What Is a Griddle? 9 Types and How To Cook With One

If you're passionate about cooking, you know the importance of the right tools in the kitchen. One essential for anyone’s culinary toolbox is the griddle.

Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, a griddle can expand your culinary capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll explain what a griddle is, look at the different types available, the materials they are made from, and how you can use them to cook a variety of meals.

What Is a Griddle?

A griddle is a flat cooking surface that provides consistent heat across its entire area, making it ideal for cooking a wide range of foods. Unlike grills, which have grates, a griddle’s smooth surface is perfect for cooking foods that might fall through the gaps of a grill. 

Griddles come in various sizes and can be used on cooktops, as standalone electric units, or even outdoors. They are designed to cook food quickly and evenly, which is especially useful for breakfast items and delicate foods that need a steady temperature.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Griddle?

These are the biggest perks of adding a griddle to your daily kitchen rotation:

Versatility

One of the biggest advantages of using a griddle is its versatility. You can cook a variety of foods, from breakfast items like pancakes and eggs to lunch and dinner staples like burgers and stir-fry. 

The even heat distribution ensures that your food cooks uniformly, which is particularly useful for dishes that require precise temperature control. Griddles can handle a wide range of cooking techniques, including searing, sautéing, grilling, and even baking.

Convenience

Griddles are incredibly convenient. They offer a large cooking surface, which gives you plenty of room to work without needing to pull out an entire cookware set. This is particularly beneficial for large families or when you're entertaining guests. 

Electric griddles, in particular, are easy to use and can be set up anywhere with an electrical outlet. Their portability makes them perfect for outdoor events, camping trips, and picnics. Plus, the clean-up process is often simpler than traditional grills, making post-meal chores less daunting.

Durability

High-quality griddles are built to last and hold up much longer than a cheap frying pan. Whether you choose a cast iron, stainless steel, or Enameled Cast Iron Griddle , you can be assured of their durability. 

With proper care and maintenance, a good-quality griddle can serve you for many years. Enameled cast iron griddles, in particular, can last generations if properly maintained, becoming a family heirloom passed down through the years.

What Are the Different Types of Griddles?

These are the most common types of griddles and a breakdown of the benefits of using each:

1. Stovetop Griddles

Stovetop griddles are designed to be used on your kitchen range. They can cover one or more burners and are fantastic for indoor cooking. 

These griddles can be made from various materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic-coated griddles , which are suitable for cooking a wide range of foods, from scrambled eggs to hamburgers. They offer the advantage of being easy to store and can be used with any type of stovetop, including gas, electric, and induction.

2. Electric Griddles

Electric griddles are standalone pieces of cooking equipment that plug into an outlet. They have a built-in heating element and are ideal for use in spaces where a stovetop might not be available. 

Electric griddles are easy to use, and their temperature can be precisely controlled with a dial or digital settings. They often come with additional features like removable drip trays, non-stick surfaces , and adjustable temperature controls, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.

3. Outdoor Griddles

Outdoor griddles are perfect for backyard barbecues and camping trips. These griddles are typically larger and more durable, designed to handle the rigors of outdoor cooking.

They can be fueled by propane or natural gas and often come with additional features like side burners and storage shelves. Outdoor griddles are ideal for cooking large quantities of food quickly, making them perfect for gatherings and parties.

4. Specialized Griddles

Specialized griddles include options like pancake griddles, which have multiple molds for making perfectly shaped fluffy pancakes, or griddles designed specifically for making crepes. 

These griddles are tailored for specific cooking tasks but still offer the versatility of a flat cooking surface. Some specialized griddles even come with unique features like ridged surfaces for grilling or grates for making waffle patterns.

What Types of Materials Are Used in Griddles?

Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of materials used to make high-quality griddles:

1. Cast Iron

Cast iron griddles are known for their excellent heat retention and even heat distribution. They need consistent seasoning to maintain their non-stick surface, but with proper care, they can last a lifetime. 

Cast iron griddles are perfect for searing and can be used on both stovetops and open flames. They are also highly durable and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for a variety of cooking techniques.

2. Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron griddles offer the benefits of cast iron without the need for seasoning. The enamel coating prevents rust and makes the griddle easier to clean. These griddles look incredible and come in a variety of colors, adding a touch of style to your kitchen. 

3. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel griddles are durable, resistant to rust, and easy to clean. They heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for a variety of cooking tasks. 

Stainless steel griddles are often used in professional kitchens due to their reliability and low maintenance. They are also non-reactive, meaning they won't alter the taste of acidic foods, making them a terrific choice for cooking a wide range of dishes.

4. Carbon Steel

Carbon steel griddle pans are similar to cast iron but lighter in weight. They also require seasoning and offer excellent heat retention and distribution. These griddles are versatile and can be used for searing, sautéing, and grilling. They are also less prone to cracking compared to cast iron and can be used on high heat, making them a popular choice among professional chefs.

5. Ceramic-Coated

Ceramic-coated griddles provide a naturally slick surface, without using toxic chemicals like Teflon/PTFE. They are easy to clean and offer even heat distribution. 

While ceramic-coated pans are not as durable as other materials, they're incredibly easy to use and clean, making them a great option for home cooks at any experience level. As a plus, ceramic coated griddles are often free of harmful chemicals , making them a healthier option for non-stick cooking surfaces.

What Can You Cook on a Griddle?

Your griddle can come in handy for just about any meal, whether it’s in the morning or evening.

Breakfast Food

Griddles are perfect for breakfast foods like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausages. Their large, flat surface allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously, ensuring a hot and fresh breakfast for everyone. 

Crepes are another classic breakfast food that cooks beautifully on a griddle. You can also make French toast, hash browns, and omelets, turning your griddle into a breakfast powerhouse.

Lunch and Dinner

For lunch and dinner, griddles can handle everything from burgers and quesadillas to fajitas and stir-fry. The even heating ensures your burgers get a perfect sear, your quesadillas have a crispy exterior with a melted center, and your stir-fry vegetables retain their crunch and vibrant color. 

You can also use a griddle to cook grilled cheese sandwiches, fish filets, and even pizza, demonstrating the versatility of this kitchen tool.

How To Use a Griddle

Need help getting started with your griddle? Place the griddle on your stovetop, covering one or more burners. Preheat the griddle over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature .

Cooking Techniques

Try one of these cooking methods to get the most out of your griddle:

• Searing: Perfect for meats, achieving a caramelized crust while locking in juices. Ideal for steaks, burgers, and seafood.

• Sautéing: Ideal for vegetables, ensuring even cooking and enhanced flavors. Perfect for stir-frying and cooking delicate ingredients like mushrooms and spinach.

• Grilling: Great for sandwiches and flatbreads, providing a crispy exterior. Excellent for making grilled cheese, paninis, and tortillas.

A Final Word on Griddles

Griddles are an indispensable tool in any kitchen, with an amazing combo of versatility, convenience, and durability. 

Whether you’re cooking breakfast for the family or preparing a gourmet dinner, a griddle can make the process easier and more enjoyable. By understanding the different types of griddles and their materials, you can choose the one that best suits your cooking style and needs.

Sources
Different types of non-stick coating | Cooking Life EU
Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart | Food Safety and Inspection Service
Living Toxic-Free | Greenpeace USA
The Perfect Basic Burger Recipe | Allrecipes