How To Clean An Electric Griddle In 4 Easy Steps

How to clean electric griddle

Stuck trying to figure out how to clean an electric griddle?

Don’t worry; you’re not alone! I’ll guide you through an easy cleaning method to help you eliminate any grease buildup.

To clean an electric griddle, you’ll need to heat it and scrape off any excess grease with a flat-head spatula. Then, unplug it, allow it to cool down, soak a sponge in warm-hot soapy water, and scrub the griddle down. Don’t forget to wipe off the remaining grease gently.

Read on to learn more about how to clean electric griddles!

Cleaning Your Electric Griddle Like a Pro In 4 Simple Steps

Cleaning an electric griddle can seem challenging, but with the right cleaning techniques and tools, you’ll be able to get it spotless today.

To clean your griddle, you’ll need to:

#1 Remove Grease

The first step in the cleaning process of your electric griddle is to remove grease.

It’s safe to say we all hate grease it stays no matter how much you clean.

But don’t worry. I find that turning on your griddle and scraping it off with a flat-head spatula it’s one of the most effective methods to loosen grease.

flat head spatula
Use a flat-head spatula to remove grease from your electric griddle.

Using a flat-head spatula isn’t the most thorough method, but it’s a great way to remove grease in bulk so that you can polish the griddle off with traditional methods later.

If you can, put your griddle on low heat and watch as the grease starts to heat up. Once the griddle has heated the grease, take your spatula (make sure it’s flat-headed to avoid scratching) and slowly scrape it off.

Keep your distance from the griddle when cleaning it; heat-resistant gloves are strongly recommended.

Once you’ve removed the excess grease, turn the griddle off and allow it to cool down. Don’t worry if there’s still some grease left; we’ll deal with it in our next step.

#2 Unplug Your Electric Griddle

Before we start the cleaning process, I recommend ensuring your electric griddle is unplugged.

Unplug your electric griddle
Water used during cleaning can conduct electricity and pose a safety hazard.

Unplugging your griddle ensures there’s no electricity flowing through it, reducing the risk of accidental injuries. You’ll also avoid damaging certain parts of your griddle that can’t come in contact with water.

#3 Use a Sponge or Cloth

My usual advice to effectively clean an electric griddle is to use a sponge or cloth to remove any remaining grease slowly.

Just make sure you’re using a cloth with no rugged sides. If you’re using a sponge, dip it in warm water and avoid using the rough side because you could damage the non-stick coating.

Be gentle with your griddle whilst cleaning to get the best possible outcome and prevent damaging it.

The cleaning process shouldn’t take long, but if your griddle has been sitting with dirt or grease for an extended time, it can become a longer and more difficult task.  

You can also try leaving the cleaning solution on the griddle. Leave it to soak up the grease for 30 minutes to an hour.

If you’d like to use heavy-duty cleaning products, please check your griddle manual to prevent any damage. I personally like to stick with traditional cleaning methods.

Come back to the satisfaction of easily wiping off any remaining leftover grease. Just remember to wipe up all excess water and let the griddle dry to avoid the appearance of marks.

#4 Clean the Drip Tray

I’ve seen that electric griddles have a drip tray that catches all the juices, excess grease, and other liquids released during cooking.

You’ll need to clean the drip tray, too. Most drip trays are dishwasher friendly, but please check your griddle’s manual first.

If you prefer to clean the tray by hand, simply fill it with warm soapy water and let it soak for 20 minutes.

Once the grease has broken off, wash the tray with a cloth. Don’t forget to let it dry and reinsert it into the griddle.

How to Prevent Grease Buildup On Your Electric Griddle?

Although the cleaning method explained here is very simple, I’m sure you’ll want to learn how to keep grease from building up in your electric griddle.

The easiest way to prevent grease buildup is by cleaning your electric griddle immediately after cooking.

Cleaning your griddle after every use can save you time and money, as it reduces the chance of damaging your appliance.

Keeping Your Electric Griddle Clean and Shiny

Hopefully, now you know how to clean electric griddles like a pro.

Remember that the first step in the cleaning process is to turn on your griddle, wait until the grease starts to heat up, and use a flat-head spatula to scrape it off. Then, allow it to cool down, unplug the unit, and use a cloth or soft sponge to remove any remaining grease. Don’t forget to clean the drip tray as well.

Thank you so much for reading! Please check out our other related posts if you found this article helpful.

Good luck!

I've been helping homeowners with appliance repair since 2016. Starting out as an enthusiastic amateur, I've since worked with many Appliance, HVAC, and DIY experts over the last 7+ years. My mission is to help fix your appliances and prevent future issues - saving you stress, time, and money. Visit my author page to learn more! Read more
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