Commercial griddles provide foodservice establishments with flat cooking capacity. This can yield crispy, golden results for a variety of menu offerings. The flat griddle plate achieves even heat distribution through burners positioned underneath it. As a result, commercial griddles are popular amongst breakfast and brunch establishments. However, this piece of cooking equipment can be beneficial for a variety of other foodservice operators as well. The flat cooking surface of a heavy-duty griddle can provide businesses with a variety of cooking options. This includes burgers, hot sandwiches, an assortment of vegetables, and frozen foods.
Considerations
Commercial griddles range in width from 12” – 72”. So, there is a unit ideal for any size of facility. However, dimensions are not the only consideration you must factor into your buying decision. In addition, there are many important considerations that will influence the commercial griddle you purchase. This includes: the type of power source required, plate thickness, and temperature controls. These factors influence your griddle’s efficiency and durability.
Type
Commercial drop-in griddles are built into your commercial kitchen facility. These units are beneficial for facilities that have the extra space. Drop-in griddles maximize workflow as they free up countertop space for busy workstations.
Commercial countertop griddles make a great option for facilities with minimal space. They are also beneficial for establishments that do not require a lot of flat cooking capacity. These units are easy to set up and sit comfortably on any workstation. Furthermore, many of these countertop units travel well and provide benefits to foodservice businesses that require mobility.
Commercial ranges with a griddle are a convenient option for establishments requiring a multifunctional investment. If your operations also require a set of burners and/or ovens, investing in an all-in-one unit may be the way to go.
Power Source
Gas connected commercial griddles are commonly found in most facilities. These units reach desired temperatures quickly and accurately. Also, many gas griddles can operate at a higher temperature than electric alternatives.
Electric commercial griddles provide quick and easy set up while offering even heat distribution. Generally, electric griddles require less of an initial investment upfront. This is ideal for businesses requiring low or medium volume of production. This is because electric units have a slower recovery time between cooking than gas alternatives.
Plate Thickness
The thickness of a griddle plate plays an important role in the efficiency of your kitchen operations. As a result, it is important to determine the volume of production your restaurant expects to produce first.
Standard duty griddles are designed with ½” – ¾” plates. This thickness allows for quick heating – both preheat and recovery. Furthermore, these units utilize less energy as plates are thin enough to heat quickly. Thin plates are ideal for facilities that don’t require a high volume of flat cooking capacity. Consequently, higher volumes of production and temperatures can warp the plate and cause heat to distribute less evenly.
Heavy duty griddles come equipped with 1” plates. These plates are ideal for high volume facilities as heat retention lasts longer. Furthermore, heat is distributed more evenly, and is less likely to warp under high temperatures. As a result, these plates are slower to respond to temperature changes. This means that less energy is required to bring the unit up to temperature.
Controls
Commercial griddles with manual controls offer your team general control over temperature settings. As a result, there are no specific temperature settings. Your temperatures will be labelled as “low”, “medium”, or “high”.
Commercial griddles with thermostatic controls offer more precise control over temperature. This is ideal for busy establishments offering a variety of menu items that require flat cooking capacity. These controls allow for quick temperature changes to accommodate cooking, warming, and hot holding all on the same unit.
There are 3 types of thermostatic controls:
- Modulating control; keep temperatures consistent within 30-40 degrees of set temperature.
- Snap-action control; keeps the surface 15 degrees within the set temperature.
- Solid-state control; keeps the griddle surface within 5 degrees of the set temperature – Ultimately, this type of control is the most accurate temperature control.
Find Your Next Griddle
A commercial griddle will benefit your foodservice establishment in a variety of ways. Above all, the right griddle will improve efficiency and save money in the long run.
Babak Food Equipment offers a variety of commercial griddles for any size of business. Browse our website, or drop in to inquire about your next kitchen upgrade. Our trained professionals will help you set your kitchen up for success.