A pancake griddle is a type of cooking surface that is specifically designed to prepare pancakes as well as other foods. It has two curved plates, with one plate having a smooth surface while the other has a more ridged surface with deep grooves. This griddle is a small, flat surface to prepare pancakes or other food items and may be made of cast iron. Usually, it has an electric heating element located at the bottom of the cooking surface.
The design of the pancake griddle enables one to flip or turn the food without having to use a spatula or any other utensil. There are various types of griddles available in the market to fulfill different cooking requirements, like electric griddles that are widely used in most kitchens because they are convenient to operate and also for easy cleaning.
A great pancake griddle is important for creating perfect pancakes that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. A pancake griddle is a kitchen utensil that can help you to create delicious pancakes with ease. They are often characterized by a non-stick coating on their surface and therefore are easy to clean and maintain. The best pancake griddle also has temperature control settings so that you can achieve that perfect golden brown color on your pancakes.
The Benefits of Using a Pancake Griddle
The advantages of utilizing a pancake griddle are that it is cheap, produces high-quality food, and provides much control over the temperature. Below are the reasons why you will want to cook with one over any other type of pan or grill. Some of these advantages will be discussed in this article.
1. Low Cost
The first and probably the most significant advantage is the affordable price of this kind of kitchenware. On average, it is possible to come across a small griddle for less than $20, while there are those that can be bought for less than $10 if they are second-hand. These pancake griddles are very durable, and you can be sure that they will serve you for a long time! When you consider the amount of money you spend on purchasing high-quality skillets, this is a great option since these griddles do not wear out.
2. Great Quality Food
There is no real grilling surface on this one, but you can make it very hot and thus get those nice grill marks on your food and the great crunch. Also, the pancake griddles are uniform in heating and are very steady since they are designed in a simple way that enables them to cook a variety of foods for an extended period with no variation in the quality.
3. Excellent Control Over Cooking Temperature
These items are great because it makes it very easy to have control of the temperature when cooking, and you will be able to experiment a lot! Since these griddles can cook at such high temperatures (500 degrees F+), there are many recipes that you can try, but on the other hand, the griddle isn’t very large, so you will notice that the heat won’t stay for long and you will be cooking food for a shorter time. Therefore, if you are planning to prepare some steak or chicken, then it is recommended to use the griddle.
4. Great for Small Spaces
These items are quite portable and are ideal for people who have limited space in their homes, such as those who live in a motorhome, boat, or even a dorm room. When I was still in college, I recall seeing many people preparing pancakes and other meals on this during their spare time. It was really convenient to cook food on the pancake griddles, and cleaning the equipment was also quite easy due to its flat structure, which resembled a plate more than anything else and offered the same functionality as one! When not in use, they can be folded or put away in drawers and cabinets.
5. They Come in Different Shapes and Sizes
The following are the different shapes and sizes that you can use depending on your cooking requirements. These range from the small 6-1/2-inch griddles suitable for use in preparing pancakes or eggs to the large 24-inch griddles, which are ideal for searing steaks. It is also possible to get square-shaped alternatives, which is beneficial if you have a large family with children since the corners offer so many spots to hide food. I have also come across some people who even prepare meat chops on the pancake griddle.
6. Ideal for Cooking Enthusiasts of All Ages
My mother often uses one of these for making beef patties and other dishes. I remember seeing one of her friends using a griddle in this way to cook steak, and he was having so much fun! These items are simple, but my grandmother has been using them for years to make pancakes, eggs, and others. Here are some benefits you and your kids will enjoy, especially if you have children: They will enjoy these options because they can prepare their own pancakes or any dish they want on these without the fear of harming themselves or others.
7. Cleanup After Use is Super Easy
This benefit is perhaps the most important point in my opinion because we all know how frustrating it can be after cooking food and just how much effort is required for cleanup, and that's why many people don't cook at home as frequently as they should: because of the cleanup. With these items, it is such a pleasure because there are no deep pockets or intricate spaces to clean; just as the video below will show you, it is indeed a breeze!
List Of 7 Best Pancake Griddle Reviews
1. COMMERCIAL CHEF Cast Iron Silver Dollar Pancake Griddle
Reviews:
- If you are in the market for a pancake griddle that is built to last and will help you create restaurant-quality pancakes in no time, then you need to consider getting the Commercial Chef Cast Iron Silver Dollar Pancake Griddle.
- This cast iron griddle is 14.5 inches long and comes with seven ring sections to ensure that the pancakes turn out perfect every time. The best part? It is already seasoned and all set for cooking. All you have to do is warm it up, pour in the batter, and witness the joy on your kids’ faces when they eat their pancakes that you have made.
- This is perfect for the Commercial Chef Cast Iron Silver Dollar Pancake Griddle, which is equally good for cooking bacon, eggs, and sliced fruit, among others. It is great for holidays or if you have a large number of people to accommodate! What’s more, this easy-to-clean griddle has a fashionable handle hole, which allows it to be hanged in the kitchen to display its elegant appearance.
- The cast iron pan used in this silver dollar pancake griddle does not require much attention and is very easy to clean and maintain; all you need to do is hand wash it and make sure that it is thoroughly dry as instructed by the manufacturer, and your griddle will serve you as long as these annoying and dreaded breakfast problems are solved.
Why Choose This Product:
- Superior design
- Heats up quickly
- Easy to use and clean
- Dishwasher safe
2. BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle
Reviews:
- The BELLA Ceramic Titanium Electric Griddle is a great addition to your kitchen accessories. This electric griddle comes with a 1500-watt heating system and a cool touch handle and base with a Flip-Ledge for easy flipping of pancakes. The ceramic coating prevents the sticking of food residues like eggs, potatoes, and bacon drippings in the morning. This is simple to operate, and one can prepare breakfast in no time with the help of this appliance.
- No more flipping pancakes, as the griddle ledge ensures durability and easy cooking every time. Fry butter or an egg directly on the grill; all you have to do is turn on the heat to the desired level and pour in some pancake batter for a tasty breakfast.
- The removable probe with a dial that is easy to turn also makes it easy to set the desired temperature, while the ceramic non-stick coating is 8 times more durable than the standard coatings and cooks food up to 30% faster.
- BELLA provides a comprehensive selection of top-quality kitchen appliances like air fryers, waffle irons, toasters, coffee makers, electric kettles, slow cookers, and espresso machines, and other kitchen appliances like griddles and juicers that are essential for a lively family that cherishes food!
Why Choose This Product:
- Durable and reliable
- Easy to clean
- Extra-large cooking surface
3. Dash DMS001WH Mini Maker Electric Round Griddle for Individual Pancakes
Reviews:
- If you are a modern-day chef, then you simply cannot afford to miss out on the Dash Mini Maker. For those who are always on the move, this portable electric pancake maker comes in quite handy. Forget about waiting for hours for the oven to warm up to be able to prepare pancakes—this one will allow you to prepare enough portions for each member of the family at breakfast time in no more than five minutes.
- The Dash Mini Maker is capable of producing great pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and other dishes. It has a non-stick cooking surface to prevent food from sticking and to make cleaning up easy and fast. The cord is 31 inches long, so it can always be close by, even in smaller spaces like college dorm rooms or camper vans! What is more, you will have no issues with pancakes sticking to the pan as this best pancake griddle is designed with a non-stick surface to allow for even cooking. It has got a stylish look and comes in various colors that will blend well with any kitchen theme or mood!
- The Dash Mini Maker griddle is able to make round pancakes or small cookies for one that are ready before the table is set or others are done cooking. You don’t have to scramble for a spot on a shared baking sheet, run back and forth serving others, or lose the crunchy ends! With this machine, the sky is the limit on what you can create, from hotcakes and waffles to breakfast sandwiches, even tater tot hash browns.
Why Choose This Product:
- Non-stick surface for easy food release
- Heats up and cooks fast!
- Sleek and trendy design that's sure to match any kitchen decor or mood!
4. Cainfy Pancake Pan Maker Nonstick-Suitable for All Stovetops
Reviews:
- You will need the Cainfy Pancake Pan Maker Nonstick if you want to make perfect thick and tasty pancakes each time. It is made from die-cast aluminum, which ensures that the griddle heats up uniformly and in the shortest time possible, and the non-stick coating ensures that you can flip your food without much effort. Also, it has a flat surface that has been purposely given to ensure that heat is well distributed across the food to avoid the formation of some black marks on the mini pancakes that you may have noticed before.
- This vintage donut maker comes in a 19-inch length, featuring a bakelite handle and a total of four different flapjacks: Each is 4 inches in diameter (ideal for portion control). With this lightweight and sturdy pan at your disposal, making pancakes has never been easier!
- The nonstick coating makes it super-efficient and quick; it will not take you more than 10 minutes to prepare these tasty golden pancakes! The flat edge of the spatula is excellent for ensuring that your food doesn’t stick, the flipping is very easy, and the handle reduces wrist stress.
Why Choose This Product:
- Very versatile.
- Has a flat edge to help keep the heat in the pan, which results in more even cooking.
- Made from durable and reliable materials that guarantee many years of cooking use.
5. iSiLER Nonstick Electric Pancakes Maker Griddle
Reviews:
- The iSiLER Nonstick Electric Crepe Maker is an essential tool in the kitchen when preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a small appliance that enables you to make crepes of your choice in a very short time. It is perfect for both novices and experts because the high-power system ensures that the process of making crepes is simple and efficient for anyone to do.
- The iSiLER Nonstick Electric Pancake Maker Griddle is the perfect way to prepare yummy pancakes without having to go through the entire process of traditional pancake-making procedures. This electric griddle heats up very fast, and the heat is distributed evenly, thus enabling you to cook those pancakes as soon as you desire! It is also non-stick, and therefore it is very easy to clean it up once done.
- The food-grade aluminum plates make this perfect for use around the house or to take on camping trips by adding ingredients like eggs, bacon, or steak. This product is an excellent choice for those who use the microwave for food preparation in their homes, students living in dorms, and people living in small apartments; this is because it has dimensions of 13 x 12 x 2.5 inches and is easy to move from one place to the other using one hand.
Why Choose This Product:
- Nonstick surface are easy to clean
- Takes up little space on the countertop
- Griddle heats up quickly and evenly
6. 7-Mold Pancake Pan Nonstick Breakfast Griddle
Reviews:
- The 7-Mold Pancake Pan Nonstick Breakfast Griddle is perfect for all your breakfast requirements. It can fry seven eggs or pancakes for your family in just minutes and with much less oil than a traditional frying pan due to the proper spacing of its holes. It will never spill over and keep the perfect shape of the food, adding more fun while cooking in the kitchen!
- To prevent the nonstick ceramic coating from dry burning, we suggest placing some food or liquid in each section; oil is used sparingly, and cleanup is simple for this enjoyable breakfast meal. Constructed with an aluminum alloy that heats up quickly and very evenly, with low heat consumption per batch, and has a three-layer base at the bottom, which helps retain the heat better than most of the pans. It has a lightweight handle that goes cool even while you are cooking with it on the electric stove or even the campfire side. The handles of the product are lightweight and stay cool, which is beneficial for use.
- The 7-Mold Pancake Pan Nonstick Breakfast Griddle is ideal for all those snowy days in winter. It also ensures that the pancakes do not burn and is time-effective in ensuring that the pancakes are well done for breakfast! This pan has three different size molds and can produce rectangular-shaped pancakes of 6 to 8 inches in size in a matter of seconds.
Why Choose This Product:
- Make breakfast easy, fast, and fun
- Nonstick ceramic coating makes cleanup easy
- Lightweight, stay-cool handles
7. Cainfy Pancake Pan Maker Nonstick-Suitable for All Stovetops
Reviews:
- When it comes to making breakfast, the 1Cainfy Pancake Pan Maker Nonstick is a must-have for any kitchen. The four pancakes in each mold are 4 inches in diameter, so even when you are preparing the pancake for many people, you can be sure that there will be enough for everyone. This pancake maker is also very durable, as it has a non-sticky finish and a bakelite handle that can be used for years.
- It is time to pull out the pancake maker to make crepes and blintzes with the help of special ridges that work as a butter guard while cooking these wonderful recipes from all over the world! Your wrist will thank you too with our sturdy bakelite handle that makes it easier on your back when carrying this heated metal cup kitchenware from one room to another.
- This model has a non-sticky bottom finish and a bakelite handle, making it more durable than all other brands of pancake makers. The 5 griddle features will enable you to prepare breakfast in the morning or even use it to prepare crepes, blinis, and blintzes. The four pancakes have a diameter of 4 inches each and have a total length of 19 inches. Items like eggs will cook well on the three-layer thickened pot bottom; hence, your mini pancakes will be well done.
- The exterior of this pan can be used with gas or stove cookers and is made of magnetized iron; it can also be used on induction hobs or electric stoves, halogen ovens, ceramic hobs, and solid cooking grates. Safe for the dishwasher and oven with a maximum temperature of 450 degrees, the non-stick coating may not need frequent washing due to the ease of cleaning.
Why Choose This Product:
- Very easy to clean.
- Durable, and the bakelite handles are comfortable to use—they do not get hot quickly.
- The design is nice and clean-looking.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Pancake Griddle
To help you choose the right griddle, here are some factors that you need to consider before choosing your preferred griddle.
Material
Reflect on the type of material used in the griddle—cast iron or stainless steel? Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. It is important to note that cast iron heats up and cools down slowly and is perfect for searing steaks, but one has to be very careful when cleaning since food can easily stick to the surface while steel is very easy to clean after use. Furthermore, the ones that have been enamelled are better at holding heat and come with non-stick surfaces for ease of use and cleaning.
Dimensions
Before you place your order for a griddle, ensure that you consider the size of the item. It should be large enough to feed the number of people you have in mind and should also be small enough to fit on your stovetop or outdoor grill.
Frying Area
The term ‘pancake’ should not be misconstrued to mean the size of the cake because one is usually small in size. There are some models that have a large surface, which is great for cooking bacon and eggs or making sandwiches. Some will have a larger area that is ideal for griddling on your gas stovetop or over an open fire, while others will be smaller in area.
Width
Look at the width of the griddle pan; there are those that are 12 inches, while there are those that are only 10 inches in width. It has a larger surface that can accommodate more food, and this is ideal, especially when you are preparing for many people!
Griddle Surface
There are some griddle pans that have a flat surface that can be used for cooking eggs, making pancakes, and even toasting bread. Some other models have a ribbed surface, which is a better choice for preparing meat because any fats dripping from the meat do not soak into the surface of the grill, which can make the food greasy. It is possible to get a flat or a grooved surface on most pancake griddles, or you can get a reversible one that allows you to use either side according to your preference.
Heat Distribution
Heat transfer differs based on the type of material being used. When preparing meals for several people, one has to be very keen on the arrangement of the food on the griddle, especially when it comes to large items and the space between each item. Ceramic or cast iron griddles, whether they have an enamel coating or not, ensure that the heat is well distributed throughout the cooking surface, thus ensuring that your turkey is well done.
Size
When buying a griddle, it is also important to check the size that will fit into your stovetop. Griddles come in different sizes, so it is crucial to look for one that has the right size that can fit on your stovetop. Stainless steel griddles are slightly more versatile in this regard, as they can easily be placed on most stoves, while cast iron ones are often slightly larger and may not fit into conventional ovens.
Edges
When deciding on the type of pancake griddles to purchase, ensure that the edges are flat to enable you to flip your pancakes or omelettes. Some models have silicone handles on the side of the pan to enable you to flip your food easily, while others come with foldable handles to ease on storage. When choosing a cast iron or heavy duty version, consider the weight of the model since some of them can be quite heavy.
Riveted Handles
Handles that are riveted onto the pan will make sure that they cannot be removed easily, and this is crucial when you are moving the griddles around when cooking. Here are some other tips: Some pans may be hard to pick up or move around, so for such pans, it may be better to go for one with a T handle (two handles joined together in the shape of T makes it easier on the grip/comfort).
Other Features
There are a few other factors that are worth considering: pour spouts, the presence of legs (for use over the fire), and cleanability. All the griddle pans should be designed in a way that they have two handles, but in case yours has only one handle, then do not attempt to move it as you may end up burning yourself. Pour spouts are a useful tool in guiding fats away from the food on the pan and into another container while cooking without making a mess. Legs or no legs?
Some people prefer to use their griddle pans over the open fires or the wood stoves while they are camping or even in their homes on gas cookers. Some models that have legs are designed for this, but if your model does not have this feature, then do not worry, as many traditional pancake griddles can be used over the open fire too (remember to check if the stove you are using will allow this).
Ease Of Cleaning
It is generally quite simple to clean most of the grill pans. The best way to clean is to simply wipe it with some soap and water and then dry it. For the hard-to-remove stains, one can use a brush or apply a cleaner directly to the surface. Most of the ceramic models are dishwasher safe, but it is always wise to check on this.
After seasoning, all you have to do is ensure that the pan cools down and then is simply left to dry before using it again or storing it away. It is also important to note that some cast iron griddles may require regular seasoning with vegetable oil, though this will also depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations. These will also need to be cleaned using a strong detergent after use, especially if they get sticky or develop rust marks.
Warranty
If you are planning on buying the griddle pan from a department store, then make sure to check whether there is a warranty provided or simply wait until you get home and read the manual. If not, search the internet to find out more about other brands like Camps Australia, which provides a 2-year warranty.
Accessories
If you do not want to spend money on a new pan, you can buy accessories to improve your current one! It is also important to look for covers that will help protect the griddle when it is not in use and pans with pouring spouts so that fats can be easily drained off.
Functionality
First of all, you need to determine the size of the area where you will be storing your griddle pan. Thirdly, it is necessary to consider the number of people who will be consuming food from it to determine whether you need a large or small one. For instance, if it is only for you in a day, then it is advisable to buy a small one, while if there are others to feed, then a large one is recommended!
Lastly, there is the issue of the type of stove and its oven options: an electric griddle would benefit those who have access to stovetops and ovens, while a gas stove would suit those who have a free-standing kitchen range without having to buy any additional equipment.
Pricing
The price of pancake griddles can be different depending on the brand, design, and materials used in the making of the griddles. It is, however, important to understand that these are durable products, meaning that instead of buying cheap ones every year, it is best to invest in a good product that will last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best type of griddle to use for making pancakes?
The Cuisinart Green Gourmet Double Burner Nonstick Griddle is a very useful and very efficient stovetop griddle that can be used for almost anything. It is of a good size for small or large families, and the extra-long surface can help you avoid having to flip food over while cooking multiple pancakes at a time!
2. Why is it important to prepare the griddle for the pancakes?
A griddle is very good for making pancakes because you can flip the pancakes easily, and it is also great for heating the surface to the right temperature. These will be ready in no time at all if cared for and seasoned well enough to avoid sticking during the preparation of batter/mixes. To begin, all that is needed is to ensure that one has all that is required, such as the pancake batter or the ready-to-use ones that are made from the special store-bought mixes meant for this purpose only; after heating, turn the flame to the minimum, and if using oil, then add the oil.
3. Do pancakes cook better on a griddle?
In my opinion, the best tool for making pancakes is a griddle with a temperature control on it. We prefer to use an electric skillet because, as Alton Brown puts it, it is not a uni-tasker (a kitchen gadget that only has one function). For the preheating, you should set the temperature to 375 F and then reduce it when you are going to prepare some breakfast dishes.
4. At what temperature do you make pancakes on a griddle?
As your batter is setting, prepare the pan and utensils that you will need to flip and cook the flapjacks. For pancakes, an ideal griddle temperature should be 375°F on medium with an open flame or gas stovetop burners; otherwise, the pancakes will stick and break easily when you flip them.
5. Can you use a griddle as a stovetop?
A griddle is an essential piece of equipment for any kitchen. As for the cooking surfaces, there are two main types: an electric one and stovetop ones that were initially designed for gas stoves but can also work with electricity or even firewood.
6. Can you boil water on a griddle?
Yes, boiling water on a griddle is possible, but one needs to be very cautious. A quick reminder: always choose pots that can withstand temperatures higher than 100 degrees Celsius (212°F) and never go beyond this limit without proper precautions!
Conclusion
The best pancake griddle is one that can be used for all types of pancakes, not just the traditional ones. It should also have a large surface area to accommodate multiple batches while cooking and an easy-to-clean design; features like these make it easier for you to whip up breakfast with ease every morning without having to worry about cleaning up later.
If you are looking for a pancake griddle, there are plenty of options available. We have compiled the best ones to give you an idea of what is out there and which one might be right for your needs.
