Excess Grease on Cast Iron Griddle Topper

[jpwkeeper]

I recently purchased a Lodge cast iron griddle topper for making smash-burgers on my gas grill.
I ran into an issue where I was getting a LOT of excess grease on the top of the griddle which was preventing the burger from sticking and browning properly, so i wasn't getting the crispy lacy edges. More like deep fried (which was still good, just not what I'd planned).
How can I get rid of this excess grease so each burger will brown properly? It's wicked heavy and wicked hot (it was hard to handle an hour after I stopped), so picking it up and dumping isn't a great option.
To be clear, I'm not talking about cleaning it after. I mean between batches.

 

[clifish]

I am not sure what you can do as it has no grease trap. Maybe go with a leaner beef mixture and soak up with paper towels as best you can.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Dab it up with paper towels or a rag. Or set it up so you have some slope and put a grease trap at the other end.

 

[SmokinAl]

I did the same thing & the paper towel idea that Case suggested works real well.
Al

 

[Steve H]

I would just blot the grease up with a paper towel as suggested. I tend to use 80/20 burger. Going leaner could lend to a drier burger if you're going for anything past med rare/ med well

 

[801driver]

I see this is an older thread, but when I was using one, I used a turkey baster to suck up some of the extra grease and then squirted into a discarded pickle jar with a few discarded paper towels to be sent to the trash, unless it was bacon grease, then it falls into a very different category and gets saved. Ha Ha.

 

[DRKsmoking]

All good answers , wonder how they faired out.

David

 

[jpwkeeper]

All good answers , wonder how they faired out.

David

I've been using a paper towel, which works pretty well. I just keep some tongs nearby so I don't burn my hand. You just have do it after every burger (not sure I can fit more than 2 patties) so it's a bit annoying, but it gives the griddle time to reheat between.

 

[tbern]

I've been using a paper towel, which works pretty well. I just keep some tongs nearby so I don't burn my hand. You just have do it after every burger (not sure I can fit more than 2 patties) so it's a bit annoying, but it gives the griddle time to reheat between.

good to hear that it's working for you!

 

[JIMSMOKES]

I have a 14X20 CI griddle that I bought to use on grill. The soaking grease thing just sucks.
I ground off the edge in a spot on one side. Then elevated the other side and let it pour on the coals or put a pan under to catch.

 

[DRKsmoking]

Only 2 patties at a time . Now how do you make a triple decker that way, lol
I was thinking a larger griddle and one that has higher searing bars
or Jim @JIMSMOKES has a good idea also

David