When it comes down to it, there is rarely anything better than being able to cook meat and veggies on a grill. It’s just a part of summertime.
Most people would agree that open fire, gas, or charcoal are the best ways to grill because, after all, there is just no matching that fantastic taste that fire provides.
However, there is also the fact that using an electric grill is generally much easier, faster, and safer. If you live in an apartment building, chances are that your only grilling option is an electric grill.
Like any other type of grill, you need to keep it clean, and exactly how to clean it is what we will discuss.
How to Clean an Electric Grill (Non-Removable Cooking Surface): Step by Step
Cleaning an outdoor electric grill is not hard, and if you do it regularly, it really should not take too long r. That said, it needs to be done right.
Follow the steps below to get your outdoor electric grill looking and working like new. This method is meant for electric grills where the grates or cooking surface cannot be removed.
Use the Grill and Unplug it
If you want to clean your electric grill, the best time to do so is right after using it or about 20 minutes after. Then unplug it from its power source and let it cool down until it is not burning hot anymore.
However, keep in mind that for this process to work, it does need to be warm.
Wet Paper Towels
Get a roll of household paper towels, preferably two-ply. Stack a few sheets of paper towels on top of each other, making the stack wide and deep enough to cover the entirety of the grilling surface.
Soak the paper towels in water and then place them on the grilling surface; then close the electric grill’s lid. Wait for about 30 minutes. As the grill cools, the wet paper towel will rehydrate all the stuck-on food.
Wiping it Away
After the stuck-on food has been rehydrated by the wet paper towels, it should now be soft and loose. You should be able to use a cloth, sponge, or some more paper towel to wipe all of that gunk away.
The Drippings Tray
If your electric grill has a drippings tray, you should clean that out as well. You will want to remove it and use some plain soap and water to wash it out.
How to Clean an Electric Grill (With Removable Grates): Step by Step
Follow the steps below to clean your electric grill if you have one with removable grill grates.
Unplug the Grill
Always unplug your grill before cleaning it. Water and electricity do not mix. Again, cleaning your grill is best done when it is still a bit warm after use. Once the grill grates are cool enough to handle, remove them from the grill.
Soak the Grates
Chances are that those grill grates are going to be covered in caked-on food. You will probably need to soak them for a while, just to make cleaning a bit easier.
Depending on the severity of the situation, you may soak the grates in some strong soap and hot water; you may need to use vinegar and baking soda or even resort to a professional grill grate cleaning product.
Scrub and Scrub Some More
Use a good sponge or grill grate cleaning tool. Because you let the grate(s) soak in a solution, food should now be loose and easy to scrub off. If food is really stuck on, use a grill cleaning tool with a strong scraper built into it.
The Drippings Tray
No matter what kind of grill you have, the drippings tray is always something you will need to deal with. The grease and juice will smell and attract animals, so give it a good washing with hot water and a grease-fighting soap.
Conclusion
If you want to make cleaning your electric outdoor as easy as can be, we recommend cleaning it after every use, or at least after every couple of uses.
