After researching and investing in one of the best flat top grills, you need to care for it rightly. So before you even use it for the initial time, it’s wise to season it rightly.
After seasoning, you are free to start preparing various dishes on the flat top grill. Some of the most vital steps in caring for the griddle are seasoning and cleaning the flat top grill[how to clean a flat top grill].
Table of Contents
Why Season A Flat Top Grill?
Extending Its Lifespan
When you season your flat top grill for the initial time, the oil forms a protective layer on the surface and so making it rust resistant. And whenever the seasoning effect lessens you can always re-season. That way you prolong the lifespan of the flat top grill.
Nonstick Coating
When food remains get stuck on the flat cooking surfaces it annoys. Besides, making cleaning difficult it also promotes the burning of food prematurely.
Seasoning a flat top grill helps it develop a nonstick layer and thus discouraging food from sticking on the grill.
What Type of Oil Do You Need to Season a Flat Top Grill?
When seasoning the flat top grill, don’t just use any oil. Instead, you need the oil with a high smoking point since you will need to heat the grill to very high temperatures. Good examples of oil to use are flaxseed oil or olive oil.
What Tools do You Need So as to Season a Flat Top Grill?
In order to season the used or new flat top grill you need a paper towel, tongs and an oil with high smoking point.
How To Season a Flat Top Grill?
You can season your flat top grill by following the below steps:
Clean Up the Top Flat Grill
Dampen a paper towel and use it to wipe clean the new flat top grill. Such a step helps to eliminate any residue oils from the factory.
But if you have been using the equipment before, consider using a grill scraper to remove any bits of food sticking on the flat top grill.
Preheat the Flat top Grill
Turn on the flat top grill to a high heat setting (about 350 degrees Fahrenheit) and preheat for approximately 5 minutes. That way, any moisture content that may have been lingering on the equipment will dry up.
Apply Oil
Once the grill gets hot, apply the vegetable oil with a high smoking point on the flat top grill. Use a paper towel to spread the oil on the bottom and the sides of the griddle.
In case the flat top grill is extremely hot, get hold of the paper towel using tongs. Ensure you apply a generous amount of oil as some amount will evaporate as you heat the flat top grill.
Continue Heating Till it Smokes
After spreading the oil evenly, continue heating on the high heat setting till the oil begins to smoke. If the oil vanishes on some parts of the flat grill, reapply. Let it smoke for a while till it stops, about 10 minutes.
To achieve the best results you may need to repeat the process a couple of times (even three times). Lastly, cool it down then wipe off excess oil with a paper towel.
How Frequent Should You Season a Flat Top Grill?
Seasoning the flat top grill for the initial time isn’t enough. You need to repeat the process regularly after some time. For instance, if you normally prepare breakfast on a flat top grill[how to cook breakfast on a flat top grill] every day, then you need to season it at least weekly.
Must You Season a New Flat Top Grill?
Yes, it’s wise to season a new flat top grill before using it for the first time. However, take caution because if you apply excess heat beyond the standard grill heat requirement, carbon will begin to accumulate on your flat top grill.
Conclusion
After every round of cooking, while the griddle is still warm, scrape off any food remains, and apply a few coats of oil before storing the equipment away. However once a week or whenever it shows some faint signs of rusting, season the flat top grill.