The choice of materials for your griddle is one of the most important factors when choosing your griddle. ENO compares the most commonly used materials in the manufacture of griddles and gives you all its advice on choosing the griddle with the most durable and resistant materials.
Why the choice of materials is important?
The choice of material(s) for your griddle will have a direct impact on:
- Its ability to return heat on the plate.
- Its ability to correctly grasp food.
- Its resistance and durability in the face of time and external elements.
- Its ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Choosing a griddle with poor quality materials and unsuitable for outdoor use is taking the risk of seeing your device:
- Wear out and show premature signs of corrosion and deformation.
- Having uneven heating zones and therefore poorly cooked food.
- Hang the food on the plate and complicate the maintenance of the entire device.
The comparison of materials for a griddle
Stainless 304L (marine-grade stainless steel)
Description: Austenitic stainless steel alloyed with nickel and chromium, with a bright annealed finish for a smooth, seamless surface. This material is widely used in shipbuilding and is known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and UV rays.
Part of the griddle concerned:
- Chassis
| Main asset | Main disadvantage |
| Unmatched strength and durability | Higher cost than other materials |
It is important to note that this stainless steel is the only one that can withstand corrosion over time, thanks to its bright annealed finish. Other types of stainless steel, such as brushed stainless steel, which certainly gives a shinier appearance and is widely used by many manufacturers, will inevitably rust.
Galvanized steel with powder-coated finish and fine texture
Description: Steel coated with a protective layer of zinc to protect it from rust, to which a powder-coated paint is applied, giving it an elegant and modern look while reinforcing its protection.
Part of the griddle concerned:
- Chassis
| Main asset | Main disadvantage |
| Excellent protection against weather and UV rays at a reasonable price |
Powder-coated finish sensitive to impact |
Aluminum
Description: light metal appreciated for its workability and naturally resistant to corrosion.
Part of the griddle concerned:
- Chassis
| Main asset | Main disadvantage |
| Lightweight, easy to move and maintain | Powder-coated finish sensitive to impact |
The enameled cast iron
What is the difference between this and traditional cast iron?
Cast iron is, historically; one of the most used materials in the manufacture of griddles, and more particularly in the manufacture of hobs.
Cast iron and enameled cast iron share the same metal base – an alloy of iron and carbon – but they have notable differences:
| Criteria | Cast Iron | Enameled Cast Iron |
| Composition | Alloy of iron and carbon, raw and uncoated. | Same iron base, but covered with a vitreous enamel coating fired at high temperature. |
| Heat Conductivity / Retention | Excellent heat retention — heats slowly but holds temperature for a long time. | Similar to enamel layer |
| Cooking Surface | Porous and slightly rough. May stick at first, becomes naturally nonstick over time through seasoning (oiling). | Smooth, glass-like surface - naturally nonstick from the first use. No seasoning needed. |
| Maintenance | Difficult maintenance. | No seasoning required. Easy to clean with warm water and a soft cloth. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Highly prone to rust if not properly maintained. | Fully rust-resistant - enamel protects against moisture and oxidation. |
| Mechanical Strength | Very strong but can crack if dropped or shocked. | Enamel protects the metal, but may chip if hit hard. |
| Durability | Excellent if well maintained, but depends on care. | Excellent over time, even with minimal maintenance. |
| Weight | Heavy | Heavy (same base material). |
In summary:
- Enamelled cast iron offers the same thermal power but without the constraints of unfinished cast iron: it does not rust, cleans easily and retains its appearance over time – ideal for all those looking for a device that is easy to use on a daily basis.
Carbon steel
Description: An alloy of iron and carbon, recommended for its excellent thermal conductivity and robustness. With use, a natural non-stick patina form.
Part of the griddle concerned:
- Plate
| Main asset | Main disadvantage |
| Excellent thermal performance and natural patina | Requires regular maintenance (oiling and drying) |
| Reactive to acidic foods |
Cold rolled steel
Description: A “high-end” version of carbon steel, this steel is rolled to make the cooking surface denser, smoother, and more even, resulting in a griddle with better heat conductivity and more consistent cooking.
Part of the griddle concerned:
- Plate
| Main asset | Main disadvantage |
| Very even surface, uniform cooking | Must be oiled regularly to prevent rust |
Our final comparison table!
Comparison of materials for the chassis
| Criteria | Stainless Steel 304L - Bright Annealed Finish | Stainless Steel 304L - Brushed Finish | Powder-Coated Galvanized Steel | Aluminum | Chrome Steel |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Good (less resistant than 304L stainless steel, shiny annealed finish) | Very good | Good | Moderate |
| Outdoor Durability | Excellent (does not rust, fully weather-resistant) | Very good (less durable than stainless steel 304L bright annealed finish) | Very good (durable protective coating) | Moderate (lighter structure) | Moderate to good |
| Aesthetic / Finish | Bright, premium, professional look | Satin/brushed finish, modern and elegant | Matte or colored, modern finish | Light, industrial appearance | Shiny and decorative but prone to fingerprints |
| Scratch / Impact Resistance | Excellent (rigid and dense structure) | Very good (brushed surface hides micro-scratches) | Very good (resistant to impacts) | Moderate (more flexible, may deform) | Moderate (surface prone to scratching) |
| Maintenance | Very easy (water + cloth, no treatment needed) | Very easy (hides marks, easy to clean) | Easy (gentle cleaning recommended) | Very easy (does not rust) | Easy but requires regular care to keep its shine |
| Ideal Use | Year-round outdoor use, intensive or professional applications | Regular outdoor use | Regular outdoor use, humid climates, variable weather | Portable models, small spaces, occasional use | Indoor or decorative use, sheltered areas |
Comparison of materials for the plate
| Criteria | Enameled Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Carbon Steel | Polished Steel | Cold Rolled Steel | Chrome Finish Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Heat Distribution | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Excellent | Very good | Good |
| Heating Speed | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Good | Very good | Very good | Very good |
| Warping / Scratch Resistance | Good | Moderate | Very good | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Low | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Very easy | Demanding | Moderate (requires oiling) | Moderate (requires oiling) | Moderate | Very easy | Very easy |
| Durability | Excellent | Very good (if well maintained) | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Hygiene / Food Safety | Excellent (inert enamel) | Good | Good | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Nonstick Performance | Good | Good (after seasoning) | Very good (natural patina) | Good | Very good | Excellent | Moderate (depends on finish) |
| Reaction with Food | None | Slight (acidity) | Slight | Slight | Slight | None | None |
| Cooking Versatility | Very versatile | Excellent for grilling / slow cooking | Very versatile | Good | Very versatile | Very versatile (professional, hygienic) | Versatile |
Conclusion: which materials to choose for your griddle
For its griddles, ENO has chosen to use 100% outdoor materials, designed to withstand Canada's harsh weather conditions. From 304L stainless steel for the frame of our stainless steel range to enameled cast iron for our plancha plates, discover all the materials used in the manufacture of our appliances in our article right here (link to the article “What materials do we use for our griddles?”)!
Wich griddle to choose?
Now that you know the differences between the various materials used to manufacture a plancha grill, you are probably wondering which model to choose: gas or electric?
To help you make your choice, ENO has created a comparison of the two models, which you can find right here!
Why choose an ENO griddle?
A griddle made with 100% outdoor materials
The plate, made with enameled cast irons
We are convinced that the quality of our enameled cast iron plates will make every meal a moment of pleasure and conviviality. All our griddles plates are guaranteed for life since 2017 to allow you to enjoy your plancha as long as possible!
At Plancha ENO, we know that the quality of the hob is essential for exceptional cooking results. That is why we have chosen to equip our griddles with enameled cast iron plates, a material that offers incomparable advantages compared to the materials traditionally used.
The chassis, made of stainless steel with a bright annealed finish or galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish and a fine texture finish.
Our chassis are made from the best outdoor materials: 304L stainless steel with a bright annealed finish for our stainless steel range and galvanized steel with a powder-coated finish for our cargo gray and navy blue ranges:
Stainless 304L bright annealed finish:
- Material widely used in shipbuilding.
- Exceptional resistance to corrosion and marine UV rays.
- Non-porous: does not retain bacteria or odors.
- Does not rust, even in coastal areas.
- Retains its appearance over time.
ENO is the only manufacturer to offer products with this grade of stainless steel, thanks to our expertise in manufacturing nautical products. Each product is tested for 500 hours in salt spray to ensure its resistance to corrosion.
Galvanized steel with a fine textured powder-coated finish:
- Used in urban planning.
- Offers double protection against the elements and scratches thanks to the galvanization process and its powder-coated layer.
- Weather and UV resistant (the color does not fade or discolor, unlike epoxy).
- Does not leave fingerprints thanks to its “fine texture” finish.
- Elegant and modern appearance.
