Griddles are really versatile cooking appliances that come in all shapes and sizes and have a variety of different functions. Some are designed for indoor use, while others are made for taking outdoors.
In this article, we will explore some of the different types of griddles on the market, what they’re used for, and some of the most popular foods cooked on them.
What is a Griddle & What are its Uses
Griddles are flat metal plates that are typically heated by gas or electricity. Depending on the type of griddle you have, the heat may come from either above or more commonly, from underneath the unit.
In either case, the metal cooking surface is heated to a consistent temperature that is ideal for heating up and cooking many types of food. If done right, the flat cooking surface allows food to cook evenly, and the key to getting the most out of your griddle is understanding how to use your griddle for the food you are cooking. Once you've got that part worked out, with a little bit of practice, it's hard to get it wrong when cooking with a griddle!
The many uses of griddles
Due to their flat cooking surfaces, griddles are very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of dishes such as:
- Cooking breakfast foods like bacon and eggs, breakfast sausages, pancakes, French toast, and omelets.
- Lunch items like grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Dinner foods like steaks, burgers, chicken, and other meats.
- Desserts like cookies or s'mores.
- A variety of vegetables, including peppers, onions, mushrooms, and so on.
- Griddle pans can also be used to cook pasta, spaghetti and meatballs, carbonara, and the list goes on!
And because griddles are easy to clean up after use, they make an ideal appliance for busy home chefs who want quick clean-up with minimal effort.
Griddle accessories such as spatulas, scrapers, and presses can also be used to enhance your cooking experience.
For example, using a spatula makes flipping pancakes easier, while pressing down on hamburgers ensures even cooking without overcooking them.
With these accessories in hand, you can get creative with your recipes and whip up delicious meals in no time.
The Different Types of Griddles & their Pros & Cons
There are a number of different types of griddles on the market today, and each have their advantages and disadvantages.
In this section, we take a look at some of the more popular types of griddles that you can get nowadays.
Flat-Top griddles
A flat-top griddle is one of the most versatile tools you can have in your inside or outdoor kitchen, depending on the type and size that you have.
An outdoor griddle can be large, about the size of a 4-burner gas grill, and is a cooking station unto its own. It features a large flat surface where you can control the temperature using knobs and is typically run from propane or natural gas.
Smaller units that you might use inside also have flat surfaces and are often powered by electricity, have thermostatic control, and a non-stick surface.
Flat-top griddles are usually very easy to clean since there aren't any crevices or grooves that trap grease or food particles in, and the outdoor units typically have a grease management system.
The downside for these units can be the space they take up as they tend to be quite large. If you don't have much room on your countertop or stovetop an indoor unit might not work for you, or if you live in an apartment with rules against gas grills on your balcony or no space outside for quite a large unit, then outdoor flat-top griddles may not be ideal for you.
Electric skillets
While not everybody would agree, an electric skillet is arguably a type of griddle and is great for those who don't have access to an oven or stovetop, but regardless of your view on a skillet being a griddle, they can be used in similar ways.
These appliances come equipped with lids and have nonstick surfaces that make them easy to clean and maintain, as well as adjustable cooking temperature controls that allow for precise cooking temperatures no matter what type of dish you're making.
The downside is that electric skillets tend to be smaller than other types of griddles, which may limit how much food you can cook at once, so if you have a large family or entertain a lot of people this might not be the right type of griddle unit for you.
Cast iron griddle pan
Cast iron griddles are incredibly durable and offer excellent heat retention, making them perfect for searing steaks or making pancakes from scratch. They are made of cast iron and carbon steel.
Cast iron griddle pans hold up extremely well over time, they don't get scratched and damaged so you won't need to replace them after just a few uses.
On the downside, cast iron griddles require a little more maintenance than other types; they need to be seasoned regularly to prevent rusting and sticking when cooking foods like eggs or pancakes. Additionally, do take a while to heat up and they can be quite heavy and hard to move around.
How To Use a Griddle
You can unlock the potential of your griddle pan by following a few simple tips and techniques.
Let's start by looking at how to start up your griddle.
Starting up your griddle
Before you begin cooking on your griddle, there are a few steps that you can take in order to ensure that your food cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the surface.
First, make sure that the griddle is clean and free of any debris or residue. Then, turn your unit on and add a little cooking oil as this will help prevent your food from sticking, it will help with a more even and precise heat distribution, and also add flavor to your food.
Cooking techniques
To get the most out of your griddle, it's a good idea to use a few times to practice your cooking technique.
Some tips to help, for instance, is if flipping pancakes or other delicate items like eggs or fish fillets, use a spatula instead of a fork or tongs, as this will reduce tearing and breakage.
Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the griddle as this can lead to unevenly cooked food and even burning if you don’t move items around often enough, although of course if you're cooking something like spaghetti just keep on mixing and folding your food to ensure your cooking is consistent.
Finally, make sure you adjust the heat for what you are cooking. You might, for instance, use medium heat when cooking veggies, or high heat if you're searing a steak.
Cleaning your griddle
Once you have finished cooking with your griddle, it's important to clean the griddle surface properly so that it remains in good condition for future use.
To do this with an outdoor unit, once you've finished using your griddle, leave it running for 10 minutes or so to burn off any excess food and juices. Add some oil and use a BBQ scraper or spatula to clean the griddle up and push excess oil and grease into the grease trap. Then turn the griddle off and apply a thin layer of oil over the plate using a paper towel so you're ready to go for next time.
For an inside griddle unit, turn off the heat source and let it cool down, and wipe away any residue with a damp cloth or sponge.
With a cast iron griddle plate, we don't recommend using dish soap where possible, to maintain its seasoning. After cleaning your griddle, you can apply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel before storing away until next time.
Different Foods that Go Great on A Griddle
What is a griddle used for? Whether you’re looking for an easy and tasty breakfast option or just want to whip up something delicious for dinner, a griddle can help you do it.
Here are some of the delicious dishes you can make with a griddle.
Pancakes and waffles
Pancakes and waffles are two breakfast foods that everyone loves. With a griddle, all you need is the batter mix, and you’ll be able to make perfect pancakes or waffles in no time.
You can also get creative with the toppings – from syrups and whipped cream to fresh fruits and nuts.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to what you can top your pancakes or waffles with.
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are always a hit, no matter what age group you’re serving them to.
All you need is some butter, slices of cheese, and your favorite add-ons such as onions or tomatoes. And of course, bread – white, whole wheat, sourdough – whatever floats your boat!
Then simply heat up the griddle or frying pan on a lower heat, and assemble your sandwich before placing it on the hot surface. The result will be ooey-gooey cheesy goodness that everyone will love!
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are another great dish that can be made on a griddle. Simply layer tortillas with shredded cheese, diced vegetables (onion, bell pepper), and/or cooked meat (shredded chicken or steak).
Heat up the griddle until it’s nice and hot, then place the quesadilla onto the surface.
Cook both sides until golden brown, then let it cool before cutting into wedges for serving. Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for an extra flavor kick.
These are just some of the many foods that can be cooked on a griddle. As previously mentioned, these units are really versatile and you can use them to cook pretty much anything!
To Sum Up
Griddles are great for cooking all sorts of delicious dishes, and by following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can get the most out of your griddle features and make mouth-watering meals that everyone will love!
If you’re looking for some new ideas to add to your menu, or just want an easy way to cook up some delicious food, a griddle is the appliance for you!
What are you waiting for? Go get yourself a griddle and get griddle cooking!
