Grill pans bring the texture and flavor of the barbecue indoors so you can enjoy them all year long. Keeping your grill pan clean and well-seasoned will extend its life and improve its ability to prevent food from sticking.
If food gets stuck in the grooves of your grill pan, use a non-abrasive nylon brush or scrubbing pad to dislodge it as you clean.
Enameled grill pans like those from La Creuset are made from cast iron covered in a non-stick coating. They are dishwasher-safe.
Allow the pan to cool before you start to clean it. If the pan has stuck-on food, allow it to soak in hot water with a few drops of dish detergent for 15 to 20 minutes, and then scrape with a nylon or other nonabrasive brush or scouring pad.
Be sure the pan is completely dry before storing it.
Cast iron grill pans can last lifetimes -- up to 100 years or more -- if kept clean and well-seasoned.
Hand wash your cast iron grill pan with hot water and a nylon scrub brush. Soap isn't necessary, as the temperatures used to cook destroy any bacteria that might be present on the pan. Cast iron reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit within a few minutes at medium heat -- well above the 212 degrees F needed to sterilize.
Dry the pan completely, and then season it by rubbing a very small amount of vegetable oil onto the surface.
If you prefer to use soap, choose a mild dish detergent, and be sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.
Do not use too much oil when seasoning cast iron. The surface should not be sticky.
Nonstick grill pans are typically made from aluminum or stainless steel, making them lighter and less expensive than cast iron versions. Their nonstick coating helps prevent food from sticking, but occasionally you will find that grease builds up on your grill pan.
To clean it, fill the pan halfway with water and add 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil until the grease dislodges from the pan and floats to the top. Skim off the grease with a spoon, and then pour out the water and vinegar mixture. Wash and dry the pan as usual.