The Best Flat Griddle Pan Buying Guide With All Your Questions Answered

Are you looking for the best flat griddle pan but don’t know where to start?

Suppose you’re into your barbecuing and want to create flavorful steaks, chargrilled veggies, or even pancakes from the comfort of your kitchen. In that case, it’s worth considering buying the best electric griddle pan.

The raised ridges of these electric stovetop griddle pans allow you to create crust and char marks on your dishes. Flat-top models will enable you to cook numerous foods together, however, they differ in materials, shapes, and sizes.

So with that being said, we will take you through the best griddle pan materials, types, and the best shaped electric griddles, along with their uses in our buying guide below, followed by a FAQ to help answer all your best electric griddle pan questions.

Let’s get into it!

What is a flat griddle pan?

Electric griddle pans such as flat top griddle pans are similar to grill pans with ridges; however, they usually have a flat top surface.

All this means is that the food will have no chargrilled lines after cooking, but other than that, they perform similarly by toasting bread or grilling food. You can also buy these pans as a standard griddle pan or electric powered.

Flat griddle pans also tend to be better for cooking food neatly and making meals like burgers or pancakes.

Flat griddle vs grill pans

As we said above, there’s not much difference between the two pans apart from their surface.

However, we’ve listed out the pros and cons below so you can decide which pan is better for you.

Flat griddle

 

Grill pans

We would suggest checking out the Ecolution Artistry non-stick square griddle pan for the best flat griddle pan model due to its ability to fry eggs or even toast sandwiches on its high-quality non-stick flat surface.

What type of griddle pans are there?

Now, if you read above what a flat griddle pan is about, it’s likely you are wondering what other kinds of grill and griddle pans there are on the market.

There are many different types of griddle pans out there, from electric stove top griddle models to a two-burner griddle.

Stove top griddle pans

Stove top griddle models can come as an electric stove top griddle or be used for a regular gas oven. These pans operate by turning your whole stove into an extra-large griddle, making these pans perfect when cooking for large amounts of people.

We suggest checking out the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible model for a reliable stove top griddle pan.

Flat top griddle pans

Due to the flat top, these griddle pans are great for a neater cooking result. They’re also perfect for frying eggs and come electrically operated or used on an oven.

Pancake griddle pans

Pancake griddle pans are great for cooking uniformed pancakes due to their non-stick material and pancake shapes, which stops batter from spilling and forming different uneven pancakes.

You can buy any pancake griddle from big discount stores, but for a reliable model, we would suggest looking at the EZJOB branded non-stick best electric pancake griddle pan for perfect pancakes every time you cook.

This model can be used on a regular gas stove too.

Double burner griddle pans

These griddle pans are designed to sit over two burners on your stove for an extra-large cast iron griddle plate to cook food on.

They additionally tend to be made from aluminum, which we will talk about later on.

Electric griddles

Electric griddle pans are designed to be used without a stove and with an electric heating element instead.

These models’ portability makes it great for cooking easy electric griddle dinner recipes like steak and fish.

It’s worth noting because these electric griddles are powered via electricity, they do tend to be more expensive.

We recommend going with a model like the Cuisinart electric griddle, which has adjustable temperature control and durable stainless steel material.

Which material should I look for in a griddle pan?

Now you’re familiar with the different types of griddle pans on the market, and you know the difference between a flat top model and others, it’s a good idea to check out what kinds of material these pans are made out of.

Materials used in griddle pans range from cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, ceramic, aluminum, and hard anodized.

You will most commonly find the pans are cast iron, ceramic or stainless steel, and aluminum.

• Cast-iron – Griddle pans made out of cast iron tend to be very durable and an excellent option for a ridged pan. You can buy a cast iron griddle plate for BBQ purposes or chargrilling veggies.
• Carbon steel – This material is like a lighter cast iron grill plate, except it doesn’t hold heat very well in comparison.
• Ceramic – Ceramic griddle pans tend to be quite common but wear down quickly after some use, they are very affordable too.

We would recommend a model like the Presto pancake griddle for durability.

• Stainless steel – Aluminum tends to be mixed with this and heats up quickly. These models can also be washed in a dishwasher for easy cleaning.
• Aluminum – These griddle pans are very tough and commonly are non-stick on the inside and have an enamel coating outside for durability.
• Hard anodized – Griddle pans with this material have been chemically treated beforehand and don’t wear down quickly thanks to their lightweight and quick heat conduction.

It’s worth looking at a model like the Anolon Advanced branded griddle for a high-quality, affordable option.

Overall, the best griddle pan material to go for is a cast iron grill pan like the Lodge pre-seasoned range.

This material tends to be the most beneficial in terms of sticking and strength.

What kind of shape should I be looking for in the best flat griddle pan?

Griddle pans come in either round or square shapes and have pros and cons depending on the type of meals you want to cook on them and how big you want your griddle to be.

Round griddles

These round-shaped griddles tend to be the best for cooking foods like omelets, eggs, or pancakes. They can be flipped easily due to the round shape.

However, this shape does limit the surface area of the pan massively, which means you wouldn’t be able to cook as many foods simultaneously.

Square griddles

Square griddles are the best-shaped griddle pans to buy as they heat more evenly and have a larger surface area, making it much easier to cook foods in a single layer and get the best grill finish.

We would recommend going with a square Farberware non-stick flat-top griddle pan model for the best-shaped cooking ware when grilling.

What other features should I consider in a griddle pan?

Now you know the essential features such as material and shape, you might be wondering what else you should be looking for in the best flat griddle pan or even an electric pan griddle.

We’ve listed out the key features to consider below when you start griddle hunting –

• Handle – Look for a handle that does not conduct heat and one that is long as you will have an easier time moving your heavy pan. The handle is especially important with models made out of cast iron as the pan will already be extra heavy.
• Non-stick – A non-stick coating is essential for easy cleaning. It also eliminates the need to be seasoning the pan.
• Ridges – Flat top griddles will not have ridges, however, some models do, so it is essential to look for deep ridges as this will help drain juices and fats from your food when cooking.
• Size – As we said above, using a square-shaped pan will increase your cooking surface area. However, it is also necessary to check its size, Double burner griddle pans are great larger sized pans to consider using.
• Weight – You should double-check your griddle pan’s weight before purchasing as you don’t want a heavy model to carry around.
• Adjustability & Power (electric) – For electric griddles, there are some essential features to consider, such as adjustable temperature and power wattage. This will determine how quickly your griddle can heat and how hot it can get.

What kind of meals can I cook with a griddle pan?

You can cook various meals on a griddle pan, from grill pan recipes fish wise to grill pan recipes Indian cuisine.

Pancakes

Making pancakes on a griddle is very straightforward and easy, especially if you have the best electric pancake griddle that has molds already.

If not, you can still make amazing pancakes on a large flat-top griddle.  Just prepare your pancake batter and pour a measured amount on to the griddle when hot enough.

Burgers

Burger patties are one of the best meals to try out on your griddle. Whether you have an electric model or a stove top griddle, you’ll notice how juicy the result will be.

Steaks

You can cook your steak on a griddle the same way you would on a BBQ or grill, make sure you time it right, and cook it exactly how you like it.

Eggs

You might have been wondering what kinds of breakfast food can one cook on a griddle? Well, eggs are one of them! Omelets are also great to cook on rounded griddles.

Fish

Generally, fish should be avoided on a cast iron griddle as it tends to leave a smell on the pan.

However, on griddles, it tends to be okay. You can try baking your fish in foil if you are worried about ruining your cast iron grill pan.

Chicken

Cooking chicken on a griddle is possible, especially if you’re looking to create BBQ chicken dishes. Just double-check your chicken is cooked thoroughly.

You can also try wrapping it in foil to help cook it faster.

Why should I buy a flat top griddle pan?

Griddle pans are a useful kitchen appliance to have, not always do you feel like doing a BBQ outside and getting that seared style food isn’t possible on an oven ordinary grill.

However, there are pros and cons to buying a griddle pan that you should know before purchasing one.

 

Is it healthy to cook with a griddle pan?

Cooking with a griddle pan is a lot healthier than a regular frying pan as less oil is required to cook, thanks to their non-stick surfaces and high heat, which reduces sticking.

If you buy a griddle pan with high ridges, you can also avoid food cooking in its fat as the curves will help the fat from meat drain off.

Healthy meals such as chicken wraps, omelets, and chargrilled veggies can be cooked with less oil on a griddle pan.

Best cooking tips for using a griddle pan

Cooking with a griddle pan is pretty straightforward. However, tips and tricks can help you use your griddle pan more efficiently for better grilling results.

Allow your pan to heat

Make sure you preheat your griddle well before placing any food on it. This allows you to get a better flavor out of your food when cooking, stops things from sticking and prevents uneven grilling.

Oil your food

Oil your food lightly before placing it on your griddle. This is a method to avoid food sticking and stops you from putting oil on your griddle, which will burn the fat and produce a lot of smoke in your kitchen.

Cut your meat thin

Cutting your meat in thin strips allows it to cook through thoroughly. Griddle pans tend to cook food fast on the outside and slowly inside, which can mean undercooked meat.

This can also help you from having to overcook your meat, resulting in a burnt crust.

Use the right cooking utensils

Griddle pans can get extremely hot, so you need to make sure you use heat-resistant tongs to place your food down and make sure to position your food not too close when cooking.

Cover the pan

Covering meats or cheese on burgers can help cook meals faster and produce more of that smoky BBQ flavor.

You will likely have to cover the pan with your lid, as many griddles don’t come with this accessory.

Season your food

Using spices such as paprika, salt, or sauces like BBQ sauce and soy sauce can help you achieve a smokey food flavor from your grill.

These spices will also help enhance your food’s flavor in combination with the high heat from the griddle pan.

Check your food’s temperature

If you are cooking meat or fish, then it is good to read the meats internal temperature with an instant thermometer. This way, you can be sure the meat is cooked all the way through.

The problem with high heat pans like griddle pans is that the outside will often appear cooked before the inside due to the high heat, so taking the meat’s temperature can avoid any undercooked meat being served.

Please leave it to cook

That’s right. You might be wondering how to use a grill pan for chicken without it sticking or breaking apart. The best answer to this is to leave it alone, don’t try and turn your food too soon, otherwise, it will likely break apart or not be cooked thoroughly.

You will also ruin the char marks on the food on ridged pans if you try and flip food over too soon.

Turn it over

Now, when the food is ready and can pull away easily from the pan, that’s when you can turn it over. Turning over your food is crucial to cooking it through properly and avoiding one burnt side.

How to clean and maintain your griddle pan

Griddle pans are pretty easy to take care of and clean. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow some standard cleaning practices. If not, your pan may become rusty, or the non-stick will wear off.

The best cleaning method

One of the best cleaning methods to keep your griddle pan clean is by using salt.

Salt allows you to scrub off excess food particles without scratching the pan’s surface and ruining its non-stick coating.

• Allow the griddle pan to become warm but not completely cold
• Cover the griddle pans surface with salt
• Add a small amount of hot water to form a paste with the salt
• Scrub the salt all over the pan with your hands or a sponge
• Rinse with hot water

How do you season a griddle pan?

Seasoning your best gas griddle helps create a black non-stick coating that can prolong your griddle’s life and even help flavor meats and other foods.

Seasoning your cast iron griddle should be done the first time you buy it if it hasn’t been pre-seasoned by the manufacturer, or it should be done if your pan is starting to stick again and looks like it needs re-seasoning.

How to season a griddle cast iron model?

The method to create a non-stick surface is pretty simple.

• Cover your whole griddle in vegetable oil or shortening
• Place in an oven for one hour at around 300 degrees
• Remove from the oven and wipe away any excess fat that is left around the pan

Tips for taking care of your griddle pan

To further take care of your griddle pan, there are some small tips and tricks you can be doing to help keep your pan in top shape.

• Please don’t leave your pan in water as it encourages rust to form
• Never scratch your pan when cleaning.

Use non-abrasive sponges to prevent this from ruining your non-stick coating.

• Allow your pan to cool before cleaning it with any water

• Make sure your griddle pan is always dry before storing it
• If your griddle has a lid, never store it with the lid on as this can trap moisture in the pan.

FAQs

How do you fry an egg on a griddle?

Frying an egg on a griddle is very easy.

Crack the egg into a bowl and heat your griddle over a medium to low heat or at a temperature of around 325 degrees if using an electric griddle.

Pour the egg onto the griddle with a spoonful of water and cover, cook until the whites are set, then use a spatula to remove the egg for serving.

You can also try whisking eggs and leaving them on the pan untouched for an omelet style fried egg, then flip over once cooked on one side.

Is a griddle pan the same as a grill pan?

The difference between a griddle and grill pan is the surface, a ridged grill surface will have curves, and a griddle pan tends to be a flat surface unless it has a grill side.

You can find reversible griddles with a grill on one side and a flat top griddle on the other if you want to have both features.

Can you cook chicken on a griddle?

Yes, you can cook chicken on a griddle quickly, if you have a flat top griddle pan, this is also possible, but it will have no grill marks.

Just make sure your griddle is hot before placing the chicken down on the pan and try marinating it beforehand for extra flavor.

When cooking meat on a griddle, it’s also a good idea to check its temperature before serving so you can ensure it’s cooked all the way through.

What is a two-burner griddle?

A two-burner griddle is designed to fit over two burners on your oven. These griddle pans are often longer and a rectangular shape.

One downfall of this two-burner griddles is that sometimes the middle can be left cooler than the sides, but they allow for extra space to cook more food at the same time.

Should you oil a griddle pan?

Many people suggest oiling your griddle before cooking. However, it’s best to oil the food directly rather than the pan itself. This stops oil burning during the pre-heating of the pan and reduces smoke/black coating.

Can you cook steak on a griddle?

Yes, cooking steak on a griddle can leave professional sear marks and cook your steak fast, depending on how you like it to be.

It’s a good idea to marinate your steak beforehand too get the most flavor out of it when griddling.

What is the best griddle temperature for pancakes?

Always use medium heat for cooking pancakes on your griddle. This would be around 375 degrees. You’ll know your griddle is ready when water will dance on your griddle pan.

Never turn your pancakes until you see bubbles start to form on the other side.

What should I look for in a griddle pan?

We mentioned the best features to look for in a griddle pan in our buying guide, but we would recommend checking for some essential features: the size, material, shape, handle, and weight.

Try and look for a cast iron square model with high durability and ratings.

How do you fry fish on a griddle?

You can fry fish on a griddle the same way you cook steak or chicken. Just heat your griddle and oil your fish with some seasoning.

Place on your griddle till cooked through; this will depend on the fish you are frying.

Is cast iron good for pancakes?

Yes, but only if your cast iron is non-stick, so make sure it’s been seasoned properly before use.

Cast iron material is suitable for making pancakes as its heats evenly and quickly.

What are some tips for cooking on an electric griddle?

If you check out our buying guide above, we have listed some essential tips for getting the most out of your griddle when cooking.

Some of the most important tips to follow are allowing your pan to heat well before placing any food on the griddle and oiling your food rather than the griddle itself before cooking.

Why do griddle pans bend?

Sometimes, griddle pans can warp due to being cooled too quickly. This can happen if you put your pan in the water while still hot, so it’s necessary to always let your griddle pan cool down slightly before cleaning.

Can a cast iron griddle be used once cracked?

If you cast iron griddle has cracked, it’s likely due to thermal shock.

These pans can be a little challenging to fix, so it’s probably best to buy a new one instead if this happens.

What foods can you cook on a griddle?

Fish, pancakes, steak, eggs, veggies, and much more, anything you can cook on a frying pan, you can easily cook on a griddle.

How do you cook a lobster tail on a griddle?

Cooking lobster tail on your griddle is straightforward. Make sure you have your lobster tail prepared to begin with any veggies you desire.

Then heat your griddle to medium heat and add some butter once you have placed your lobster tail on to the grill.

Cover your lobster tail while cooking so as it can steam through. This can take around ten minutes, depending on your lobster’s size.

Can I use a frying pan instead of a griddle?

Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a frying pan in place of a griddle. The only difference is that you may have less room on a frying pan due to its round edges.

Is steak better on a grill or on a griddle?

This is down to personal preference as both methods have their advantages. The griddled steak will often have a browner crust and can give you juices to add in a sauce.

Steaks cooked on a grill will have better char marks and more of a smoky flavor.

How do you blacken fish on a griddle?

To blacken fish on a griddle, you should make sure your pan is extra hot, to begin with.

Dip your fish into melted butter and cajun blackening spices either side, then place on the griddle.

Cook until the fish is starting to turn black, then turn over.

Can you sear a steak on a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, it’s easy to sear a steak on your Black stone griddle.

Heat your Blackstone griddle until it’s very hot, then add some oil and allow the pan to heat up.

Then gradually lay your steak down onto the griddle and allow it to sear.

Why do pancakes cooked on a griddle have a different texture from those cooked on a skillet?

Pancakes cooked on a non-stick skillet may use less fat than pancakes cooked on a griddle.

This ensures the pancakes don’t stick on a griddle, so more fat may be used.

Adding more fat can make pancakes crisper, which would explain the difference in texture.

Is a ceramic griddle better?

Ceramic griddles tend to be better as they are very durable and have a long-lasting non-stick surface that can crack less easily than other materials.

The ceramic material can also cook food faster.

How do you cook ribeye on a griddle?

Before cooking your ribeye steaks, it’s best to let them rest with some seasoning first, heat your griddle over medium heat and add butter or olive oil.

Once your griddle is hot enough, place your ribeye steaks down and allow them to cook until dark brown for around 5 minutes, then turn over and repeat for another 5 minutes.

So is a griddle pan worth it?

If you are looking to bring BBQ style food inside your house and have a versatile kitchen appliance that can make griddle pancakes and steaks, then yes, a griddle pan is worth it.