So, you bought assortments of pans, among them, a grill pan. The grill pan, despite its sturdy look, is delicate and difficult to clean. However, reading this article to the end, you will learn how to clean a non-stick grill pan and how to take care of it. You will also find how to restore recoat the nonstick grill pan, should it wear off.
What is a grill pan? Also known as griddle pan, or broiler pan is cookware with 1-2 centimeters spaced grill lines raised edges. The lines are raised at a 0.5-centimeter height to allow water and juices from the food to drip.
What are the benefits of using a grill pan?
Using a grill pan comes with benefits such as:
Saves time
The grill pans are either square or round in shape. Whichever shape offers a large surface that enables simultaneous cooking. For example, you can prepare chicken breasts and beef at a go without the juices mixing. In the process, you will save time.
Healthy
According to research by the American Cancer Society cookware made from Teflon, PFOA, and PTFE pose a great risk to users. Luckily, a nonstick grill pan contain safe substances—none of those dangerous substances.
Usable indoors
You can use non stick pan indoors owing to the ability to work on all kinds of cooking range surfaces. You will not necessarily go outside to grill your food.
Allows fat and juices to drip from food
The raised ridges on the grill allow fat and food juices to drip. Other pan types do not have this feature.
Chargrilled and grill marks
If you want to enjoy your steaks and chicken with grill marks, then using a grill pan will give you that.
How to use a grill pan
Grill pans—made from metals that can sustain medium to high heat, are easy to use. However, to get the desired result, there is a step-by-step process to follow. Here are the steps:
- Prep the food
Firstly, you will pound or cut into pieces the food you want to grill. The best way is to cut the pieces in half-inch thickness. This will ensure even cooking of the food.
- Heating
Depending on the type of stove you are using, heating takes around 5 – 20 minutes. You will place your hand above the grill pan after setting it on the stove to determine if it shot enough.
- Oiling
Before you start grilling, coat the grill pan with cooking oil. Do not coat the whole pan with the oil since it will smoke upon heating and you will not achieve your desired result.
- Grill the food
Place the food directly on the grill. For amazing grill lines, place the food at a 45-degree angle. While halfway with grilling turns the food at a 90-degree angle to get the square grill marks. Repeat this process until your food is ready.
How to Clean a Non-Stick grill pan – Step by step
After use, you will have to clean the pan. Here is where you will have to be cautious not to ruin the pan. Luckily, we have compiled the best methods to clean a non-stick grill pan. To clean a nonstick griddle, you will need the following:
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- Silicon scrubbing brush
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Hot water
- Napkin
After using the grill pan, let it cool first. Ensure that you give it ample time to completely cool off. Since the pans have a coating that can easily peel off, use your hands in the washing process:
- Using a sponge or silicone scrubbing brush, remove grease from the pan
- For a burnt grill pan, scrub it with elbow grease. If the burn persists, you can use either vinegar or baking soda to weaken the stubborn areas.
- After removing the grease, use dish soap to entirely remove traces of oil.
- Thoroughly rinse the grill pan using clean running water to remove soap residue. Ensure that no trace of detergent remains on the pan as it can damage it.
- Using a dry napkin, wipe the pan to completely dry it before keeping it for storage.
In some extreme cases, you will need a different cleaning method. Such cases are severely burnt food in the pan. Too clean that, you can use the following:
Baking soda
When you find the pan still dirty after the above process, you can use baking soda. Despite the need for more effort into the process, it will be worth it in the end.
You will cover the burned surfaces with a baking soda paste. Then using, foil paper, cover the grill pan and leave it for around 20 minutes. Note that you should keep this time. The alkaline bicarbonate soda can damage the non-stick surface.
After the time elapsed, use a scrubber to thoroughly clean it. Rinse with cold water then wipe it dry ready for storage.
Salt
Salt is an easily accessible option with a close pH level to baking soda. You can use it to clean a burnt grill pan. To use salt for cleaning, wet the burn with water after the pan cools. Then sprinkle some salt on the burnt surface the leave it for around 10-15 minutes. You will then use a scrubber. The grease should come off.
Although cleaning is necessary, you should take good care of your grill pan for longer service.
Tips on how to take good care of your grill pan
- Do not use a dishwasher
The harsh condition of hands-off machine washing will spoil your pan in no time.
- Clean immediately after use
Avoid leaving grease and burnt food particles on the pan for a long. If possible, immediately after it cools off, clean then dry it before storage.
- Avoid metal pads or abrasive scrubbers
The use of metallic scrubbing pads will spoil the non-stick coating on the pan. You can use a sponge, and in case of stubborn stain, use cleaning agents like baking soda.
Final words
Grill pans are essential cookware. And since they are not cheap either, it is mandatory to take good care of them. Apart from just cleaning, use the additional tips in this article to help you prolong the griddle’s lifespan.
