The best built in Pro Griddle we sell here at Yale is, well, let’s answer that question a little bit later.
In simple terms, a griddle is a piece of metal that is flattened, cut and then installed on the appliance. In most of the griddles we sell here at Yale, are composed of cast or wrought iron, aluminum or carbon steel.
They can be heated by direct or indirect heat. They can be heated by open flame or electrical elements. Griddles can be found on ranges or rangetops, but the most popular ones are typically found on the 36” or larger versions. They will feature with 4 or more burners plus the griddle. The average griddle surface size is 11 wide by 17 tall.
Benefits of a Griddle
Scrambled eggs, grilled cheeses, vegetable or meats can all be cooked to great results on a pro built in griddle. They are thermostatically controlled, so the entire surface area is at the same temperature for consistent results. It can really provide your family some flexibly in how what you cook. The main three factors of a good performing griddle are: the material of the metal, the heat source and the temperature control.
Let's look at three of the most popular companies.
Jenn-Air
Jenn-Air is the premium brand of Whirlpool appliances. Whirlpool with over 19 billion dollars in sales is the largest supplier of appliances in the appliance market. Their brands also include Amana, Maytag, and KitchenAid. In the last few years they have engineered and re-established Jenn-Air as a luxury brand of appliances once again.
The chrome infused surface is powered by 1320 watt electrical power to distribute consistent heat. The chrome is stylish in appearance and the food is very easily cleaned off. The Jenn-Air brand is focused on their consumers who love a stylish upscale kitchen. Many of Jenn-Air's products are sleek and some have 7” LCD touch controls and performance features for the home chef. The griddle is controllable to lower temperatures to higher temperatures from 100-450”.
Wolf
Wolf is owned by Sub-Zero and is known to make appliances with the heaviest of metals and is a premium brand of appliances. Wolf is a family owned company based in Madison, Wisconsin The wolf griddle is powered by 15,000 BTU infrared gas burner. The benefit of infrared heat is faster heat. The temperatures will be hotter with infrared, therefore cooking faster and with some dishes, like meats, be able to sear or caramelize the food to lock the juices of the food inside. Wolf's griddle can cook meat like a grill, but unlike a built in grill, you will have less smoke and grease to clean up. The Wolf griddle is very powerful and it can only be run at one temperature, high.
Thermador
Thermador is a premium brand of appliances owned by Bosch. They were founded in 1947 and are headquartered in Munich, Germany. The Thermador professional griddle is made of titanium surface non-stick cast aluminum. This material is considered a high end metal and will withstand high heat and not rust over time. The griddle is powered by a 1600 watt electric element. The griddle can be easily replaced for around $250 and just pops in over their 6 pass electrical element. They have an electric grill accessory featuring the same titanium surface that is easy to clean, also dishwasher safe like their griddle. Their thermostatically controlled griddle can go to high or low temperatures, from 100-500”.
Which is best?
I actually think you could make a case that all 3 are the best. They each offer consistent and even temperatures. The Wolf may be your choice because it's powerful with quick heat from the infrared burner under the cold rolled stainless steel for more consistent results.
The Jenn-Air may be your choice for cleanability with the way food just slides off the chromium surface. A little splash of vinegar and about 30 seconds later, the griddle is shinning to its original form.
The Thermador may be your choice for its non stick finish and dishwasher safe material. Ialso like the way it can be removed and later put back in place.
Additional Resources
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A Note About Pricing
Pricing on this blog is for reference only and may include time sensitive rebates. We make every attempt to provide accurate pricing at time of publishing. Please call the stores for most accurate price.
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