Everything You Need to Know About Buying Griddles
Introduction
Are you in the market for a new griddle? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to decide on the right one for your cooking needs. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a griddle to help you make an informed decision.
Size
One of the first things to consider when choosing a griddle is the size. If you have a small kitchen, a large griddle may not be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you regularly cook for a large family or entertain frequently, a larger griddle may be more suitable. Measure the space you have available on your stovetop or countertop to determine the maximum size griddle that will fit.
Type of Cooking Surface
Griddles can have a variety of cooking surfaces, including stainless steel, non-stick coated metal, and cast iron. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Stainless steel griddles are easy to clean and maintain, but they do not conduct heat as well as other materials. Non-stick griddles are great for low-fat cooking, but the non-stick coating can scratch and wear over time. Cast iron griddles are extremely durable and retain heat well, but they can be heavy and difficult to clean.
Heat Settings
Another important factor to consider when choosing a griddle is the heat settings. Most griddles have adjustable heat settings, but the range and precision of these settings can vary. If you want to be able to cook a variety of foods at different temperatures, look for a griddle with a wide range of heat settings and precise temperature control.
Additional Features
Some griddles come with additional features that can make cooking easier and more convenient. For example, some griddles have built-in grease channels or drip trays to collect excess fat and oil, making them easier to clean. Others have raised edges or built-in backsplashes to prevent splatters and spills. Consider what additional features would be useful for your cooking needs when choosing a griddle.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the griddle. Griddles can range in price from under $20 to several hundred dollars. Decide on a budget beforehand and stick to it when shopping. Keep in mind that a higher price doesn't necessarily mean a better griddle. Do some research and read reviews to find the best value for your money.
Conclusion
Choosing the right griddle for your cooking needs can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Consider the size, type of cooking surface, heat settings, additional features, and price when making your decision. With these factors in mind, you'll be able to find a griddle that will help you create delicious meals for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the downside of a Blackstone griddle?
One downside of a Blackstone griddle is that it takes a longer time to heat up compared to other cooking surfaces. Preheating can take around 10 to 15 minutes, so it's important to plan accordingly. Additionally, if you cook small meals on a griddle, a lot of heat energy can be wasted.
2. Is it better to grill or griddle?
It depends on the type of food you're cooking. A griddle is ideal for foods like steaks or smash burgers because it produces better Maillard browning and a crispier crust. The flat surface also allows you to cook smaller pieces of food or liquidy items like pancakes or eggs, which could fall between the grates of a grill.
3. Why do people use griddles?
People use griddles because they are versatile and great for various cooking methods. Griddles are excellent for searing, steaming, and smoking meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables. The flat surface helps lock in delicious flavors and prevents juices from escaping or dripping away into the coals.
4. Which is better electric or propane griddle?
Gas griddles, like propane griddles, have advantages over electric griddles. They have a quicker response time, better heat recovery, and can heat food all the way through. Gas griddles are also suitable for use during power outages as they don't require electricity to operate, making them popular in large-scale restaurants.
5. What is the difference between a Blackstone grill and a Blackstone griddle?
The main difference between a Blackstone grill and a Blackstone griddle is the cooking surface. A grill has grates that expose food to direct flame, while a griddle has a smooth, flat surface, similar to a giant pan or skillet.
6. Is cooking on Blackstone unhealthy?
Cooking on a Blackstone griddle can be a healthy cooking option if you choose the right ingredients. With proper ingredient selection and cooking techniques, the Blackstone griddle can provide a delicious and nutritious way to prepare your food.
7. Are steaks better on a griddle?
Steaks cooked on a griddle can offer the best of both worlds - the smoky flavor of a grilled steak and the even caramelization and tasty crust of a pan-seared steak. However, one downside is that you won't be able to make a pan sauce on a griddle or grill.
8. What are the pros and cons of a griddle?
Some notable pros of a griddle include its large cooking surface, versatility, durability, ease of cleaning, and ease of use. However, griddles can be costly to purchase, take longer to heat up compared to other cooking surfaces, and require regular maintenance.
9. Why is a griddle better than a pan?
A griddle is often preferred over a frying pan for several reasons. Griddles generally have a wider surface area, allowing for even heat distribution. Additionally, some griddles have high ridges that create attractive char marks on foods. These features make a griddle a popular choice for various cooking tasks.
Editor's Notes
During our griddle research, we found 24 griddle products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 468,237 customer reviews through our big data system to write the griddles list. We found that most customers choose griddles with an average price of $34.97.
The griddles are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of griddles, including Lodge, Ninja, Presto, Blue Diamond, GreenPan. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.