The Right Way to Clean a Commercial Griddle: Tips and Common Mistakes

kitchenkingsga
Aug 7
2 min read

Nothing beats the flavor of food fresh off the griddle—whether it’s sizzling breakfast eggs, juicy burgers, or a perfectly seared steak. But while the taste may be unforgettable, neglecting to clean your commercial griddle can lead to serious problems, including grease fires, food contamination, and equipment damage.

At Kitchen Kings, we help Atlanta restaurants and commercial kitchens maintain safe, clean, and high-performing griddles with expert cleaning services and fire prevention solutions.

Why Regular Griddle Cleaning Matters

Over time, grease, food particles, and oil residue build up on your griddle surface. If not cleaned properly, this buildup:

Becomes a fire hazard
Harbors bacteria and foodborne pathogens
Damages your griddle’s surface and performance
Affects the taste and quality of your food

Whether you operate a gas, propane, or electric griddle, routine cleaning is essential to protect your kitchen and your customers.

Commercial Griddle Cleaning Do’s

To keep your griddle in top shape, follow these best practices:

✅ Use the right cleaning tools – Scrapers, pads, and brushes designed for your griddle type
✅ Start with a warm surface – Heat to around 300°F before scraping off debris
✅ Turn off heat before applying water – Let it cool slightly before spraying diluted dish soap
✅ Clean all surfaces – Don’t forget the sides and backsplash
✅ Rinse with room-temperature water
✅ Drain into the grease tray using a scraper
✅ Dry with a soft, absorbent cloth
✅ Season with a thin layer of cooking oil
✅ Empty and sanitize the waste drawer regularly
✅ Polish the front panel for a professional finish

What to Avoid During Griddle Cleaning

🚫 Never pour cold water on a hot griddle—it can warp the metal🚫 Avoid harsh tools like steel wool or sharp scrapers on chrome surfaces🚫 Don’t use standard griddle cleaners on chromium-plated tops🚫 Don’t skip cleaning—even a single day of buildup can cause long-term damage

How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Griddle?

After every use: Scrape off food and grease
Daily or weekly: Perform a full cleaning depending on usage
Regularly: Empty and sanitize the grease tray
Periodically: Schedule a professional deep cleaning to reach hidden areas and ensure fire safety

Even with proper daily care, some parts of your griddle are hard to reach. That’s why Kitchen Kings offers professional griddle cleaning services across Atlanta, helping you stay compliant, safe, and efficient.

Schedule a Griddle Cleaning in Atlanta with Kitchen Kings

Whether you run a diner in Decatur or a steakhouse in Sandy Springs, Kitchen Kings is your go-to partner for commercial griddle cleaning and fire prevention. Our team is trained to handle all griddle types and ensure your kitchen meets NFPA 96 standards.

📞 Call now for a free estimate

📧 Email us to book your cleaning service

✅ Serving Atlanta restaurants, food trucks, and commercial kitchens