How to Clean a Restaurant Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a new restaurant owner, an aspiring young chef, or simply keen on mastering the art of kitchen maintenance? If you’re wondering, “How to clean a restaurant grill?” you’ve landed in the perfect spot.

This article is crafted to unravel this common query and dive deep into grill hygiene and upkeep essentials.

Cleaning a restaurant grill might seem straightforward, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

From choosing the right tools to the nuances of grill maintenance, this guide is your go-to resource for all things related to keeping your grill in top-notch condition.

How to Clean a Restaurant Grill?

How to Clean a Restaurant Grill? The process involves more than just scrubbing off food residues; it’s about meticulous care and maintenance. While the basic steps include turning off the grill, removing debris, deglazing, applying grill cleaner, rinsing, and drying, much more goes into it.

Now, while you have a snapshot of the answer, the journey to mastering the art of grill cleaning is quite intriguing.

This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about cleaning your restaurant grill.

This article has valuable insights, from selecting the appropriate cleaning tools and substances to the little-known tips for maintaining a hygienic and efficient grill.

Stay with us as we explore these steps in detail. We offer practical advice and expert tips tailored specifically for new restaurant owners, young chefs, and anyone eager to learn the secrets behind a pristine, well-maintained restaurant grill.

Get ready to transform your grill cleaning routine and ensure your kitchen stands out for its cleanliness and efficiency.

Cleaning a restaurant grill might not be the glamorous part of running a kitchen, but trust me, it’s one of the most crucial.

As a new restaurant owner or a budding chef, you know that a sparkling, well-maintained grill is the heartbeat of your kitchen.

It’s not just about making it look good; it’s about ensuring your food tastes great and is safe to eat.

Why is Grill Cleaning So Important?

1. Health and Safety: A dirty grill can be a breeding ground for bacteria; nobody wants that in their kitchen. Keeping your grill clean is vital to preventing foodborne illnesses.
2. Better Tasting Food: Leftover residue and old grease can affect the taste of your food. A clean grill means your dishes will always taste as they should – absolutely delicious!
3. Longer Equipment Life: Regular cleaning prolongs the life of your grill. It’s an investment; like any good investment, you want it to last as long as possible.

Types of Grills and the Universal Cleaning Approach

Whether you’re dealing with a gas, charcoal, electric, or flat-top grill, cleaning fundamentals remain pretty much the same.

Each type might have its quirks, but don’t worry – the steps we cover in this guide generally apply across the board.

This means you can apply these tips and tricks to almost any grill you encounter in your culinary journey.

Ready to Dive In?

So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get down to the nitty-gritty of grill cleaning. By the end of this guide, you’ll know “how to clean a restaurant grill?” and be the go-to grill guru in your kitchen!

Cleaning Process

Now that we’ve covered why keeping your grill clean is a big deal, let’s dive into the cleaning process.

Whether you’re a fresh-faced chef or the proud owner of a new restaurant, these steps will help ensure your grill is clean and in prime condition for whipping up those mouth-watering dishes.

Initial Cleaning

Removing Food Debris

• Tools You’ll Need: A trusty grill scraper.
• How-To: Once your grill is cool enough to touch but still warm, take your grill scraper and gently scrape off the food bits and charred leftovers. It’s like giving your grill a nice shave – smooth and clean.

Deglazing the Grill

• Why Deglaze?: This step helps loosen the stubborn stuff, making your cleaning job much more manageable.
• The Deglazing Process: Splash hot water onto the grill surface. Then, with your scraper in hand, gently scrape away. You’ll see the gunk coming right off. It’s oddly satisfying, trust me.

Deep Cleaning

Using Grill Cleaner

• Pick Your Potion: Grab your grill cleaner (always read the label first!).
• Spray, Wait, Scrub: Spray it on, give it a moment to work its magic, and then scrub away with a grill brush or scouring pad. Remember, gentle circles – we’re cleaning, not scratching.

Soaking and Scrubbing Grill Grates

• The Soak: If your grates are removable, let them have a nice soak in hot soapy water. Think of it as a spa day for your grates.
• The Scrub: After a good soak, give them a scrub with a sponge or scouring pad. Rinse well to say goodbye to all that grease and grime.

Rinsing and Drying

Rinsing It Right

• The Rinse-Off: Post scrubbing, give your grill an excellent rinse with hot water. It’s like rinsing off soap suds in a shower.
• Check for Leftovers: Ensure no cleaner or food bits are left hanging around.

Drying to Perfection

• Dry It Up: Use clean cloths or paper towels to dry your grill. We’re aiming for zero moisture here to avoid rust.
• A Little Patience Goes a Long Way: Let it air dry, too, to be sure.

And voilà!

You’ve just given your grill a comprehensive clean-up.

These steps aren’t just about making your grill sparkle; they’re about ensuring it’s a safe, hygienic place to cook your culinary creations.

Next, we’ll discuss maintaining this cleanliness level with some pro tips and tricks!

Post-Cleaning Maintenance

Alright! Your grill is now squeaky clean, but we’re not done yet. Post-cleaning maintenance is like the cherry on top – it ensures your grill stays in tip-top shape until its subsequent use. Let’s break down these final but crucial steps.

Seasoning the Grill

• Why Season?: Think of seasoning as your grill’s shield. It helps create a non-stick surface and wards off rust.
• The Seasoning Process:

1. Lightly Oil: Once your grill is dry, coat the grates lightly with cooking oil. Canola or vegetable oil works great for this.
2. Use a Cloth or Paper Towel: Apply the oil with a cloth or paper towel. Ensure you cover the entire surface, but remember, we’re not deep frying here, so keep it light.
3. Heat it Up: Turn on your grill for a few minutes. This step helps the oil to bind to the metal, creating that perfect non-stick layer.

Reassembling the Grill

• Reconnection: If you’ve dismantled any parts, now’s the time to put them back together. Make sure everything fits snugly and securely.
• Safety Check: Double-check all connections, especially gas lines or electrical connections. Safety always comes first!

Heating and Final Touches

• Burn-Off Residue: Heat your grill for about 10-15 minutes. This will help burn off any residual moisture or cleaner, leaving you with a pristine cooking surface.
• Final Inspection: Give your grill a once-over to ensure everything looks good. Check for any missed spots or loose components.

You’ve cleaned your grill and mastered the art of maintaining it. Regular seasoning and proper reassembly will keep your grill in excellent condition, ready for your next culinary adventure. 

Additional Tips and Best Practices

Congratulations on getting through the basics of grill cleaning and maintenance.

But before you go, let’s arm you with some extra knowledge.

These additional tips and best practices will help you maintain your grill’s longevity and ensure you’re always serving delicious, safe food.

Frequency of Cleaning

• Regular Use: Aim for a basic sedan after use if your cleanings are in daily use. This prevents buildup and makes deep cleaning more manageable.
• Deep Clean Schedule: Depending on how busy your kitchen gets, a thorough deep clean should be done at least once a week. A deep clean every other week suffice for grills used less frequently.
• Factor in the Food: Cooking greasy foods? It would help if you cleaned more often. Lean meats and veggies are less demanding.

Choosing the Right Tools

• Grill Brushes and Scrapers: Look for brushes with robust, durable bristles. Stainless steel brushes are great for most grills. For scrapers, choose one that matches the grooves of your grates for effective cleaning.
• Cleaning Agents: Opt for grill cleaners that are effective yet gentle on your grill’s surface. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the metal over time.
• Cloths and Pads: Use non-abrasive cloths or pads to avoid scratching the grill surface. Microfiber cloths are a good choice for drying and polishing.

Preventive Maintenance

• Regular Checks: Regularly inspect your grill for wear and tear, especially the burners and gas connections on gas grills.
• Protection from the Elements: If your grill is outdoors, invest in a good-quality cover to protect it from weather damage.
• Avoid Water Damage: Ensure your grill is completely dry before covering or storing it. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
• Proper Storage: Store your grill in a dry, protected area when not in use, especially during off-season periods.

By incorporating these tips into your grill maintenance routine, you’re not just taking care of a piece of equipment but investing in the quality and safety of the food you serve.

A well-maintained grill is a cornerstone of any successful kitchen, and now, you’re well-equipped to keep yours in prime condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Restaurants Clean Their Grill?

Restaurants typically begin by removing large food particles using a scraper. This is followed by cleaning the grates with a grill brush. A scouring pad or griddle block is used to scrub grill grates. However, these should not be used on finished surfaces. Flat grills require a grill screen for effective scrubbing of the surface.

What Is the Best Thing to Clean a Commercial Grill?

Mix room-temperature water with a mild detergent to clean a commercial grill effectively and coat the grill’s top surface. Utilize a non-abrasive scrubby pad for cleaning. Ensure all debris is scraped into the grease trough and rinse thoroughly with water at room temperature, finishing with a squeegee for a clean surface.

How Do You Clean Restaurant Grill Grates?

To tackle the task, obtain a garbage bag and combine two cups of vinegar with one cup of baking soda. It’s a breeze! Works like a charm! This powerful combination will work wonders in restoring the cleanliness and freshness of your grill. Seal the bag with the grates inside and allow them to soak overnight. Once absorbed, carefully remove the grates, rinse them thoroughly with water, and gently pat them dry.

How Do Professionals Clean Grills?

To perform a thorough professional grill cleaning, turn all burners to the highest setting and close the lid for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This technique ensures optimal cleanliness and maintenance of your grill. After opening the lid, turn off all burners and disconnect the gas if necessary. After the grill has cooled to approximately 250–300 degrees Fahrenheit, thoroughly clean each grate by scrubbing from the back to the front using either a grill brush or a crumpled foil ball.

How Often Do Restaurants Clean Their Grill?

Restaurants clean their grills daily due to frequent use and to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining hygiene and safety standards in a commercial kitchen.

How Do You Clean a Commercial Kitchen Grill?

First, disconnect the power and gas supply to clean a commercial kitchen grill. Use warm water, soap, a nylon brush, and rags for any baked-on grease. When using scourers and cleaning bricks, ensure they are suitable for the surface being cleaned, and avoid using them on chrome surfaces.

What Do You Soak a Grill in to Clean It?

To soak a grill, fill a sink or bucket with warm water and add approximately 1/2 cup of baking soda. Mix a paste using Dawn dish soap and baking soda, then slather it generously on the grates, covering them completely. Allow the grates to soak for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, scrub, wash, and rinse the grates thoroughly.

What Works Best to Clean the Inside of a Grill?

The most reliable method for cleaning the inside of a grill is using dish soap and water, which helps break down tough grease without chemicals. Alternatively, mixing baking soda and water or vinegar and water can also efficiently clean a gas grill.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this guide on how to clean a restaurant grill, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve covered.

Cleaning your grill isn’t just a chore; it’s a fundamental practice that underpins the success of your culinary endeavors. Regular cleaning and maintenance are critical for several reasons:

1. Food Safety: A clean grill is essential for hygienic food preparation. You reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses by removing grease, burnt food, and potential contaminants.
2. Grill Longevity: Regular cleaning extends the life of your grill. This saves money in the long run and ensures consistent cooking performance.
3. Quality of Food: A well-maintained grill guarantees that the flavor of your dishes remains unaltered by residues from previous cooking.

Caring for your grill properly might seem daunting as a new restaurant owner or aspiring chef.

However, our outlined steps are designed to make this process as easy and efficient as possible.

Consistently practicing these steps will keep your grill in top condition and instill a sense of pride and professionalism in your kitchen work.

Remember, a clean grill is the heart of a bustling kitchen. It’s where the magic happens and where flavors come to life.

So, embrace the routine of grill maintenance. Let it become as much a part of your cooking ritual as the preparation of ingredients.

Thank you for following along, and here’s to many years of successful grilling.

Jeff Smith is a Restaurant Consultant with over 20 years of hospitality experience ranging from server to owner and general manager.  He focuses on Restaurant POS technology as well as restaurant marketing.  Check out our world-famous restaurant resources page for a comprehensive offering of hand-picked resources and tools to help your business.  You can also check out some of our other restaurant business articles.