How to Clean an Electric Grill

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An electric grill is a convenient cooking tool that can whip up grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers from your kitchen countertop, or patio if it’s an outdoor style. As easy as it is to grill with one, it can be somewhat less easy to clean one, because meat can still stubbornly stick to the nonstick plates. By following some simple steps, like rubbing grime off while the grill is still hot to wiping the removable plates down with a soapy sponge, you can get your electric grill clean in a jiffy.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Cleaning an Indoor Countertop Grill

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    Protect yourself from electric shock by unplugging your grill before you put it anywhere near a wet sponge.
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    The best time to clean the grill plates is when they’re still warm. After you unplug the grill, let it cool down for about ten minutes. [1]
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    It’s important not to use abrasive scouring pads that can scratch the nonstick grill plates. Some electric grills come with a rubber spatula that can scrape off caked-on food, but any rubber spatula will do. Scrape along the ridges and crevices of the grill surface. [2]
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    Wet a soft sponge or rag and wring it out thoroughly. Rinse the sponge frequently while you wipe the plates down, because it will get greasy and grimy quickly. Use a dollop of dish soap on your sponge for tough jobs.
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    Dismantle your electric grill by taking the plates off and remove the drip tray. Squirt some dish soap and wash it with a soft, wet sponge or rag.
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    Dry the drip tray and give the grill plates another once over with a paper towel. You’ll remove any leftover gunk and get your pieces dry.
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    Some electric grills have detachable pieces that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Follow the manufacturer's directions, but put the drip tray and cooking plates in the dishwasher if you can. [3]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Cleaning an Outdoor Electric Grill

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    Make sure your electric grill is turned off, before you start cleaning it. Locate the power button and flip it off.
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    While the grill is slightly warm, scrape the cooking grates down with a stainless steel grill brush.
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    An outdoor electric grill will likely have a removable liner underneath the grates. Take this piece off and use a rubber spatula to scrape off any excess, dropped food pieces. If it’s especially dirty, wash it with a wet soapy sponge. [4]
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    Use a damp cloth to wipe the lid down. Make sure the cloth does not drip and never immerse this part in water.
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    If your grill is not very dirty, you may be able to skip this step. If it is, take the grates off and wash them with a wet sponge and dish soap. Scrape with a stainless steel brush as needed.
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    Before you put the removable liner or grates back on and use your grill again, make sure it’s completely dry. Use a dry dishrag or paper towel to thoroughly dry it.
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    To remove all dried, burnt-on food residue, use a concoction of vinegar and baking soda by mixing 2 cups (470 mL) vinegar to 1 cup (240 mL) baking soda in a trash bag. Tie the dirty grates in the bag and leave it overnight. Dried on residue should fall off easily in the morning.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using an Alternate Method to Clean an Indoor Grill

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    Right after you cook with your grill, unplug it and let it cool down for about five minutes. [5]
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    While the grill is still warm, lay two to three moistened paper towels on the bottom plate. How many paper towels you use will depend on how thick each one is. Use enough to be able to grab food particles without tearing them.
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    Let the warm grill plates and damp paper towels steam clean the grill for about 1 minute or until the plates completely cool down. Any caked-on grease will loosen up.
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    Use the damp paper towels or dampen a sponge with hot water and dish soap. Scrub the grill down until it’s squeaky clean.
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    Make sure your grill is dry, especially around the plug, and wipe it down from top to bottom with a clean, dry dishcloth.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you clean an electric grill with water?
    Alessandra Mendes
    Cleaning Specialist
    Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks.
    Alessandra Mendes
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Sure, just don't submerge it. If the plates can’t be removed, brush away any remaining food and place damp paper towels over the plates while the grill is still warm, as this will help loosen up the food and grease. Wipe with a soapy sponge and rinse with a damp cloth. Dry with a clean cloth.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://homesteady.com/12365218/how-do-i-clean-an-electric-grill
      2. ↑ https://www.yellowpages.ca/tips/easy-tips-for-cleaning-an-electric-grill/
      3. ↑ https://www.georgeforemancooking.com/products/indoor-outdoor-grills/gfo240s-15-serving-indoor-outdoor-electric-grill-silver.aspx
      4. ↑ https://www.weber.com/US/en/blog/the-ease-of-using-an-electric-q
      5. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Cleaning-a-George-Foreman-Grill.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To clean a countertop electric grill, start by unplugging the grill and letting it cool down for 10 minutes if you just finished cooking on it. Then, scrape off the food bits with a rubber spatula, and wipe the plates with a sponge dampened in plain water. Next, remove the drip tray and grill plates, wash them with water and dish soap, and dry with a paper towel. Alternatively, clean the drip tray and grill plates in the dishwasher, but make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions ahead of time to ensure that the parts are dishwasher safe. For instructions on how to clean an outdoor electric grill, read on.

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