The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
When it comes to griddles, not only cooking versatile foodstuff but they are also one of the must-have kitchen must-haves. Unlike a classic stovetop or an oven one, griddle allows you to just switch from frying pancakes to broiling burgers right on your one cooking surface. With such a multitude you can make a choice on improvement of your culinary needs. From slow-cooked meats in cast iron models to electric griddles with simple controls, the options range in variety.
Selecting the right griddle is not only about picking a brand. Finding a model that works with your kitchen space, cooking habits, and maintenance practices. Here are five of the best griddles on the market today, and why we think you should buy one! From indoor grilling to cooking for a crowd, to even an easy-to-clean surface, we can help [you] be covered.
1. Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Rectangular Grill/Griddle
No doubt the Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle is ideal for home cooks and campfire cookout fans both come together for the perfect high-heat cooking. Crafted from heavy-duty cast iron, this griddle heats evenly and holds heat longer than most other materials. Naturally pre-seasoned with vegetable oil for a semi-nonstick surface as soon as you take it out of the box. With a 20-inch by 10.39-inch cook surface, it’s spacious enough for breakfast griddle cakes or a pair of juicy steaks.
What makes this griddle even more versatile is its griddle reversible design. One side has a flat cooking area, perfect for eggs, pancakes, and bacon while the other side has grill ridges, creating classic grill marks on meats and veggies. You do have to wash it by hand, but the quality and heat distribution are well worth the extra care.
PROS
- Durable pre-seasoned cast iron.
- Even heat distribution.
- Large 20-inch surface.
- Reversible with grill and griddle sides.
CONS
- Hand wash only.
Key Features
- Reversible grill/griddle surface
- Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
- Dimensions: 20 x 10.39 x 0.98 inches
Ideal Use Cases
Suitable for stovetop, oven, and campfire cooking
2. Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control
No products found.The Chefman XL Electric Griddle brings together non-stick ease of use and the glory of enormous cooking real estate. This electric griddle is 10 x 20 inches in size, you have enough space to cook multiple dishes at a time or to cook for families. It also has decent temperature control (200 to 420°F) that lets you choose the right temp for every meal.
The microwave is easy to clean, which is what distinguishes the Chefman XL from the rest. The griddle has a removable temperature control — and its parts can be put in the dishwasher or fully submerged for easy cleanup. It even comes with a slide-out grease-drip tray to catch the grease—fewer oils needed, we’re sure.
PROS
- Large cooking area.
- Non-stick surface.
- Adjustable temperature settings.
- Dishwasher-safe drip tray.
CONS
- Plastic construction may feel less durable.
Key Features
- Removable temperature control
- Nonstick electric grill surface
- Includes slide-out drip tray
Ideal Use Cases
Great for large family meals or entertaining guests
3.Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle
If you’re set on durability and sticking to the traditional way to cook, the Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Griddle is a cut above the rest. This griddle is factory seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, yielding a naturally nonstick finish that improves with use. It is size 16.75 x 9.5 making sure you have plenty of room to feed more than 1 person so this is a great buy for families.
Simply flip and have either a grill side or a griddle side as you prefer. But what it really excels at is retaining heat, allowing for an even, steady cook great for searing and sautéing. This allows you to use this stovetop griddle on the stovetop, in the oven, or over a campfire, making it a multi-purpose addition to virtually any kitchen.
PROS
- Excellent heat retention.
- Natural vegetable oil seasoning.
- Stove, oven, and campfire compatible.
- Multi-purpose for searing and sautéing.
CONS
- Heavy to handle.
Key Features
- Seasoned with vegetable oil
- Dimensions: 16.75 x 9.5 inches
- Durable cast iron construction
Ideal Use Cases
Ideal for stovetop, oven, or outdoor cooking
4. Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle Cool-Touch Electric Griddle
As its name suggests, the Presto Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle has an innovative tilt-and-drain feature, allowing you to adjust the surface angle for grease drainage. This, in turn, is especially useful for preparing meat and other greasy foods as it prevents fat from staining the grill plate. The cooking area is big enough to serve up to 12 slices of French toast, so ideal for large family meals.
This ceramic nonstick surface electric griddle is PFAS-free and safe for cooking. Cool-touch base and backstop ledge are designed for safe handling, use the slide-out drip tray for easy clean-up. Plus it can be completely submerged in water (after removing the heat control of course).
PROS
- Large cooking surface.
- Tilt function for draining fat.
- Ceramic non-stick coating.
- Cool-touch edges.
CONS
- Requires manual cleaning.
Key Features
- Tilt ‘n Drain feature
- Large cooking surface
- Cool-touch base and backstop ledge
Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for family-sized breakfast and dinner dishes
5. Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle
Ideal for grilling indoors, you’ll be smokeless while grilling with the Ninja GR101 Sizzle Smokeless Indoor Grill & Griddle. With removable grill and griddle plates, this appliance can handle everything from grilled steaks to breakfast pancakes. The griddle plate can get hot—500°F hot—which means that you can get a proper sear with crispy edges.
This Ninja model also stands out for its edge-to-edge heating, which ensures even cooking without hot or cold spots. The removable plates and mesh lid are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy and convenient.
PROS
- Smokeless operation.
- Interchangeable plates for versatility.
- High heat of up to 500°F.
- Dishwasher-safe components.
CONS
- Higher price point.
Key Features
- Interchangeable grill and griddle plates
- Smokeless design with mesh lid
- Edge-to-edge heating
Ideal Use Cases
Great for indoor grilling and family-sized meals
How We Tested
To figure out what actually worked the best, we ran these products through the wringer in a variety of cooking situations. We then focused on some of the toughest tasks for these products — like searing meats — to see how evenly the heat was distributed across the griddle. Cleanability: We measured how fast, or how easy, each material allowed a wipe-down or how much you had it do for itself (excuse you cast iron and nonstick supports). Versatility: We prepared breakfast foods, a full dinner and other dishes to see how each griddle handled various tasks.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the best griddle, keep the following in mind:
Size
Ensure your chosen griddle fits your kitchen space and meets your cooking needs.
Material
Cast iron offers high durability and heat retention but requires more upkeep. Nonstick surfaces offer convenience, especially for easy cleanup.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Some griddles are dishwasher-safe, while others require hand washing. Make sure your choice aligns with your maintenance preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cast iron griddles on all stovetops?
Although most cast iron griddles can work on a stovetop, some companies recommend against using them on electric or induction stovetops—so reach for your manual before beginning.
What’s the advantage of an electric griddle?
Electric Griddle Electric griddles have an accurate temperature setting, they are convenient for preparing food without a stove.
Is seasoning necessary for cast iron griddles?
For sure, seasoning improves its nonstick surface and protects it from rust.
Are smokeless griddles completely smoke-free?
No one likes to deal with smoke damage (or damage caused by steam) in their kitchen, and although smokeless griddles reduce smoke a lot, some steam and very little smoke might occur with fatty foods.
Comparison
| Product | Material | Capacity | Key Feature | Ease of Cleaning | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presto 07061 Electric Griddle | Cast Aluminum | Large Cooking Area | Removable Handles | Dishwasher Safe | Check it out on Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle | Nonstick Coating | Family Size | Easy Temperature Control | Easy to Clean | Check it out on Amazon |
| Cuisinart Griddler | Stainless Steel | Multi-Functional | 5-in-1 Features | Removable Plates | Check it out on Amazon |
| Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill + Griddle | Nonstick Plates | 3-in-1 Functionality | Dual Cooking Zones | Easy to Wipe Clean | Check it out on Amazon |
| Ninja Foodi Grill | Ceramic Coating | Compact Size | Smokeless Grilling | Dishwasher Safe | Check it out on Amazon |
Final Thoughts on Choosing an Best Griddles
In other words, the type of griddle you pick should meet your cooking style requirements and kitchen demands. They are all unique products, however, from cast iron for the traditionalists to electric ones for modern-day convenience. These best options will have you covered for making more versatile cooking possible, so you can sit down and enjoy a tasty meal no matter what your cooking style is. Check out our latest review on cookware here! Our last reviewed Product.
