First use of the griddle

Rinsing the cooking plate of a Vivaplancha griddle with water for quick cleaning after use

Easy to get started, right from day one

Your Vivaplancha griddle is designed for immediate use, with no complicated preparation required.

Before the first use, simply rinse the plate with hot water to remove any manufacturing residues. Then dry with a soft cloth.

No seasoning process is needed. Solid stainless steel is a healthy, neutral material, ready to use from the very first heating.

Connecting the gas hose to a Vivaplancha griddle, simple and safe installation

2. Connecting the griddle to gas: simple and safe

Connecting your griddle is the same as with a traditional barbecue.

The setup consists of four parts: the griddle, a suitable gas hose, a regulator, and a gas bottle.

The regulator is usually provided when you purchase the bottle, whether it is butane or propane. Vivaplancha griddles are compatible with both types of gas. For outdoor use, propane is recommended: it provides a steadier flame and better power, even in cool weather.

A straightforward installation, with no special adjustments required.

Gros plan sur une main ajustant le bouton de réglage de la plancha Vivaplancha en inox pour contrôler la température.

3. First heating: the foundation of successful cooking

Reaching the right temperature is essential to get the best from your griddle.

Switch on your griddle and let it heat up for about five minutes. The plate quickly reaches a high temperature, exceeding 300°C, which is perfect for searing food.

This rise in temperature ensures even heat distribution across the entire surface and guarantees perfect cooking, without sticking.

The griddle is best used when hot, never when lukewarm.

4. Understanding cooking on a stainless steel griddle

The solid stainless steel plate naturally enhances the flavours of your food.

Thanks to its high and even heat rise, the plate allows for quick searing, triggering the Maillard reaction. Juices caramelise, textures stay tender inside, and food develops an intense, natural taste without being drowned in fat.

When the plate is hot enough, food sears instantly, forms a crust, and releases naturally.

To check the right temperature, try the water bead test: a few drops should form beads that roll across the surface.

Always add fat at the moment of cooking, just before placing your food, to preserve flavours and avoid unnecessary overheating.

Cleaning the Vivaplancha griddle plate with hot water, removing residues after cooking

5. After cooking: quick and easy cleaning

Cleaning your griddle is done straight after cooking, with complete ease.

While the plate is still hot, pour a little water and deglaze using a stainless steel spatula. Cooking residues are naturally guided towards the grease collection tray located on the side.

Stainless steel is non-porous: it absorbs neither fat nor odours, making daily maintenance simple.

For detailed advice, see our dedicated guide:

Stainless steel griddle care guide
Chef cooking vegetables and meats on a Vivaplancha stainless steel griddle, expertly controlling high-temperature cooking
Seafood and vegetables cooked on the Vivaplancha gas griddle, even cooking and perfect searing

6. Cook everything on the griddle?

The griddle lets you cook much more than just grilled food.

Thanks to even, perfectly controlled heat, you can cook meat, fish, vegetables, seafood, eggs, cheese, fruit… and even delicate dishes.

The smooth stainless steel surface allows you to switch between different foods, sear, keep warm, or finish cooking gently, without mixing flavours. With little fat, food keeps its natural taste and texture. A varied, simple and creative way to cook, every day.

Bonus: Vivaplancha griddles are fitted with 2 or 3 independent control knobs, so you can adjust the heat to suit each food. This means you can sear meat on a high setting in one area while gently cooking vegetables on another.

Discover our griddle recipes