Buying guide for best electric griddles
An electric griddle's quick, even heating can help you get scrumptious pancakes, sausage, and bacon on the breakfast table in no time. Lots of home cooks keep an electric griddle on hand in their kitchen. These cooks know that the large, flat cooking space an electric griddle provides can be a timesaver during busy meal prep.
If you don’t want to get your stove dirty but want to make a delicious, evenly cooked meal, consider using an electric griddle. If you’re preparing lots of dishes and want to free up the stove for other pots or pans, an electric griddle could be just what you need.
Types of electric griddles
So you’ve made the decision to buy an electric griddle. The first question to ask yourself is, which type of electric griddle should you get?
Basic electric griddle
A basic electric griddle has a flat, nonstick surface area. Steady electric heat distributes evenly throughout the cooking surface. Some basic griddles have three heat settings while others have an adjustable dial that provides more precise control. This type of griddle is often used for cooking traditional breakfast foods like French toast, eggs, and bacon.
Electric griddle/grill combo
An electric griddle/grill combo can be purchased in several different configurations. Some have a reversible griddle with a grill on the other side. This type of appliance offers more cooking options.
However, you obviously cannot use both sides at the same time, and you have to clean one side before you can use the other.
Other griddle/grill combos have the surface area divided evenly between a griddle and grill. Still others have a lid so you can grill both sides of meat at the same time.
Features to consider when buying an electric griddle
Size
Griddles come in a large range of sizes. Some electric griddles are as large as 35 x 9 inches and as small as 9 x 13 inches. Larger electric griddles are intended for making huge batches of foods like pancakes or grilled cheese sandwiches. Smaller griddles are designed to prepare food for just a few people.
Before deciding on a size, you’ll need to consider how much storage space you have, what kinds of foods you’ll be cooking most often, and how many people you plan to feed. Small griddles cook food just as well as large ones, but if you’re feeding a crowd, you’d have to prepare your food in batches with a small griddle.
For your safety
Griddles should always be used on a dry, flat surface. The surface should also be heat-resistant to prevent damage. A griddle should never be used on a bed or other soft surface where it could tip over.
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Materials
Griddles can be made of a number of different materials, each with its own notable features.
Aluminum: Aluminum conducts heat well, so it comes to temperature quickly. It cooks fast and hot and is best for searing and sautéing.
Stainless steel: Stainless steel is most often used in commercial-grade electric griddles. It’s durable and easy to keep clean. However, sticking and discoloration can be a problem with stainless steel electric griddles.
Cast iron: Cast iron griddles heat slowly, but once they come to temperature, they hold their heat for a long time. They are durable and can last for years if cared for properly. Cast iron works well for steaks and other meats.
Nonstick coating: Griddles with a nonstick coating could have any metal underneath, but the coating makes all the difference. Ceramic is the most durable type of nonstick coating.
Did you know?
Power cords are usually short to prevent accidentally pulling the griddle off the counter. Be sure your electric griddle cord isn’t hanging over the edge of the counter.
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Removable cooking plates
An electric griddle with removable cooking plates makes for convenient cleanup, as you can remove the plates and wash them separately in the sink or dishwasher without having to worry about getting the heating element wet. Not all electric griddles come with removable cooking plates. If this feature appeals to you, be sure to look specifically for a griddle with removable plates.
Warming tray
Some griddles come with a warming tray. You can place eggs or pancakes on the tray to keep them warm while you cook.
Heat controls
Heat controls are one of the big benefits of an electric griddle. You can control the heat in several different ways depending on the type of griddle you choose.
Single-heat control: Single-heat control griddles have one control that sets the temperature for the entire cooking surface. This is the most reliable type of heat control.
Dual-heat control: Griddles with dual-heat control allow you to program different temperature settings for different areas of the cooking surface. While the design is a clever idea, in practice it’s hard to keep the heat on one side from transferring to the other.
Basic heat settings: Some griddles come with three basic heat settings: low medium, and high. The temperatures aren’t precise, but for most basic cooking, these temperature options work.
Adjustable temperature dial: Griddles with an adjustable temperature dial allow you to make precise temperature adjustments as you cook. Temperatures can range anywhere from 190°F to 500°F, depending on the model.
Drip tray
A drip tray helps cut down on grease in your food and fosters faster cleanup, too. Some griddles have a trough either on the front of the unit or all the way around it. Drippings drain via the trough into a drip tray. Other griddles have small holes through which grease can pass into a drip tray. Both designs work well and keep the cooking surface clear of grease.
Tilt
Some griddles come with a tilt capability that puts the cooking surface at an angle so grease can drain easier while cooking meat.
"Keep an eye on your drip tray. Be sure it is in place before you start cooking. If you’re cooking a large amount of food, you may need to empty it before you’re done cooking."
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Choosing an easy-clean griddle
Some electric griddles are easier to clean than others. If fast, easy cleanup appeals to you, look for an electric griddle with any or all of the following features.
Once the heat controls are removed, you may be able to submerge the griddle in water. This makes it much easier to clean. However, you should always consult the instructions first to make sure full submersion is possible with your electric griddle.
Simply remove the griddle plates when you’re done cooking and wash them in soapy water or the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Of all the cooking surface options, a nonstick surface is by far the easiest to clean. Keep in mind, however, that a nonstick surface is more delicate than other options and will break down over time, even if properly cared for.
Price
Small griddles start under $25 and can be as large as 10 x 20 inches. At this price range, the nonstick coating will start to wear down faster than more expensive models. Some electric griddles in this price range have removable heat controls and may be submersible.
In the $25 to $50 price range, you’ll find large griddles with extra features such as a warming tray, removable handles, and heat controls. You’ll also find a few griddle/grill combos, some with a grill that has a lid for overall searing.
In this price range are griddles with reversible grill plates and/or tilt capabilities. Larger cooking areas and touchscreen controls can also be found here.
Premium griddles that cost over $100 are often made of stainless steel. Features may include a griddle guard, dual heat controls, and multiple griddle plates.
