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An enthusiast’s ultimate guide to griddles
Grills and griddles are the first things that come to mind when it comes to cooking grilled dishes. But what are the differences between the two? Moreover, what are the best types and brands of griddles you should consider using? Check out the answers and more below:
What is the difference between grill and griddle?
Griddles and grills are both great tools you can use if you want to expose your food to direct heat. The key difference you will observe between a griddle and grill is their surface. A grill has raised edges, while a griddle has a smooth flat surface.
Also, griddles and grills are heated differently. Anything you can cook on a grill can also be cooked on a griddle, but griddles generally cook faster than grills.
What size of propane gas tank size should I buy for my griddle?
If you want to have the upper hand in heat control, opt for a griddle that uses a propane gas tank. It provides fast, distributed heat so you won’t have any hot or cold spots on your dish.
However, take note that there are various propane tank sizes. Thus, you need to know what propane tank size should you use for your griddle. The appropriate tank size will depend on the dimensions of your griddle and the cooking time you need.
Types of griddles
There are various types of griddles available on the market. Understanding the differences between these griddles will help you find the best one for you. Check them out below:
1. Tabletop griddles
The tabletop griddle has a flat cooking surface, perfect for cooking breakfast items like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausages. It is portable and lightweight, so you can transfer it wherever you want to cook.
2. Commercial flattop grill
If you own a restaurant, the best cooking tool you should have is a commercial flat top grill. Its surface is perfect for preparing burgers, hashbrowns, sandwiches, and other breakfast items. The best commercial flat top grill should have a large cooking surface with burners that have a large BTU output.
3. Griddle for induction cooktop
Many people prefer using a griddle for induction cooktop since it heats and cools down faster than other cookware. The best griddle for induction cooktop should be made of cast iron or stainless steel so you can sear food without leaving a metallic taste behind.
4. Stovetop griddle
The benefits of a stovetop griddle will suit many of your cooking needs, whether you love camping, tailgating, or cooking at home. All you have to do is place the griddle over your stovetop and start cooking. It is easy to use and clean since it has a nonstick surface. Thus, all the grease can be easily washed off with water.
5. Panini press
A panini press is a kitchen appliance that presses and heats sandwiches to give them grill imprints. The more slices a panini press can make, the higher the electric power it can consume. So, make sure you know which panini press is the most efficient for your needs.
6. Electric griddles
An electric griddle is great for those who often cook at various places. All you need to do is to plug the griddle and start grilling. Unlike gas griddles, electric griddles generally have thinner plates to decrease the overall heat level while cooking.
There are so many good electric griddles on the market, so it might be best to at least narrow down your choices to the top 8 best electric griddles.
8. Outdoor gas griddle
Using an outdoor gas griddle lets you cook conveniently, whether you are camping or enjoying a gathering in your backyard.
This type of griddle has wheels for easy maneuverability and efficient storage designs. Make sure you know how to choose the best outdoor gas griddle to make your purchase worth it.
9. Indoor grill
An indoor grill uses infrared heat, which makes it produce less smoke. This is in contrast to outdoor grills, which mostly use direct and open flame using charcoal and propane.
However, note that you won’t get the same flavor with an indoor grill that you would have if you grill using charcoal or wood pellets.
10. Grill and griddle combos
You don’t have to choose between going for a grill or a griddle because you have the option to choose both. Grill and griddle combos have the features of both kitchen appliances to let you cook whatever dish you want.
There are also different types of griddle and grill combos, so make sure you know which one to choose.
What Blackstone griddle should I buy?
Blackstone is the most popular and go-to brand for most customers when it comes to griddles. This is because Blackstone is one of the best manufacturers of griddles. If you are thinking, “what Blackstone griddle should I buy?” start by assessing your available space and the purpose of buying. From then, choosing which one to buy will be an easier task.
Griddle brand comparisons
A plethora of other griddle brands is fighting for the top spot in the market. Here’s a peek at the griddle brand comparisons that will help you decide which one to buy or use.
Pit Boss vs Traeger
When it comes to pellet grills, you’re down to two brands,
However, if you are looking for quality and budget-friendly,
Pit Boss vs Blackstone
If you’re debating which is better, Blackstone vs Pit Boss griddle, you might want to consider reviewing their features. The size of the cooking area, materials, burners, and the overall construction of the griddle are some of the factors that are worth looking into.
Nexgrill vs Blackstone
There are some key factors that you can keep in mind to see which brand of griddle is the best one for you. For instance, when it comes to Nexgrill and Blackstone, you can get a lot of features with Nexgrill.
But if you generally just want to have a great sear on the meat without sacrificing juiciness and flavor, Blackstone can be your go-to. Nevertheless, there are a plethora of features each brand provides that you must read about when comparing Nexgrill vs Blackstone,
Nexgrill vs Char-Broil
The competition between Nexgrill vs Char-Broil is a close fight since both brands offer affordable options and quality performance. Char-Broil provides quality grills for outdoor kitchens, while Nexgrill is famous for its high-performing grills at an affordable rate. Both are great manufacturers of griddles, but which one between Nexgill vs Char-broil will suit you best?
Traeger vs Z Grills
Z Grills is a great pellet grill as it provides good features at a low price. They’re reliable, solid, and have consistent results each time you’re responsible for the food! The basics are definitely there.
However, if you’re looking for WIFI and other features, you’re looking at Traeger. Their grills provide full control from your phone, which allows you to cook your food with the click of a button. They also have other nice-to-have features.
Traeger grills also consume fewer wood pellets because they retain heat better than Z Grills. They have good quality powder-coated steel, which is very durable. Stainless steel parts and components can be found in both grills, though. Read the full comparison of Traeger vs Z Grills.
Member’s Mark vs Blackstone
Member’s Mark provides portable cooking equipment that can cook meals within minutes. That is why its lineup of griddles is best for get-togethers with family and friends.
However, Blackstone’s line of outdoor grills can be your savior when it comes to durability since it is made from high-grade stainless steel. Its design makes it convenient for you to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.
Still, comparing Member’s Mark vs Blackstone to see which one is the best can be tricky since both brands have been around for years. So, make sure to do in-depth research before buying a griddle.
