Best Electric Griddles For A Classic American Breakfast

There’s nothing better than a classic American breakfast to start your day. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns… all good things, right? Except for the fact that you have to cook these all in different pans on the stove, just to get everything done on time. Thankfully, we don’t live in the Middle Ages anymore. Best electric griddles have been invented and the classic American Sunday breakfast meal has been saved. Seriously though, any kitchen would benefit from an electric griddle. It’s serious timesaver when you’re prepping lots of food. It is much easier to use when cooking certain foods like quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, and cheesesteaks.

If you’re ready to get one of the best electric griddles for your kitchen, then you’ve come to the right place. Our list of the best electric griddles should help you find the right one.

Top 10 Electric Griddles of 2020 Reviewed

1. Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler

If you’re looking for a griddle that cooks more than just your delicious breakfast meals, then there’s only one choice for you – the Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler. This countertop unit may have a small footprint, but it’s more than enough to cook whatever dishes you can think of. This electric griddle can be used as a full grill, a full griddle, a half grill and half griddle, a contact grill, and a panini grill. It has brushed stainless steel housing with a floating cover which adjusts to allow you to cook foods with various thickness.

The plates feature a dishwasher-safe nonstick coating which is removable. The griddler also comes with adjustable temperature controls, indicator lights, and even a scraping tool for easy cleanup. However, the drip tray is a bit small which means emptying it out more frequently if you’re cooking a lot of food. Also, the top lid can get pretty hot which can be dangerous if you have kiddies around the house. In addition, replacement and additional plates for this unit are a bit expensive.

2. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles

Cooking for a horde of hungry mouths? The Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle is the perfect choice for you. This electric griddle comes with a large cooking surface so you can cook enough to feed your entire family a full English breakfast. Aside from the large cooking surface, you also get removable handles and a slide-out drip tray for easy cleaning. Without the handles, the griddle is also much easier to store. The griddle is made of heavy cast aluminum to prevent warping.

And the heat control is able to maintain your desired temperature. However, the drip tray is made of plastic and can easily get broken. The griddle doesn’t heat up evenly. And even when made “compact,” the griddle takes up a lot of space.

4. BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle

This electric griddle from Black+Decker is also a large-sized griddle; this one has 200 square inches of cooking space which can cook up to 8 servings of food at a time. Aside from the large cooking surface and an easy to clean drip tray, this griddle comes with a warming tray so you can finish cooking everything and keep the food hot at the same time. The click & lock thermostat allows you to adjust the cooking temperature easily. And the unit comes with a 2-year warranty. However, the drip tray is small and the cord is a bit short. And the numbers on the temperature controller easily wear off.

3. Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle

The Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle is another super-sized electric griddle. It comes with a lot of the same features as the 22-inch model such as a premium non-stick surface, the Control Master® heat control, the huge cooking surface, and the slide-out drip tray. The main difference between the two models is that this one allows you to tilt the griddle while cooking greasy foods like bacon. Cleanup is extremely easy. Just wipe off any grease after use and you’re done. However, it doesn’t have side guards which prevent splatter from greasy foods messing up your countertop. The plastic handles are not as durable as we’d like. And the heat distribution is uneven with this griddle as well.

5. Oster Griddle with Warming Tray

This is another large-sized electric grill that features a built-in warming tray and a grease channel which directs all the grease to the built-in drip tray. The griddle is on our list because it is easy to cook food on. It heats up quickly and evenly while the handles remain cool to the touch for easy serving. What makes this particular griddle so great is the innovative titanium-infused DuraCeramic non-stick coating which is scratch resistant and PFOA- and PTFE-free. However, the griddle is made in China. Also, the grease tray is poorly constructed.

6. Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill/Griddle

If you want more versatility with your electric griddle, then you should check out this reversible grill/griddle from Oster. This model is a slight upgrade from the previous one. It features a reversible cooking plate, a drip tray, adjustable temperature control, and a dishwasher-safe base. The cooking plate is PFOA and PTFE free. And the cooking temperature goes up to 450 degrees. However, it takes a bit longer to heat up. The drip pan is difficult to empty out and clean. And the grill doesn’t cook thick meats well.

7. Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle

If you’re only cooking for one or two people, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get an electric griddle. The Liddle Griddle from Presto has an 8-1/2-by-10-1/2-inch cooking surface that’s only big enough to cook food for two. The cooking plate is made of cast aluminum for quick and even heating as well as highly resistant to warping. The heat controller allows you to set specific temperatures ranging from warm to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also able to maintain your desired temperature. This griddle also features a built-in channel for catching grease. However, there is no indicator light to tell you when it’s on which increases the risk of someone burning themselves. The grease tray is not removable which makes it hard to empty out. The handles are pretty flimsy.

8. Broil King PCG-10 Professional Portable Nonstick Griddle

This basic electric griddle has a lot of great features like an environmentally friendly non-stick coating, adjustable heat which can reach up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and a removable grease tray. But what we love about this particular model is the removable, stainless-steel backsplash that prevents grease from decorating your countertop. It also features rear legs helps drain grease which makes your food much healthier. However, the coating can get easily scratched. Also, for a basic griddle, this one is pretty pricey.

9. Secura Electric 2-in-1 Grill & Griddle

The Secura Electric 2-in-1 Grill & Griddle has a lot of unique features for an electric grill/griddle combo. First off, it comes with a glass lid that prevents splatter as well as retain heat. Even better, the lid enables you to still see the food as it cooks. The heating element is sandwiched between the grill side and the griddle side which allows for even heat distribution. However, the non-stick coating is easily scratched. The power cord is a bit short. And it takes a while to fully cook burgers and thick cuts of meat.

10. Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler

Like the Secura model, the Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler also comes with a lid which makes cooking faster and prevents greasy splatter. The cooking plate is extra large and has an aluminum base with ceramic layers and a titanium enhanced non-stick coating. The unit comes with a temperature range of 176°F to 425°F. You can easily disassemble the unit for cleaning. Both the cooking plate and the bodyguard can be fully immersed in water. However, the griddle doesn’t hold temperature well. It doesn’t come with a drip tray and drain holes. The grease stays on the sides which means tipping over the cooking plate to empty it out. Also, the griddle doesn’t heat evenly.

How to Choose the Best Electric Griddles: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Griddle me this, Batman. Which electric griddle should I get? As cheesy as it sounds, the question is a legitimate one. An electric griddle is the perfect kitchen appliance for feeding a hungry horde on a Sunday morning (or any morning, for that matter). It enables you to cook multiple items with fewer pans and easier cleanup. And everyone knows that there just isn’t enough space on a pan for the mound of bacon you need to cook. Obviously, this is one thing no one can live without. The problem is finding the right electric griddle that would be a perfect fit for your needs. Which is where we come in. Our buying guide should help you solve the griddle riddle. You’ll be flipping pancakes and omelets in no time.

Types of Electric Griddles

There are two types of electric griddles in the market – the basic and the grill/griddle combo.

Basic Electric Griddles

This type of electric griddle comes with a large, flat surface that is heated by an electric coil. A control dial enables you to choose how hot the griddle can get. Some models feature three heat settings while others have an adjustable dial that allows you to control temperature more precisely.

Electric Grill/Griddle Combo

This type of electric grill comes in several configurations. Some like the Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill/Griddle feature a reversible plate – one side is a griddle while the other is a grill. Some models feature a cooking surface that is divided into two – one half is a griddle, the other is a grill. And then there are models like the Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler which functions as a grill, griddle, and a panini press. Electric grill/griddle combos are perfect for those looking for more versatility in their kitchen appliance.

What size should I get?

When choosing an electric griddle, size is a big consideration. There are different options available, ranging from 9×13 inches to as big as 35×9 inches. The larger your griddle is, the more food you can cook at the same time. You should take into consideration the number of mouths you’ll be feeding as well as the types of food you’ll often be cooking on it. You should also take into account the amount of storage space you have available. If you’re not planning to use this every day, you probably don’t want to leave it on your countertop. At the same time, you also don’t want an electric griddle that’s bulky or heavy, making you hesitate to take it out from storage. The Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles, for example, is perfect for feeding a large family and it isn’t bulky or heavy.

What material should my griddle be made of?

Electric griddles can be made of various materials. Aluminum is great because it heats up quickly, perfect for sautéing and searing. The Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle, for example, is made of cast aluminum which makes it less likely to warp. Stainless steel is better as it is more durable and a good heat conductor. However, the discoloration can be a problem. Also, food does tend to stick to this material which can make it harder to clean. Cast iron is perfect if you want the griddle to hold heat for a long time. It is also durable and great at transferring heat which makes it perfect for cooking burgers and steaks. However, it doesn’t heat up as quickly as other materials and requires proper care to maintain.

You’ll find that a lot of griddles feature a non-stick coating for easier cooking and cleanup. The metal underneath can be any of the three. The best type of non-stick coating is ceramic as it is the most durable. Just take note that any kind of non-stick coating can be easily damaged which means taking extra care when cooking. The Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Reversible Grill/Griddle has a non-stick ceramic coating.

How easy is it to clean?

Since it is an electric griddle, there is obviously one part of the appliance that cannot get wet. Which means you should look for an electric griddle with removable plates. This enables you to easily clean the griddle plates without the heating element getting wet.

If removable plates are not your thing, look for an electric griddle with removable heat controls. Once you remove them, you’ll be able to fully submerge the unit in water, making it easy to clean every nook and cranny.

In addition to this, you’re going to want to check out the drip tray of your electric griddle. The grease from your food has to go somewhere which means your griddle will feature some sort of “drainage system.” Aside from making sure that the griddle drains grease effectively, you want to choose a model that has a drip tray that’s easy to empty out and clean.

Speaking of grease, some models like the Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle are capable of getting tilted to more effectively drain grease from meats while you cook.

How do I control the heat?

As we’ve already mentioned, there are several ways you can control the heat output of a griddle. Some electric griddles feature single-heat control which basically means that you have one temperature set for the entire cooking surface. Other models have dual-heat control which enables you to set two different temperatures for two areas on your griddle.

You’ll also find that some electric griddles feature basic heat controls,  allowing you to choose between low, medium, and high. Others like the BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle have more precise temperature control – an adjustable dial that allows you to choose from a range of temperature such as 190°F to 500°F.

How much should I spend?

It depends. An electric griddle is not an everyday appliance so you probably don’t want to spend a lot of money on it (unless you don’t have a limited budget). Some models can cost you less than $25 but they tend to be small and the non-stick coating wears out faster. With $50, you can get a larger griddle with removable handles and heat controls. You can probably even find a decent grill/griddle combo. At less than $100, you’ll find griddles with reversible plates, maybe tilt capabilities. Over $100, you’ll get the premium models that has stainless steel construction and a wide variety of features including dual-heat controls, griddle guards, and multiple griddle plates.