Imagine the sizzle of perfectly cooked bacon, the golden crust of a fluffy pancake, or the satisfying char of a grilled cheese. These delicious possibilities all start with a trusty commercial griddle. But with so many choices out there, picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze. You want a griddle that cooks evenly, lasts a long time, and fits your kitchen’s needs, but the sheer variety can be overwhelming, leaving you wondering where to even begin.
Choosing the wrong griddle can lead to burnt food, uneven cooking, and wasted money. It’s a big decision for any kitchen, whether you’re running a bustling diner or a cozy cafe. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand the key features to look for, the different types of griddles available, and how to find the perfect match for your culinary creations.
Get ready to discover how to choose a commercial griddle that will help you cook up success, one delicious dish at a time. Let’s dive in and make your griddle selection a breeze.
Our Top 5 Commercial Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Commercial Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. VEVOR Commercial Electric Griddle
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the VEVOR Commercial Electric Griddle! This powerful 22-inch flat-top grill is a game-changer for any kitchen, whether you’re cooking for your family or running a busy restaurant. Its sturdy stainless steel build and thick iron cooking plate promise durability and even heating for all your favorite foods.
What We Like:
- Powerful 1600W heating element cooks food quickly and evenly.
- Large 21×12 inch cooking surface lets you make lots of food at once.
- Precise temperature control from 122°F to 572°F (50°C to 300°C) ensures perfect results every time.
- Made with durable stainless steel and a PFOA/PTFE-free iron cooking plate for healthy cooking.
- Easy to clean with a large drip hole and a removable oil box.
- Comes with two shovels and brushes to help you cook and clean.
- Great for cooking many different foods like pancakes, bacon, burgers, and more!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many foods, it might not be ideal for very delicate items that require specific non-stick surfaces.
- The 110V power might mean it takes a bit longer to heat up compared to higher voltage models in professional kitchens.
This VEVOR electric griddle offers fantastic value for its performance and features. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their cooking capabilities with a reliable and versatile appliance.
2. VEVOR 30″ Commercial Electric Griddle 3000W Electric Countertop Griddle Non-Stick Restaurant 110V Teppanyaki Flat Top Grill Stainless Steel Adjustable Temperature Control 122°F-572°F (NO PLUG)
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to elevate your cooking game with the VEVOR 30″ Commercial Electric Griddle. This powerful 3000W griddle is built for both home kitchens and busy restaurants, offering a large, non-stick cooking surface for all your favorite flat-top creations.
What We Like:
- Even Heating: The 10mm thick iron cooking plate and U-shaped heating tubes ensure your food cooks uniformly. It heats up fast, too!
- Spacious Cooking Area: With a generous 28.74 x 15.75-inch cooking surface, you can make lots of food at once. Perfect for parties or busy meal times.
- Precise Temperature Control: Easily set the temperature anywhere from 122°F to 572°F (50°C to 300°C) to cook different foods just right.
- Easy Cleanup: The widened oil drain hole and included oil collection tray make cleaning up grease and food bits simple.
- Stable and Safe: Rubber feet keep the griddle from sliding, and the raised oil baffle stops oil from splashing.
- Versatile Cooking: This griddle is ideal for everything from pancakes and bacon to burgers, pizzas, and steaks.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Plug Included: You’ll need to provide your own plug, so be prepared for that.
- Circuit Breaker Note: It requires a single-pole circuit breaker that’s over 30 amps to avoid issues.
This VEVOR griddle is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to cook a variety of foods quickly and efficiently. Its sturdy design and precise temperature control make it a reliable choice for delicious results every time.
3. 29″ Commercial Electric Countertop Griddle
Rating: 8.5/10
Take your cooking to the next level with this powerful 29-inch Commercial Electric Countertop Griddle. This flat-top grill is built for busy kitchens, whether at home or in a restaurant. It heats up fast and cooks food evenly, making it perfect for a wide variety of dishes.
What We Like:
- Generous Cooking Space: The large 28.74 x 15.75-inch surface lets you cook many things at once, perfect for busy times.
- Durable Stainless Steel: It’s made of strong stainless steel that won’t rust and is easy to clean.
- Versatile Cooking Surface: The half-grooved and half-flat design means you can grill steaks and cook pancakes or eggs on the same griddle.
- Precise Temperature Control: You can set the temperature anywhere from 122°F to 572°F, so you can cook different foods just right.
- Easy Cleanup: A built-in oil drain and removable drawer make cleaning up spills simple.
- Wide Range of Uses: Great for pancakes, bacon, burgers, omelets, and so much more!
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires Wiring: This griddle does not come with a plug and needs to be professionally wired.
- Initial Oiling: The surface is coated with oil to prevent rust during shipping, so you’ll need to clean it before first use.
This griddle offers a lot of cooking power and flexibility. Just be prepared for the wiring setup, and you’ll have a fantastic tool for all your grilling needs.
4. ExGizmo 22″ Commercial Electric Griddle
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the ExGizmo 22″ Commercial Electric Griddle! This powerful flat top grill is built for serious cooking, whether you’re whipping up breakfast at home or running a busy food stall. Its large cooking surface and sturdy design mean you can handle big batches with ease.
What We Like:
- Generous Cooking Space: The 21.7 x 14.2 inch griddle gives you plenty of room to cook multiple items at once.
- Built to Last: With a thick, 0.39-inch cast iron grill plate, it won’t easily warp and is made for heavy use.
- Versatile Cooking: Adjust the temperature from 122°F to 572°F (50°C to 300°C) to perfectly cook everything from pancakes to steak.
- Easy Cleanup: The non-stick surface and built-in oil tray make cleaning up after cooking a breeze.
- Everything You Need: It comes with brushes and shovels to get you started right away.
- Stable and Safe: Rubber feet keep it steady, and the raised oil baffle stops grease splatters, while heat dissipation holes keep it cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- Power Cord Length: The power cord might be a bit short for some kitchen setups, requiring an extension cord.
- Weight: While durable, it’s quite heavy, so moving it around frequently might be a challenge for some.
This ExGizmo griddle is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to cook a variety of foods. It’s built tough and designed for ease of use, making it a great addition to any kitchen or food business.
5. CROSSON 36″*16″ Large Commercial Electric Countertop Griddle
Rating: 9.5/10
The CROSSON EG-918C is a powerful 36″ x 16″ electric griddle built for busy restaurant kitchens. Its heavy-duty design and 1/2″ thick iron cooking plate promise even heating for all your favorite dishes. This griddle is a fantastic tool for chefs looking to increase their cooking efficiency and serve delicious food quickly.
What We Like:
- The 1/2″ thick cooking plate heats evenly across the entire surface. This means your food cooks consistently, no matter where you place it.
- It features three independent cooking zones. You can use one, two, or all three zones, making it perfect for both busy rushes and slower times.
- The griddle offers a wide temperature range, from 190°F to 575°F. This versatility lets you cook many different foods, like pancakes, burgers, and eggs.
- Its large 36″ x 16″ cooking area gives you plenty of space to cook. The non-stick iron plate is welded with advanced laser technology, so you don’t have to worry about oil leaks.
- Cleaning is made easy with a removable grease tray and 2.7″ splash guards. These guards protect you and your kitchen from hot grease splatters.
- The rounded edges add a nice look and make it safer to use.
- Adjustable stainless steel legs (2″ to 3″) ensure the griddle stays stable on any countertop.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 240V power requirement means you’ll need a specific outlet for this unit.
- While the non-stick surface is good, very high heat for extended periods might still require some care to maintain its longevity.
Overall, the CROSSON EG-918C is a robust and versatile griddle that can handle the demands of a commercial kitchen with ease. It’s a solid investment for restaurants aiming for efficient and consistent cooking.
The Essential Guide to Buying a Commercial Griddle
Choosing the right commercial griddle is a big decision for any kitchen. A good griddle can cook a variety of foods quickly and efficiently. This guide will help you understand what to look for so you can make the best choice for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
- Size: Griddles come in different widths. Think about how much food you need to cook at once. A larger griddle is good for busy restaurants. A smaller one might be fine for a cafe or food truck.
- Heat Control: You need to control the temperature accurately. Look for griddles with individual burner controls. This lets you cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- Surface Type: Griddles have different cooking surfaces. Some are made of steel, others of chrome. Steel heats up fast and is good for searing. Chrome is smoother and easier to clean.
- Power Source: Griddles run on gas or electricity. Gas griddles heat up faster and are often cheaper to run. Electric griddles are easier to install and offer more precise temperature control.
- Grease Management: A good grease trap is important. It catches grease and makes cleaning easier. Look for a well-designed grease drawer or trough.
Important Materials
The materials used in a griddle affect its performance and how long it lasts.
- Cooking Surface:
- Steel: This is a common and durable material. It heats evenly and can handle high temperatures. Steel griddles develop a natural non-stick surface over time with seasoning.
- Chrome: Chrome-plated surfaces are very smooth and non-stick. They are also easier to clean. However, they can be scratched, and if the plating is damaged, the griddle can rust.
- Body: The body of the griddle is usually made of stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, resists rust, and looks good in a professional kitchen.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a griddle better or worse.
- Thickness of the Cooking Plate: A thicker cooking plate holds heat better. This means the temperature stays more consistent when you add food. Thin plates can lose heat quickly.
- Burner Design: For gas griddles, the burner design is key. Good burners spread heat evenly across the entire surface. This ensures your food cooks uniformly.
- Ease of Cleaning: A griddle that is easy to clean will save you time and effort. Features like removable grease trays and smooth surfaces make cleaning much simpler.
- Durability: High-quality griddles are built to last. They use strong materials and robust construction. A well-built griddle can withstand daily use in a busy kitchen.
- Warranty: A good warranty shows that the manufacturer stands behind their product. It can protect you if something goes wrong.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the griddle will guide your choice.
- Restaurants: Busy restaurants need griddles that can cook large volumes of food quickly. They often choose gas griddles with wide cooking surfaces and powerful burners.
- Diners and Cafes: These places might need griddles for breakfast items like pancakes and eggs. A medium-sized steel griddle with good temperature control is often ideal.
- Food Trucks: Space is limited in food trucks. Compact and efficient griddles are essential. Electric griddles can be a good option if electricity is readily available.
- Home Cooks: While this guide focuses on commercial griddles, some home cooks use them for a professional cooking experience. They might choose smaller, electric models.
A commercial griddle is a valuable tool. By understanding these features and factors, you can find one that will serve your kitchen well for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for in a commercial griddle?
A: You should look for the right size for your kitchen, good heat control with individual burners, a durable cooking surface like steel or chrome, the appropriate power source (gas or electric), and an effective grease management system.
Q: Which material is better for the cooking surface: steel or chrome?
A: Steel is very durable and heats evenly, developing a non-stick surface with use. Chrome is smoother, more non-stick from the start, and easier to clean, but it can be scratched.
Q: How does the thickness of the cooking plate affect the griddle’s quality?
A: A thicker cooking plate holds heat better and keeps the temperature more stable when you add food. This leads to more even cooking.
Q: What are the advantages of a gas griddle over an electric one?
A: Gas griddles typically heat up faster and can be less expensive to operate. They are also often preferred for their quicker response to temperature changes.
Q: How important is the burner design in a commercial griddle?
A: The burner design is very important, especially for gas griddles. Good burners ensure that heat is spread evenly across the entire cooking surface, preventing hot and cold spots.
Q: What makes a griddle easy to clean?
A: Features like a well-designed grease trap, a smooth cooking surface, and a body made of stainless steel make a griddle easier to clean.
Q: Can I use a commercial griddle at home?
A: Yes, some home cooks use commercial griddles for a more professional cooking experience. Smaller electric models are often a good choice for home use.
Q: What is the main use case for a wide commercial griddle?
A: Wide griddles are best for busy restaurants that need to cook a large amount of food at once, like during peak meal times.
Q: What should I consider if I have limited space, like in a food truck?
A: If space is limited, you should look for a compact and efficient griddle. Electric griddles can also be a good option if electricity is readily available.
Q: Why is a good grease management system important?
A: A good grease management system, like a grease trap or drawer, catches grease and oil. This makes cleaning much easier and safer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.