How to Properly Store Your Griddle

Offseason Griddle Storage: How to Keep Your Daytona 4-Burner Cooking & Looking Like New

True grilling enthusiasts know that the joy of a thoughtfully prepared meal is only half the story. The other half? Taking care of the equipment that makes it all possible. Understanding the ins and outs of proper griddle storage is the first step to many more happy seasons of outdoor cooking to come!

Just as seasoned chefs value their knives, a Nexgriller’s bond with their griddle is special. It’s not just about the recipes you’ve prepared but the people you’ve enjoyed them with. And when it comes to serving up those unforgettable moments, there’s no better choice than the versatile Daytona 4-Burner.

Take good care of your Daytona, and you’ll be rewarded with endless cookouts, where the air is filled with the irresistible aroma of delicious foods and the sound of loved ones laughing.

Recognize the Value of Proper Griddle Storage

Your Daytona 4-Burner Griddle is far more than just another cooking tool. It’s an investment in memorable meals shared with family and friends. However, to ensure this, you must prioritize the griddle’s maintenance. Remember: finding the right storage space does more than preserve its appearance. It keeps your griddle operating at peak performance for longer.

When following the correct storage procedures, you:

• Prevent Rust – Moisture is your griddle’s worst enemy! Even a small amount can lead to rust, which can compromise the integrity and appearance of your griddle. This is partly why griddle cleaning is so important.
• Maintain Your Griddle’s Appearance – Good storage will ensure that your Daytona remains the shining centerpiece of your outdoor cooking area.
• Extend the Griddle’s Lifespan – With the right care, your griddle can serve delicious dishes for decades.

Griddle Cleaning & Maintenance Before Storage

A thorough cleaning is crucial before you even consider griddle storage. Leftover food residue can attract pests, cause mold, and even erode your griddle’s surface over time. Here’s what you want to do:

• Clear the Surface – We recommend you clean your griddle after every use. However, it’s especially vital before storing it away for longer periods. Gently scrape any excess food residue from your griddle’s surface using a spatula.
• Remove Stubborn Grime – To deal with tougher residue, pour hot water onto the griddle and let it loosen the debris before scraping it off with a spatula. Alternatively, use a ¼ cup of table salt as an abrasive.
• Wipe Down and Dry Up – Whichever grime-busting method you resort to, wipe off the loosened residue and dry the surface with a clean towel to stop rust or mold from forming while stored away.
• Reseason – Turn the griddle on and liberally coat its surface in your preferred cooking oil (olive, vegetable, flax seed – any will do), spreading it all over with a paper towel. Then, turn your griddle off, let it cool, and now it’s ready for storage!

The Burners

Another must when griddle cleaning is taking care of your Daytona’s four burners:

1. Turn off the gas supply, and make sure all the knobs are in the “OFF” position.
2. Wait for the griddle to cool down completely, if necessary.
3. Clean the burner exteriors with a wire brush, using a metal scraper for stubborn stains.
4. Clear clogged ports with a straightened paper clip. Don’t use a toothpick since it may break and clog a port.
5. If you discover an obstruction blocking a burner’s gas flow, please contact our customer service at 1-800-913-8999.

The Grease Tray

Finally, when griddle cleaning, take care of your Daytona 4-Burner’s grease tray. Again, you ideally want to empty the tray after every use by washing it with warm water and a mild detergent. When in use, you can place some sand at the bottom of the tray to absorb excess grease. However, you should also empty this before storing the griddle away.

Choose the Right Location for Griddle Storage

Where you store your Daytona 4-Burner can make a significant difference in the griddle’s longevity. Here are some factors to consider:

• Moisture – Avoid areas with high humidity, where water might pool or rain could get in.
• Temperature – While the Daytona is built to withstand various temperatures, storing it in a place that doesn’t experience extreme temperature fluctuations is best. Extreme temperatures can warp, crack, or otherwise compromise the griddle’s integrity.
• The Elements – If possible, store your griddle indoors, like in a shed or garage. It’s particularly vital during adverse weather conditions.

Also, never use your griddle as a storage shelf for other items, as this, too, can damage its surface.

Get a Griddle Cover for Added Protection

We recommend investing in a Daytona 68-inch griddle cover, made to fit your 4-burner like a glove. Its heavy-duty construction, complete with water-resistant coating, will help keep your griddle in top shape – whether stored inside or out.

If you lack indoor storage space, a griddle cover is paramount. As soon as the exterior cover becomes dusty or dirty, take the time to clean it up. This will prevent the cover from getting damaged and harming the valuable contents.

Seasonal Griddle Storage

The changing seasons present different griddle storage challenges depending on where you live. This can ultimately influence where and how you store your Daytona 4-Burner.

• Spring and Summer – Ensure your griddle is clean after each use. And don’t neglect to use a cover between cookouts for protection from unexpected rain showers!
• Fall – As leaves begin to fall, ensure they don’t accumulate in, on, or around your griddle. It can attract pests like rodents, snakes, and insects, making a griddle cover essential.
• Winter – Since you likely won’t use your griddle during the colder months, consider storing it indoors. Again, if that’s impossible, ensure it’s properly covered and check periodically for snow or ice accumulation that can seep through.

Your Daytona 4-Burner Gas Griddle is designed to provide years of culinary delight. With proper cleaning, storage, and a little elbow grease, you can ensure it remains in excellent shape – season after season. For more tips and tricks, explore Nexgrill.com and keep the flame of passion for grilling going.

Let’s Be Friends!

Join our online community! If you haven’t already, give us a follow on social media and share your griddle masterpieces using #EveryonesInvited. We’re here to provide the latest grilling insights, mouth-watering recipes, and more.