Domakihub How to Clean a Raclette Grill the Right Way
Keep your raclette in top shape after every fondue night with these simple steps.
Reviewed by Domakihub cleaning pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A raclette grill is a weekend favourite in Greek holiday rentals, mountain villas, and hotels that want to offer guests a social table experience. After the melted cheese and grilled vegetables, though, you are left with baked-on residue in the coupelles, a greasy stone or non-stick top plate, and a heating element that needs protecting. The video above gives you a quick visual walkthrough; the steps below cover everything in detail so your grill is ready for the next gathering.
Why Proper Cleaning Matters for Your Grill
Raclette grills combine two cooking surfaces — the upper grill plate and the individual cheese trays (coupelles) underneath. Cheese burns at a low temperature and its fat can polymerise into a stubborn residue if left to cool completely in the trays. Regular, correct cleaning extends the life of both the non-stick coating and the stone plate, and it prevents off-flavours the next time you cook.
For rental properties and hospitality businesses in Greece, a well-maintained raclette is also a hygiene and liability matter. Guests expect equipment to be spotless, and a damaged non-stick surface that flakes into food is a real risk if the trays are scrubbed with abrasive pads.
Know Your Grill Before You Start
Most raclette grills sold in Greece fall into two types: those with a reversible aluminium non-stick top plate and those with a natural granite or basalt stone top. Non-stick plates can be soaked and hand-washed; stone tops must never be submerged or exposed to sudden cold water, which can cause them to crack. Check your manual before you begin.
The small coupelles (cheese trays) are almost always aluminium with a non-stick coating, and they are the part that needs the most attention. Never put them in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it — the harsh detergent strips the coating.
5 Steps to a Spotless Raclette Grill
- 1
Let everything cool to a safe temperature
Never clean any part of the grill while it is still hot. Switch it off, unplug it, and allow the stone or plate and all coupelles to cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes. Placing a hot stone top under cold water is the single most common cause of cracking. If you are in a holiday rental where guests leave quickly, set the grill aside and clean it before the next check-in rather than rushing.
- 2
Remove loose cheese and food debris
Once cool, use the wooden or plastic scraper that came with your grill (never metal) to push solidified cheese out of the coupelles. Tilt each tray over a bin or a piece of kitchen paper. On the top grill plate or stone, use the same scraper to loosen grilled-on bits. At this stage you are just removing the bulk of the debris, not scrubbing.
- 3
Soak and wash the coupelles
Fill a basin or sink with warm water and a small amount of washing-up liquid and submerge all the coupelles for 5 to 10 minutes. This softens any remaining cheese without the need for abrasive scrubbing. Wash each tray with a soft cloth or the non-scratch side of a sponge, rinse thoroughly, and stand them upright on a drying rack. Avoid stacking them wet.
- 4
Clean the grill plate or stone top
For a non-stick plate, wipe it down with a damp cloth and a drop of washing-up liquid, then rinse with a clean damp cloth. Do not submerge it if it is attached to the heating unit. For a granite or basalt stone top, wipe with a cloth wrung out in warm (not hot) water and a small amount of mild detergent. Never pour water directly onto it, and dry it immediately with a clean towel to prevent mineral streaking common with Greek hard water.
- 5
Dry completely before storing
Moisture trapped between stacked coupelles or under the grill plate encourages mildew and corrodes the aluminium over time — a particular concern in humid coastal properties and island rentals in Greece. Ensure every component is fully dry before reassembling or storing. A brief wipe with a dry microfibre cloth on the stone or plate also helps maintain its surface. Store the grill in a dust bag or its original box to protect the non-stick coating until next use.
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FAQ
- Can I put raclette coupelles in the dishwasher?
- Most manufacturers advise against it. Dishwasher detergents and high heat degrade the non-stick coating quickly, making the trays harder to clean over time and potentially unsafe if the coating flakes. Hand-washing in warm soapy water for a few minutes is faster and keeps the coating intact for years.
- How do I remove burnt cheese that is stuck hard in the coupelles?
- Fill the affected tray with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid and leave it to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. For very stubborn spots, add a small pinch of baking soda to the water — it gently breaks down burnt proteins without scratching the surface. Never use steel wool or metal scouring pads on any part of the grill.
- My raclette has a stone top and it now has a dark stain. How do I remove it?
- Dark patches on a granite or basalt top are usually carbonised fat that has been absorbed into the porous stone. Rub the area gently with a halved lemon and a little coarse salt, leave for two minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. The mild acid lifts fat stains without damaging the stone. Avoid bleach and strong chemical cleaners, which can weaken the stone surface over time.