Jul · Charbroiler every weekend
How do I clean a Wolf charbroiler?
The cleaning starts before you turn it off. Wolf's routine is to leave the charbroiler running for ten minutes once the cooking is done, so the high heat burns the worst of it away, then lift the cooled grate into the sink and soak it under wet towels. If it stops lighting instead, that is a call to Wolf Repair Denver on (720) 575-1433.
Two things about a charbroiler surprise people who have only ever used the burners. It cooks food straight on the grate — no pan, ever, which is why the grate takes the punishment it does. And the burner under the tiles is infrared, so there is no low setting to fall back on: the knob has Off and it has Hi, and the ten-minute preheat is how you get an even bed of heat rather than turning it down.
One more, because it costs people a grate: the stainless cover that sits over the module when it is not in use comes off before you light it, not after.
How to do it
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Give it ten more minutes before you turn it off
That is Wolf's instruction and it does most of the work: the burner at full heat burns off the food particles left on the grate, so there is far less to scrub later. Then Off, ventilation still running, and leave it alone until it is cool.
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Lift the grate out with both hands
It is heavier than it looks and it goes straight into the sink. Wolf notes it will survive a dishwasher, but its size and weight make that a poor idea in most kitchens, and a full rack is a good way to chip something.
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Wet towels, then hot water over the top
Lay soaked dish towels across the grate and pour hot water over them. A soak loosens burnt-on residue far better than scrubbing at it dry, and it is kinder to the finish.
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Soap, a scouring pad, rinse and dry
Whatever the soak has not shifted comes off now. Rinse the grate properly and dry it before it goes back, because the one thing that shortens a grate is being put away wet.
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Rebuild it in Wolf's order, and mind the igniter
Frame first, then the blank-off plate centred on the ceramic tiles, then the grate on top. Wolf asks for that plate to be fitted for even cooking, and warns you to keep clear of the igniter while the pieces are going back.
Past that point it is a tool-and-meter job. Call Wolf Repair Denver on (720) 575-1433 and we will bring the parts that fault usually needs.
Asked about this one
Can the charbroiler grate go in the dishwasher?
Wolf says it is dishwasher safe, then adds that its size and weight might not make it ideal, which is a polite way of saying it will fill the machine and batter the racks. The sink method in the steps above is quicker and gentler on both.
What is the flat plate that came with the range?
The blank-off plate. It lies centred on the ceramic tiles under the grate, and Wolf fits it for even cooking across the whole charbroiler. A surprising number of them are still in a drawer, which is worth checking if one end always cooks harder. Ask Wolf Repair Denver to look while we are there.
