The charbroiler is the workhorse of most commercial kitchens. Every mouth-watering steak and chargrilled chicken wing is created on one of these fantastic cooking machines.
However, like all kitchen equipment, a commercial charbroiler can become dirty very quickly. Buildup of food particles and fat deposits means that it needs to be cleaned regularly. By doing this you keep it working at it’s best and also maintain hygiene standards in your kitchen.
If you don’t clean your charbroiler regularly, you risk not only hygiene standards and the health of your customers, but also the cooking capabilities of the charbroiler. Left dirty, it will begin to cook food unevenly and absorb other flavors.
Food particles and fat accumulate on a charbroiler very quickly, so you should clean yours every day. As well as the main cooking area, you should also clean the front, back, and around the grates.
What You Need
Having the right tools for the job will make your life a lot easier. You don’t need any complicated cleaning equipment or specialized cleaners. Some basics and a bit of hard work are all that is needed.
The first thing you want is a grill brush. Select a grill brush that is the right size for your particular charbroiler. You’ll also need some degreaser, warm soapy water, and some washcloths.
The process can also get quite messy, especially if it has been a busy day in the kitchen. Make sure you have some protective gloves and something to protect your clothes too.
How to Clean Your Charbroiler
Commercial charbroilers are usually either gas or electric models, but both are cleaned in the same way. Follow these steps:
- Your grill should be warm to hot, but not switched on.
- Scrape any food particles off the charbroiler with your wire brush
- Flip over the grates and clean the underside as well.
- Once the grills have cooled, use a spray degreaser on any particularly large or stubborn build-ups.
- Wash everywhere with warm soapy water and a washcloth.
- Commercial charbroilers with radiants should be cleaned by putting them in the sink and washing in warm soapy water.
- If your system uses lava rocks, turn the stones every week or two to remove grease.
How to Season Your Charbroiler Grates
Your grates should now be nice and clean and free from grease and debris. To keep them looking and working at their best, you’ll need to season them. You should season your grates every time you clean your charbroiler.
- Pour some oil (canola or peanut) into a spray bottle and coat each side of the grate thoroughly.
- Wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.
- Turn on the grill for 10-15 minutes.
- Repeat the oiling and baking process once more.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll not only be prolonging the life of your charbroiler but improving the taste of your food too. Regular cleaning will also ensure high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in your restaurant, which is vital for any business.