Cooking on a Griddle

In its simplest terms, a griddle is a flat surface used for cooking. Early cast iron griddles were circular with a single handle rising above it and affixed to each end. In addition to being mostly square-shaped, many of today's griddles are electric and are attached to their heat source, much like a hot plate. Commercial electric griddles, such as Miraclean griddles, today often feature a nonstick or carbonized surface. Griddles are usually either placed over two of the four (or more) heating elements on the range, sold as a single electric unit, or are installed as part of a larger commercial electric griddle in restaurants.

Foods cooked on griddles

Just about anything that can be cooked in a frying pan, skillet, or electric frying pan can also be cooked on a griddle. Griddles provide easy accessibility as well as even and thorough heating throughout. Because of their design, griddles are perfect for most breakfast foods such as pancakes, bacon, hash browns, sausages, and many types of grilled sandwiches. The large, flat surface allows these food items to be easily flipped and maneuvered, whereas smaller skillets and frying pans cause this process to be much more awkward.

Benefits of griddles

Aside from the benefits previously stated, certain foods respond better when they are cooked on griddles. Traditional frying pans and skillets suffer from hot spots that ultimately cause uneven heating. The entire surface of the grill typically stays at an even temperature. Frying pans and skillets also cause foods to be crowded and sometimes trap foods in pools of built up oil. A griddle's nonstick surface eliminates the need for excess oil and additionally provides plenty of room to place a large amount of food for cooking.

Griddle features to look for

Ultimately, you want your griddle to be sturdy with a solid metal base. You generally want your griddle to have a nonstick surface for the reasons stated previously. Look for quality nonstick coatings such as Teflon or SilverStone. If you choose to by a griddle without a nonstick coating, be aware that the surface may need to be seasoned with salt and oil in the same manner as cast iron skillets to avoid sticking. Also, if you choose to purchase a non-electric griddle, make sure it fits over the cooking surface on your stovetop burners.

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