How should you clean a George Foreman Grill? Not all Foreman Grills are the same. Learn how to clean every model of the Foreman grill.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to clean your grill no matter which kind you have.
Did you know all George Forman grills share the sloping design that lowers fat by 47%?
How NOT to Clean a George Foreman Grill
There are a couple of different methods to clean your George Foreman Grill.
I want to start this post by telling you how NOT to clean a George Foreman Grill.
- DO NOT use a scouring pad to clean the grill. This can scrape the non-stick coating off of the grill and destroyed it.
- DO NOT submerge your entire grill system in a sink full of soap and water. This can damage the burner and also break your grill.
How to Clean a George Foreman Grill and Other Grills with Non-Removable Plates?
These 3 methods can be used to clean most Foreman and Panini grills. Choose the technique that will be the best and simplest for you.
After using the grill, unplug it.
While still warm, position a ball of damp paper towels in your non-metal tongs. Clean the warm grill surface areas to get as much grime and particles off of the heating plates, being careful not to burn yourself.
This works well to get in-between the ridges.
Eat your meal while the grill cools.
When the grill cools, take a soft sponge with mild soapy water and wipe the grill, being sure to clean the edges where any grease has accumulated. Using a sponge and clean water wipe the grill to remove the soap residue.
You can wipe the outside of the grill with a soft dish towel.
The drip tray can be cleaned by hand with soap and water and rinsed clean. Or, it can be put in the dishwasher.
While the grill is still warm, using 3 layers of wet paper towels, place them on the bottom plate and close the lid. The vapor that forms will aid to loosen up the food bits and char.
As soon as the grill has cooled down, wipe the grill with light soap and water using a sponge. Rinse it with clean water and a sponge, both inside and out.
In the future, you may want to use a layer of parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the grill when cooking.
Use a piece that is large enough to cover the bottom plate as well as fold over your food, like a sandwich.
This eliminates the grill plates from gathering any food particles. When the grill is cool, toss the aluminum foil or paper and wipe the plates of any food or liquid that might have spilled onto grill plates with a wet sponge.
Advanced Grills with Detachable Plates
The advanced and premium Foreman grills have detachable plates which makes them easier to clean than the basic grill.
These grills have detachable non-stick coated or ceramic plates. Detachable plates can conveniently be cleaned by immersing them in a sink with warm soapy water.
Rinse and let the plates dry prior to putting them back in the grill.
The removable plates, both non-stick and ceramic, are dishwasher safe. The plates on the Advanced Grills are sized to fit into the bottom rack of the dishwasher.
The drip tray can also be placed in the dishwasher on the top rack.
To reduce clean-up, these plates can also be lined with either aluminum foil or parchment paper before cooking.
Clean the exteriors with a wet soft sponge and also completely dry with a dishtowel.
Premium Grills with Broiler and Interchangeable Plates
The premium grills can be cleaned like the advanced grills, either with warm soap and water or by putting the detachable plates and drip tray in the dishwasher.
People say some plates are hard to clean specifically the waffle plates. People report the batter drys in the grooves.
The best way I have found to clean these plates is to coat your grill well with cooking oil or butter before use.
After cooking, place them in a sink of warm soapy water for an hour. Then you can run them through the dishwasher.
For hard to remove food, you can try using plastic tongs to loosen it. Be gentle with the non-stick covered plates.
The gride plates, muffin cup plates, and the baking pan are fairly easy to clean by hand with soap and water using a soft sponge.
I recommend using individual paper baking cups to line the muffin plate. Use parchment paper when using the baking pan for brownies and cornbread.
It is suggested not to clean the top griddle element. Let the unit completely cool the then clean the reflector with a moist paper towel.
Clean the outside with a wet sponge and wipe dry.
Indoor/Outdoor Grills
Charcoal Grill Cleaning
If using a charcoal grill, clean the grate after each use and you should clean out the ashes every time also. Using a wire brush or scraper thoroughly clean your grill of food that sticks to the bottom.
Regularly wipe the unit down with soap and water, rinsing with clean water, and drying with a soft cloth.
It is a good idea to thoroughly clean your grill at the start of the grilling season as well as at the end. If you use your grill year-round clean it frequently.
Barbecue Grill Cleaning
If using a gas grill there are a couple of things that need to be done in addition to cleaning the grill plates after each use.
Wipe down the lid and sides after every use and periodically take the grill grate off cleaning between the grate and the burners. Clean the grease and food that accumulate naturally in these areas.
Barbecue Grill Deep Cleansing
While normal cleaning is necessary, you ought to deep clean your gas grill on an annual basis.
You’ll need to disconnect the gas, remove the grate, and the burners. Examine to see if there are any obstructions that might obstruct gas flow to the burners and clean as necessary.
Check the lava rocks or briquettes to determine if they need replacing.
Seasoning Cast Iron Grates
If your grill has a cast iron grate, clean frequently to keep rust from accumulating. After cleaning the grate apply a small amount of oil to a towel and rub it onto the grate.
Cleaning a Stainless Grill
When cleaning a stainless steel grill, remember it will scratch easily.
While you can use a wire brush on the grate, you must never ever use it, or any abrasive cleaner on the stainless area.
Use a soft towel and a cleaner designed specifically for cleaning stainless grills to wipe down your grill after each use.
Two products you might try are Feron’s Stainless Steel BBQ Cleaner and Polisher and Goo Gone Stainless Steel Grill Wipes.
How To Clean Dual Surface Griddles and Grills
Dual-Surface Griddle and Grill (Model: GFG240X) has a premium ceramic surface that makes clean-up much easier.
There appears to be a little confusion about whether the plate is removable on the manufacturer’s site. I connected to some users on the website and most agreed that the 2 drip trays are the only removable parts.
Clean this grill the same as you would the Basic Grill without removable plates.
The drip trays are dishwasher safe.
Cleaning the Quesadilla Maker
Clean the same as the Basic Grill, it does not have detachable plates.
Many reviewers suggest wiping down the surface areas with a damp paper towel.
George Foreman Grill Cleaning Tips
I have actually discovered that cleaning the grill not long after using it is best. When I see pictures of grills that are declared to be “spoiled” by scorched food particles it shows up to me that the grill was left to sit.
Always unplug or turn off your grill when you finish cooking so that food left will not continue to cook and burn.
Wipe down the grill plates while still warm. Leave the drip tray in place to capture any type of food that you are wiping down.
Place removable plates in a sink of warm soapy water to soak, even if you plan to run them through the dishwasher.
The drip trays are easy to clean with soap and water or on the top shelf of the dishwasher.
Never use harsh chemicals or metal to clean up the grill surface areas. Constantly make use of plastic, nylon, or wooden tools so as not to scratch the covering.<br>
A pack of George Foreman cleaning sponges comes with some grill models. These sponges are perfectly designed to clean the various surfaces, with a scouring side that won’t damage your grill or plates. Grooves on the sponges are made to fit right into the grill plates for ease of cleaning.
Wrap up
It is impossible to ignore the importance of cleaning and taking care of your grill. Proper maintenance will increase the life of your investment.
Consider purchasing a grill cover to protect your grill from the weather. Follow appropriate grill cleaning tips to maintain peak performance.