3 Tips for Keeping Your Restaurant’s Grill Clean

You’d be hard-pressed to find a restaurant kitchen in which the grill isn’t used extensively. Since a wide variety of entrees and sides are prepared on grills, it’s no surprise they’re such popular culinary tools. However, in light of how often they’re used, they tend to get dirty rather quickly.

In fact, depending on how often your grill is used, it may need to be cleaned multiple times throughout the day. Failure to properly clean grills can result in a number of safety hazards and land you in hot water with local health inspectors. To ensure that your kitchen’s grill remains squeaky clean and consistently sanitary, heed the following cleaning tips. 

1. Carefully Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Not all grills are created equal. Case in point: some grills should be cleaned with grill bricks, while others are best cleaned with grill brushes. Conversely, certain grills should be cleaned with neither, as both tools are too abrasive for their surfaces. These grills generally need to be cleaned with specialized cleansers and scraping tools. Before proceeding to clean a new grill, take care to consult the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website.

2. Replace the Grates on a Semi-Regular Basis

Grill grates are typically the dirtiest components you’ll find on a grill. Given their propensity for attracting food particles and gristle buildup, grates should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a day and replaced as needed. Continuing to use grates that are well past their prime will result in improperly cooked meals and unhappy diners.   

3. Be Thorough When Scraping

To purge your grill of all caked-on food particles, instruct your employees to be extra-thorough when scraping the surface. By extension, invest in a reliable scraper that’s capable of removing food particles without leaving the grill awash with scratches.  

A clean grill is one of the cornerstones of a sanitary kitchen. Improper or infrequent cleaning can result in health hazards and prematurely worn-out equipment — both of which stand to cost your restaurant big bucks. Fortunately, putting the previously pointers to good use will keep your grill looking its best for years to come.