The electric griddle cooks, toasts, and defrosts steaks, sausages, bread, and vegetables perfectly, is quick to use and is easy to clean. Let’s see which electric griddle of the most reliable brand and how to choose the best electric griddle according to your needs.
The electric griddle is perfect for quickly preparing meat dishes without using a stove or adding fat. Choosing the best electric griddle for your home offers several advantages, such as reduced cooking time, easier cleaning, and cooking other foods over meat, such as grilling vegetables or toasting bread.
Why choose the electric griddle compared to the traditional one? The electric griddle is independent and does not occupy space on the stove, leaving it free for other dishes when preparing a hearty meal for friends and relatives. It also offers more power than cooking on a flame.
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How to choose an electric griddle: Types and Characteristics
To correctly choose which electric griddle to buy, these are the most important characteristics to be evaluated.
Dimensions
Considering that some have double plates, an electric griddle’s size, and weight are quite considerable. For example, a large electric griddle weighs about 40 x 25 cm and weighs 5 kg. But if the family unit is small, you can opt for a smaller compact electric griddle.
Power
An electric griddle’s power is closely linked to its dimensions: the bigger the grill pan, the more energy it will require.
Usually, the market models for domestic use have power ranging from 1,000 to 2,400 Watts. So, for example, a griddle with a 40 x 25 cm size will have a power of 2,400 watts, while one of the smaller sizes can reach 1500 watts.
Once these values are observed, we must consider whether we prefer to consume more energy but have quicker plates or wait for more heating but save on consumption.
Plates
The plates are the most important part of cooking meat’s perfect success with an electric griddle. A good plate should be made of first-quality materials and heat up in a few minutes. So we can say between 5 and 10 not to wait too long before we can cook our meat.
Some of the best steak bars on the market offer the opportunity to use two different plates simultaneously. This allows us to use the classic corrugated plate, which is useful to release meat and vegetable juices or prefer the smooth one to cook the most delicate foods, such as eggs, toast, and bacon.
Also, some models provide the heating of only one of the two plates or the choice of different temperatures, which allows us to perform different cooking types simultaneously.
In other cases, the plates may be double but arranged as a base and a top cover. This resealable griddle avoids turning the food because it simultaneously cooks both sides, saving time. In these cases, we often find corrugated plates, or a smooth interchangeable plate may be available.
Types of Cooking
Having different functions, depending on the grill’s shape and structure and various methods of heating the plates, the electric griddle will allow us to make different types of cooking. However, there are three most common cooking methods offered by most grill models:
- Press – Contact cooking above and below: The foods are cooked simultaneously, closed between the top and bottom plates. In addition to cooking the steaks, you can heat sandwiches and toast.
- Grill / Barbecue – Cooking with an open grill: The food is placed only on a plate because the grill remains open, and then to complete the cooking, you have to turn over the dishes. Some griddles can be opened at 180° to take advantage of the two plates to cook different foods.
- Gratin – Top cooking: This cooking occurs with the upper plate raised, not in contact with food, but close enough to heat it. It is the right way to cook pizzas or heat bread.
Functions
An electric griddle can perform various functions that help us cook food perfectly. However, the main function that most models have is temperature regulation.
Temperature regulation is essential because it guarantees greater safety and reduces burning food. Furthermore, if we want to prepare various types of food, it is handy, which will probably require different temperatures for cooking.
As an alternative to simply adjusting the temperature, some models offer preset functions, for example, programs for cooking meat, vegetables, or fish. In addition, sometimes, the defrosting program is present.
On the best models, we can also find indicators or warning lights that warn us about the cooking status of the dishes or sensors that perceive the food’s thickness and optimize the temperature.
Materials
The quality of the griddle’s materials is fundamental because it is an object that will come into contact with food and ensure resistance and durability over time. Usually, it is used in non-stick cast aluminum, stainless steel, glass-ceramic, cast iron, or other alloys, spreading the heat to perfection on the plates, above all, capable of offering healthy cooking.
The best electric griddles to buy
Below is the selection of the best electric griddles with their respective characteristics.
- ELECTRIC GRIDDLE: This hardworking griddle features a 1500 watt heating system, cool touch...
- DURABLE & EFFICIENT: The unique ceramic non-stick coating is 8 times more durable & cooks...
- NONSTICK COOKING: This griddle's Healthy-Eco coating contains no harmful chemicals like...
- EXTRA-LARGE COOKING SURFACE: The 10 x 20 inch indoor grill provides plenty of space to...
- WARM TO SEAR: Adjustable temperature control from 200-420°F allows for versatile cooking...
- HEALTHIER MEAL MAKING: Cook healthier meals with the drip tray to collect excess oil and...
- MORE THAN PANCAKES: Perfect for pancakes, quesadillas, burgers, eggs, and more, the Deluxe...
- SPACIOUS COOKING SURFACE: Measuring 20” x 10.5”, this electric griddle is perfect for...
- NONSTICK & EASY TO CLEAN: The PFOA-free, non-stick Cooking Plate surface provides an even...
- EXTRA-LARGE COOKING SURFACE: This 22-inch electric griddle offers an expansive cooking...
- NONSTICK CERAMIC COATING: The nonstick electric griddle features a PFAS-free ceramic...
- REMOVABLE HANDLES FOR EASY STORAGE: The innovative design includes detachable handles,...
- FAST & VERSATILE: Make 8 delicious pancakes or eggs at once with this griddle pan! The...
- FAMILY SIZE: Whether you're cooking for a family gathering or a party with friends, this...
- CONVENIENT: With an adjustable temperature dial and removable probe, this stove top...
- MORE THAN PANCAKES – Upgrade your cooking skills with our electric griddle nonstick. Its...
- ABSOLUTE CONTROL – This griddle grill operates at 1200 watts (120 volts) with 5...
- CONVENIENT SIZE – Quickly add extra space to your kitchen for family dinners or holiday...
- Great for every meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Huge cooking area holds up to 12 slices of French toast at a time
- Adjusts from a level cooking surface for pancakes to a tilted draining surface for meats
- Extra-Large Capacity - Cook for the whole family! The 8-serving cooking area offers...
- Non-Stick Cooking Surface - The durable non-stick cooking surface allows for easy cooking...
- Click & Lock Thermostat - The removable probe features an adjustable temperature knob,...
- Extra-large griddle-great for every meal and entertaining
- Special textured ceramic cooking surface provides enhanced nonstick performance and easier...
- Removable handles for easy cleaning and compact storage
- Big 14 x15 inch cooking surface
- Multi-function tray flips back to keep cooked foods warm, flips up for use as a spatter...
- Great for any meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
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