Understand normal expectations, causes, and resolution steps when a flat top grill's cooktop warps.
Is It Normal for My Griddle Cooktop to Warp?
Yes, Cooktop warping is completely normal. We've seen it occur across every brand of flat-top grills that we tested; in fact, we found that Traeger flat top grill cooktops warp far less and on fewer occasions than any other brand we tested.
While not every cooktop will warp; those that do will typically warp one to five times. Because warping occurs during extreme temperature changes, the cooktop should return back to its level state once the cooktop gets back to the temperature it was prior to the change (usually within 5 minutes).
Common Causes & Prevention Tips
Cooktop warping occurs when the cooktop experiences sudden, extreme temperature changes.
To help prevent your cooktop from warping, avoid the following common causes:
- Placing frozen food on the cooktop after allowing the grill to preheat for a long time
- Using large amounts of cold water to clean the cooktop after use
- Trying to cool down your cooktop quickly by adding ice or cold water
- Leaving a zone off while using other zones on high
What to Do if a Cooktop Warps
Addressing a warped cooktop depends on when the warping happens:
Warping Mid-Cook
Warping mid-cook occurs when the cooktop is extremely hot and cold/frozen food is added.
- This is normal. The cooktop should return to its level state once it gets back to the temperature it was at prior to the frozen/cold food was added (usually within 5 minutes of warping).
Warping during Cooldown or Cleaning
Warping that occurs during cooldown or cleaning is likely due to adding a large amount of cold water in an attempt to cool the cooktop more quickly.
- Warping during cooldown is normal, especially when cleaning with large amounts of cold water.
- The cooktop should flatten once it heats up again. Depending on how hot the cooktop was when it warped, getting back to that temp may take up to 30 minutes.
- It is normal for a cooktop to return to a warped state once cooled again.
How can I fix my warped cooktop?
- Reignite the grill and allow the cooktop to reheat.
- The cooktop should completely level again within 30 minutes.
- If the cooktop still does not level out, contact our Customer Support team, and we'll work with you to get it resolved.
Warping Occurring Every Cook
Warping more than 5 times in a row when following best practices is not normal. Contact our Customer Support team, and we'll work with you to get it resolved.