Char-Griller Flat Iron 8036, Owner'S Manual

Page: 26 / 116

C-6
Follow these simple cleaning and seasoning steps for optimal performance and long life of your Char-
Griller Griddle. The griddle surface should be cleaned and seasoned regularly, preferably before and
after each use. This regular maintenance will improve your cooking experience as well as help extend
the longevity of your griddle. We strongly recommend that the unit be covered when left outside for any
length of time, especially during the winter months.
Char-Griller products are packaged with a thin coating of vegetable oil to protect against rust and
damage during shipping. This coat may leave some discoloration on your griddle. This is normal and will
even out during the seasoning process.
What is Seasoning?
Seasoning is the process of treating a metal cooking surface with a non-stick coating formed from
bonding fat or oil to the surface with high heat. This step is essential to prepare raw steel or cast-iron
cookware for use. There are two main reasons for seasoning:
• To coat the cookware to prevent rust
• To create a natural, permanent non-stick cooking surface
Seasoning is an easy, but very important step when using and maintaining your Char-Griller Griddle.
Your griddle can and should be seasoned repeatedly to constantly restore the cooking surface and to
continuously improve its cooking performance over time.
Remember: Seasoning is an ongoing process that takes time and repeated use before a griddle or pan
develops a shiny, black surface like your grandmother’s cast iron cookware. The more often you cook
on and season your griddle, the more non-stick the surface will become.
Seasoning Instructions
1. Ensure griddle surface is clean and completely dry.
2. Light the gas burners and allow the surface of the griddle to heat up (MED-HI).
3. After griddle has heated up, carefully apply a generous, even coating of food-grade cooking oil
(vegetable, olive, flaxseed, etc.) to the griddle surface.
4. Use a paper towel and tongs to spread the oil evenly across and thinly coat the entire cooking
surface of the griddle.
5. When coated surface begins to lightly smoke, turn off the burners and allow griddle to cool down
naturally.
6. Your griddle is now ready for use!
For optimal results, season the griddle surface after each use for the first 10 to 12 uses.
GRIDDLE CARE & SEASONING