Cleaning burnt-on, sticky food residue from your griddle requires a lot of effort. And worse, those lingering residues add an unpleasant taste to a perfectly cooked dish. However, with a griddle scraper, you don't have to worry about this anymore. A griddle scraper makes the whole cleanup process a breeze, saving you a lot of effort. But how do you pick one with a market full of options? Well, we have prepared this handy guide with all the essential factors that will help you make an informed buying decision. For your ease, we have also included some steps to clean the griddle. So, let's get started!
How To Choose the Right Griddle Scraper
Material
Just like other kitchen utensils, the first important factor you should consider when buying a griddle scraper is its material. If you have a stainless steel or cast-iron griddle, you might need a scraper that's tough enough to handle those materials. The ideal choice is a scraper made of stainless steel or cast iron. These materials are strong and resilient enough to withstand constant pressure without breaking or bending and they often have high heat resistance. When choosing a model, you also have to make sure there are no plastic parts because heat from your grill can melt them, rendering them useless!
Blade
The blade is arguably the most important consideration when buying a griddle scraper. A dull and unsharpened blade requires much more effort to operate and won't function optimally. So, it's important to opt for a griddle scraper with a razor-sharp blade, cutting through the grime with ease.
Handle
It's also important that the griddle scraper fit comfortably in your hand, allowing you to scrape effectively without getting your knuckles dragged along the surface. It should be long enough and well cushioned, providing maximum leverage and comfort to the user. Once you have sorted out the length of the scraper, the next thing that you should assess is its design. There are two types of handles available: bent and straight. The design you choose will depend on the specific task. For example, if you need to scrape tall items, such as the back of a wok, then a bent handle is ideal. On the other hand, a straight handle might be better for scraping flat pans or skillets because it allows you to reach deep into the corners and edges.
Ease of Cleaning
Some griddle scrapers come with a splash guard for protecting hands from hot oil and grime spatters; however, they are a little difficult to maintain because of their unique design. Therefore, it's ideal to pick a griddle scraper that fits into a dishwasher for easier cleaning.
Tips To Use a Griddle Scraper
Scraping a griddle is an important part of cooking on a flat-top oven. But improper scraping techniques can scratch your grill's non-stick finish and cause gouging, which increasingly leads to hot spots and burns. Follow these steps to scrape off your griddle.
- Before scraping off food particles from your griddle, make sure it has completely cooled down, and is not too hot to touch.
- Remove all large pieces of food using tongs and wipe away any burnt-on residue with a damp paper towel before starting with your scraper.
- Now slide your scraper across the surface of the griddle holding it at a 90-degree angle to the surface. Start scraping to remove all burnt-on grime until it's squeaky clean.
- Remember not to press down too hard; otherwise, you may damage the griddle’s non-stick layer.
How To Clean Your Griddle Scraper
It is important to keep your griddle scraper clean, ensuring the longevity of your equipment. Follow these steps when cleaning your griddle scraper.
- When you are done using your griddle scraper, make sure that you remove any food particles. You can either use a stiff brush or a wire brush.
- Before putting your griddle scraper away, rinse it with water. This will prevent the formation of rust and corrosion.
- To remove stains and grease build-up, place your griddle scraper into a pot filled with water and baking soda. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 20 minutes or so, then wipe down and allow to dry.
Griddle Scraper Cost
The price of a griddle scraper depends on a variety of factors. These include the quality of the scraper, its design, the brand, and whether any additional accessories come included. Some griddle scrapers cost under $20, while others cost upwards of $100. On average, a griddle scraper made of stainless steel costs between $30 to $60. For this price, you'll get a mid-sized stainless steel scraper with interchangeable blades and a small wooden scraper, offering maximum convenience. Low-priced scrapers are sometimes flimsy and can break easily. So, if you will be using a griddle scraper on a regular basis, it might be more beneficial to purchase one made of a heavy-duty material for superior durability.
