The key to choosing the right griddle for your establishment starts with understanding your menu and the space in which you'll be cooking. When selecting which griddles to feature, we carefully evaluated a variety of factors to ensure the best options were reflected for a range of restaurant concepts. The key purchasing considerations we considered included power type, indoor/outdoor use, and control type.
Griddle Power Type
When selecting a griddle for your commercial kitchen, consider your specific power requirements and limitations. Whether you prioritize mobility, energy efficiency, or portability, choosing the right power type can significantly impact performance and functionality.
- Electric griddles: These griddles are ideal for kitchens with limited space and can be moved around as needed. They offer precise temperature control, making them suitable for cooking a wide range of dishes. Additionally, they can be unplugged for cleaning, making them easier to maintain compared to gas-powered griddles.
- Natural gas griddles: Natural gas is also a cost-effective power source, making it a popular choice for larger kitchens with built-in natural gas connections. If your kitchen is equipped with natural gas lines, a natural gas griddle can streamline your cooking operations and reduce energy costs.
- Liquid propane griddles: If you're using an outdoor griddle, catering an event, or operating a food truck, a liquid propane griddle offers the flexibility to cook on location. Additionally, liquid propane griddles produce fewer emissions than other power sources and have a quick heat-up time, allowing you to start cooking faster.
Indoor vs Outdoor Griddles
Since we offer a range of both indoor and outdoor griddles to suit your specific needs, we found it imperative to explain the difference between the two. Each type offers specific benefits depending on your preferred cooking style.
- Indoor griddles: Indoor griddles are designed to be placed on a countertop or work surface. Their compact size and convenient placement make them ideal for busy cooking environments, and they are typically powered by electric or natural gas hookups. They are perfect for quick, efficient cooking without an outdoor setup.
- Outdoor griddles: Outdoor griddles are built for heavy-duty outdoor cooking tasks. These griddles are often more powerful than indoor models, featuring larger cooking surfaces that can reach higher temperatures. They operate without the need for an exhaust hood, making them versatile for outdoor cooking spaces. Powered by liquid propane, outdoor griddles are perfect for cooking large quantities of meat such as burgers and steaks.
Griddle Control Type
Whether you prioritize simplicity and ease of use or precision and control in your cooking process, selecting the right griddle control type is essential for achieving the best results in your commercial kitchen. We evaluated both manual and thermostatic griddles, as those are the two main control types available.
- Manual griddles: These units feature fixed heat settings, like low, medium, and high, rather than a specific temperature or temperature range. While manual griddles are great for simple operation and straightforward cooking tasks, they do not offer as much flexibility as thermostatic controls.
- Thermostatic griddles: Thermostatic griddles provide the ability to set the unit to a specific temperature, allowing for precise control over the cooking process. This feature is ideal for achieving consistent cooking results and gives you the most control over the temperature and cooking time.
No matter if you operate a food truck, a diner, or a breakfast buffet, commercial griddles can handle a wide range of cooking tasks with ease. They are a fixture in countless kitchens, offering a versatile cooking surface that streamlines the cooking process. By exploring these top commercial griddle options, you can make an informed choice that meets the unique needs of your commercial kitchen.