How to Clean George Foreman Grill

“How to clean George Foreman grill” is a popular search term.

George Foreman grills are amazing to use, yet clean-up is specific. Looking for a full guide on cleaning non-scratch indoor grills? Check out the post.

Besides its durability, the Foreman grill has impressive features. The George Foreman grill has slopes and drains that isolate the fat grease which makes your grilled food healthier when cooking. It also features a dual surface griddle.

The advanced and premium Foreman grills have detachable grill plates and drip trays which makes them easier to clean than basic grills. 

Although the grill is made tough, you can face challenges when cleaning it.

• Scrubbing your Foreman grill will damage the non-stick coating
• Soaking it in warm soapy water will not damage the removable grill plates
• You can’t put the whole device in your sink and wash it under running water because water can damage some heating elements and break your grill
• The drip tray will be full of grease and food residue, and needs to be cleaned once you’re done cooking

The premium Foreman grill products are easier to clean as you can remove the plates and soak them in water (mild soapy water is often best).

However, you still need to know the proper way to clean each of the three different types of Foreman grills. 

How to Clean George Foreman Grill and Other Grills with Non-Removable Plates

The common feature that all Foreman grills share is the sloping design that reduces fat by 47%.

Aside from that, basic George Foreman grills are very similar to most basic grills. 

The best and easiest way to clean basic electric grills is by using a non-scratch electric grill cleaning brush.

Avoid using a steel scourer or the typical BBQ wire brushes. These tools will damage your Foreman grill.

Instead, follow these cleaning steps for basic grills.

Quick Grill Cleaning Tips for People in a Hurry

Electrocution warning: Make sure to always unplug your electric grill before cleaning it to avoid any electrocution risk. Turning it off is not enough.

Step 1: Mix a gentle soap with some water and spray it on the grill
Step 2: Close the grill
Step 3: Turn the grill on and let it warm up a few minutes then open it
Step 4: Using a grill brush, sponge, or paper towel, wipe the grease and gunk
Step 5: Rinse with clean water then wipe with a paper towel to dry

Longer but thorough way to clean

Step 1: Again, unplug your grill and let it cool down
Step 2: Use the quick wet and wipe technique explained above
Step 3: Scrape the cooking grates with a grill-cleaning brush

– Use mild cleaning soap to remove the grease

Step 4: Using a damp cloth or damp paper towel, wipe off residue
Step 5: Rinse under running water
Step 6: Dry every part with a dishcloth or paper towel

How to Clean George Foreman Grill Drip Tray

George Foreman Grills have removable drip trays that catch the greasy fat. The tray can turn into a nasty mess if you don’t make a habit of cleaning it after use.

Note: The drip tray is dishwasher safe. You can also hand wash it using a mild soap or mild dish soap. Make sure to use either a grill brush, a sponge, or an all-purpose dishcloth.

Here’s the easiest way to clean your Foreman drip tray.

Step 1: Detach the drip tray from your George Foreman grill
Step 2: Use warm soapy water for the dishwasher
Step 3: Put the tray on the top rack 
Step 4: No adjustments or max load needed 
Step 5: Take it out of the dishwasher after it’s done
Step 6: Dry it before putting it back into your Foreman grill

Click here for the ultimate electric grill cleaning guide.

The guide linked above will show you how to clean electric indoor grills of all types and even some alternative cleaning methods.

How to Clean George Foreman Grills with Removable Plates

Step 1: Start by turning the grill off
Step 2: Next, unplug the grill from the power outlet
Step 3: Wait for five to ten minutes for it to cool down
Step 4: Remove the grills one by one. Use kitchen mitts if it’s too warm

Scratch warning: Put a dry cloth or paper towel on your kitchen counter to prevent the grill from scratching it while cleaning.

Step 5: Put the grill plates under running water for a few minutes
Step 6: In case of heavy food residue, soak the plates in warm soapy water 
Step 7: Use The Crown Choice non-scratch electric grill brush to give the grills a thorough scrub

– the grill cleaning brush will help you reach tough spots like the sides where fat can linger
– soak the plates for five to ten minutes in warm soapy water if food left-overs have hardened

Step 8: Rinse the grill under running water to get rid of soap residue
Step 9: Wipe it dry with a dishcloth or paper towel
Step 10: Only put the grill plates back in the Foreman when it’s completely dry. The grill has some electric wiring inside.

How to Clean Electric Grills With Removable Plates Using a Dishwasher

The easiest way to clean your electric grill’s plates is by using your dishwasher. You don’t have to change any settings or add cleaning soap.

Some harsh soap can damage the surface over time. Check your manual to verify whether it is safe or not.

Step 1: Unplug and let it cool down 
Step 2: Put the grill plates under low load to optimize cleaning
Step 3: Put the plates at the bottom rack
Step 4: Put the dishwasher on a regular cycle. No need to adjust settings
Step 5: Take it out of the dishwasher after washing is complete and dry

Note: That’s as easy as it gets, but there is one caveat. The dishwasher will only clean it properly if there are no persistent sticky gunk or rough ridges.

To be sure you don’t have microscopic, rotting meat on your grill plates, follow the next steps after taking it out of the dishwasher.

Step 6: Use a non-scratch cleaning brush specifically made for electric grill plates
Step 7: Brush the grill plates under running water
Step 8: Rinse thoroughly
Step 9: Air dry or wipe dry before attaching to your Foreman

Use The Crown Choice Indoor Electric Grill Brush 

The Crown Choice Non-Scratch Electric Grill Brush will take care of your George Foreman Grill. It’s gentle on the non-stick coating but tough on the greasy oil and burnt gunk.

The Crown Choice Grill Brush Pros & Cons

Pros:

• It’s non-scratch and has flexible bristles
• The grip is gentle and provides strong leverage 
• The head is detachable for different purposes
• You get a free replacement head
• It is made specifically for [George Foreman’s] indoor electric grills

Cons:

• You can’t use it for outdoor grills
• The bristles will melt on hot BBQ surfaces  

The Crown Choice electric grill brush will make cleaning easier because it’s designed for this specific device. If you have a non-stick indoor grill, Panini Press, or waffle machine, get The Crown Choice grill brush to enjoy cooking without worrying about the cleanup part.