There’s nothing more annoying – or mortifying – than having friends over for some beef burgers on a nice Saturday afternoon only to discover your grill plate is coated with rust.
So, how can we keep an outdoor griddle from rusted?
When using an outdoor grill, add a thin layer of natural oil to the surface to prevent it from absorbing moisture.
After that, cover the entire grill with a durable canvas cover to protect it from the elements. To keep an outdoor griddle safe, store it in the garage or shed.
It may appear to be simple until you consider that not all outdoor grills are made from the same material.
In production, most manufacturers utilize cast iron, but there are alternative choices available – and therefore different prevention measures to take.
How Can I Prevent My Outdoor Griddle From Rusting?
Although rust is not particularly harmful to one’s health, it will not give you tetanus.
However, I doubt that anyone would want to eat a rust-spiced burger in any case, and because we dislike the unique spice blend, we desire to keep our grills clean.
Do All Griddles Rust Outside?
Cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain-coated steel are all options for outdoor grills. Each material corrodes at a different rate and would require distinct care procedures as a result.
You must determine the type of steel your grill is made of and implement the appropriate preventive measures for that material.
Iron is a type of cast iron.
Cast iron is a popular choice for outdoor usage due of its longevity and heat retention qualities, despite the fact that it is prone to rust. With regular maintenance, cast iron will last you a lifetime.
The disadvantage of using a cast iron griddle is that it needs more maintenance. Because cast iron is a porous material, it absorbs moisture, making it vulnerable to rust.
Before using cast iron cookware or grills, they must be seasoned. Seasoning ensures a clean and uniform cooking surface as well as rust prevention. If the cast iron is pre-seasoned, you don’t have to repeat the process.
How to Clean and Maintain Cast Iron Pans
A non-metal scrub brush or scrubber is required for corroded cast iron grills. Wash it down with warm water and mild soap, but do not soak it; remember, cast iron is porous.
Make sure the steel is completely dry before you re-season your plate or grate.
Avoid using vegetable oil as a barrier if you’re packing the grill away for the winter. Vegetable oil may form a sticky film as it dries, which you don’t want to occur. Barrier sprays are available in this regard.
When you use your grill every other weekend during the summer, oil can be used to avoid rusting because the heat will evaporate the oil and not leave a sticky residue.
Never use hydrocarbons to oil your barbecue; always use natural (vegetable or cooking) oils.
Newspapers or paper towels are useful for absorbing moisture. Wrap the grate or plate in newspaper to further protect it after cleaning and oiling your grill.
Steel with a porcelain finish
The porcelain version of the cooktop comes with an enamel finish. It’s important to keep in mind that porcelain is a brittle material, which means it may chip or fracture if struck.
If you don’t protect it from the elements, moisture will most certainly cause rust on the bare steel once it chips or cracks.
Keep in mind that the quality of the porcelain-coated steel, as well as how long it lasts, is determined by how well it’s treated. Even with a regular maintenance plan, less expensive products will degrade rapidly.
How to Clean and Maintain Porcelain Coated Steel Pipes
The upkeep and cleaning of porcelain steel are both simple. To keep it looking good for a long time, you must clean it. On the surface, avoid utilizing hard metal instruments since this may cause harm to the coating.
Avoid immersing the griddle in water; you may not be aware of a chip or crack, which might cause rust to develop beneath the paint.
Wash the surface with warm soapy water using a cloth or soft sponge; make sure it’s completely dry before putting it away. There is no need to oil the plates or grates.
Metal -> Stainless Steel
If you’re considering replacing your grill, stainless steel is a great investment to make.
Stainless steel’s alloying components improve heat conductivity and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for any barbecue (both inside and outside).
The cleaning process is a cinch since the machine-like surface profile (smooth and nonporous) makes it simple.
Stainless steel, like porous materials like cast iron, does not absorb any meat juices, bastings, or fat drippings when compared to them.
Cleaning and maintaining stainless steel is straightforward.
To clean your stainless steel griddle, wait until it has cooled down and then use a damp cloth to wipe it dry.
Abrasive scrubbers like steel wool or metal brushes should be avoided; you want to maintain the smoothness of your stainless steel.
On stainless steel, you may use mild degreasers (low alkaline content), but a thorough soak in warm water and dishwashing liquid should soften any stubborn residue enough to clean it with a cloth or soft sponge.
When you’re done grilling, it’s best not to leave a layer of oil on the grill plate or grate.
However, if you apply a thin layer of natural (vegetable) oil to the surface and wait months before using it again, the oil will harden into a sticky coating that would be difficult to remove.
How to Maintain an Outdoor Griddle Using Care Points
- Create a maintenance schedule for your outside grill to avoid rust formation. Do not wait for the corrosion to occur; as with most things, prevention is preferable to cure.
- If you live near the ocean, regardless of the material used for your grill, you’ll need to clean it at least once a week to remove any salt residue.
- If you live in an area where the griddle is not used regularly, weekly cleaning isn’t necessary. However, this depends on whether or not the griddle is kept in storage during the winter months.
- If the griddle is exposed to the elements but under a durable cover, clean it at least once every two weeks.
- If the grill is kept in a garage or shed with the lid closed, cleaning once a month should be sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions about Preventing Outdoor Griddle Rust
Why is my outdoor griddle rusting?
Outdoor griddles are made of metal that is prone to rusting when exposed to moisture and air. The rust can be accelerated by exposure to salt, acidic foods, and harsh weather conditions.
How can I prevent my outdoor griddle from rusting?
To prevent rust, it’s important to keep your outdoor griddle clean and dry. You can also apply a protective coating of oil or seasoning to the griddle surface after each use.
What kind of oil should I use to protect my outdoor griddle from rust?
Any food-grade oil can be used to protect your outdoor griddle from rust. Some popular options include vegetable oil, canola oil, and flaxseed oil.
How often should I apply oil to my outdoor griddle?
It’s recommended to apply oil to your outdoor griddle after each use to prevent rust. If you live in a humid or coastal area, you may need to apply oil more frequently.
Can I use a cover to protect my outdoor griddle from rust?
Yes, using a cover can help protect your outdoor griddle from rust by keeping moisture and air away from the metal surface.
What should I do if my outdoor griddle has already rusted?
If your outdoor griddle has already rusted, you can remove the rust with a wire brush or sandpaper and then apply a protective coating of oil or seasoning to prevent future rust.
Is it safe to use a rusted outdoor griddle?
It’s not recommended to use a rusted outdoor griddle as the rust can contaminate your food and potentially cause health issues.
Can I store my outdoor griddle outside during the winter months?
It’s best to store your outdoor griddle in a dry and covered area during the winter months to prevent rust and other damage.
What should I do if my outdoor griddle is exposed to saltwater?
If your outdoor griddle is exposed to saltwater, it’s important to clean and dry the griddle thoroughly and apply a protective coating of oil or seasoning to prevent rust.
Are there any rust-resistant outdoor griddles available on the market?
Yes, there are rust-resistant outdoor griddles available on the market that are made of materials like stainless steel or aluminum. These griddles are more expensive but can be a good investment in the long run.
Conclusion
If you own a cast iron griddle, the best way to prevent rust is to keep it dry as much as possible; this means using at least two of the three techniques to avoid rust.
If you don’t have a shed, make sure you use a barrier layer and a cover.
If you want a rust-resistant outdoor grill, stainless steel or porcelain-coated steel are your best choices because you won’t need to add an oil layer.
You should, however, keep it clean and store it in the garage or shed. Alternatively, you may simply cover your grill unit with a tough canopy.