Which Commercial Griddle Is Right for Your Restaurant? – Gas, Electric or Induction

In the modern catering industry, commercial griddles have become indispensable cooking equipment. Whether it is a breakfast shop, fast-food restaurant, or high-end restaurant, commercial griddles can meet various cooking needs with their efficiency and versatility.

This article will explore the different types of commercial griddles, their advantages, working principles, application sites, how to properly clean and maintain them, how to choose the right commercial griddle, and what benefits they can bring consumers.

I. Types of commercial griddles

1. Electric griddles

The electric griddle is one of the most popular commercial griddles on the market. It generates heat through electric heating elements to bring the cooking surface to the required temperature. The advantages of electric griddles are easy cleaning, simple maintenance, and energy saving.

They are available in a variety of sizes. They can adapt to a variety of cooking tasks, from small catering stores to large kitchens, such as frying eggs and cooking large quantities of pancakes. For example, brunch restaurants, bakeries, and hotel buffets.

(1) Strong temperature stability

The electric heating tube can accurately control the temperature (±5°C), which is suitable for ingredients that require constant temperature cooking (such as fried eggs and pancakes).

(2) Easy installation

No gas pipeline is required; plug it in, and it’s ready to use.

(3) High safety

No open flames or gas leaks, suitable for enclosed places such as shopping malls and office buildings.

2. Gas griddle

Gas griddles are very popular in high-volume kitchens. They provide a high level of temperature control and are suitable for a variety of cooking tasks, such as frying, stir-frying, and grilling. Gas griddles are known for their durability and long life and are ideal for places that require fast cooking and high-temperature control. For example, traditional American restaurants, food trucks, night market stalls, and large cafeterias.

(1) High temperature and fast response

Gas heats up quickly (3-5 minutes to reach more than 300°C), making it suitable for dishes that require high-temperature frying (such as steak and bacon).

(2) Low cost

The initial equipment price is low, and gas has obvious energy cost advantages in some areas.

(3) Wide applicability

No need to rely on stable electricity, suitable for outdoors or areas with poor power infrastructure.

3. Induction griddle

An induction griddle is a relatively new type of commercial griddle. It uses electromagnetic fields to heat the cooking surface, which is energy-saving and fast-heating. This type of griddle usually has more precise temperature control and is suitable for dishes with higher cooking temperature requirements. For example, high-end Western restaurants, Japanese teppanyaki, and green catering brands that focus on environmental protection.

(1) Energy saving and high efficiency

The thermal efficiency is up to 90% (gas is only 40-50%), and energy consumption is reduced by more than 30%, which meets the EU ERP energy efficiency standards.

(2) Precise temperature control

Supports 1°C precision adjustment and is suitable for delicate operations such as molecular cuisine and low-temperature slow cooking.

(3) Easy to clean

There is no open flame residue on the surface, and oil stains are not easy to carbonize.

4. Tabletop griddle

Tabletop griddles, also known as free-standing griddles, provide a convenient solution for places with limited kitchen space or where layout flexibility is required. They are designed to be placed on a countertop or stand, are easy to install, and are easy to clean and rearrange. Tabletop griddles are suitable for small restaurants, food trucks, and catering companies with smaller spaces.

5. Built-in griddles

Built-in griddles are designed to be installed in pre-cut spaces on kitchen countertops or custom cooking kits. This design provides a smooth, seamless look and is often used in high-end kitchens and restaurants that focus on both aesthetics and performance.

6. Teppanyaki griddles

Teppanyaki griddles are flat-top griddles explicitly designed for the Japanese teppanyaki cooking style, with heating elements installed at the bottom. This type of griddle is not only a cooking device but also a performance stage in the restaurant that attracts customers.

It is especially suitable for open kitchens, allowing customers to watch the cooking process while enjoying the food. They use thermostatic control together with manual temperature settings for accurate control of temperature in real time.

II. Advantages of different types of commercial griddles

1. Efficient cooking

Commercial griddles can cook large amounts of food quickly and evenly, reducing labor costs and improving production efficiency. Whether it is breakfast food or dinner dishes, they can efficiently complete cooking tasks.

2. Versatility

From omelets to juicy steaks, commercial griddles are suitable for cooking a variety of foods. They can meet the diverse menu needs from breakfast to dinner, providing chefs with great creative freedom.

3. Durability

Commercial griddles are usually made of durable stainless steel or cast iron materials that can withstand intensive use. This durability ensures long-term stable operation of the equipment in a busy kitchen environment.

4. Precise temperature control

Gas griddles and some high-end electric griddles can provide precise temperature regulation to ensure that food is cooked at the ideal temperature for the best taste and texture.

III. Working principle of commercial griddles

1. Heating principle of electric griddles

Electric griddles convert electrical energy into thermal energy through electric heating elements to heat the cooking surface. This heating method is relatively uniform, and the heating and cooling speeds are fast, which makes it easy to control the temperature.

2. Heating principle of gas griddles

Gas griddles use the heat generated by the combustion of natural gas or propane to transfer heat to the cooking surface through the burner. This heating method can provide higher temperatures and faster heating speeds, which is suitable for occasions that require fast cooking.

3. Heating principle of induction griddles

Induction griddles use electromagnetic induction to generate eddy currents in the magnetic field changes at the bottom of the cooking utensil, thereby generating heat. This method creates heat directly at the bottom of the cooking utensil, which heats quickly and efficiently while keeping the cooking surface at a relatively low temperature, improving safety.

IV. Application places of commercial griddles

1. Restaurants

Whether it is a traditional restaurant or a modern fast-food restaurant, commercial griddles can meet different cooking needs. From pancakes and bacon for breakfast to hamburgers and sandwiches for lunch to steaks and grilled vegetables for dinner, commercial griddles can efficiently complete cooking tasks.

2. Cafes

Cafés usually offer a variety of breakfast and light meals. Commercial griddles can be used to make fried eggs, bacon, and pancakes, providing customers with delicious breakfast options.

3. Food trucks and takeaway services

With the rise of food trucks and takeaway services, commercial griddles have become an ideal choice for these places because of their portability and efficiency. They can quickly cook a variety of foods in a limited space to meet the needs of takeaway orders.

4. Hotels

The hotel’s catering department needs efficient and versatile cooking equipment to meet the various dietary needs of guests. Commercial griddles can help hotel kitchens quickly prepare high-quality dishes, whether it is a buffet or room service.

V. Cleaning and maintenance of commercial griddles

1. Daily cleaning

After each use, food residue and grease should be removed from the cooking surface promptly. You can use a damp cloth or soft brush to wipe gently and avoid using rough cleaning tools to avoid scratching the surface. For griddles with non-stick coatings, pay more attention to gentle cleaning to extend the service life of the coating.

2. Regular deep cleaning

In addition to daily cleaning, regular deep cleaning is also necessary. It includes removing removable parts (such as oil tanks) for cleaning, checking and cleaning vents and filters, and ensuring the regular operation and safety of the equipment.

3. Maintenance points

Regularly check the heating elements and controls to ensure that they are working correctly. For gas griddles, periodically check the gas connections for leaks to ensure safe use. At the same time, regular maintenance, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, can extend the service life of the griddle.

VI. How to choose the right commercial griddle

1. Consider kitchen space and layout

Choose the right size and type of griddle according to the size and layout of the kitchen. Tabletop griddles are suitable for places with limited space, while built-in griddles are more suitable for high-end places that focus on overall kitchen design.

2. Determine cooking needs

Consider the diversity of the menu and the characteristics of the cooking task. If you need to cook a large amount of food quickly, a gas griddle may be a better choice; if you pay more attention to energy saving and easy cleaning, an electric griddle has more advantages.

(1) Cooking type

High-temperature grilling (gas preferred), constant temperature cooking (electric heating tube/induction), multi-functional needs (modular design).

(2) Usage scenario

Fixed kitchen (heavy equipment), mobile food truck (compact), high-humidity environment (anti-corrosion model).

3. Evaluate equipment performance

Pay attention to the performance indicators of the griddle, such as heating speed, temperature control accuracy, and cooking surface material. Accurate temperature control is essential for cooking high-quality dishes, while high-quality cooking surface materials can ensure the cooking effect of food and the durability of the equipment.

4. Consider budget and cost performance

The price of commercial griddles varies depending on type, size, and function. When choosing, balance your budget with the performance and quality of the equipment. Although high-end griddles are more expensive, they may be more cost-effective in terms of durability, efficiency, and versatility.

5. Specific parameters

(1) Heating power

Gas (25,000-60,000 BTU), electric heating tube (5-15 kW), induction (3-10 kW)

(2) Cooking area

60×30 cm is recommended for single-person operation, and 90×45 cm or more is required during peak hours.

(3) Panel material

Ø Cold-rolled steel (cost-effective but requires frequent maintenance).

Ø Stainless steel (corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, 30% more expensive).

Ø Cast iron (substantial heat storage, suitable for high-temperature cooking, but heavy).

(4) Additional functions

Ø Intelligent: Internet of Things (IoT) remote monitoring, automatic temperature curve programming.

Ø Modular: replaceable baking trays (grilled, flat, grooved).

Ø Safety certifications: UL (North America), CE (EU), anti-scalding handle, child lock.

VII. Benefits of commercial griddles to consumers

1. Improve catering efficiency

Commercial griddles can cook large quantities of food quickly, reduce customer waiting time, and improve restaurant turnover and operational efficiency. It is vital for fast-paced catering venues that can meet a large number of orders during peak hours.

(1) Batch cooking

Large griddles can handle 20-30 hamburger patties at the same time, shortening waiting time during peak hours.

(2) Precise temperature control

Reduce overcooking or burning of dishes caused by fluctuations in firepower.

2. Ensure food quality

Precise temperature control and uniform heating enable food to achieve the best cooking effect and maintain the taste and nutrition of food. Whether frying, grilling, or stir-frying, commercial griddles ensure that food is cooked under ideal conditions, providing customers with consistent, high-quality dishes.

3. Increase menu diversity

The versatility of commercial griddles allows restaurants to offer a variety of dishes, from breakfast foods to dinner entrees, from meat to vegetables, to meet the taste needs of different customers and increase the competitiveness of restaurants. For example, you can use a Lestov commercial induction griddle to stir-fry egg rice, noodles, pancakes, and teppanyaki.

4. Reduce operating costs

Take the Lestov commercial induction griddle as an example; it can save 1500 to 2000 yuan in electricity bills for medium-sized restaurants every year. Its service life reaches 10 to 15 years, and the average annual depreciation cost is lower than that of low-end products.

5. Enhance food safety and user experience

The commercial griddle adopts a seamless welded surface, which can reduce bacterial growth and food residue and meets the requirements of HACCP certification. Some teppanyaki restaurants use commercial griddles to create a “visual + taste” dual experience for diners while increasing the average customer price and improving diners’ favorability and memory of the restaurant.

Závěr

In the catering industry, Commercial Griddles are the core equipment for cooking scenes such as frying, grilling, and stir-frying. Whether it is frying hamburgers in fast food restaurants, live performances in teppanyaki restaurants, or efficient food delivery in dining trucks, a high-performance griddle can significantly improve efficiency and food quality.

Choosing a suitable commercial griddle is a decision-making process that balances performance, cost, and scenario requirements. Whether it is an American restaurant that pursues high-temperature explosions or a Japanese restaurant that focuses on fine temperature control, there is always a commercial griddle on the market that can accurately match your needs.

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