Electric griddles are kitchen appliances that use a flat heating element and a heating surface to cook food quickly and evenly. Using electric griddles is a great way if you're new to cooking or want to improve your cooking grills. . They are appliances that can cook your food in high heat for a thorough and even cooking. Griddles are easy to use and can be a great cooking tool that's fit for purpose and affordable.
Griddles are made of a flat metal or cast-iron base with two long handles that are heated with a burner. They have a handle that allows you to move the food from side to side. This appliance makes it possible to cook food with fewer calories than that of a frying pan.
Benefits of Electric Griddle
Faster Cooking
Griddles offer uniform cooking due to their even heat distribution mechanism. They heat evenly across the surface and maintain that temperature throughout the cooking process. An electric griddle also offers convenient temperature control and adjustments.
Easy Cleaning
Cleaning is easy when you cook on electric griddles, as the food won't stick because of the non-stick surface. After removing the heat controls, you should submerge the entire griddle in water. Use a damp rag or sponge if you feel uncertain about submerging. You can also read our blog on cleaning a griddle if you want to know more about the clean-up process.
Keeps the Stove Free
Griddles are countertop appliances. You can cook on it while using your stove simultaneously. This will free up space on your stove allowing you to cook multiple things at once. This method simplifies the preparation of a large meal.
Large Surface Area
This is another great advantage offered by these griddles. They offer a larger surface area than regular pots. A large area means that you'll be able to cook more food at a time. You can for example cook 2-3 tortillas at a time. This way you will be able to save time as well.
Easy & Appealing designs
Electric griddles are a great choice for those who don't cook frequently because they are simple and easy to use. The heating system is quick where you can adjust the heat by turning the dial from low to high. They're available in various styles, from stainless steel to black, with flat or ridged surfaces.
How to Choose an Electric Griddle?
Size
Griddles are available in both small and large sizes in the market. Small ones can serve 2-3 people while larger ones are ideal for cooking for a large family. Check the size of the grid and decide based on your needs before buying. It is also critical to see if you have enough room or a designated spot for a large griddle.
Surface Coatings
Breakfast like pancakes and eggs is usually cooked on electric griddles. Most griddles have non-stick surfaces to prevent food from sticking. It is advisable to go with a non-stick surface as the food won't stick once the griddle becomes hot. Many of the griddles are seasoned before purchase for a hassle-free cooking experience. Read our blog on griddle pan seasoning to know more.
Grill Inserts
The grill inserts available on electric griddles combine the functions of a griddle and a grill. This provides you with additional cooking options. For example, the ridges on the grill inserts give your food grill marks.
Heat Controls
The heat control on electric griddles offers low, medium, and high settings. Some of them provide a temperature of 350 degrees. Having a temperature variation is useful as not all foods cannot be cooked at the same temperature.
Thermostats
Electric griddles are equipped with a single thermostat. Some also have dual thermostats where you can cook on one side while turning off the heat on the other. You can also cook one side at one temperature and the other at a different temperature.
Cost
Electric griddles come under many price brackets. The cost depends on features, brand, design and size. The simple ones with basic design and features will cost you less. This may vary with the size as simple ones with a bigger size will cost you more.
We have reviewed some of the best griddles on the basis of their size and build quality that you can consider buying.
What Can you Cook in Electric Griddles?
Griddles are a versatile cooking tool and can be used to make many food items. They are mainly used for making breakfast. You can cook burgers, sandwiches, grilled cheese, pancakes, and eggs. You can also prepare bacon, French toast, hash browns, and other breakfast items.
Best Electric Griddles to Buy
BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle
The BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle gives you the power to create delicious breakfast foods like panini, wraps, and more for the whole family. The electric griddle heats up quickly and evenly resulting in fewer trips to the kitchen. This large griddle is made of cast aluminum, providing even heating and cooking.
The non-stick warming tray keeps your food at a suitable serving temperature. Its grease drip tray offers convenient cleaning. Use this griddle for all your family's favorite breakfast foods, or try it out for a fun twist on traditional family meals.
Cuisinart Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel
This Electric Griddler from Cuisinart allows you to cook a complete meal on your countertop, with room to spare. Its sleek stainless steel housing offers durability and easy maintenance. Featuring a reversible cooking surface, it looks like a contact grill on one side and like a griddle on the other. The built-in drip tray collects any extra grease, so your food won't be greasy.
Dash DMS001AQ Mini Maker
The customer reviews of Dash DMS001AQ Mini Maker claim that it comes with built-in non-slip feet that keep the griddle firmly in place. This model also features east lift handles that offers enhanced safety. The dual non-stick surface of this griddle provides an even cook for consistent results. The small size of this griddle is great for compact kitchens.
Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle
Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle's reviews mark that it is made of cast aluminum that resists warping and distributes heat evenly. The built-in channel of this griddle catches drippings that allows for easy cleaning. It automatically maintains temperatures ranging from warm to 400 degrees F for even cooking. This griddle comes in a stylish and sleek design.
Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle
Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle comes in a premium non-stick surface offers stick-free cooking and easy cleaning. The textured cooking surface of this griddle provides enhanced non-stick performance for even cooking. The built-in heat control of this model maintains the desired cooking temperature automatically. It also comes with removable handles that make it easy to store.
Conclusion
An electric griddle exhibiting features like durability, robust built, reliability, scratch-free surface, and convenience can be categorized as a good griddle. Griddles and Grill Presses are types of equipment that have been quite experimented with. You can use them to whisk up restaurant-quality dishes right from the comforts of your house.
BestViewsReviews rates and reviews hundreds of camping pots and electric griddles on the basis of their heat resistance, sturdiness and build quality.