How to Clean an Electric Grill

Last Updated: August 2, 2022 References

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

1
Unplug your grill after cooking. Protect yourself from electric shock by unplugging your grill before you put it anywhere near a wet sponge.
2
Let the grill cool down slightly. 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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3
Use a rubber spatula to scrape off leftover food. 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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4
Wipe the plates down with a damp sponge. 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.
5
Remove the drip tray and wash it with soap water. 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.
6
Dry all pieces with a paper towel. 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.
7
Put detachable parts in the dishwasher. 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

1
Turn your grill off. Make sure your electric grill is turned off, before you start cleaning it. Locate the power button and flip it off.
2
Scrape cooking grates with a stainless steel brush. While the grill is slightly warm, scrape the cooking grates down with a stainless steel grill brush.
3
Take the removable liner off. 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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4
Wipe the lid down. Use a damp cloth to wipe the lid down. Make sure the cloth does not drip and never immerse this part in water.
5
Remove the grates to wash with soap and water. 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.
6
Completely dry any removable pieces. 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.
7
Deep cleanse grates annually with vinegar and baking soda. 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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an Alternate Method to Clean an Indoor Grill

1
Unplug the grill and let it cool. Right after you cook with your grill, unplug it and let it cool down for about five minutes.^{[5]
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2
Place wet paper towels between the plates. 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.
3
Close the lid and let the paper towels steam clean. 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.
4
Open the lid and wipe the plates down. Use the damp paper towels or dampen a sponge with hot water and dish soap. Scrub the grill down until it’s squeaky clean.
5
Dry the grill before using it again. Make sure your grill is dry, especially around the plug, and wipe it down from top to bottom with a clean, dry dishcloth.

Expert Q&A

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.

Warnings

Don’t ever try to clean the heating element of an outdoor electric grill.

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Never put any electric parts in the dishwasher or immerse them in water.

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A stainless steel brush works well on all grill grates except porcelain.

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