Regular cleaning helps an indoor grill cook more consistently, reduces grease buildup and odors, and can lower the chance of excess smoke during future cooking. The exact cleaning method depends on the grill design, so always check the manufacturer’s care instructions for your model.
This guide covers a practical routine for electric indoor grills, including removable grill plates, grease trays, splatter shields, lids, and exterior surfaces.
Before You Start
- Turn the indoor grill off.
- Unplug it from the electrical outlet.
- Allow all cooking surfaces to cool.
- Remove food and loose debris.
- Check which parts are removable and dishwasher safe.
What You May Need
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge or nonabrasive cloth
- Soft nylon brush
- Microfiber cloth
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towels
- Manufacturer-approved grill scraper, if supplied
Avoid steel wool, harsh abrasive pads, oven cleaner, or strong chemical degreasers unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically allow them.
Step 1: Remove the Grill Plates
If your grill has removable cooking plates, take them out after the unit has cooled. Removing the plates makes it much easier to reach grease channels, edges, and food residue.
Some grills use separate grill and griddle plates, while contact grills may have upper and lower removable plates.
Step 2: Remove the Grease Tray
Carefully remove the drip or grease tray and discard collected grease after it has cooled. Do not pour hot grease into a sink.
Wash the tray with warm soapy water if the manufacturer allows hand washing, or place it in the dishwasher only if it is identified as dishwasher safe.
Step 3: Wash Removable Grill Plates
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge to remove grease and food residue from removable plates.
Pay attention to grooves and grease channels because residue can remain trapped between raised grill ridges.
Nonstick Grill Plates
Avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers on nonstick surfaces. Scratching the coating can reduce performance and shorten the useful life of the plate.
Dishwasher-Safe Plates
Some manufacturers allow grill plates in the dishwasher. Do not assume this applies to every model. Check the manual first.
Step 4: Clean Fixed Grill Plates
If the grill plates are not removable, wait until they are cool and wipe them with a damp nonabrasive cloth or sponge.
Use as little water as necessary so liquid does not enter electrical components.
Step 5: Clean the Splatter Shield or Mesh Lid
Some smokeless indoor grills use a perforated lid, mesh splatter shield, or removable smoke-control component above the cooking surface.
Grease can accumulate on these parts and create smoke during later cooking. Remove and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Wipe the Interior
With removable components taken out, wipe accessible interior surfaces with a damp cloth.
Remove crumbs, grease droplets, and residue without forcing water into fans, heating elements, sensors, or electrical openings.
Step 7: Wipe the Exterior
Use a damp microfiber cloth on the outside of the grill. Dry the surface afterward.
Pay attention to handles and control areas, where grease from hands can build up over time.
How to Remove Stubborn Grease
For stubborn grease on washable removable parts, soak the part in warm soapy water if the manufacturer allows soaking.
Give the detergent time to loosen residue before scrubbing gently with a nonabrasive sponge or soft nylon brush.
Avoid scraping aggressively with knives or metal tools.
How to Clean Burnt-On Food
Burnt food is easier to remove after the grill has cooled and the removable plate has soaked in warm soapy water.
Use a manufacturer-approved scraper or soft brush to loosen the residue. Do not use tools that can damage the cooking surface.
How to Reduce Indoor Grill Odors
Persistent odors usually come from grease, old food residue, or dirty drip trays and splatter shields.
- Clean cooking plates after greasy meals.
- Empty the grease tray regularly.
- Wash lids and splatter-control parts.
- Remove food debris from the interior.
- Allow washable parts to dry fully before storage.
Why a Dirty Indoor Grill Can Smoke More
Old grease and food residue can heat up again during the next cooking session. This can increase visible smoke and unpleasant odors even when the grill is marketed as low-smoke or smokeless.
Regular cleaning is therefore part of the smoke-management system, not just a cosmetic task.
If minimizing smoke is especially important, see our Best Smokeless Indoor Grills guide.
How Often Should You Clean an Indoor Grill?
After Each Use
- Remove food debris.
- Empty the grease tray.
- Wipe or wash cooking plates.
- Wipe obvious grease splatter.
After Greasy Foods
Burgers, bacon, sausages, marinated meats, and other high-fat foods may require more thorough cleaning immediately after use.
Periodic Deep Cleaning
Clean accessible interior surfaces, splatter shields, lids, and other removable components according to how frequently you use the grill.
Can Indoor Grill Plates Go in the Dishwasher?
Some can and some cannot. Dishwasher safety depends on the plate material, nonstick coating, sensors, and manufacturer design.
Look for dishwasher instructions in the product manual instead of assuming that all removable plates are dishwasher safe.
Can You Use Oven Cleaner on an Indoor Grill?
Generally, you should not use oven cleaner unless the manufacturer explicitly approves it for that appliance.
Strong chemical cleaners can damage coatings, finishes, seals, and electrical components.
Can You Use Metal Scrubbers?
Avoid metal scrubbers on nonstick plates and coated surfaces. A soft nylon brush or nonabrasive sponge is safer for most removable indoor-grill plates.
Cleaning Contact Grills
Contact grills have an upper and lower cooking surface. Clean both plates and check the hinge area for grease or food residue.
If the plates are removable, remove them before wiping the hinge and housing. Do not allow water to enter the hinge mechanism or electrical components.
Cleaning Open Indoor Grills
Open grills usually have one large cooking plate and a separate drip tray. Pay special attention to grill grooves and grease channels.
Models with mesh or perforated lids may also need regular cleaning above the cooking surface.
Cleaning Indoor Grill and Air Fryer Combos
Multi-function machines can include grill grates, crisper baskets, cooking pots, splatter shields, and internal air-circulation areas.
Clean each removable component according to the manual and avoid inserting water or cleaning tools into fans or heating assemblies.
What Not to Do
- Do not immerse the electrical base in water.
- Do not clean the grill while it is hot.
- Do not pour cold water onto a hot cooking plate.
- Do not use metal tools on nonstick coatings.
- Do not allow grease to accumulate in the drip tray.
- Do not use harsh chemical cleaners without manufacturer approval.
- Do not reassemble wet components before they have dried.
When Cleaning Is Not Enough
Cleaning will not repair damaged nonstick coatings, cracked power cords, faulty temperature controls, broken heating elements, damaged fans, or electrical problems.
Stop using the grill if you notice exposed wiring, repeated electrical faults, damaged heating components, or other signs of unsafe operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to clean an indoor grill?
Let it cool, remove washable plates and the grease tray, wash those parts in warm soapy water, and wipe the electrical body with a damp cloth.
How do I clean grease from an indoor grill?
Remove cooled grease from the drip tray and use warm soapy water on washable removable parts. For stubborn grease, soak the removable part if the manufacturer allows it.
Why does my indoor grill smoke?
High-fat foods, excess oil, sugary marinades, very high temperatures, or grease buildup can all increase smoke.
Should I clean my indoor grill after every use?
At minimum, remove food residue and grease after each use. More thorough washing may be needed after fatty or heavily seasoned foods.
Can I put removable grill plates in the dishwasher?
Only if the manufacturer identifies them as dishwasher safe. Check the manual for your specific grill.
Final Thoughts
The most effective indoor-grill cleaning routine is simple: remove grease before it hardens, wash removable food-contact parts regularly, and keep water away from electrical components.
A clean grill is easier to maintain, produces fewer stale odors, and is less likely to smoke because of old grease and burnt residue.
If you are comparing different grill designs, see our Best Indoor Grills guide and our Indoor Grill vs Outdoor Grill comparison.