After spending your summer cooking outdoors on your griddle, it may be time to store it away for the winter season. Winter temperatures can put your griddle under a lot of strain and cause it to deteriorate if it is not stored correctly.
That's why ENO is giving you all its tips on how to store your griddle properly so that it's ready to use again when the warm weather returns!
How to prepare your griddle grill before storage?
Before storing your griddle, it is essential to check that it is clean! A poorly cleaned plate can pose several risks, both to the appliance itself and to food safety:
- Risk of corrosion and rust: food residues combined with moisture promote oxidation of the enameled cast iron.
- Development of mold and bacteria: these same residues can become rancid and moldy during the winter, which can leave a persistent bad smell on your griddle and mold that will be difficult to remove.
- Attracting pests: leaving residues on your plate will attract small insects or other animals that can dirty the cooking surface. This is especially true if you store your appliance in a garage or garden shed.
It is therefore a good idea to thoroughly clean your griddle (burners, grease tray, plate, frame) before storing it!
HOw to protect your griddle?
After cleaning your appliance thoroughly, you need to cover it properly! Covering your plancha incorrectly can cause almost as much damage as cleaning it incorrectly: moisture, pests, or dust can get in, causing premature deterioration of the plate and frame.
To cover your griddle properly before storing it, use:
- A griddle protective lid: this will protect your cooking plate from moisture and cold thanks to its powder-coated galvanized steel coating, which will effectively protect your plate from the risk of corrosion caused by moisture.
- A griddle soft cover: to provide an extra layer of protection for your plate and to protect its frame.
ENO griddle covers are made from rot-proof, waterproof PVC fabric that will withstand water and stagnant moisture over time.
Where should you store your griddle grill for the winter?
You have cleaned your griddle, covered it with its protective lid and soft cover. All that remains is to store it. Here too, choosing the right location is crucial to preserving your appliance. Follow this basic principle: a dry place, on a waterproof and moisture-resistant surface.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of places where you can store your griddle:
- A garage
- An outdoor shed
- In the basement
Always make sure that the location is well ventilated.
Note: if you use a propane gas cylinder, it must be stored outside and not in a closed shelter.
The final checklist!
Here are the key points to check to ensure your griddle is stored correctly:
- Clean the griddle thoroughly—from the plate to the grease tray!
- Protect the griddle
- Place a protective lid over the plate
- Place a soft cover over the entire griddle
- Store the griddle in a dry, well-ventilated place on a waterproof, moisture-resistant surface
