When someone mentions grilling, we often think of an open rack or metal grate with a heat source under. Nonetheless, what many may not know is that you can grill even on a flat-top surface. This is possible by using a griddle. If you have no idea about what to buy, keep on reading and we’ll help you make the right choice.
Reviews of Top 8 the Best Griddle Grill- America’s Test Kitchen
If you are clueless about what to purchase, here is a quick rundown of some of the top products to include on your list, as well as their most notable features.
1. Blackstone 15544-burner Flat Top Gas Grill
If you often grill for a large group, this is the perfect choice. This is a full-featured griddle grill that can also be great for commercial purposes. The 36-inch griddle will provide generous space. We also love how it comes with two side racks.
Performance-wise, there are countless reasons why this griddle is a part of our list. It has four adjustable heat zones. You can adjust the temperature individually and partition the griddle into four unique sections depending on the desired heat.
To make it user-friendly, it comes with an electronic ignition. All that you need is to push one button and the grill will light up in an instant.
The mobility of the grill is also notable. It has four industrial-strength wheels, making it easy to move around. There are also locks to keep the grill stable.
2. Blackstone Adventure-Ready 22-inch Griddle
Redefine outdoor cooking with this sturdy and feature-rich grill. It has a 330-square-inch cooking area. The dual burners will produce a total heat of 24,000 BTU. This means that the griddle will get hot enough quickly. This minimizes the time you have to wait before the food is ready!
The rear grease management system is also a plus. It lessens the mess when you are grilling by channeling the grease to a dedicated place. This also means that the oil will not accumulate on the flat surface where you are grilling.
It also comes with a solid dome lid with a large handle. The dome is a good thing since it allows you to close the griddle to trap heat and smoke. This makes it easier to maintain the desired temperature. The handle of the lid comes with a heat-resistant grip so that it stays cool to the touch.
3. Blackstone 17-inch Tabletop Grill
If you are looking for something more compact compared to the grills above, this is an excellent alternative. The 17-inch grill is space-efficient and portable, so you can bring it anywhere you intend to grill.
Looking at its features, one of the most notable is the stainless steel burner. It has a heat output of 12,000 BTU. It may not be as powerful as the one mentioned above, but the performance is equally impressive. You can be confident that it heats up quickly.
The top is made of rolled carbon steel. It has a total cooking area of 268 square inches. we love how solid is the construction of the griddle, which can guarantee many years of functionality. It is also non-stick, which will make cleaning a breeze.
Lastly, we also like how it comes with adjustable feet. With the latter, you can adjust the height depending on the surface where it is used. Plus, it has rubber, which will prevent the griddle from slipping.
4. Cuisinart CGG-888 Griddle Grill
The brand name alone is already a compelling reason to include this on your list. This 22-inch griddle has an innovative design and packed with the most advanced features that you can expect from a reliable brand.
Among others, one of our favorites is the presence of two burners, which you can control separately. This means that you can have two different cooking portions on the griddle with varying temperatures. You can enjoy up to 30,000 BTU of heat. You can also adjust the temperature from 200 to 550 degrees depending on what you are grilling.
There are also features that can ensure convenience of the user. For instance, there is a removable grease cup, which will make clean-up a breeze. There is also a tissue holder on the side. Plus, there is a convenient side rack, which will provide the additional space that you need when grilling.
5. Royal Gourmet GB8000 8-burner Griddle Grill
If the griddle grills mentioned above are too small for your needs, then this product is a good option. It has a total cooking area of 969 square inches with eight burners. There is a total heat output of 104,000 BTU. Without a doubt, this is powerful even for the most demanding users. If you love entertaining family and friends at home, this is a great griddle to redefine outdoor cooking!
The electronic ignition system is one of the best things about this griddle grill. You don’t have to be frustrated when lighting it up. It sparks in an instant with a push of a button!
There are also two large-capacity grease cups. This way, grease does not have to accumulate on the griddle. This will also simplify cleaning.
Lastly, there is plenty of space for all your suff. There are two foldable side racks for preparation and warming. There is also a bottom rack that you can utilize if you need more space.
6. Blackstone Tailgater Portable Gas Grill and Griddle
By now, you should have known that Tailgater is one of the best brands to consider if you are looking for a griddle grill. This specific product is designed for those who love to go tailgating. It allows you to grill anytime and anywhere. With its lightweight and foldable design, you can bring it outdoors in a snap.
There are only two burners, but they are extremely powerful as they deliver a heat output of 35,000 BTU. This is perfect for those who are impatient! When cooking, you will enjoy 477 square inches of grilling space.
The versatility of this product is one more reason why this is a part of our list. You can remove the flat griddle and use the burner with your pots and pans. With its multiple uses, this is the perfect portable outdoor cooking companion.
7. Cuisinart 300WSP1 Griddler Elite
Out of all the products on this list, this is perhaps the one with the most modern design. It is also compact and portable. Plus, it is versatile. It is more than just a griddle. There are six built-in cooking functions. From meats to sandwiches, this is a great product to help you whip up your culinary magic.
One of the best features is the removable non-stick grill. This means that there will be no hard deposits on the surface. You can clean the griddle in a snap.
Plus, it comes with a dual-zone temperature control. You can experiment with different temperatures depending on what a recipe requires. There is also a sear function, which will let you sear at a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another distinct feature of this griddle grill is the digital display, making it effortless to monitor the process of cooking.
8. Presto 07061 Electric Griddle
For those who prefer to use an electric griddle compared to a gas-powered unit, this is a great option. This is also the most compact from our list. At its most basic, it is just like a flat cooking surface with handles and a controller on the top.
It has a premium non-stick cooking surface, so you can cook with no or minimal oil. Because food does not stick on the griddle, it is also easier to clean. You don’t have to deal with hard residues.
In terms of its construction, it is also impressive. There is a heavy-cast aluminum base, making it durable but lightweight. It is also warp-resistant. Plus, we love how it comes with removable handles. You can separate the handle and the base without using any tool.
Lastly, there is a simple temperature knob control. All that you need to do is to turn the dial and you can conveniently adjust the heat level of the griddle.
The Comparison of Griddle With Other Brands
Griddle vs Skillet
A skillet is one of the must-haves in the kitchen. From frying to heating, it can perform multiple tasks. However, it should never be compared with a griddle as the two are entirely different. The biggest difference between the two is the way they are used. A skillet does not come with a heat source. Instead, it is used on a stove or anywhere else there is heat underneath. This means that the heating element is not a part of the skillet. Whereas, a griddle can have a heat source. Yes, there are griddles that are used on a stovetop, but most of them have a built-in heat source.
Another major difference of the two is when it comes to their shape. Traditionally, a griddle is rectangular. It has a larger cooking space. This is as against a skillet, which is often round. Also, it is common for a skillet to have one long handle. In a griddle, you will often see two handles on both sides, making it easier to lift even when the top is loaded.
The sidewalls are also different. A skillet has deeper sidewalls. This means that you can use it for deep frying and even making soups. You cannot do so in a griddle as the sides are usually shallow. It is meant for grilling or cooking items like eggs and pancakes.
Griddle vs Grill
First, it is important to know that there are two types of griddles and grills. At the most basic, you will find those that do not come with a built-in power source. So, they need to be placed on the top of a heat source, such as stove or wood. The main difference is that the grill has chambers. These are the ones that are responsible for adding distinct grill marks to your food, such as steaks. This is as against a griddle wherein the surface is flat, and hence, you won’t find grill marks.
Alternatively, there are also electric versions available. Even when the version is electric, a griddle is still typically flat. Meanwhile, in some electric grills, you will find those with a solid surface similar to a griddle, but there are still raised parts. These are the ones responsible for adding marks on the food.
The products mentioned above are categorized as griddle grills. They blur the difference between a griddle and grill. They can do both things, making them a versatile investment for those who love outdoor cooking.
Griddle vs Frying Pan
Honestly, we should not be comparing the two. It isn’t comparing apples with apples. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. They are designed for cooking food, but they are a league of their own.
To begin with, a frying pan does not come with a heat source. This is meant to be used on a stovetop or any other heat source. This is as against a griddle. The griddle comes with a heating element in the form of a burner. It ignites flames to cook your food. It is connected to a heat source, such as electricity or natural gas.
There are also significant differences in terms of what you can cook on the two. A frying pan has a sidewall that protects the food from overflowing. While the name states that it is for frying, because of its depth, you can also use it when there is liquid. You can also add a lot of oil for deep frying. In a griddle, the cooking surface is flat. It lacks the depth that you can find in a pan, and hence, you cannot deep fry or cook with liquid.
Griddle vs Charbroiler
A charbroiler has steel grates, which is where you will be cooking your food. It has ribs or grates that are heated, serving as the cooking chamber. The design is its main difference with a griddle. A charbroiler looks much like a traditional grill because of the ribs in the cooking area. This is as against a griddle, which has a flat top.
Another difference is when it comes to what you can cook in them. In a charbroiler, you can cook almost anything that you can in a traditional grill. The ridges are notable because they make a visible grill pattern, making it perfect for steaks or patties. These grill patterns are not present when you cook the same item in a griddle. In a griddle, you can cook eggs and pancakes because it has a flat surface, which you cannot do when you are cooking in a charbroiler unless you have a pan on the top.
Meanwhile, the two are similar in terms of how they are heated. It can have different power sources, such as natural gas, electricity, and propane. The specific source will vary from one model to another. This will also impact the overall performance of the griddle and charbroiler, as well as their portability.
Griddle vs Stovetop
There are different types of griddle that you can find in the market. For the purpose of comparing griddle vs stovetop, we will be comparing one that is electric or gas-powered and one that you can use on a stove.
As the name implies, a stovetop is something that you can conveniently put on the top of a heat source. This is affordable and portable. It is nothing but a flat cooking surface, often with handles. It is often rectangular in shape and will let you cook the way you would in a griddle.
On the other hand, a griddle comes with a convenient power source. It is more expensive and bulkier compared to a stovetop. It has a built-in heating source. You need to connect it to a gas line or electricity to function. Nonetheless, there is also a kind of griddle that does not come with a heat source, which means that you need to use it on a stovetop.
Griddle vs Flattop
When you mention griddle, one of the first things that come to mind is a flat-top grill. This is expected because that is exactly what it is. If you see the eight products mentioned above, then you will understand what we are talking about. Without being too technical, a griddle is simply a flat-top grill. It has an even and flat surface wherein you will cook. This is reminiscent of what is used for cooking burgers. It is a great outdoor cooking companion, especially for tailgating and camping.
However, if we have to identify one difference between the two, it would be in terms of the foods that you can cook in them. In a flattop grill, you can cook food that require even temperature and high heat, such as seafood. In contrast, a griddle is used if you want to cook different items at a time. This is better suited for those who are looking for versatility. It will let you save time. There are independent burners, which means that you can control the heat individually. You can set the heat to low in one area and high on the other part.
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