Commercial flat-top griddles are available with various configurations that determine how they can be used. Commercial griddles allow you to cook anything from burgers to pancakes and eggs. Depending on what your specific needs are will determine what kind of countertop griddle you need. Today we will go over a few things to consider when purchasing a new countertop griddle.
Griddle Plates
The thickness of a griddle plate determines multiple qualities. To start, the thicker the plate, the more durable the unit is overall. If you are the owner and operator of a busy commercial restaurant, it is recommended that you invest in a griddle that is durable enough to withstand the stress of a busy kitchen environment. While griddles with thicker plates do take longer to heat up, and are more costly than units with thinner plates, there are multiple benefits that come with investing in a unit that has thick griddle plates.
The depth and width of your griddle plates also should be kept in mind when purchasing a new countertop griddle. Typically griddle plate depths range from 20-30 inches in size with widths ranging anywhere from 24-74 inches wide. The depth and width of your griddle plates will determine how much product you can cook in a single batch, and how much space your unit will take up in your kitchen.
Another thing to keep in consideration is the finish of the griddle plates. Most commercial griddle plates are constructed of steel alloy, stainless steel, and some with a top layer with a chrome finish. Your best bet is to invest in a griddle that has plates that have a chrome finish. This is because the chrome finish is nonporous, so it is less likely for flavors to transfer. Additionally, the chrome finish also helps prevent foods from sticking and eliminates the need to season the surface with cooking oil.
The depth and width of your griddle plates also should be kept in mind when purchasing a new countertop griddle. Typically griddle plate depths range from 20-30 inches in size with widths ranging anywhere from 24-74 inches wide. The depth and width of your griddle plates will determine how much product you can cook in a single batch, and how much space your unit will take up in your kitchen.
Another thing to keep in consideration is the finish of the griddle plates. Most commercial griddle plates are constructed of steel alloy, stainless steel, and some with a top layer with a chrome finish. Your best bet is to invest in a griddle that has plates that have a chrome finish. This is because the chrome finish is nonporous, so it is less likely for flavors to transfer. Additionally, the chrome finish also helps prevent foods from sticking and eliminates the need to season the surface with cooking oil.
Griddle Controls
Your griddles controls are also important to keep in mind when purchasing a new unit. There are three types of main thermostatic griddle controls. Depending on the strength of your griddle will determine the controls. Heavy-duty flattop griddles are typically built with solid-state thermostats. This allows the unit to provide accurate temperatures within a 5-degree range of the set temperature. Medium-duty griddles are usually built with snap-action thermostats. These griddles can keep the surface temperature within 15 degrees of the set temperature. Last but not least, Economy Flattop griddles. These units are typically designed with modulating thermostatic controls and can keep temperatures within 30-40 degrees of the set temperature.
Griddle Burner BTUs
Last but not least, your griddles BTUs. A good rule of thumb is the higher number of BTUs the stronger the griddle is. A griddle with higher BTUs allows for quicker overall cooking time. You will find that your heavy-duty griddles can produce up to 30,000 BTUs per hour, while your economy models can produce as little as 20,000 BTUs per hour.
At Cook’s we have a wide range of cooking equipment in stock at all times. If you have any questions regarding the purchase of new foodservice equipment, we are happy to assist you.
