Imagine perfectly seared burgers, fluffy pancakes, and crispy bacon, all cooked on one amazing surface. That’s the magic of a flat top griddle! But if you’ve ever looked online for one, you know it can be a little overwhelming. So many sizes, materials, and brands – where do you even begin?
Choosing the right flat top griddle can feel like a big task. You want something that cooks your food evenly, is easy to clean, and fits your cooking space. Nobody wants to buy a griddle only to find out it’s too small, too hard to maintain, or just doesn’t get hot enough for that perfect sear. It’s easy to get lost in all the details.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a great flat top griddle and what you should look for. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about picking the best one for your kitchen. Get ready to upgrade your cooking game and impress everyone with your delicious creations!
Our Top 5 Flat Top Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Flat Top Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to upgrade your cooking game with the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle. This sturdy piece of cookware is designed to handle all your culinary adventures, from breakfast to dinner. Its generous size means you can cook more at once, making it perfect for feeding your family or prepping meals for the week.
What We Like:
- It’s made with your health in mind, free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PTFE.
- The reversible design gives you a flat griddle for pancakes and a ribbed grill for burgers, offering great versatility.
- It fits across two burners on your stovetop, giving you plenty of cooking space.
- You can use it on almost any heat source – your stove, oven, grill, or even a campfire!
- It’s made right here in the USA by a family company that’s been around since 1896, so you know it’s built to last.
- The cast iron heats evenly and holds that heat, which helps your food cook perfectly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron can be quite heavy, so moving it around might be a bit of a workout.
- It requires some care and seasoning to keep it in top shape, which might be new for some cooks.
This Lodge grill/griddle is a fantastic, durable addition to any kitchen. It’s a reliable tool that brings a lot of cooking options to your table.
2. Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to cook up a storm with the Chefman XL Electric Griddle! This griddle is a game-changer for your kitchen. It’s perfect for making breakfast, lunch, or dinner for your whole family. You can cook pancakes, burgers, eggs, and so much more. It’s big enough to handle any meal, no matter how many people you’re feeding.
What We Like:
- The extra-large 10 x 20 inch cooking surface lets you cook a lot at once. This is great for feeding a crowd or making a big family meal.
- You can control the temperature from 200°F to 420°F. This means you can warm food, fry eggs, or cook meat perfectly.
- It helps you cook healthier meals. The drip tray catches extra oil and grease. The non-stick surface means you don’t need much oil.
- Cleaning is super easy! The griddle top can be put in the dishwasher. Just take off the temperature control first.
- It’s convenient for your countertop. It adds extra cooking space when you need it for big dinners or holidays.
- It’s UL approved with safety features. It also comes with a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 10 x 20 inch surface is great for many, it might be too large for very small kitchens or for someone who only cooks for one or two people.
- The cord length could be longer for more flexibility in placement.
This Chefman griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easy and cleaning even easier, so you can spend more time enjoying your food.
3. Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle with Stainless Steel Faceplate
Rating: 9.2/10
The Blackstone 1666 22” Tabletop Griddle is your new best friend for outdoor cooking. This griddle is built tough for all your adventures, from camping trips to backyard BBQs. Its compact size makes it easy to take anywhere, and it’s ready to cook up a feast.
What We Like:
- It’s super portable and compact, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and parties.
- You can cook almost anything on it, from burgers and pancakes to veggies. It’s really versatile!
- It has a surprisingly large cooking area – enough for about 14 burgers. It’s great for feeding small groups.
- Two burners give you total heat control, so you can cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- The special grease system makes cleanup much easier and less messy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While portable, it’s still a bit heavy for some to carry long distances.
- The powder-coated steel might scratch over time with heavy use outdoors.
This Blackstone griddle offers a fantastic combination of portability and cooking power. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves cooking outdoors.
4. BELLA XL Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle
Rating: 9.1/10
Breakfast just got a whole lot easier with the BELLA XL Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle! This extra-large griddle is designed to cook up to 15 eggs at once, making it perfect for feeding the whole family or hosting a brunch. Its special Healthy-Eco non-stick coating is not only good for you, but it also makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the large cooking surface and built-in ledge make flipping pancakes and burgers a cinch.
What We Like:
- Cooks a large amount of food at once – up to 15 eggs!
- The ceramic titanium non-stick coating is super durable and cooks food faster.
- The coating is safe, with no harmful chemicals like lead or cadmium.
- Precise temperature control is easy with the removable probe and dial.
- Cool-touch handles keep your hands safe while cooking.
- The built-in ledge with a backstop helps with flipping food.
- Cleanup is simple thanks to the submersible cooking surface.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the non-stick is great, some users might find it can scratch if very sharp utensils are used.
This griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking. It’s a smart choice for anyone who loves to cook for a crowd.
5. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles
Rating: 8.6/10
The Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle is a fantastic kitchen tool for anyone who loves to cook. Its large size makes it ideal for feeding a crowd, and the nonstick surface means less sticking and easier cleanup. Plus, the removable handles make it super easy to store away when you’re done.
What We Like:
- The extra-large 22-inch cooking surface lets you make a lot of food at once, perfect for family breakfasts or parties.
- The nonstick ceramic coating is free of PFAS chemicals and has a textured surface, so food doesn’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
- Detachable handles are a smart design feature that allows the griddle to fit easily into standard kitchen cabinets for neat storage.
- The Control Master heat control system keeps the temperature steady, giving you consistent cooking results every time.
- Cleaning up is simple thanks to the slide-out drip tray that catches grease and the fully immersible design (once the heat control is removed).
- It’s built to last with a heavy cast aluminum base that heats evenly and resists warping.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the ceramic coating is nonstick, some users have noted that very sticky foods might still require a little extra care.
- The temperature dial, while precise, might be a bit sensitive for some users who prefer a wider range of heat adjustments.
This Presto griddle is a reliable and convenient addition to any kitchen, making meal prep and cleanup a joy. It’s a great choice for both casual cooks and more experienced chefs.
The Ultimate Flat Top Griddle Buying Guide
A flat top griddle is a fantastic kitchen tool. It gives you a large, flat cooking surface. This means you can cook many foods at once. Think breakfast foods like pancakes and bacon. Or you can cook burgers and veggies for a cookout. This guide will help you choose the best flat top griddle for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a flat top griddle, keep these important features in mind.
Even Heating
Good griddles heat evenly. This means your food cooks at the same temperature everywhere. You won’t have hot spots that burn food while other parts are still raw. Look for griddles that distribute heat well.
Size and Cooking Space
Griddles come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. A bigger griddle is great for families or parties. A smaller one works well for one or two people. More cooking space means you can cook more at once.
Temperature Control
Some griddles have simple on/off switches. Others have precise temperature controls. Better temperature control helps you cook different foods perfectly. You can set the right heat for delicate eggs or searing steaks.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning should be easy. Look for griddles with non-stick surfaces. Some have grease traps or drip pans. These make cleanup much simpler.
Durability
A good griddle lasts a long time. Consider the materials it’s made from. Sturdy construction means it can handle frequent use.
Important Materials
The material of your griddle affects how it cooks and how long it lasts.
Cast Iron
Cast iron griddles heat up slowly but hold heat very well. They give food a great sear. However, they need to be seasoned and can rust if not cared for properly.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. It heats up quickly. Some stainless steel griddles have an aluminum core for better heat distribution.
Non-stick Coatings
Many electric griddles have non-stick coatings. These make cooking and cleaning very easy. However, these coatings can wear out over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things make a griddle better or worse.
Thicker Plates
Thicker griddle plates usually heat more evenly. They also retain heat better, which is good for cooking multiple batches of food.
Warping
Cheap griddles can warp over time. This means the surface isn’t flat anymore. Warping leads to uneven cooking. Look for sturdy construction to avoid this.
Heat Distribution Technology
Some griddles use special designs or materials to spread heat evenly. These features improve cooking quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your griddle matters.
Breakfast Hero
Flat top griddles are perfect for breakfast. You can cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage all at the same time. This saves time and makes cleanup easier.
Grill Master Alternative
For outdoor cooking, a griddle is a great alternative to a grill. You can cook smash burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and stir-fried vegetables. The flat surface prevents small items from falling through.
Versatile Cooking
Beyond breakfast and burgers, you can use a griddle for quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even delicate fish. It’s a very versatile cooking surface.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best material for a flat top griddle?
A: Cast iron is excellent for heat retention and searing. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean. Many electric griddles use non-stick coatings for convenience.
Q: How do I clean a flat top griddle?
A: Most griddles can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn messes, use a spatula to scrape off food bits. Some griddles are dishwasher safe, but check the manual.
Q: Can I use metal utensils on a flat top griddle?
A: It depends on the material. You can use metal utensils on cast iron and stainless steel. For griddles with non-stick coatings, it’s best to use silicone or wooden utensils to avoid scratching.
Q: Are electric griddles better than stovetop griddles?
A: Electric griddles offer more consistent temperature control and are often larger. Stovetop griddles are portable and don’t need electricity, but they rely on your stove’s heat.
Q: What is the benefit of a removable griddle plate?
A: A removable plate makes cleaning much easier. You can often wash it separately from the base unit.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to my griddle?
A: Always preheat your griddle. Use a little oil or butter. Ensure the griddle is clean before cooking.
Q: Can I cook raw meat directly on the griddle?
A: Yes, flat top griddles are excellent for cooking raw meat like burgers, steaks, and chicken. Ensure the griddle is hot enough to sear the meat.
Q: What is “seasoning” a griddle?
A: Seasoning is a process for cast iron griddles. It involves coating the surface with oil and heating it to create a non-stick layer. This also protects it from rust.
Q: How important is even heating?
A: Even heating is very important. It ensures all your food cooks at the same rate, preventing burnt spots and undercooked areas.
Q: Can I use a griddle for more than just breakfast?
A: Absolutely! Griddles are versatile for cooking burgers, steaks, vegetables, quesadillas, grilled cheese, and much more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.