Flat top grills have become increasingly popular over the last decade. You can cook large family meals like hibachi-style rice, breakfast for a crowd, smash burgers, and so much more outside without dirtying your kitchen. Flat top grills are so versatile, and because they have a cast iron surface, they cook foods quickly and evenly. The only problem with flat-top grills is that you have to clean and care for them properly, or they will rust over time. These easy steps will show you how to clean and restore a flat-top grill in no time!
Things You'll Need
Vegetable oil
Avocado oil
Kosher salt
Grill scraper
Scouring pad
Tongs
Paper towels
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1. Heat the grill
Turn on your flat top grill and let it get nice and hot. Then, turn off the heat and wait a few minutes.
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2. Pour vegetable oil on the grill
While the grill is turned off but still warm, pour a generous amount of vegetable oil (or any other oil you have on hand) all over the surface of your flat top grill.
3. Scrape off rust and food debris
Using a grill scraper, scrape off any loose rust or burned-on food, moving it to the back of the griddle and through the grease trap opening in the back.
4. Pour kosher salt on the grill
Generously pour kosher salt all over the surface of the flat top grill and let it sit for a few minutes.
Tip
Be sure to use kosher salt for this task. It works best because it is a larger-grain salt and will help remove any excess rust and debris.
5. Scrub with a scouring pad
Use a scouring pad to work the salt into the grill, removing any leftover rust or debris from the surface. Use the scraper to push all of the debris through the opening of the grease trap.
6. Rinse with water
Pour a small amount of water on the surface of the grill and use a pair of tongs and a handful of paper towels to wipe away any excess salt and oil. Repeat if necessary until all debris is removed.
7. Apply avocado oil
Reheat the flat top grill on high and apply a generous amount of avocado oil to the surface. Use a pair of tongs and paper towels to apply the oil to the entire surface.
Tip
If you don't have avocado oil on hand, you can use a different type of high-heat oil, like bacon grease or grape seed oil.
8. Let the oil smoke
Don't be alarmed when the oil starts to smoke; this is a good thing! Allow the oil to smoke for a few minutes and then repeat step 7 three more times. This process will season your flat-top grill so that the surface is nonstick and rust-free.
9. Wipe it down
After the grill surface has cooled, use tongs and paper towels to remove any excess oil from the surface of the grill.
Your flat-top grill is now clean, seasoned, and ready to cook your favorite foods!
