Using a griddle can be intimidating if you have never used one before.  Here are some tips from Viking Range for griddle use and cleaning!

Before use                               Grilling Bacon                        After cooking                       After cleaning

First time use: Scrub griddle with mixture of one quart warm water and 1/4 cup white vinegar, using
blue Scotch-Brite pad. Dry thoroughly. Wash griddle with warm, soapy water. Rinse off and dry thoroughly. Season griddle by thinly coating the surface with approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon unsalted
vegetable oil. Apply to entire griddle using a paper towel or clean cloth. Let oil sit on griddle for
about one hour and then wipe down with a clean cloth to soak up any residual oil. The griddle is now
ready to be used.

* It is not necessary to wash your griddle after every use. When light cooking is performed, simply
wipe down the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel. The oils in the food in which was
cooked on the surface will naturally season the griddle.

* After heavy cooking is done and the griddle is still warm, you can pour some room temperature
club soda directly on the griddle. Using a metal spatula, pull oils and excess food towards the
grease trough. Wipe entire surface with a paper towel. Follow up with the seasoning process.

* Keeping your griddle well seasoned will prevent your griddle from surface rust. If your griddle is
not used for a period of time, it must be re-seasoned. Every time your griddle is washed, it must
be re-seasoned.

* It is normal for the griddle to darken over time, possibly unevenly.

* Non-stick cooking sprays are not recommended, considering their high water content they have a tendency to burn on.

* Corn oil is not recommended due to their high sugar level. It will caramelize and burn on the surface making it very difficult to remove.

* After using the griddle, always remove the grease trough located in the front. Simply pull the trough towards you and lift out. The trough or tray trap needs to be cleaned after each use. Wash the trough in hot soapy water. If grease is permitted to accumulate, a fire hazzard could occur.

IMPORTANT: Never flood a hot griddle with cold water. This promotes griddle warping and can cause the griddle to crack if continued over a period of time.