What is the best way to start your mornings? For many, I am sure that you will agree with me when I say that nothing beats having a hearty breakfast. In this case, pancakes are staples. A stack of golden pancakes drenched in sweet maple syrup will surely be a great start for a productive day ahead.
If you love pancakes, you should invest in a high-quality griddle. Given the abundance of the options that are available, which one should you pick? Keep on reading the rest of this post and we’ll let you know some of the top choices for the best pancake griddle.
Types of Pancake Griddle
Before anything else, you will first need to decide the type that will work best for your needs. In this case, the following are the options that you will be confronted with:
Electric Pancake Griddle
This model comes with a built-in heating element. It needs to be plugged in a power source to function. It is known to be user-friendly as there is a control that will allow you to set the level of heat. However, this is usually an expensive option.
Stove-top Pancake Griddle
If you are looking for a cheaper option, this should be on the top of your list. It looks like a skillet and can also function as one. It is normally made from cast iron, which is known for its excellent ability to distribute heat evenly.
Choosing the Best Pancake Griddle
If you are still having a hard time deciding which one to purchase, the following are some of the most important factors that you need to consider:
- Size: Do you live on your own? Do you live in a household with a large family? How many pancakes do you often eat? How much space is available in the kitchen? These are just some of the questions that will help you to determine what size is best.
- Versatility: It will also be good to choose a multipurpose pancake griddle. This means that you will be able to use the griddle in more ways than one, such as for steaks, burgers, and veggies. Some can even double as a hotplate or a skillet.
- Ease of Use: Make sure that the pancake griddle is as user-friendly as possible. If it is an electric type, make sure that there is a strategically positioned control. It is also important that it is easy to clean and maintain.
- Material: Pay attention to the materials that are used since they will be directly related to the durability of the griddle. Anodized aluminum is scratch-resistant and non-toxic. Cast iron, especially for stovetop griddles, will be excellent in terms of heat distribution.
- Nonstick Coating: Speaking of the materials that are used in the griddle, another thing that is necessary is to have a nonstick coating surface. This does not only make cleaning easier, but this also makes you cook better pancakes, knowing that they won’t stick on the surface.
- Heat Distribution: Regardless of the type of the pancake griddle that you will choose, it is important to make sure that it will distribute heat evenly. This will avoid having hotspots. There is also a lesser likelihood that your pancake will end up being burnt.
- Maintenance: There are some parts that are dishwasher-safe, while there are also others that are only for handwashing. For electric models, be sure to remove the control unit and to not submerge it in water. Read the instructions from the manufacturer to know the right way of cleaning the griddle.
- Warranty: This is especially important in the case of electric griddle. Within the warranty coverage, you can rely on the support from the manufacturer. They can provide free replacement of parts or repairs in case the product becomes defective.
Tips in Making Pancakes
Having the right griddle is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to make the best fluffy pancakes at the comfort of your own home, the following are some of the things that you have to keep in mind:
- Do not overmix the batter. A lot of you might think that it is best if there are no lumps. However, this is not the case. Just make sure that the wet and dry ingredients will be thoroughly mixed. It is alright to have lumps. This will still make sure that the pancakes will be soft and fluffy.
- Everything good takes time, and hence, will be worth the wait. This holds true even in the case of pancakes. With this, allow the batter to rest before starting to cook. It will be good to wait up to half an hour. This will let the ingredients settle. Some people even wait for 24 hours.
- Know when it is already the right time to flip to cook the other side of the pancake. The best time to do it is when the top has already turned golden brown and when bubbles start to form.
- Avoid pressing the pancake with the spatula. Some people think that this will speed up the cooking process, but this does not actually do any good. This will prevent the pancake from being fluffy.
- It is also good to have a test batch, which will allow you to gauge the outcome. Be sure to spread the batter with just the right thickness. A test batch will also allow you to determine if the level of heat or consistency of batter is right, among other things.
- Now that your pancakes are ready, do not ruin everything by choosing the right syrup. Be sure to find one to complement the taste of your pancakes. 100% maple syrup is the best choice. Stay away from those that are made from fake sweeteners.
Below are other cooking tips that will instantly make you an expert in the kitchen:
Top Picks for the Best Pancake Griddle
Unsure of which product to choose? In this section, we will have a quick look at some of the options that you might want to consider, as well as some of their most notable features.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-04-07 at 12:46 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Premium nonstick surface provides stick-free cooking and easy cleaning. Slide-out drip tray removes and cleans easily.
- Control Master heat control maintains the desired cooking temperature automatically. Heavy cast aluminum base is virtually warp-proof.
- Griddle is fully immersible with the heat control removed.
- Simply open latch clips to detach handles from griddle base. No tools needed.
- With handles removed, base stores in most standard 18-inch kitchen cabinets.Cooking area: 231 square inch
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-04-07 at 12:46 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 10.5 Inch SeasonedCast Iron Griddle. The Lodge Cast Iron Griddle delivers heavy-duty performance, with lower side walls and a wider cooking surface. Great for the stovetop, campfire or oven.
- SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning will get.Volume:0.15
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.
- MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-04-07 at 12:46 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Pro-Grid Iron Reversible Grill & Griddle. The Lodge Pro-Grid Iron Grill & Griddle provides excellent heat retention and distribution and fits over two stovetop burners. Two easy grip handles allow for easy lifting, flipping or hanging when not in use. You can use this grill to cook pancakes and eggs or grill chicken and steak.
- SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning will get.
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.
- MAKE EVERY MEAL A MEMORY. Lodge knows that cooking is about more than just the food; it’s about the memories.
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it’s a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-04-07 at 12:46 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Family-Sized – 8-Serving Cooking Area (10”x20”)
- Non-Stick Cooking Surface
- Click & Lock Thermostat with Adjustable Temperature
- Fully Immersible Base (when probe removed) – Easy Cleanup
- Removable Drip Tray – Grease Removal. Included Components: Griddle, Dip Tray
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-04-07 at 12:46 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- MAKES QUICK BREAKFAST: Lets you create perfect and delicious crepes and blintzes for the whole family with this easy to use electric griddle. This griddle is also great for cooking other breakfast favorites such as pancakes, bacon, and eggs
- 1200 WATT POWER: This 1200 watt heavy duty hot plate cooking machine features high powered heating element and is small enough to make storage and travel simple. Safe for any countertop, kitchen top and tabletop and comes with 2.5 feet power cord
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE: This portable crepe maker has adjustable rotary dial temperature control to ensure the food is cooked to perfection. Also features an LED indicator light to let you know when the desired temperature has been reached
- INCLUDES SPREADER/SPATULA: The griddle pan comes with a wooden spatula and batter spreader to make breakfast preparation a lost easier and simple. These tools help in creating an even texture and make flipping simple. Features ultra quiet operation
- 12 INCH COOKING SURFACE: With this 12 inch electric griddle, making a big crepe or preparing breakfast all at once is possible. Also, the non stick aluminum construction makes food flipping or removal mess free and hassle free
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 2020-04-07 at 12:46 PST - Details/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
The best pancake griddle is one thing that you should have. It is a multifunctional appliance that can be used beyond making fluffy pancakes. You can also use it for eggs, sausages, bacons, patties, and crepes, among others. It can be beneficial in more ways than one, but this will only be the case if you pick the right product.
From the five products that we have mentioned above, if there is only one that I can personally recommend, it would be Presto 07061 Electric Griddle. Since it is electric, it is an easy to use griddle. For sure, your mornings will be a lot better if you have this in the kitchen!
