Cleaning and Seasoning a Griddle vs a Grill

 

When your grill is used, you typically will burn off the little bits of meat stuck to the grill grates, then use a scouring pad or a wire brush and dish soap to clean the remainder of the stuck-on stuff. When it comes to cleaning a griddle, you'll have to use different tools and techniques to prevent damage and to ensure you have a good surface for cooking that is free of burnt grease.

When you have a brand-new griddle, you will need to season the surface before you can use it. There are several ways to season the surface and a few products specially-designed to make the process easier. At a minimum, you'll need paper towels or a lint-free rag and an oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, and peanut oil are good choices. There are also products designed for seasoning a griddle. One of our favorites is the Seasoning Oil From Blackstone. It works great, doesn't leave an odor, and produces a durable finish that makes griddle cooking easier.

Eventually, you'll need to re-season a griddle, particularly when the surface begins to blister or crack. The way seasoning works is that oil is burned into the surface of the metal and builds a layer that protects the metal and provides a nonstick surface. There are lots of ways the seasoning can have problems from overheating items on the griddle to scratches from using metal tools. The good news is that cleaning and seasoning a griddle is fairly easy to do.

Cleaning a Griddle to Apply New Seasoning Oil

Getting the surface of the griddle cleaned of old seasoning doesn't have to be a hard process. Sometimes, you'll be able to use a paint scraper to get loose bits of seasoning removed. A grinder with a wire wheel or a sander with heavy-duty sanding pads makes the cleanup quick and easy, if not a little on the messy side. Once the griddle surface is cleaned, you'll have to go through the seasoning process again.

Cleaning a grill may be a simpler process, but it can also be just as time-consuming and messy. We've found that once a griddle is well-seasoned, it is substantially easier to keep clean than a charcoal grill.

How a Grill is Different from a Griddle

 

The main difference between a grill and a griddle is the cooking surface. A grill uses metal grates that are typically spread about a half inch apart. This allows the heat from the flame to cook the food directly while the grease drips to the tray without making a mess or starting a fire. A griddle is a heated, flat surface with evenly distributed heat that allows for even cooking of thinner foods that should be cooked quickly (like eggs or fried rice). Charcoal grills are popular for barbecue cooking because of the extra flavor that comes from the smoke of the burning wood. Gas grills are a convenient alternative that makes lighting and cooking on the grill faster and easier at the expense of some of the natural smoke flavor.

Lower-priced grills often use chromed steel for the metal grates. Higher-cost options use cast iron or porcelain enameled steel for the grills. You'll also find solid grills that are similar to a griddle but usually have ridges to allow for grease to drain away while leaving beautiful sear marks on the meat.