How To Clean Electric Skillet (Frying Pan Or Griddle) In A Proven Ways

Electric skillets are essential kitchen appliances that serve many purposes. These skillets provide even heating, keep your food warm, and have better temperature control. Additionally, they have a nonstick surface, which makes cleaning easy.

You can find these skillets in aluminum or stainless steel material, which help you steam, grill, or fry your favorite dishes. You might wonder how you will clean your electric skillets because you cannot submerge them in water like other cookware.

Cleaning is not a challenging task if you have the right tools and tips for doing that. I will show you some essential guidelines to clean your electric skillet without affecting the nonstick surface.

How To Clean Electric Skillet?

The way you clean an electric skillet varies from cleaning your normal frying pans because electric skillets feature electrical components. While some electric skillets ate dishwasher safe, some models are not. I have some essential steps you need to follow when cleaning your electric skillet. But first, prepare the following tools.

1. Unplug The Connector:

You need to be careful about your safety when dealing with an electric skillet. This is an electrical device, and you know water and electricity don’t get along. So, remove the connector first before you start your cleaning process. After removing the connector, put it somewhere where it will not get into contact with water.

2. Get Rid Of Residue Food:

If there are some residue food on the electric skillet, remove them using a soft wet cloth. Avoid using metal scrubbers to remove the food because it will compromise the performance of the nonstick surface.

3. Cleaning The Interior Part:

After getting rid of the food residues, the next step is to clean the electric skillet's interior parts with warm water and soap. Use a soft dishcloth to scrub the interior of the pan and do it gently. If there are any stuck food, use a nylon scrubber and work in circular motions until you remove all the food particles. After that, use some soap and warm water to rinse the interior of the pan.

Must Read: How To Clean Magnalite Cookware (Pots And Pans)

4. Cleaning The Exterior Part:

You want your electric skillet to look sparkly clean both on the inside and the outside. Use a soap sponge, soap, and warm water to rinse the outside of the pan. Ensure that no water gets in the connector’s entry point because this can destroy the electric skillet.

5. Clean The Connector:

Get a soapy sponge and clean the outer part of the connector. You need to be careful so that no water gets in the connector. If you find some grease inside the connector, you can clean it using a toothpick. Clean the connector cord's outer parts too, because it can get some grease when cooking.

6. Clean The Skillet Lid:

An electric skillet comes with a lid, so you should not forget to clean that too because it also gets dirty with regular use. Therefore, you should always maintain the skillet lid clean after use. Cleaning oil on the lid is easy because you only need some hot water and soap to do that. Alternatively, you can clean the lid in the dishwasher because it is dishwasher safe.

7. Dry The Lid And The Skillet:

After cleaning the lid, it is great to ensure you keep it dry. You can do that with a towel to dry the skillet and the lid. Additionally, you can opt to dry them in the dish rack. Dry all the electrical components with a towel after you rinse them to prevent any water from remaining until you use it.

I would recommend air drying the skillet after towel drying to make it ready to use and well dried. Air drying is essential because it enables water evaporation, and this makes the skillet completely dry. You should also dry the connector, and then connect it back.

Additional Ways To Clean An Electric Frying Pan

There are other ways in which you can implement when cleaning your electric skillet. Some of them include:

A) Using Boiling Water:

Fill your skillet with enough water until it covers the stuck-on surface and cover the lid. Turn the heat up to 250 degrees F, and when the water begins to boil, remove the lid. Next, use a spatula to clean the bottom and the sides of the pan. Turn the power off and remove the connector. Pour the water, and then rinse the skillet with warm water and soap. Ensure you dry it right away after cleaning.

B) Baking Soda:

Baking soda cleans any cookware best and works well in removing build-up grease. Put some baking soda on the skillet and then add some water. Let it sit for some time, and then use a non-abrasive pad to scrub the paste. Use a paper towel to wipe the pan, and all the stain will disappear without affecting the pan’s surface.

C) Powdered Cleanser:

Alternatively, you can use a powered cleanser as long as it doesn’t contain chlorine or bleach. Use the cleaners to cover the pan and scrub with a soft sponge in a circular motions. This will remove stuck-on food and any discoloration. After scrubbing, rinse and dry the pan.

D) Using A Dishwasher:

First, you need to determine if your electric skillet is dishwasher safe before putting it in the dishwasher. Some models are dishwasher safe, while others are not. So, check your manual to find out if your electric skillet is dishwasher safe. Always follow the guidelines from the manufacturer to prevent damages. When cleaning your electric skillet in a dishwasher, follow these tips.

Conclusion

If you use your electric skillet often, you need to clean it regularly to enjoy better performance and give it a nice look. Since electric skillets have nonstick surfaces, it is good to use a soft sponge when cleaning, and non-metal utensils protect the nonstick surface from damages and scratches. Most importantly, always ensure no water finds its way to the electrical components. With the above tips, I’m confident you have the right steps that will help you maintain your electric skillet clean.

References: Appliance Analysts, Do It Yourself