What is A griddle? What Is It Used For?

We all like grilled food, and cooking it outside when having a party makes the experience even more enjoyable.

But have you tried grilling on the griddle? What is a griddle, you ask? 

A griddle is a device used for cooking on a plane, a broad surface heated by electricity, gas, wood, or coal.

It is generally made of cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum and is available in many different sizes.

Some griddles are portable, which makes it easy to move for people who love outdoor cooking. 

Now that we understand a little about what a griddle is, let us talk about its types, important features, and what are some foods you can cook on it.

Types of Griddle

an image of griddle

There are many types of residential or commercial griddles available.

There are the big attached ones and also portable ones.

Let us look at the types that can help you decide on the best griddle grill for your needs.

Related Reading: Best Skillets For Steak – Read More.

1. Traditional Griddles

These are stovetop grills heated by gas and are mainly cast iron.

They have a small size with a single gas burner or a large size that needs two burners to heat it.

You can also directly serve it at the table by placing a wooden mat beneath it. 

These flat griddles are typically used in cooking tortillas, flatbreads, pancakes, and such. 

If you want to purchase a traditional griddle grill, opt for one made of cast iron or enameled stainless steel.

These materials are resistant to thermal shock and corrosion and distribute heat evenly.

2. Electric Griddles

As the name suggests, these types of griddles are powered by electricity.

They are usually portable and mainly used for residential purposes.

They come in carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and wrought iron and have thicknesses ranging from 1.6 to 3.2 mm.

These are best used for light cooking and have limited temperature control.

It means you can digitally control its heat instead of turning the flame up or down.

Some electric models come with a thermostat that adjusts the temperature automatically when you cook.

3. Commercial Griddles

Commercial griddles are of two types: either free-standing models or ones that are a part of a large piece of equipment.

But both have three features in common, i.e.,

  • Source of heat,
  • Plate
  • Temperature control.

These griddles make large batches of food in less time, with ideal consistency of taste and texture.

You can use these in the large restaurant business to make grilled food where multiple orders must be filled out simultaneously. 

Some features to consider when buying a griddle.

1. Thickness

The thickness of the plate determines many vital characteristics of the griddle.

For example, a thicker plate can take the stress of heating and cool repeatedly without showing indications of wear and tear or warping.

It also heats up more uniformly and retains heat longer, resulting in more food cooked in less time.

2. Size

When buying a griddle plate, consider what use it will be put to.

Be sure to check out the dimensions.

Full-size griddles are for commercial usage in restaurants, while small griddles are suitable for house parties or domestic use.

To save money on energy bills, do not buy a griddle that is too big for your needs.

3. Heat controls

Gas griddle plates are built with manual temperature controls, which allow you to adjust the flame from low to high.

Similarly, electric griddles have a heat control system that can regulate the temperature with greater precision.

Choose a contemporary griddle that offers more heat settings to enable you to attain the optimal temperature for different meals.

4. Finish

Most griddle plates are made of stainless steel or other steel alloys, electroplated with layers of chromium metal.

Because chromium is nonporous, it does not transfer taste from one type of food to another.

It also does not allow food to stick and disposes of the need to oil the cooking surface.

5. Cost

The cost is quite an important factor.

Choose a griddle that fits your budget and has all your desired features.

Costs might vary depending on the size and the features of the model you are buying.

What is best to cook on a griddle?

an image of griddle

Griddles are best for light-baked cooking and are suitable for making food items cooked in their juices rather than depending on oil or fats used in regular grilling.

Can you fry on a griddle?

You can fry on a Blackstone griddle by placing a cast iron skillet on the flat top plate.

Then you can sauté or deep fry some of your favorite foods in the skillet.

Can you make scrambled eggs on a griddle?

Yes, scrambled eggs can be made on a griddle.

The heat from the griddle distributes evenly, so the eggs are cooked fast in a lesser amount of oil.

Can you cook ribs on a griddle?

Ribs can be cooked to complete perfection on a griddle.

The continuous and uniform heat the griddle provides thoroughly cooks the ribs without burning or exposing them to the naked flame.

Can you cook chicken on a griddle?

A griddle pan is an excellent piece of equipment for cooking chicken.

That is because the ridges on the pan leave those distinctive char marks, which both show perfection and add to the flavor.

You can use a griddle to cook

  • Chicken drumsticks
  • Entire chicken breasts
  • Smaller chicken nuggets.

Can you fry potatoes on a griddle?

You can fry potatoes on a griddle like on the stove.

Cut medium-sized pieces of potato, and toss them with herbs and oil.

Preheat the griddle and fry until the potatoes become crispy and tender.

What Is a Griddle – FAQs

1. What is the difference between a griddle and a grill?

The primary difference between a griddle and a grill is that grills have raised edges while griddles have a smooth flat surface.

2. What’s the difference between griddle and panini?

A griddle has only a single cooking plate, whereas a Panini maker has two cooking plates.

3. What’s the difference between a griddle and a frying pan?

A frying pan has raised walls and a round shape, while a griddle is rectangular and has low or no walls.

4. Why is a griddle better than a grill?

Griddles provide steady heat across a large cooking surface.

They are best used for cooking foods you wouldn’t be able to cook on a traditional BBQ or grill.

5. Can a griddle go in the oven?

Yes. It is a lesser-known fact that the griddle can also be used in the oven or under the grill.

10. What is the best oil to use to season a griddle?

Whether it is carbon steel griddles or cast iron cookware, you can use canola oil which is one of the best choices for seasoning griddles.

Related Reading: Find Out The Best Oil To Season Cast Iron Skillet – Click Here.

Conclusion

A griddle is a flat-bottomed pan used to cook almost anything, be it pancakes or steak.

A griddle is usually cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum.

There are two types of griddles available: the free-standing type and the one which is part of a larger piece of equipment.

You will get various size, design, and functionality options depending on where you buy your griddle.

Also, it is important to realize that the term “griddle” is not just limited to a flat-bottomed pan.

It can also refer to an appliance with many flat cooking plates stacked in a single unit.

A griddle is ideal for cooking eggs, pancakes, hamburgers, steaks, and anything else that requires low heat.

Having one or two griddles in your kitchen is good for preventing food from sticking.