’S GUIDE]
• The Best Flat Top Grills for the Stove [REVIEWED]