These Electric Griddles Will Make Cooking Meals Faster and More Efficient

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If you hear “griddle” and immediately think of a bacon-scented diner bustling with servers toting stacks of perfectly cooked pancakes, eggs, and waffles, then you’re on the right track. But that’s hardly the extent of what you can do with a griddle in your kitchen.

An electric griddle is an efficient kitchen appliance with ample cooking surface area that’s great for whipping up breakfast favorites, but will serve you just as well come lunch and dinnertime for steaks, fajitas, paninis, and more.

Griddles can free up space on the stove and oven, and many are large enough to prepare a meal for a big family or group of friends. Plus unlike your stove, they can be stashed away when not in use.

Whether you want to improve your rate of pancakes per hour, expand your culinary horizons, or just make a better grilled cheese sandwich, an electric griddle can help you achieve all of the above.

Best Electric Griddles

What to Consider

Size

Electric griddles vary widely in size from those with cooking surface areas that will fit a couple of eggs and slices of bacon all the way up to ones that can fit 10 pancakes at a time, so you'll want to consider what size best works for you based on your available space and how you plan to use the appliance.

More for Your Kitchen: Best Cast-Iron Skillets | Best Dutch Ovens | Best Woks

If you plan to cook a full meal for the family, you'll probably want something with at least 200 inches of cooking surface area, but if you intend to use it just for single-person meals or in conjunction with your stovetop, you can probably opt for a smaller model, such as 180 inches or less. It’s worth noting that these appliances aren’t the daintiest or most compact, so if storage space is an issue, you may want a smaller griddle, or at least one that can be disassembled for easier storage when not in use.

Care

One of the biggest deciding factors when selecting an electric griddle is how much time you're willing to spend maintaining it; some models are dishwasher-safe, but most aren't. And even those that can be cleaned in the dishwasher will last longer if you do so by hand.

While our selections include both dishwasher-safe models and those that need to be washed by hand, all of the griddles we have chosen have reviews that say they're easy to clean. It's worth noting that if the griddle isn't dishwasher-safe, it's also best to use nonmetal utensils with it to preserve the griddle's nonstick properties.

Features

The handy extra features of an electric griddle can include things like a removable grease drip tray, an indicator light to show it has reached its optimal cooking temperature, or removable parts for easy stowing. Some models we recommend even have warming trays and grill plates as bonuses, or special coating features that bolster the strength of the nonstick cooking surface.

We selected a variety of features as well as some no-frills options for our list below. If you’re looking for fancier features or a griddle that does more than one-sided cooking (such as a panini press), you may have to spend a bit more, but it’s worth it to meet your culinary needs.

Safety

As with any cooking appliance—or any device that heats up, for that matter—be sure your griddle is turned off and unplugged when it's not in use. Let it cool down after use before handling it to clean it off and never stow it away while it's still hot, as this can pose a fire hazard. We’ve also included griddles with added safety features such as indicator lights that turn off when the surface is cool enough to clean.

How We Selected These Electric Griddles

To determine the best electric griddles on the market, we considered how people may use these appliances in their own kitchens and what they use them for. We also researched which models reputable home chefs and cooking outlets recommended most frequently, and learned what they love about their griddles.

We then reviewed both expert ratings and customer reviews to ensure these models delivered on their promises of functionality and durability. Considering different sizes, price points, and features, we've pared our selection down to the electric griddles you'll find below, and are sure you'll find something that'll fit your culinary needs.

22-Inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles

This electric griddle is user-friendly, easy to clean, and big enough to cook meals for the entire family. The large cooking area allows you to cook different dishes all at the same time, while its nonstick coating makes flipping and serving a breeze. This griddle warms up and retains heat evenly so you won't have to deal with hot spots or undercooked foods in less heated areas.

The drip tray underneath is easily removable and can be thrown in the dishwasher along with the griddle's cooking surface. Removable handles make for easy storage when it's not in use.

HealthyBites Eco Nonstick Electric Griddle

This extra-large, family-sized griddle offers plenty of room to prepare meals for a crowd. The 210-inch nonstick cooking surface heats up evenly, thanks to the precise removable temperature control probe. The plastic drip tray is also removable for easy cleaning. To clean the griddle surface, be sure to use a non-metal, soft cleaning pad to preserve its nonstick properties.

3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill and Griddle

This model gives you the best of both worlds—an electric griddle on one side and an indoor grill on the other, each with their own separate temperature controls. The removable plates have a nonstick coating and are double-sided so you can use the entire top to grill, griddle, or do both at the same time. The cooking plates and slide-out grease drip tray are all dishwasher-safe for quick cleaning.

Family-Sized Electric Griddle

This family-sized griddle is loaded with features including a nonstick surface and removable drip tray for easy cooking and cleaning. A temperature ready light alerts you when the surface is at your ideal cooking temperature, and a built-in warming tray slides out and will keep your foods warm until you finish preparing the entire meal.

Liddle Griddle

A compact option best suited for one to two people, Presto's Liddle Griddle has a smaller surface area than our pick for Best Overall but still heats evenly and can fit multiple servings of food. The drip channel is built in and will catch any grease or fat, and you can fully submerge the griddle in water once the electric heat control is removed.

Reversible Electric Griddle

This large griddle is coated in Durathon's patented copper-tinted ceramic, which is four times more durable than traditional nonstick surfaces—meaning you'll be able to easily remove your just-prepared foods for years to come. The griddle lifts off the heating element, giving you easy power cord access on either side, and removes for easy cleaning in the sink or dishwasher along with the base and removable drip tray.

Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle

This upscale electric griddle's cooking surface lowers into a body guard to protect users against burns. The surface is triple-layered with ceramic and titanium that bolsters its nonstick properties, and an included lid can be used to trap heat and expedite cooking meat or chicken. Both the body guard and cooking plate are fully immersible and can be washed in soap and water for easy cleaning—just don't stick either one in the dishwasher.

TM-203GR 10x20 Griddle

You don’t have to shell out the big bucks for an electric griddle that gets the job done, and this compact product from Toastmaster is proof. It has a 10-by-20-inch cooking surface that’s enough to flip pancakes for up to four people, but not so big that the griddle is cumbersome to store. It also offers six heat settings so you can dial in your cooking surface for just the right amount of browning.

Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate

This is a great griddle if you’re on the move or short on counter space. It conducts heat from your stovetop or oven to crisp up sausages, sear steaks, or fry eggs. The portable griddle can even be used over a campfire and is made from durable cast iron. It has a reversible ridged side to get those classic grill lines and has two convenient handles for safe transport. You can even clean this griddle in the dishwasher, but the well-seasoned surface doesn’t stick to food, and won’t require frequent washing.

Electric Indoor Stainless Steel Griddle

This souped-up griddle is as heavy-duty as its price tag suggests. If you’re willing to invest, you’ll be glad you did, thanks to the expansive dual-sided cooking surface, easy-to-use temperature adjustment, and built-in timer. This griddle is also great for paninis, quesadillas, or anything that’s crispy on the outside and melty in the center, thanks to the fold-closed lid, which also speeds up the cooking process. The non-stick surface stays clean and is removable for a quick rinse under the faucet after use.

Don't Get Riddled by Griddles. What to Know Before You Buy From One From Our Expert Elizabeth Briskin.

PM: Is a griddle the same as a flat-top grill?

EB: Yes, a griddle is also known as a flat-top grill. It generally has a smooth, flat cooking surface, though some griddles have ridges to give more of a grilled look to your food. Unlike an outdoor grill, there is no open flame or uneven heating. With both cooking methods, you heat your food from below.

PM: What’s the best way to clean an electric griddle?

EB: Most electric griddles have a nonstick surface and should not be placed in the dishwasher. Instead, simply remove the electric temperature probe if necessary, and rinse the griddle clean under warm running water. If there is stubborn stuck-on food, you can use a bit of mild dish soap and a soft sponge.

PM: Is there any difference between a skillet and a griddle?

EB: Griddles tend to be larger than skillets offering more surface area for cooking. In addition, skillets tend to have higher sides, which is great for containing the food inside but can make it harder to access the food with a spatula, for example. For flat food items like pancakes and eggs, it’s easier to use a griddle than a skillet.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?