Nowadays, modern technology is not reserved for IT only, but for everyday items, such as the best electric griddle for your kitchen. The number of people opting-in and getting a griddle is increasing every day, thanks to its convenience. In the following article, we are going to help you decide on the griddle that fits your requirements in the best possible way.
Besides the standard analysis of what griddles bring to the table (pun intended), we are going to go through the most popular models and sum it up in a short electric griddle reviews section for you to go over and strengthen your decision. Let’s roll!
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Benefits of Electric Griddles
Electric griddles are the youngest among these types of appliances, and they bring the most useful technology along. We can safely say that a few features of electric units definitely stand out, so why not go through them.
1. No additional fuel needed
You might have already concluded that electric griddles need only an electric outlet and a flat surface to function properly. Before you write this off as a smaller feature, just think about all the smoke a coal griddle/grill produces. Or imagine having to build a special place for your griddle, together with a gas line and/or a gas tank. After all, finding a good gas exhaust system can be a nuisance. There lies the great convenience of electric griddles: no fuel is required. As long as you have electricity at home, you are good to go.
2. Even heating
This is something people usually do not pay attention to, but having an evenly heated surface can make all the difference between a well-cooked meal and a fail. Electric griddles always provide equally-distributed heat across the cooking surface. Having this in mind, you can be sure that the first pancake you make will be as good as the last one during the morning breakfast. After all, who wants a half-cooked egg, or half-raw pancake in their plate.
3. Making healthier food is easier than ever
Believe it or not, this is one of the main reasons why people decide to go with an electric griddle in the first place. Every griddle is coated with a nonstick surface. “So what?” you say, try thinking about it like this: nonstick surfaces enable you to go use minimal amounts of additional oil/grease to prepare the food you want. Eliminating those additional fats from your everyday diet is a key factor for a healthier and longer life. And, if by any chance the meat you are cooking is a bit fatter than usual, different models provide systems that help drain out the fat, so you do not need to eat a fat-soaked piece of meat.
4. Having additional space
The portability and independence of an electric griddle are handy in more than one way. Besides having the option to store the griddle safely in a storage room after use, you will also permanently free your stove. Many griddle models needed your home stove to operate, and cooking several meals at once was practically impossible. With an electric griddle, you can afford the space to cook more than one meal at the same time. Use the stove to cook the meals that require a pot, and use the griddle for the rest, no matter if its frying or just heating up.
5. Fast and easy cooking
Having even heat, portability, and convenience at your disposal, you will be able to cook faster than before for sure. First of all, electric griddles come with a flat surface area, which makes it a lot easier to toss, turn, and flip your food around. We have all been in a situation where a bacon pancake kissed the kitchen floor when we tried to turn it around. Besides being flat, the nonstick material, which every griddle is covered with, will enable you to easily maneuver around time-sensitive recipes and dishes. You will be amazed by how user-friendly the spatula actually is when it’s used on a griddle. And, after all, with this new freedom available, who knows how many new dishes you will be able to make.
6. Cooking larger amounts of food
Making breakfast for 4 or more people most certainly sounds like a demanding task. Well, with an electric griddle you will save a lot of time. You can even take different dish requests at the same time by partitioning the flat surface area. Or, if the quantity is more important in a given situation, you can simply make a bunch of eggs, bacon, and pancakes for everyone to enjoy, without spending several hours flipping and turning.
7. Easy Cleanup
Finally, the feature that contributed to the popularity of electric griddles: the astoundingly easy cleanup process. All you have to do is wait for the griddle to cool down, and wipe it down. Making a large meal without having to wash a dozen pots and pans is a great incentive to cook more often, and of course, healthier. Additionally, a lot of models have designated spaces for grease/fat disposal, making the cleanup process even more convenient.
Best Electric Griddles Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|
BLACK+DECKER FAMILY-SIZED LARGE ELECTRIC GRIDDLE |
| View On Amazon | |
PRESTO 07061 22-INCH ELECTRIC GRIDDLE |
| View On Amazon | |
HAMILTON BEACH 3 IN 1 ELECTRIC SMOKELESS GRIDDLE |
| View On Amazon | |
SECURA GR-1503XL ELECTRIC REVERSIBLE 2 IN 1 GRIDDLE |
| View On Amazon | |
ZOJIRUSHI EA-DCC10 GOURMET SIZZLER ELECTRIC GRIDDLE |
| View On Amazon | |
BROIL KING PCG-10 PROFESSIONAL PORTABLE NONSTICK GRIDDLE |
| View On Amazon |
Best Electric Griddle Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Large Electric Griddle
First up we have a Black+Decker Family-sized electric griddle, that is ideal for breakfast food. Family-sized actually means that it has an extra-large capacity and will be a valuable asset to your kitchen if you have 4 or more members in the household. The griddle itself is made of a nonstick material, and the cooking surface is 10 x 20 inches, which is more than enough for cooking eggs, bacon, and pancakes at the same time. The nonstick surface makes it easy to clean. Additionally, the griddle is built with an installed removable drip tray, so that you can get rid of excess juices (like grease and fat) with ease.
Temperature is controlled via a click & lock thermostat with a removable probe. Using this thermostat, you will be able to set the heat to the desired level, without worrying about burning your food, thus ruining it. Another feature this griddle has is the built-in warming tray. This tray lets you keep prepared food warm while the rest is cooking, which is extra convenient.
Pros
- Adjustable thermostat made to fit the needs of the food you are cooking
- Large 10 x 20 inches griddle surface which is enough to prepare large meals simultaneously
- Removable drip tray for excess fat and grease
Cons
- No grill reversible
- The griddle has no splash protection
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 200 square inches.
2. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle
Next, we have a slightly larger griddle, which is also able to handle large portions of food at the same time. The minimalist black design of the unit will make it blend in into any kitchen. The size of the nonstick cooking surface is 220 square inches (10 x 22), which is more than enough for 12 grilled sandwiches. The heat is controlled by a master thermostat which is detachable, enabling you to submerge the griddle plate under water for better cleaning purposes. All you have to do is open the latch clips and release the griddle plate from the heavy cast aluminum base. This system also makes it ultra-portable, so you can store the griddle in the upright position if you want. It comes with a drip tray for extra food juice disposal.
Pros
- Large griddle cooking area of 220 square inches that can handle large meal preparations.
- The griddle is fully detachable and can be immersed in water for better cleaning and maintenance
- Griddle plate can be stored with ease in the upright position
Cons
- No splash guards
- The large area can have a couple of hot spots
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 220 square inches.
3. Hamilton Beach 3 in 1 Electric Smokeless Griddle
This is the first dual plate grill to griddle reversible model on the list, and it certainly has a lot to offer. You can choose between 3 options: full griddle for softer food preparations, full grill for meats and juicy veggies, and a combo of the two for complete meals. Both sides have their separate heat controllers, making it extra convenient for more complex meals. The reversible plates are detachable and are dishwasher safe, so cleaning them won’t ever be a problem. Between the two reversible plates, the manufacturer installed a drainage grease channel for the disposal of extra grease and fat. All you have to do is tilt each griddle towards the channel in the middle, and all the nasty stuff will go into the separate tray, which you can empty out after you are done the cooking.
Pros
- A 3-in-1 combo of a griddle and a grill makes this model more versatile
- Great grease disposal solution in the middle
- Dishwasher safe for faster and easier maintenance
Cons
- The grease disposal tray is somewhat small and needs to be emptied more often
- Griddle detachment and reversal system is a bit robust and sturdy
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this combo griddle is 180 square inches.
4. Secura GR-1503XL Electric Reversible 2 in 1 Griddle
This model is slightly pricier than the rest, but it brings an extra layer of protection. First of all, it is important to note that it has a reversible 180 square inch plate, with both grill and griddle option. The extra protection comes in the form of a removable glass lid that serves both the purpose of protecting from splatter and to retain much more heat than the open models. It is designed with holes on the side that let out the extra moisture while cooking. The thermostat is detachable, and the handles are cool-touch, so you won’t have to worry about hurting yourself. Underneath, there is a drip tray connected to a grease channel for getting rid of excess fat and grease.
Pros
- The removable glass lid makes the griddle safe and convenient to use, protecting you from splatter while saving energy by retaining heat
- The plate is a griddle to grill combo, so you can choose which surface fits your recipes and ingredients better
- The housing and the handles are made to be always cold
Cons
- The grease drip tray is small and needs to be emptied more often
- This model is a bit pricier, but it delivers more
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this combo griddle is about 180 square inches.
5. Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle
The Zojirushi gourmet sizzler is considered larger than the average griddle. It provides you with a 237.5-inch cooking surface, which is more than enough for even the largest meals. The griddle plate itself is made from aluminum, enhanced with ceramic and easy-to-clean titanium, so the surface is nonstick, making cooking more enjoyable and cleaning easier. Above all, the manufacturer provided a cover lid, which is of great help when it comes to fast cooking because it retains heat and prevents oil/grease splashes. The thermostat has two modes: a cooking mode going up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and a mode that keeps food warm if you want to wait for the rest of the meal to be prepared. Both the griddle plate and the cover lid are easily detachable, making it easier to clean, and the ceramic layer makes them durable and resistant to scratches and damage.
Pros
- Provides larger than the average cooking surface for complex meals, or simply for larger quantities of food that needs to be prepared
- Comes with an aluminum detachable lid that helps prevent splashes, and retains heat for faster cooking
- 2 food preparing modes: cook and keep warm
Cons
- No adequate grease drainage system
- The large plate makes it hard to maneuver around when not in use
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 237.5 square inches.
6. Broil King PCG-10 Professional Portable Nonstick Griddle
This Broil King griddle model is considered a semi-professional by many users. However, keep in mind that larger griddles require more space while operating and more storage space while not in use. With its large griddle plate size and simple design, it will be able to help you cook for 8 people at once. The cooking surface is nonstick, and it comes with a removable stainless-steel backsplash, so you will not have to worry about splashes on the wall during and after the meal preparation. The thermostat can control the heat up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and the handles around the griddle plate are made to be always cool for relocating purposes.
Pros
- A large semi-pro cooking surface that enables large food quantities to be prepared simultaneously.
- Removable stainless-steel backsplash protector
- Rear leg for easier tilt and removal of grease/fat through the fat drip drainage system
Cons
- A bit harder to clean due to its size (not dishwasher friendly)
- The grease tray is small
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 252 square inches.
7. Gracelove Large Electric Pancake Griddle
Now it is time to get to know a griddle which is meant to make food for the whole family. This griddle is a large pancake griddle, but it is also known as a teppanyaki griddle. Teppanyaki is a way of preparing food on large griddles, together with the sauces and spices, that originated in Japan. Besides being a useful meal preparation technique, it’s also fun to do and to look at. A large, 315 square inch, nonstick griddle plate will help you with large quantities of food with ease. The whole appliance is designed in a way to be put in the table, and you are supposed to make food right there, in front of your family or guests. The whole construction of the housing is pretty simple and stable, with a modern black finish, so it will fit in into any home.
Pros
- A large, lengthy cooking surface, with a griddle plate of 315 square inches
- The sturdy design of the griddle housing with 2 large handles on the side
- It is stronger than the average in terms of electric power, clocking at 2,000 Watts
Cons
- Harder to clean due to its large size
- It’s not convenient for families that do not want to make a big deal out of cooking
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 315 square inches.
8. Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle
It is time to review a smaller, more portable, but nonetheless popular griddle. This Presto appliance is made for smaller families, or for business people who need their breakfast quickly and effectively, without extra cleaning. The 100 square inches aluminum griddle plate will provide just that. The thermostat enables it to go up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making every type of cooking possible, but not in large quantities. The housing on which the griddle plate rests can be detached, and it has a couple of ultra-light handles on the side. Excess grease or fat can be disposed of on the side of the griddle, in a specially designated place which is not a standard detachable drainage tray. The plate itself is fully submersible for easier washing.
Pros
- Highly portable and easy to use for busy people who need their food prepared quickly and without extra cleaning
- The griddle plate is fully detachable and submersible for easier maintenance.
- It is one of the most affordable models on the market
Cons
- A smaller griddle than the average
- Doesn’t come with a separated grease drainage tray
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 99 square inches.
9. Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Griddle
The last reversible griddle to grill model on this list is this Oster unit which is one of the better made in its class. At first glance, this unit looks futuristic thanks to its titanium body parts. The cooking grill/griddle plate is of average size; however, it is made of high-quality sort of ceramic material that doesn’t flake and does not get damaged with use. The reversible plate holds the heat for prolonged periods of time, and it is completely detachable and dishwasher safe. Additionally, the DuraCeramic is proved to cook food up to 20% faster, because of its heat absorption and radiation specifications. The handles are designed to always be cool for relocating purposes. Beneath the cooking plate, there is a drip tray (which is also dishwasher safe) which you can use to get rid of unwanted food juices like fat or grease.
Pros
- High-quality residential kitchen appliance, with cutting-edge material manufacturing technology
- Combo griddle to grill reversible plate enables you to adapt the appliance to the requirements of the recipe
- Both the main plate and the grease drainage tray are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not as portable as the similar models from its class due to its slightly more robust body
- The casing takes up a lot of space because the griddle plate is not made to fit on it tightly
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this combo griddle is 180 square inches.
10. Presto 07046 Tilt’n Drain Big Griddle Cool-Touch Electric Griddle
The tilt ‘n’ Drain system became popular thanks to models like these. This Presto is one of the largest on our list, and the manufacturer surely invested in making an adequate grease/fat drainage system. This heavy cast aluminum griddle is ideal for family cookouts, or larger dinners with guests. The tilted system enables you to configure the whole appliances into one of two possible modes: the leveled surface for eggs and pancakes, and the tilted surface for meats and every other type of food that needs to be drained while it is heated. This provides not only a cleaner kitchen but a healthier meal as well. The heat is controlled via the main thermostat which is fully detachable, for cleaning purposes of course.
Pros
- The Tilt ‘n’ Drain system enables you to fully adapt the style of the griddle, depending on the ingredient and the wanted level of moisture in your food
- The detachable thermostat makes it easier to clean, with the griddle plate being fully submersible
- One of the larger residential griddles on the market
Cons
- No splash guards are installed
- The electric cord is somewhat shorter than the average, so having an extension would be handy
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this griddle is 277.5 square inches.
11. Waring WGR140 Commercial Electric Countertop Griddle
Here we have the only commercial griddle on this list, the Waring countertop griddle, which comes at a higher price, with much higher performance. The first thing you will notice is that this griddle weighs significantly more than any other we talked about, with a total of 41 pounds. This is mostly thanks to its stainless-steel housing and griddle plate. This griddle has the best spread of heat, and it comes with the biggest, 11-inch, fully removable grease tray. With its highly durable parts, you will not have to worry about damaging the cooking surface, and it is quite easy to clean. The cooking area is surrounded by stainless-steel splash protectors from three sides, and on the side of the appliances, there are 2 heavy-duty handles installed.
Pros
- Made of stainless steel, making it extra durable and easy to clean
- Has the best spread of heat without hot spots, in its class
- Can go over 450 degrees Fahrenheit if needed
Cons
- It is the priciest model on our list
- Weighs significantly more than the other models
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this commercial griddle is 374 square inches.
12. Nesco ES-08 Electric Skillet
Lastly, we have a skillet that can also serve as a griddle due to its compact, versatile design. It is made for cooking a meal for a single person, or 2 people at best. The interior of the skillet is made of an aluminum nonstick material, and it can also serve to boil and steam vegetables. To prevent backsplash and retain as much heat as possible, there is provided, dishwasher safe, transparent glass lid with an ergonomic handle on top. The thermostat is detachable, but the housing and the skillet cannot be submerged in water, only the lid can be washed separately. This appliance is ideal for light roasting due to its deep design and well-designed lid.
Pros
- Extremely portable, weighing only 3 pounds
- The lid and the sole depth of the cooking area enable you to fry or roast your food without the risk of spilling or splashing
- One of the most affordable appliances on this list
Cons
- The skillet cannot be submerged in water which makes the cleaning process slightly more complicated
- This appliance can cook for one person, or two people at most
Dimensions
- The total cooking surface of this electric skillet is 64 square inches.
What is an Electric Griddle?
Essentially, griddles are simple appliances. The shortest answer would be: a griddle is a large cooking surface which can be powered by different sources and is made to help you cook larger amounts of food without wasting your time. Now, you might think that griddles are meant to be used in larger restaurants by professional chefs only. Well, some years ago you would be right. Multiple manufacturers made sure that these kitchen appliances are available to everyone, including the cost and the ease of use.
Now, electric griddles are actually the best option to start with, and they are the best option for households. This is due to their portability, and the short time period they need to reach the wanted temperature. Additional to the fast heating systems electric griddles have onboard, they also provide even spread of heat, which is extra convenient if you are cooking for a group of people.
Of course, electric griddles come in various shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they save space and are easy and intuitive to operate. In opposite to the top-rated outdoor griddles, there are no complicated additional complicated rules you need to follow, just plug in, turn the switch, and start cooking. As opposed to their gas or propane counterparts, electric griddles are faster and more affordable and can be stored after use without the need for a lot of space.
Earlier, we did mention that these types of griddles are great, to begin with, however, do not think for one second that they are not used by professionals. Many pro cooks and chefs around the world use exactly electric griddles to prepare all kinds of dishes, for multiple reasons. Let us explore the main virtues of them, and see why electric griddles are so popular.
Electric Griddle Types
As mentioned above, electric griddles come in various shapes and sizes. Getting a griddle that will fulfill your expectations is important, so get ready to arm yourself with knowledge about electric griddle types that exist out there. We will cycle through the most important shapes, and distinguishing features that different electric griddles have to offer.
1. The Basic Aluminum Griddle
One of the most affordable versions is the flat surface aluminum griddle. There is not much to it: it is a large flat nonstick surface that can help you cook all kinds of meals. The simplicity of aluminum griddles speaks for itself. Usually, there are no extra features, and the emphasis is on the heating are. They can usually fit as much as 10-12 eggs at the same time, and because of their simple build, they are pretty easy to clean. This type of griddle is perfect if you want to test how it can fit your kitchen and your general cooking style.
2. The Easy-drain Aluminum Griddle
Consider this to be a level above the aluminum griddle we talked about. These griddles also come with a large flat aluminum heated surface, but there is an additional feature installed: the drainage system. This “tilt and drain” feature enables you to quickly, and efficiently remove non-wanted juices from the surface. If you tend to cook a lot of meat, or juicy veggies, this feature will be a life-saver. And above all, this will make the cleaning process easier by a large margin.
3. The Grill to Griddle Reversible
This is one of the most popular types of griddle on the market. The reason for its popularity is the versatility of the heating surface. Usually, the reversible system consists of a single plate that can be switched or reversed (hence the name) from griddle to grid and vice-versa. Utilizing this feature, you can cook meat on the grill side, and make sure that extra fats are separated and drained into the designated container. And if you wish so, you can turn the plate around and have a flat surface to cook pancakes, veggies, or whatever comes to mind.
The reversible electric griddles often have a plastic lid to help contain the food juices and prevent splashing. Another great purpose of the lid is the containment of temperature. It helps the inside stay hot/warm for a longer duration, thus speeding up the process while saving energy and money.
4. The Dual Plate Grill to Griddle Reversible
Coming up with a slightly higher price, the dual plate electric griddle can meet even more challenges than its predecessor. The total area size is similar, however, it comes with a twist: it is split in half while keeping the dual “griddle to grill” option on both plates. This way you can choose what kind of cooking surfaces best meets the recipe, and you can cook multiple dishes at the same time if needed. The grill plate for juicy food, and the flat plate for simple food.
5. The Ceramic Griddle/Grill with a Warming Tray Section
If you prefer a more natural approach, you might want to check on ceramic electric griddles. They usually look more domestic and user-friendly without the large metal parts. Ceramics are also more durable when it comes to scratches, making the griddle visually appealing for a longer time period. A large percentage of these models have a separate warming section underneath that has a role of keeping your food warm even after you have turned off the griddle. Ceramic materials tend to absorb and radiate heat better than aluminum ones, however, you should never expect the food to stay warm during the whole day.
6. The Ceramic Grill/Griddle Combo
Another higher-level griddle type worth mentioning is the ceramic combo. This type of electric griddle has all the benefits of ceramic griddles, but it provides the grill service as well. The whole point of having a ceramic griddle in your kitchen is durability. Ceramic materials are known to last 3-5 times longer than their metal counterparts. But keep in mind that these appliances come with a heftier price as well.
7. The High-end Hybrid Griddle
Now, if you want to dwell through the territory of professionals, consider investing in a high-tier, hybrid electric griddle. They are essentially made of high-quality metal which is coated with ceramics, making that ideal heat absorption-to-radiation ratio. The price certainly follows the quality of these types of electric griddles. One thing to keep in mind is that hybrid griddles are less portable due to its larger size, but hey, it is a professional-looking appliance.
8. The Extra-Large Griddle
Speaking of professional cooking, these griddles are made to enable you to cook any type of meal you can think of. They have a large heating surface, with separate heaters for cooking multiple types of food simultaneously. Don’t forget, XL electric griddles are large, and portability is not their strong suit. However, they last longer and have the best systems for greasy dispatch installed. Using this griddle, you can cook an entire meal for the whole family at the same time.
Electric Griddle Buying Guide
Now that we have talked about electric griddle types, it is time to go through the most important features you should look for if you want to find the most useful one for your kitchen. There are many choices on today’s market, and the more you know about the subject at hand, the better.
We are aware that not every electric griddle can fulfill your specific needs, so feel free to study this guide, and make a checklist of the features you want onboard. We will tell you what to look for, and what kind of benefits electric griddles bring in general.
1. Versatility
This may come off as common sense, but we cannot stress enough how important it is for the griddle you chose to be able to handle different cooking challenges. If you are looking for a kitchen appliance that can handle both dry and juicy food, definitely consider a griddle with a grilling option. This grill feature can come in many shapes, but the most common one is a reversible plate that can act either as a flat surface, or a grill at a single time. This extra feature can be a nuisance if you do not want the grill part, so think carefully before deciding.
2. Material
When it comes to electric griddles, there are three dominant materials on the market: aluminum, cast iron, and ceramics. Every material has its own ups and downs, and of course, price.
2.1 Aluminum griddle
This type can be a fast and easy solution, because aluminum is a type of material that heats up fast, and cools down fast. It is great for quick cooking sessions with little time to clean up. The maintenance is pretty simple, but there is a catch: aluminum is the least durable material of the three. This is the reason its price is the most affordable.
2.2 Cast iron griddle
Cast iron is a renown material for pots, pans, and skillets. A griddle made of the cast iron heats up quickly and cools down slightly slower than the aluminum one. Many consider this material to be ideal for fatter, higher-quality meats, and that is the reason why it is used with traditional food preparing, like teppanyaki in Japan. The downside of cast iron is the maintenance which includes special rules with cleaning and storage.
2.3 Ceramic griddles
The middle ground between the mentioned two is ceramics. The material is durable and quite resistant to scratches and external damage. Just keep in mind that ceramics take a longer time to cool down. And if you want to make a low-risk decision, consider going with a metal griddle that is coated with a ceramic material.
3. The Temperature Spread
If you want your meals to be cooked evenly, you need a griddle that can maintain a steady and evenly-spread temperature across the whole plate. Electric griddles can sometimes have the so-called hot spots on the edges, so make sure to investigate into it. However, this is rarely an issue, because the technology is getting better by the day. As a helping hand, consult this article on safe minimum cooking temperatures.
4. The Flatness of the Plate
This may seem already implied, but you want to make sure to get a leveled, completely flat griddle. You might wonder why flatness is even a factor, but more experienced cooks will tell you that a nonstick surface is all for naught if it is bumpy even the slightest. With every imperfection on the electric griddle plate, you increase the chance of sticky ingredients to stick even more, thus ruining your meal. Aluminum models tend to be “bendy”, but with proper care and adequate use and maintenance, you do not have to worry about it.
5. Coating
We touched upon this topic a bit in the section above. Nowadays, almost every electric griddle model is made covered with a film of nonstick material. Aluminum is already showing a great deal of these specifications, however, for a few extra bucks you can get a griddle made of metal with a ceramic coating. Ceramics tend to prolong the life of the appliance, but also make it cool down a bit slower. And, of course, some griddles are made entirely out of ceramics, so no coating is needed. Just make sure that there are no harmful chemicals in the coating itself. Being that regulations are getting stricter as technology advances, the chances of getting a hazardous plate are very slim.
6. Grease and Juices Removal
Being it bacon, or any type of juicy ingredient, things are bound to get greasy at some point. The ability to dispose of the extra fats and juices will be more than welcome with the electric griddle you choose. For this reason, many griddle manufacturers decided to put a drainage system onboard. The most common one you can find is the “tilt and spill” one. As the name suggests, after you remove all the food from the surface, all you have to do is tilt the griddle towards the designated direction (usually a hole in the plate) and drain the nasty stuff away.
7. Maintenance and Cleaning Process
This is somewhat related to the two previous points. Cooking can get pretty messy pretty fast, so you want to be able to clean the griddle as fast as possible. Some griddles offer protective covers (which also serve as heat isolators for longer cooking sessions) and splash guards. If they’re not well made, these pieces can be a nuisance later on, because the sole construction can deform from the heat. Aluminum griddles are pretty easy to clean due to their pretty effective nonstick surfaces. Ceramic griddles are sturdier and can withstand larger pressures during the cleaning process so that you can get as messy as you want.
8. Life Expectancy
We often forget that appliances that deal with food need to be made out of the best materials out there, not only because it is a sensitive matter, but because we need to prepare food every day at least once. This is why the longevity of your electric griddle is important. On average, electric griddle should last about two years. However, with proper care and maintenance, you can prolong the life of your griddle by another two years, or sometimes even more.
FAQ About Electric Griddles
1. What kind of food can be cooked on an electric griddle?
Well, the short answer is anything that can be cooked on a grill, a frying pan or a skillet. Almost everything can be cooked on an electric griddle. However, griddles give you more space to work around your food and prepare multiple ingredients simultaneously. And the best part is that you can constantly drain extra fat down the drain, thus making your food healthier in a matter of seconds. Here is a simple example video of how to use it.
2. Should I use chemical cleaning agents to clean the griddle plate?
Regularly cleaning your electric griddle is important, however, caution is advised when it comes to cleaning agents you usually use to clean the stove or your grill. Different models use different technologies and mixtures of materials to make the griddle plates. So, the safest bet would be to read the instruction manual, specifically the cleaning section of it. Every manufacturer will provide clear cleaning instructions and a list of cleaning agents that can be used.
3. Should I lower the temperature setting once the heat levels are reached?
Truth be told, the best thing to do would be to stay with the griddle until it cools off. However, practically this is not always possible. That is why most models have a safety feature of some sorts, that will turn off the heating elements of the griddle if they turn too hot. It depends on the model but would be ideal to wait for it to cool. Remember: better safe than sorry.
4. How should I store my griddle if I don’t intend to use it for a longer period of time?
This is a common question asked by griddle owners. Remember that we emphasized flatness as a key feature of the griddle plate, and because of that, it is important to store the appliance properly. There are no special rules, except one: when you do store the griddle in the garage (or somewhere similar) do not put any objects on top of it. This will preserve the flatness and diminish the chances of breaking the heating elements inside. And, of course, after you do decide to give the griddle another go, make sure to clean it and take it for a test run before you put the food on.
Wrap Up
And there we go, a detailed, in-depth description of these modern kitchen appliances. We do understand that choices are plentiful, and that is the exact reason why we are making these electric griddle reviews, to help you pick and choose the best electric griddle for your home. Take some time and go through our lists, compare the factors and we are sure that the final result will reveal itself.
Truth be told, every room of the house is adapting to the technological progress, and there is no reason why your kitchen should fall behind. After all, people that live active lives, no matter the profession, need a good source of nutrition, with an occasional sweet treat. Electric griddles can and will meet the challenges of modern life, with a minimal need for cleaning and maintenance.
Not eating tasty and healthy food in the 21st century has no excuse, so start cooking!
I have been looking to replace my current electric Griddle, the one feature that I look for after even accurate heat is can you store the thermostat in the drip try to keep everything in one place. I have searched and searched and as yet have found any review that even mentions this. Please add this to your future reviews of any appliance with a detachable thermostat. It’s a simple thing that when you think about it …Humm why don’t the manufactures do that?
Hi Jim,
We can not speak on behalf of the manufacturers, but it is always possible to use some affordable help for this job. You can check our Supplies & Equipment articles to get ideas.