How can you prevent residue buildup on a contact grill fixed plate over time?

Preventing residue buildup on a contact grill's fixed plate is important to maintain the grill’s performance, ensure better cooking results, and extend its lifespan. 
Preheat the Grill and Apply Oil: Before using the grill, lightly coat the fixed plate with a small amount of oil or cooking spray. This helps create a barrier that prevents food from sticking and minimizes grease and food residue buildup.Use the Right Oil: Opt for oils with higher smoke points, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to avoid burning or creating a sticky layer that is hard to clean.Clean Immediately After Use: Cleaning the fixed plate immediately after use prevents food particles and grease from hardening, making them more difficult to remove later. Let the grill cool down slightly, but clean it while it’s still warm for easier removal of residue.
Wipe Down the Plate: Use a soft cloth or paper towels to wipe down the plates. For stubborn bits, use a plastic spatula to gently scrape them off. Avoid metal scrapers that could damage the surface.
Use Warm, Soapy Water: After every use, clean the plates with warm water and a mild dish soap. For fixed plates without a non-stick coating, use a gentle scrub brush or sponge to avoid scratching the surface.
Grill Brushes: Use a grill brush specifically designed for contact grills to clean the plates. The bristles will help dislodge food particles stuck in the grooves.Scrapers: For ridged or textured plates, a plastic scraper can be useful to remove any stuck-on food without damaging the surface.Heat While Cleaning: If your grill has a removable plate option, you can run the grill briefly at a low heat to soften the residue before scraping it off. For fixed plates, ensure the grill is slightly warm but not hot before you begin cleaning.
Grill Lean Meats: Foods that produce excessive grease, such as fatty meats or sausages, can create more residue buildup. Opt for lean cuts of meat and vegetables that release less grease, making cleanup easier.Use Parchment Paper or Grill Mats: Some grills come with parchment paper or grill mats that can be placed on the plates to collect grease and food residue. These accessories can be easily disposed of or washed, helping prevent buildup on the fixed plate.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: Occasionally, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the fixed plate. The natural abrasiveness of baking soda combined with the acidity of vinegar can help break down stubborn grease and food residue. Apply the mixture, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe clean.Commercial Grill Cleaner: For tougher residue or grease buildup, consider using a commercial grill cleaner. Ensure that the cleaner is appropriate for your specific grill’s material to avoid damage.
Collect Drips: If your contact grill has a drip tray to catch excess grease and juices, make sure it’s regularly emptied and cleaned. This will prevent grease from dripping back onto the fixed plates and causing buildup.
Store the Grill Properly: When not in use, store the contact grill in a way that avoids any moisture or food particles accumulating on the fixed plates. If possible, cover the grill to protect it from dust and debris.Don’t Overload the Grill: Cooking too much food at once can lead to uneven cooking and may cause food residue to spill over, sticking to the plate. It’s best to cook in batches, especially when grilling meats or foods with high moisture content.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: If your contact grill has non-stick plates, be careful not to use abrasive pads or harsh cleaning agents that can damage the coating. Stick to a soft cloth or sponge for cleaning.
Reapply Non-Stick Coating: If you notice that the non-stick coating is wearing off, some grills allow you to reapply a special non-stick spray or coating designed for grilling appliances to help maintain easy cleanup.
Avoid Cooking on High Heat: Excessive heat can cause grease and food particles to burn and stick to the fixed plate, making it harder to clean. Use medium heat for most grilling tasks to prevent residue from becoming stubborn or charred.