Procedures on Cleaning a Hot Plate
A hot plate is one of the simplest cooking appliances available. It is made up of metal coils that heat electrically. Like the burners on electric stoves, hot plates can create smoke and foul odors if you try to cook with them when they are dirty. Check the surface of your hot plate before you start cooking to make sure it is clean.
Electrical Safety
For maximum safety, unplug your hot plate before you begin cleaning it. An unplugged hot plate will not start to heat while you are cleaning it. Unplugging the hot plate also eliminates the danger of electrocution from handling a live appliance with wet hands.
Removing Spills and Particles
To remove spills of thick liquids such as pea soup or solid particles such as meat or vegetable residue, clean the hot plate with a slightly damp, old toothbrush. Clean the toothbrush as you remove particles until it is completely clean and you are cleaning the coils with only water. Clean spilled liquid with a lint-free cloth or a sponge. Check the hot plate to make sure the cleaning cloth or sponge does not leave behind fibers or pieces. If you see any fibers or pieces, remove them.
Cleaning Under the Coil
The coil of the hot plate is attached to a hinge that allows you to raise the heating surface and clean underneath it. Lift the coil and use a damp cloth or sponge to remove any spills or particles that have collected in the frame of the hot plate.
References
Writer Bio
Devra Gartenstein is an omnivore who has published several vegan cookbooks. She has owned and run small food businesses for 30 years.
Photo Credits
- Close-up image of an electric range heating element image by Alexey Stiop from Fotolia.com
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