Does cleaning a plancha seem like a chore? Whether you need to maintain it regularly or recover a very dirty appliance, there are foolproof techniques for simple, effective cleaning.
The right equipment for cleaning a plancha
If that Cooking with a plancha has many advantagesThe maintenance of your plancha is essential to get the most out of it and prevent the griddle from turning black. To clean and maintain your griddle, using the right tools and products will guarantee optimum efficiency and will also extend the life of your appliance. The stainless steel spatula is the first tool you should have near your plancha. Use it to scrape off food residues after each use. A wire brush will also be very useful for removing stubborn residues without damaging the surface of the griddle.
When it comes to products, you'll find griddle cleaners specially formulated to remove grease and food residues. There are also cleaning stones designed to clean your appliance without scratching it. On a day-to-day basis, you'll need lukewarm water to soften any bits stuck to the griddle, and paper towels to wipe the surface after cleaning. As part of a zero-waste approach, you can replace the paper towel with a washable version or tea towels that you can use to clean your griddle.
The cleaning steps to follow
A few simple steps before and after cooking will help you keep your griddle in good condition over the time. As an added bonus, VULX will also be giving you a few confidential granny tips!
Before and after cooking
Before use, preheat your griddle at a high temperature for a few minutes. This will burn off any residue and make it easier to remove. Then apply a thin layer of edible oil to the entire surface of the griddle using a silicone brush or a tea towel to prevent the food sticking.
After cooking, wait a little while before taking a siesta under your favourite tree. Scrape off any food residue with your steel spatula while the griddle is still hot. This will prevent them from hardening. Then deglaze the surface with lukewarm water while it's still hot to soften the deposits and residues. Leave the water to act for a few minutes before scraping again. Finally, wipe the surface with a paper towel or tea towel and apply a thin layer of oil to protect the surface until the next time it is used.
The right thing to do depending on the material of your griddle
At VULX all our planchas are made from quality materials. No-no, that doesn't mean you don't have to maintain them!
- Cast iron: It is susceptible to rust, so dry it immediately after cleaning. Don't forget to apply a thin layer of oil regularly to maintain the non-stick protection and prevent rusting. Avoid aggressive detergents. Instead, use hot water and mild products to avoid damaging the surface.
- Steel: Remove stubborn residues with a wire brush. Don't worry, it won't scratch the surface. And as with cast iron, oil after use to prevent rust. Finally, preheat the surface well before each use for better cooking and easier cleaning.
- Stainless steel: Avoid abrasive products that could scratch the surface. Stainless steel is less prone to rust, but needs regular cleaning to maintain its shiny appearance. Don't pour cold water over your hot stainless steel griddle. This will cause thermal shock and could deform the plate.
Maintenance of gas plancha burners
Don't play with fire! We tend to forget it, but the burners ofa gas plancha can become clogged, reducing the efficiency of your griddle. So inspect them regularly to make sure they are not clogged with food residue or grease. Remove them and clean them with a wire brush and soapy water.Make sure they are completely dry before replacing them. Don't forget to unclog the holes with a needle. A good way to keep the flame alive!
Our granny tips
Some people recommend throwing ice cubes onto a hot plancha to loosen the food residue. This may indeed work, but it creates a thermal shock, which can deform the surface if your plancha is stainless steel, and create cracks on a cast-iron plancha.
If you're a fan of old-fashioned methods, use white vinegar instead. It's a proven, safe and effective product for degreasing and cleaning all surfaces. Baking soda is very effective for removing stubborn residues without scratching. Finally, you can also use lemon juice for its degreasing effect and pleasant fragrance. But remember to rinse thoroughly to prevent your food from tasting sour at your next plancha party.
Winter storage: storing your griddle properly for winter
A little preventive action, a little shelter and off you go for a worry-free winter!
The right thing to do before wintering
The fine weather is over and you're thinking of putting your griddle away for the winter? First things first, don't forget to protect it against oxidation. It's very simple: just apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the hob with a cloth (a clean one, of course!).
This will create a protective barrier against moisture. For cast-iron or steel planchas, there are special waxes for barbecues and planchas that provide extra protection against rust.
Shelter
It may seem obvious, but we'd rather repeat it: cover your griddle with a bonnet or with a weatherproof cover. Fit the cover tightly to prevent water from penetrating. If your griddle is fitted with gas pipes or fittings, protect them from damp, for example by wrapping them in protective plastic.
And of course, store your griddle in a sheltered, dry place. In a damp place, condensation could damage your appliance over time. It would be a shame to find it all rusty on the day of the first merguez!
And on the pro side?
For restaurant and hotel professionals, maintaining your griddle is essential for a number of reasons. An appliance in good condition guarantees optimal, hygienic cookingThis is essential for food safety and customer satisfaction. What's more, regular cleaning prevents the build-up of carbonised residue and grease, which can alter the taste of food and cause cross-contamination.
Finally, you'll ensure that your appliance operates reliably and efficiently, which is essential for maintain high productivity in the kitchen. The icing on the cake is that your plancha will last all the longer!
