How to Clean a Flat Top Griddle: 3 Practical Methods for Restaurants

The flat top griddle is one of the most common pieces of commercial cooking equipment in many food service locations. No matter if you are toasting, frying, grilling, or baking, the griddle acts as a versatile platform that allows chefs to showcase their cooking techniques.

However, after serving daily orders, massive amounts of grease and carbon buildup inevitably accumulate on the surface. Therefore, you need to learn how to clean it in a proper way to ensure your equipment stays in good shape. In this blog, we list 3 common methods to clean a flat top griddle and help you make it right.

Why Griddle Cleanliness is Essential for Restaurants

Sanitation is the basic requirement for any commercial kitchen without a doubt. This includes the entire environment, staff dress codes, food preparation processes, and equipment cleaning.

As a frequently used tool in the back of the house, grease, fats, and food debris easily accumulate on the griddle surface. When these residues generate a hard layer of carbon, it directly impacts your food quality. Residual carbon buildup can cause food to stick and transfer "burnt" flavors to fresh orders. Furthermore, a clean surface ensures even heat distribution, reducing energy costs and preventing equipment damage over time.

Identify the Material of Your Griddle

Before you start cleaning a griddle, there’s one thing you need to figure out first: what material is the griddle surface made of?
Commercial griddles come in different surface types, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and chrome. Each material requires a different cleaning method, and using the wrong one can damage the surface.

Understanding the griddle material and choosing the right cleaning method is not only more effective but also one of the best ways to protect the unit and extend its service life.

3 Optimal Ways to Clean a Griddle

In commercial foodservice operations, there are three common ways to clean a flat top griddle: using soda water, ice cubes, or oil with a grill brick.

Soda Water Cleaning Method 

The secret of soda water is that it can help loosen grease through thermal shock and mild carbonation. When poured onto a hot griddle, the liquid quickly lifts grease and food residue, while the bubbles help break the bond between oil and the metal surface. This gentle way is good for daily routine cleaning and a lot of renowned QSR chains like McDonald's prefer this safe and fast method.

• Turn off the heat and let the stainless steel surface cool to about 65°C.

• Pour soda water directly onto the warm surface. You will see the carbonation bubbling as it lifts the grease.

• Let it sizzle and loosen the grease for 10–20 seconds.

• Use a non-abrasive scraper to push the loosened residue into the grease trough.

• Wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth or paper towel.

• Lightly oil the surface if needed to prevent oxidation.

Ice Cube Method

Ice cubes create a rapid temperature contrast between the icy cube and the hot surface. The dramatic cooling causes grease and carbonized buildup to contract and crack, making them easier to remove. Steam generated during melting also helps lift stuck-on debris through thermal shock.

• Turn the griddle off and keep the surface hot, but avoid overheating. Cause the extremely overheated surface meets the ice cube have the chance to crack the griddle.

• Spread a handful of ice cubes evenly across the surface.

• Allow the ice to melt and steam for a few seconds.

• Scrape loosened residue immediately with a griddle scraper.

• Push debris into the grease tray.

• Wipe dry and apply a thin oil coat to protect the surface from oxidation.

This method is not recommended on chrome or thin griddles, as thermal shock can damage the finish.

Oil and Grill Brick Method

This method is an ideal solution for deep cleaning and removing stubborn carbon buildup. Oil acts as a lubricant and solvent, while the grill brick provides controlled abrasion. Make it together, they remove baked-on grease without aggressively scratching the surface when used correctly.

• While the griddle is still warm, pour a small amount of cooking oil (or clean waste oil) on the surface.

• Hold a grill brick and scrub the surface in a consistent circular or back-and-forth motion, following the metal grain.

• Continue scrubbing until the black buildup is fully lifted and the metal's natural shine is visible.

• Use a scraper to push the black oil-slurry into the grease trough.

• Rinse the surface with warm water or a mild soap solution and wipe dry.

• Lightly oil the surface if needed to prevent oxidation.

How to Choose the Best Cleaning Way For Commercial Griddles

There isn’t a “best” way to clean a commercial griddle in the back of the house. The right cleaning method depends on the type of griddle surface and how often you clean it during daily operations.

Below, we’ve put together a simple comparison chart to help you quickly identify which griddle cleaning method works best for your operation, based on surface material and cleaning frequency.