10 Best Pancake Griddles
Making pancakes is a delightful task. At least, it is if you have the most essential tool: the best pancake griddle. If you don’t have a griddle, you probably won’t enjoy making pancakes all that much because your pancakes won’t be that beautiful golden brown, they will end up sticking to the pan, and you will have to strive hard to get your spatula under the pancakes perfectly, etc.
When I looked for a pancake griddle I found a lot of different products. But a closer inspection revealed that not all were worthy of being considered. So after some careful research, I managed to narrow my list down to these 10:
Comparison Of The Best Pancake Griddles In 2021
| PRODUCT | SIZE | BEST FOR | HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES |
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22 inches | Best Overall |
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11 inches | Best for Electric Stoves |
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20 inches | Best Cast-Iron |
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20 inches | Best Ceramic |
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1. Presto 07061 With Removable Handles
Highlighted Features
- Non-stick
- Easy to clean
- Electric
- Easy to store
- Cast-aluminum
- Textured surface
Material: This griddle has a heavy cast aluminum base, so Presto claims it is warp-proof. Quite relieving, actually, because the last thing anyone wants is an uneven griddle. The surface is completely non-stick and has a pretty texture which improves the non-stick capability of the griddle. Not only does it contribute towards beautiful pancakes, it also makes clean-up easier.
Size: The griddle measures 22 inches in length. That is quite a size. This will allow you to make breakfast for the whole family, and then some, quite comfortably.
Electric/Manual: The griddle is electric, with the Control Master heat control that maintains the desired temperature automatically. It takes 1500W.
Sides: The sides are very low, the mark of a great griddle. The shallow design will not hurdle you as you try to get your spatula under the pancake for a perfect flip.
Grease Channel: The one thing this griddle doesn’t have is a grease channel. The surface of the griddle is quite smooth, with no dips at all on the sides.
Drip tray: If it doesn’t have a grease channel, it makes up for it with a drip tray. Although the surface is quite smooth, one of the longer sides of the griddle features a tray to catch all the grease that your fatty meats can release. No mess! And a healthier meal to boot.
Shape: The shape of the griddle is rectangular and as such, it can accommodate a lot of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and whatnot.
Requires seasoning? The non-stick cast aluminum construction means you don’t have to keep seasoning your griddle to maintain its gloriousness.
Dishwasher safe? Once you remove the electric parts, the griddle can be fully immersed. However, you should probably avoid the dishwasher. No need to subject something that cleans up so easy to that!
Pros
- Large
- Non-Stick, textured surface
- Easy to clean
- Drip pan
- Very low sides
Cons
- No grease channel
2. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro
Highlighted Features
- Hard-anodized aluminum
- Square
- Manual
- Comfortable handle
- Single burner
- Oven-safe
Material: This square pancake griddle is made of hard-anodized aluminum which, according to OXO, provides great heat retention and ensures that the pancake is evenly cooked. The non-stick construction is triple-layered, German-engineered, which will ensure that your food doesn’t stick at all to the pan. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, a chemical suspected of having cancer-causing abilities.
Size: The griddle is 11 inches square and as such will occupy a single burner on your stove, leaving you free to cook something else simultaneously.
Electric/Manual: This is not an electric griddle.
Sides: The griddle features very low sides which is an excellent point because higher sides hamper in getting the spatula underneath the pancakes. The sides are also rolled, a unique feature that will keep the grease securely in the pan and allow you to pour sauces, grease, etc. in a drip-free manner.
Grease Channel: The griddle does not feature a grease channel, so you might have some trouble handling the grease from fatty foods so it doesn’t affect any other item that you might be cooking at the same time.
Drip tray: There’s no drip tray.
Handle: The griddle has a comfortable, contoured handle that won’t heat up so you won’t find it hard to move around or hold. It is designed to provide a comfortable grip.
Oven-safe: A great feature of this griddle is that the whole thing can take up to 430 °F, which makes it oven-safe. You can go ahead and put it in there.
Requires seasoning: The hard-anodized, non-stick aluminum construction doesn’t require any seasoning.
Dishwasher safe: Since the griddle is non-stick, cleaning it is really easy as not much will remain on the surface except a bit of grease. Even so, it is dishwasher safe and if you don’t feel like cleaning it by hand you can always toss it in there.
Pros
- Hard-anodized aluminum
- Non-stick
- Low sides
- Dishwasher safe
- Handle stays cool to touch
- Oven-proof
Cons
- Not for induction stove-tops
3. Lodge LPGI3PLT Pro-Grid
Highlighted Features
- Cast-iron
- Double burner
- Pre-seasoned
- Oven-safe
- Rectangular
Material: This pancake griddle is made of heavy cast-iron and Lodge has famously been making cast-iron cookware since 1896 and as such has a lot of experience in this area. The heavy cast-iron makes sure that the griddle heats up evenly all over when you pre-heat it and retains it as well so your food cooks properly. The surface has an easy-release finish so your food won’t stick to it.
Size: The griddle measures 20 inches in length and 10 inches in width. As such, it is wide enough that you can cook a full breakfast for the family quite easily and quickly. And since it’s reversible, you can just flip the griddle to use the grill on the other side for your steaks or burgers, etc.
Electric/Manual: This is a manual pancake griddle.
Sides: The griddle features low sides so you won’t have any problem getting your spatula under the eggs or pancakes.
Grease Channel: The Lodge griddle features a grease channel along one of its longer sides. The slightest of slopes in the griddle allows the grease to run off the cooking surface of the pan and collect into it, keeping your gridiron and your food as grease-free as possible.
Drip tray: It doesn’t have a drip tray, but the grease channel more than makes up for it.
Shape: The griddle-cum-grill is rectangular in shape, allowing you to cook multiple food items at the same time. It fits over two burners and has two easy-grip handles which can be used to move the griddle around, flip it over or hang it up when not in use.
Requires seasoning? All Lodge products come pre-seasoned, and this griddle is no different. In fact, Lodge boasts that the seasoning only gets better with use because only 100% vegetable oil has been used instead of chemicals or synthetic coatings.
Dishwasher safe? The griddle is not dishwasher safe. Wash with a mild soap, dry thoroughly, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil and store in a dry place.
Pros
- Cast-iron
- Good for all heat-sources
- Double-burner
- Doubles as a grill
- Grease channel
- Low sides
Cons
- Must be washed by hand
- Can be a bit big for one-person usage
4. Presto 7055 Cool-Touch Base
Highlighted Features
- Electric
- Ceramic, cast-aluminum
- Non-Stick
- Drip tray
- Large, rectangular
Material: This great pancake griddle has a heavy cast-aluminum base with a ceramic non-stick surface to ensure you have a stick-free cooking experience. The Control Master heat control ensures that the temperature is maintained automatically as desired.
Size: The griddle boasts 20 inches of length. The front and the sides are provided with cool-touch plastic so you don’t accidentally burn yourself.
Electric/Manual: This is an electric griddle.
Sides: The griddle features very low sides and you won’t have any trouble flipping your pancakes perfectly every time.
Grease Channel: The smooth surface of the griddle does not have a grease channel.
Drip tray: If it doesn’t have a grease channel, it makes up for it with a drip tray. A small hole in the side of the griddle allows all the excess fat to drip away from the food and into the tray, thus keeping your food and your appliance grease-free. It also makes clean-up really easy and quick!
Requires seasoning? The heavy cast-aluminum base furnished with the ceramic non-stick coating does not require any seasoning on your part.
Dishwasher safe? Once you remove the electric heat control, the whole appliance is fully immersible but not dishwasher safe. You can wash it quite safely in the sink.
Pros
- Electric
- Large
- Ceramic, non-stick
- Automatic heat maintenance
- Drip tray
- Low sides
- Not the traditional white look
Cons
- No grease channel
5. BLACK+DECKER Cool-Touch Handles
Highlighted Features
- Electric
- Large
- Warming tray
- Drip tray
- Grease channel
- Easy to clean
- KitchenFaction Rating
Material: The BLACK+DECKER grill is made of cast-iron with a durable non-stick coating that will allow you to cook without worrying about your pancakes getting stuck to the surface and losing their golden-brown beauty.
Size: The 20 inches of length that this griddle has make for a family-sized appliance on which you can cook a full breakfast quite comfortably.
Electric/Manual: This is an electric griddle and takes 1500W. It features an electric knob that allows you to adjust the temperature quite easily. It is also removable.
Sides: The sides of the griddle are quite low. They will certainly not get in the way of your spatula as you go to flip your perfect pancakes.
Grease Channel: The griddle has a gently sloping grease channel along one side which will keep extra grease out of your food and help you eat healthier.
Drip tray: In addition to the grease channel, the BLACK+DECKER also boasts a drip tray. So while the grease channel guides the extra fat away from your food, a small hole in the channel allows it to drip down into the drip tray. You can, therefore, discard it easily.
Shape: The rectangular design of the griddle allows you to cook a lot at the same time. It also has cool-touch handles so you can move it quite comfortably without the fear of burning yourself.
Warming tray: The griddle also features a warming tray which is a valuable addition, considering it’s a family-sized griddle. While you cook, you can put your cooked pancakes and food items into the warming tray to keep them palatable while the kids take their time getting to the table!
Dishwasher safe? The griddle is completely immersible once you remove the electric probe, but not dishwasher safe. You should wash with gentle soaps.
Pros
- Electric
- Large
- Grease channel
- Drip tray
- Cool-touch handles
- Warming pan
Cons
- No retainer on the drip tray
6. Vremi Nonstick Cast Iron
Highlighted Features
- Cast-iron
- Large
- Doubles as a grill
- Oven-safe
- Grease channel
Material: This pancake griddle is made of cast-iron which gives it the ability to heat up slowly and completely. Because of the excellent heating-up, your pancakes will turn out beautifully, gorgeously golden.
Size: The griddle boasts 20 inches of cooking space, covering two burners at the same time. This will take care of all your cooking needs if you are cooking for a large group.
Electric/Manual: This manual griddle is also a grill once you flip it over, hence it packs two in one. It has easy-grip handles which allow you to move it from stove-top to oven etc. comfortably.
Sides: The griddle has low sides so you won’t find it hard to get your spatula under the pancakes properly.
Grease Channel: The griddle also features a grease channel along the edges. The grease channel will ensure that any extra fat from your food runs off and you don’t consume it. The griddle does not have a drip tray.
Shape: The griddle has a large, rectangular shape that can accommodate quite a quantity of food at a time.
Requires seasoning? It comes pre-seasoned. However, since it is cast-iron, you will have to season it regularly in order to preserve it properly.
Dishwasher safe? The griddle is not dishwasher safe. You must clean it by hand with mild soaps and dry it properly because you don’t want it to rust. Store it in a dry place.
Pros
- Sturdy cast-iron
- Rectangular
- Large
- Pre-seasoned
- Double burner
- Doubles as a grill
Cons
- Must be hand-washed
- Requires seasoning after use
7. Oster Titanium-Infused
Highlighted Features
- Ceramic
- Electric
- Titanium-infused coating
- Warming tray
- Drip tray
Material: The griddle has a titanium-infused DuraCeramic non-stick coating. According to Oster, this coating lasts eight times longer than other non-stick coatings and the surface cooks 30 percent faster than other griddles.
Size: The griddle has a large 18-inch surface that is excellent for cooking large batches of pancakes or a big, family breakfast.
Electric/Manual: This is an electric griddle.
Sides: The ceramic surface has very low sides and you can flip your pancakes quite easily.
Grease Channel: The griddle has a convenient grease channel to keep your food free of any extra fat.
Drip tray: In addition to the grease channel, a drip tray is also present. The grease collects in the tray and you can dispose off of it quite easily and comfortably.
Shape: The griddle is rectangular with a plastic construction around it to keep you safe from getting any burns.
Warming tray: The griddle also has a hard plastic warming tray that will keep up to six medium-sized pancakes warm while you cook.
Dishwasher safe? It is not dishwasher safe. You should wipe it with a damp cloth once the griddle has cooled in order to clean it properly.
Pros
- Electric
- Ceramic
- Durable non-stick coating
- Drip tray
- Warming tray
Cons
- Cooking surface prone to discoloration
8. Calphalon Hard-Anodized Non-Stick
Highlighted Features
- Hard-anodized aluminum
- Round
- Non-stick
- Like a frying pan
- Single burner
- Oven-safe
Material: The Calphalon pancake griddle is made of heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum, which makes it quite durable. The long handle is made of brushed stainless steel which is designed to stay cool while you use the pan so you can move the griddle around comfortably. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free and so strong you can use metal utensils on it.
Size: This non-stick pancake griddle is 12 inches in diameter, which gives you enough room to cook up a full breakfast including eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
Electric/Manual: The griddle is manual and occupies a single burner on the stove-top, leaving the rest free for you to do with as you please.
Sides: The sides of this pancake griddle are somewhat higher than those generally found in pancake griddles. This one, instead of having very low walls, is rather like a shallow frying pan. You might have trouble getting your spatula under the pancakes.
Grease Channel: This griddle does not have a grease channel, so your food will be cooking in the extra fat as it won’t be effectively drained. So you probably can’t cook bacon and pancakes together because the pancakes will end up super greasy… with bacon grease.
Shape: This pancake griddle is one of the two on this list that boast a round shape. Generally, griddles are square or rectangular, but this one isn’t. Its round shape, it’s higher-than-normal sides and its handle give it a rather frying pan-like look.
Requires seasoning? The aluminum build of the pan doesn’t require seasoning.
Dishwasher safe: The round griddle is dishwasher safe. So even if the pan ends up super greasy because of no grease channel, the good news is you can just put it in the dishwasher and save yourself from the elbow grease, no pun intended.
Pros
- Hard anodized aluminum
- Round
- Non-stick
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Higher sides
9. Ecolution EVRE-3228 Non-Stick
Highlighted Features
- Manual
- Eco-friendly
- Single-burner
- Pretty
- Silicone handle
Material: This griddle pan for pancakes is made of heavy gauge aluminum and the exterior of the base has grooves. This helps the pan to heat up evenly and thus results in beautiful pancakes. Talking of beauty, this griddle is really a sight to behold. It is a unique crimson color that will certainly add a little extra something to your kitchen.
Since Ecolution is an environment-friendly company, the non-stick material in this pan is a water-based compound called Hydrolon that’s easy-release and assists you in having healthier meals.
Size: The griddle is an 11-inch square, large enough for you to cook a good-sized breakfast. The sides of the griddle are quite low, so pancake-flipping is not a challenge.
Electric/Manual: The manual griddle takes up one burner, leaving the rest of your stove-top free.
Grease Channel: It doesn’t have a grease channel so your food will inevitably end up sitting in a pile of extra fat.
Shape: This is a square-shaped griddle. It has an easy-to-grip handle that has a silicone covering so it won’t get hot and you aren’t likely to burn yourself. Of course, this extra feature means this griddle is probably not oven-safe.
Requires seasoning? This square, non-stick griddle doesn’t require any seasoning
Dishwasher safe: It is very easy to clean since its dishwasher-safe. You don’t have to worry about the clean-up while you have your breakfast!
Pros
- Aluminum
- Silicone handle
- Pretty
- Dishwasher-safe
- Eco-friendly non-stick coating
Cons
- The non-stick coating might chip
- The handle might catch fire
10. Nordic Ware Non-Stick
Highlighted Features
- Cast- aluminum
- Single-burner
- Fun
- Multiple pancakes at a time
- Handle like that of a frying pan
Material: This fun griddle is made of cast aluminum that makes it really durable. The non-stick interior makes sure your pancakes spring away from the wells easily and are not ruined. The non-stick coating is PFOA- free, so you’re not feeding your kids anything toxic. The heat-reflective exterior allows the small pancakes to brown evenly. Important feature, since the shapes won’t really be properly visible if the pancakes don’t brown up evenly.
Size: Measures 17 inches at its longest. Each well requires about 2 tablespoons of batter to yield a perfect, beautiful pancake of about 3 inches. Although there are seven wells, you can only cook six at a time because you’ll need an empty well to turn the pancakes into.This pan is also available in zoo-animals design. So if that’s what floats your boat (or your children’s) you can get that one.
Electric/Manual: This is a manual griddle. This is a single burner pan that will make your kids love breakfast-time because who doesn’t want to eat smiley-face pancakes?!
Shape: It is a round pan with seven wells in it, having smiley faces within. The handle is much like a frying pan’s, so you can move the griddle around quite comfortably.
Not dishwasher safe: The non-stick coating means sharp utensils cannot be used, which goes without saying. The griddle has to be cleaned by hand and not in a dishwasher.
Pros
- Aluminum
- Non-stick
- Fun for kids
- Single-burner
- Makes 7 at a time
Cons
- Can’t make bigger pancakes
- Not dishwasher-safe
Things To Look For Before Buying!
Before you make a buying decision, you should know certain things about pancake griddles. It is essential to have this kind of information so you can have a clear idea of what exactly you require from your griddle. The best pancake griddle for you will have certain particular features just for your particular needs.
A good pancake griddle should:
- Have the size that you need
- Be non-stick
- Be easy to clean, store and manage
- Have low sides
- Have good heat conductivity
Buying Guide
Is A Pancake Griddle Really Important?
You might think: do I really need a pancake griddle when I have frying pans and a skillet? Answer: yes, you do. That is, if you want beautiful, golden-brown pancakes because a griddle is different from both the aforementioned articles. Frying pans and skillets are good for things that need to be stirred, whereas pancakes really only require easy flipping, where non-stick capability and low sides come into the equation… both of which are present in a pancake griddle.
How To Choose A Pancake Griddle?
Now, this is a tough question. How exactly is one to know what griddle one should buy? Should it be electric or manual, large or small? The answers to these depend on you and your requirements. If you prefer to cook on stove-tops, you should buy a manual griddle. If you prefer to have a bit more mobility in your kitchen, or perhaps you live in a small apartment with no proper kitchen, you should get an electric one.
If you plan on cooking for a large number of people you should get a 22-inch griddle so you don’t have to make a lot of batches. You won’t like having to stand by the stove, churning out pancake after pancake from an 11-inch griddle. If you cook a small breakfast daily, you are probably going to be okay with a small square or round griddle.
What Material To Look For In A Pancake Griddle?
It’s important to understand what material your pancake griddle is made of because a good material means even heating. Many griddles are made of aluminum. It heats up quickly and can retain heat as well and is generally great for cookware. Cast-iron ones heat slower, but once they heat up they conduct and retain heat very well, which gives a glorious finish to your pancakes. Still, with a cast-iron griddle, you’ll need to give it time to pre-heat.
Aluminum and ceramic griddles are usually furnished with a non-stick coating that prevents your pancakes from sticking to the pan. Cast-iron might make your food stick at first but with a little natural seasoning (due to usage) it will go away.
What Can A Pancake Griddle Be Used For?
It sounds like a question with an obvious answer (pancakes, duh) but making delicious pancakes is not the only thing you can use your griddle for. A pancake griddle can be used to make an entire breakfast. You can cook eggs on it, fry crispy bacon… even make sandwiches like grilled cheese. A good pancake griddle, then, should be versatile. It should not limit you to pancakes only.
How To Season A Pancake Griddle?
Some griddles need to be seasoned regularly, especially cast-iron ones. Seasoning griddles is not as hard as it sounds and you can season it regularly quite easily. Store it in a dry place. Your cast-iron griddle will only get better and better with use!
How To Clean And Maintain A Pancake Griddle?
Cleaning your griddle is important if you want to keep it tip-top. Since griddles are usually non-stick, you don’t need to subject them to harsh scrubbing. You should never do that because it will only damage it. Just use mild soap and foam to wipe the surface clean. Take special care to dry your cast-iron griddle or it will inevitably start to rust.
Conclusion
So there it is, people. A lot of griddles for you to peruse. Get the best pancake griddle for yourself, and use it well!
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