A good griddle is a bit of a chameleon; it is at one moment a frying pan, later a soup warmer, and sometimes it’s a focal point of entertainment (as in open kitchens).  The drama of a sizzling griddle is undeniable, and griddles with grooved tops can even create sear lines that mimic those of broiled food.  With its versatility and style, a griddle can give ho-hum meals a nice kick.

(photo courtesy of WayTru on Flickr Creative Commons)

Griddle tops (plates, as they are sometimes called) are often made of either cast iron or steel (cold-rolled or polished).  Cast iron is favored by some cooks for its heat retention and quick temperature recovery (among other traits that have made cast iron a cooking favorite over the ages).  A complaint one might make about cast iron is that it requires special care.  It needs to be seasoned regularly with oil and cleaning is a somewhat delicate process, as harsh soaps can actually ruin the great seasoning you took time to build up.  If not seasoned properly, cast iron can rust fairly easily.  But for cooking with high heat (even up to 800°F), it’s hard to beat cast iron griddle tops.  Steel, on the other hand, has the advantage of being very easily cleaned, and it does not need to be seasoned like cast iron.  Steel is also less prone to rust.  A chrome finish (an option on some models) can make a griddle even easier to clean.  For lighter use, aluminum griddles are another option.

Once a griddle top rusts, cracks, or warps, it is most likely time to upgrade.  Today, there is no shortage of options to fit any operation’s needs.  And while an idle griddle can be an energy drain, modern models are becoming more and more efficient.  Such features as snap-action temperature controls and infrared or steam heating are energy-saving design measures already on the market.  And while griddles haven’t been adopted by Energy Star yet, I’m hoping they will be soon.  For now, Serv-U sales associates can help you choose the griddle model that best suits your needs.  And if you are looking for other Energy Star equipment, check for the blue Energy Star logo on Serv-U’s product pages in the following Energy Star categories: fryers, solid door refrigerators and freezers, dishwashers, hot food holding cabinets, ice machines, and commercial steam cookers.