The Best Types of Griddles

Cast Iron

• A cast iron griddle is the best type of grill if you are looking to cook over an open flame or fire. A griddle made from cast iron is often flat on the bottom and has no sides – allowing you to use every square inch of the surface. Cast iron allows heat to penetrate the entire griddle and retains heat better than other metals. If you are using a cast iron griddle, be sure it is seasoned properly prior to use. A soy-based vegetable oil works well and penetrates the iron – this reduces the risk of food sticking and also prevents the griddle from rusting. While a cast iron griddle is good for cooking vegetables and meat over an open flame, be sure to warm the griddle slowly to avoid it from heating up too fast and preventing the bottom of the food from scorching.

Electric Griddle

• Electric griddles are portable heating sources that are best for breakfast cooking or preparing a variety of foods at once. Electric griddles are often larger than most standard griddles and offer more cooking space for when you need to cook multiple items together. They are portable and offer the convenience of temperature control so you can adjust the heat settings as needed. Because of space and being able to adjust your heat, you can cook eggs, meat, vegetables and hot sandwiches with ease, at home or anywhere an electrical outlet is present.

Teflon

• Teflon is the best type of griddle for low-fat meals and foods. Teflon is a non-stick formula that is applied to stainless steel or other metals for a stove-top griddle. Foods that stick easily, such as pancakes, eggs and fish, are the best options for Teflon-based griddles. Using a trace amount of non-stick cooking spray or oil allows for plenty of space to cook one or more items on a Teflon griddle.

Top of the Stove

• If you are looking to expand the cooking space on your stove-top, a top-of-the-stove griddle is the best type for small spaces. If you are limited on counter space for an electric griddle, a top-of-the-stove model rests on two burners side by side – this allows for more space for cooking items like bacon strips, cheeseburgers and hot dogs.