What is a gas griddle?
A gas griddle is a cooking appliance composed of a plate made of cast iron or rolled steel or carbon steel, heated by one or more gas burners. Cooking is done by direct contact with the plate, which allows you to quickly sear food and preserve its flavors.
How to cook on a gas griddle?
Cooking on a griddle is very simple and fast. This is one of the great advantages of this cooking method.
- Preheat the griddle for a few minutes to the desired temperature.
- Place the food on the hot plate (hamburgers, tacos, pancakes, griddle vegetables, etc.).
- Let it cook without moving it for a few minutes so that it sears nicely.
- Flip the food with a spatula and continue cooking on the griddle.
- Serve. It's ready !
Which is the best gas griddle?
The choice of the best gas griddle depends on your needs and your budget. Here are some criteria to consider:
- The size of the plate: Choose it based on the number of people you usually cook for. A 22-inch wide griddle allows you to cook for 6 to 8 guests, while a 27-inch griddle will be ideal for larger gatherings.
- The number of burners: The more burners there are, the more flexibility you have in cooking. Depending on the desired cooking result, you can set 2 burners to a high temperature to properly sear food and keep it warm on another part of the plate by maintaining a burner at a low temperature. It is also very easy to manage cooking different items in succession.
- The power: High power allows for a rapid temperature increase. 680°F is essential for properly searing foods such as grilled meats, burgers... and thus achieving perfect griddle cooking. A low-power griddle will not allow you to cook food thoroughly.
- The material of the plate: The quality of the cooking plate is essential for exceptional cooking results and for easy maintenance.
Rolled steel or carbon steel are frequently used on the market for their often lower cost, but they have many drawbacks such as often laborious maintenance. Also, the plate will tend to warp with heat.
Cast iron is the material that best retains heat to release it slowly and evenly. The plate does not warp in the heat, even at 680°F, and thus allows you to make griddle recipes from brunch to dinner. Enameling is an essential finishing protection for the plate to prevent food from sticking, unlike steel, and to facilitate maintenance.
To find out which is the best gas griddle and which is the most suitable for your needs, discover our special 2025 guide!
What to choose between a gas griddle, a grill, or a BBQ?
The advantages of the PLANCHA® gas griddle
- Fast and even cooking: The griddle quickly reaches a high temperature and distributes it uniformly, which allows you to sear food and preserve its flavor.
- Healthy and light cooking: Little fat is necessary, and the fats are drained away, allowing you to cook tasty and balanced dishes. The food does not come into direct contact with the flames.
- Wide variety of dishes: The gas griddle allows you to cook a wide variety of foods, from meats and fish to vegetables and fruits. You can even smoke food.
- Ease of use and cleaning: The enameled cast iron griddle is easy to use and clean, which makes it a practical appliance for everyday cooking.
- Conviviality: Cooking on a griddle is often associated with moments of sharing and conviviality outdoors.
Cooking on a grill or BBQ:
- Difficult cooking to master: Cooking can be uneven; it's difficult to control the temperature, which can lead to food being burnt on the outside and raw on the inside.
- Harmful cooking: Smoke and flames can be dangerous: they can cause burns and irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract and can be a nuisance for guests. Food is in direct contact with the flames.
- Difficult cooking: Cooking on a BBQ can be long and tedious: you have to prepare the fire, monitor the cooking, and clean the grill, unlike the gas griddle which is ready in just a few minutes.
- Limited variety of cooking: Grilling or BBQing always imparts a smoky flavor that is mainly suitable for meats but not for certain recipes such as vegetables, sweet dishes, and even fish.
