There is nothing like a fresh, warm panini right off the press. At my house, we actually use a George Foreman indoor grill, like this one, to make paninis. Whether you have a real panini press or wing it like we do, these tools can be hard to keep clean…especially if the plates aren’t removable. Here’s how to keep yours clean and ready for action when a craving hits.
1. Don’t Skip it
You may be tempted to simply put away your panini press if it “looks clean” after using it. But the best thing you can do is clean it after each use, even if it doesn’t appear to need it. This is the only way to avoid grimy, germ-filled build-up. Once it cools off, at the very least wipe it down with a paper towel. If you’ve sprayed it with non-stick spray before using, this shouldn’t be too difficult.
2. Use Hot Water
Simple hot water (along with a rag or sponge) could be your best friend when it comes to cleaning your press or indoor grill. But whatever you do, be sure to check your manual for cleaning instructions — even if your plates come off for cleaning. Unplug it, and you can wipe it down with a sponge while it’s still hot. Just be careful about letting your hand touch the hot areas. A little soap won’t hurt if you need it, just don’t immerse your machine while rinsing (again, check your manual).
3. Careful What You Use
It might be tempting to use a scouring pad, chemical cleaner, or even a knife to scrape off your panini press. But don’t! You are likely to scratch or otherwise damage your grill plates…and that can result in a sticky mess next time. A simple, scratch-free sponge or gentle brush with plastic bristles should be enough.
4. The Chopstick Trick
If you can’t seem to remove stubborn stuck-on food, wrap the square end of a chopstick or end of a wooden spoon in a couple layers of a damp dishcloth and go to work. You’ll be able to scrape without scratching.
Leave a Reply