If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the cooking enthusiast in your life, skip the fancy dinner plates and avocado scooper that will likely go unused. Instead, opt for one of the best electric griddles.
A griddle is a versatile appliance that no kitchen should be without. It can prepare everything from breakfast to lunch to dinner, cooking eggs, pancakes, steak, burgers, and even grilled sandwiches.
With the ability to cook food evenly and quickly, electric griddles rise above their stovetop counterparts when it comes to quality, efficiency, and ease of use. Here’s what you should look for when you’re shopping for the best electric griddle – even if it’s not a gift and simply for yourself!
What Exactly is an Electric Griddle – and What You Should Look ForIf you’re reading this article, chances are, you already have a pretty good idea of what exactly an electric griddle is. However, it’s important not to get it confused with other popular kitchen appliances.
An electric griddle is not unlike a regular griddle that you will put on top of your stove. However, instead of wasting precious burner space, an electric griddle is equipped with a plug all of its own and is warmed by a built-in heating element. Unlike a stovetop griddle, it doesn’t have hot or cold spots – it provides even heating no matter where you place your food.
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Best Electric Griddles – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Material | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Presto 07061 22-inch Electric | Aluminum | 6.5 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric | Aluminum | 8 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain | Aluminum | 7 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Nesco, Black, ES-08 | Aluminum | 3.4 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet | Aluminum | 12 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized | Plastic | 4.96 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle | Aluminum | 1.58 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Broil King PCG-10 Professional | Metal/Plastic/Stainless-Steel | 8.15 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler | Stainless Steel | 8 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor | Plastic | 8.14 pounds | Check Latest Price |
Here’s what to look for in the best electric griddle for your needs.
Size
Size matters when it comes to buying electric griddles. Although smaller, collapsible models are useful for people with limited space – such as those living in apartments – a larger option is usually more ideal if you plan on cooking entire meals all at once.
No matter which size you go for, make sure you have a bit of storage space. Electric griddles are about the same size as large cutting boards but are much heavier.
Heating Controls
Electric griddles come with heating controls of all shapes and sizes. Some have dual thermostats, allowing you to set different heats on every side of the griddle so you can cook many types of foods at once. Others have detachable grill plates to help you switch things up.
You might also look for an electric griddle that has a manual control to help you set and adjust your controls. This will give you the ultimate control over your cooking experience.
Plate Thickness
Check the thickness of the grilling plate before you buy. The thickness will let you know how evenly it will heat – generally, the thicker the plate, the better it is at retaining heat. Although it uses more electricity to heat this thick plate, it’s worth it when it comes to the ultimate quality of your food.
Usually, thickness will range from ⅜” to 1”. Keep in mind that thin plates often wear out more quickly, particularly if you have a tendency to add frozen food. So while thinner plates require less energy and are sometimes less expensive initially, you may pay for it later.
Surface of the Plate
You also need to consider the surface of the electric griddle. Often, these surfaces are made out of steel or chrome-plated steel – but not always.
Steel griddle plates will normally be stronger, durable, and easier to clean. Although they discolor with time, this won’t have any effect on your overall cooking.
Chrome-plated steel is another popular alternative because it doesn’t discolor as easily. Food doesn’t stick to chrome-plated steel as easily as it does to steel, making it a good choice. Cast iron is another top choice – it will allow you to cook food evenly without losing any flavor.
A family option is aluminum. Aluminum is used less often because it heats up quickly but also cools down quickly. The plate isn’t quite as durable and wears out more quickly. Out of all of these materials, you can also find grooved surfaces that give your food some grill markings.
Drip Tray
Some griddles come with their own drip trays. This is particularly handy for griddles with grooved surfaces. If you plan on cooking a lot of greasy foods like burgers and bacon, a drip tray can make your life a lot easier.
The 10 Best Electric Griddles of 2021 to Help You Make the Breakfast of Champions
1. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle With Removable Handles
Presto manufactures countless high-quality electric griddles, along with other top-rated kitchen appliances. This 22-inch electric griddle is no exception. It’s available in several different sizes and has a nonstick surface that you will absolutely love.
What’s unique about this griddle is that it has a special textured cooking pattern like a diamond. It distributes the heat evenly across the surface of the griddle. Since it sits lower to the ground, it will allow less cold air to get underneath the plates to cool your food.
You won’t have to worry about the heat-dissipating because the gap is reduced- the griddle sits just a few inches from the ground. It heats up to 350 degrees in a matter of moments. With its ceramic coated non-stick surface, you’ll be able to whip up batches of tasty pancakes or burgers in no time.
With a cooking surface of 22”x11”, you will be able to make food for your entire family all at once. The cast aluminum surface is nonstick and durable – you won’t have to use very much oil at all. There will be little chance of your food sticking! It can accommodate up to 1500 watts of power, cooking your food to perfection. The temperature gauge is removable, too.
Plus, this electric griddle is easy to take apart. When you’re done using it, all you need to do is remove the heavy aluminum bottom and slide the pan right off the top. Then it will be ready for cleaning or storing. Even the handles are removable!
The entire surface of this griddle is flat, too – it isn’t curved like other electric griddles. No more food sliding off the edges of your griddle! It has a larger surface area for cooking than many of the electric griddles you might be accustomed to, and since the surface is both removable and dishwasher-safe, you’ll have a super quick and easy cleanup.
What We Liked:
- Has automatic heat control
- Is easy to take apart
- Has a nonstick coating
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not the best at toasting bread in the center of the griddle
2. Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill + Griddle
If you’re looking for one of the most versatile electric griddles, look no further than the 3-in-1 option by Hamilton Beach. This electric griddle offers users three separate cooking surfaces – a full grill, a full griddle, or a hybrid griddle/grill. With a flat cooking surface and two separate cooking areas of 12.5” x 23”, this grill is so easy to use.
Although it’s a bit heavier, weighing in at nine pounds, it’s more than 6.5” deep so that you can have two separate heating elements at once. Both cooking surfaces are removable, dishwasher safe, and even reversible! They have their own temperature controls so you can cook different types of food on each side. Both are nonstick.
The Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill even has a centrally located grease trap and grease tray that is dishwasher safe. No more messy cleanup! You can easily dispose of the grease and then stick this grill in your dishwasher.
The irons on the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 are reversible and expandable. You can customize how much warmth is distributed to each side and even use both plates at once – the flat plates or the rigid plates. You can heat to temperature up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The aluminum plates are powered by 1200 watts and are temperature resistant, too.
With 180 square inches of cooking surface, you’ll be able to satisfy everybody’s cravings. With built-in heat elements that have their own control dials, you can really take your cooking to the next level with this handy appliance.
What We Liked:
- Backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Comes with adjustable heat settings on two separate cooking zones
- You can use reversible flat or ridged griddle/grill plates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Indicator lights can be confusing
3. Presto 07046 Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle
The Tilt ‘n Drain Big Griddle is another one of the best electric griddles by Presto. This product is one of the largest, too – an extra-large option that provides a whopping 277 square inches of cooking space, this griddle can nevertheless heat up to 350 degrees in less than ten minutes!
You won’t have to sacrifice cooking space for function with this handy griddle. It provides you with all the cooking area you need to cook for several people at once without having to wait around forever for it to heat up. Cook dozens of pancakes all at once without having to make numerous batches.
This griddle has the potential to heat up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and has a nonstick coating surface. It has a total cooking area of 35” x 9” and grill plates that are 0.09” thick. It comes with a ton of bonus features, including six wooden spatulas, two nonstick egg rings, and more.
What We Liked:
- Provides plenty of cooking space
- Heats up quickly
- Comes with additional spatulas and nonstick egg rings
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t always heat evenly
4. Nesco, Black, ES-08, Electric Skillet, 8 inch
This cute little griddle by Nesco is nevertheless one of the best electric griddles if you want a product that doesn’t take up a lot of space – but is still effective at cooking your food.
Nesco makes one of the few electric griddles that has a lid. This is super handy, especially when I consider that the lid is made out of glass for added durability. The lid is helpful because it allows you to heat your food more quickly and evenly, as the lid will lock in heat.
Nesco specializes in producing exceptional skillets, and this electric griddle is no exception to that reputation. It is a one-piece unit that is sturdy and the perfect size for just two people. The cooking surface is 8” x 8” and is about 3” deep.
The griddle has a deep sidewall that makes it retain its heat. It heats up in a matter of moments and can be used to cook many different foods. Although it only provides about 160 square inches of cooking space, it’s a good option for people who live in cramped areas like apartments but still want to enjoy the quality flavors and experiences of home-cooked food.
What We Liked:
- Has a nonstick aluminum coating
- Can heat up to 400 degrees
- Has a glass lid to help retain heat and prevent splatters
What We Didn’t Like:
- Bottom of the griddle can get hot and burn the countertop
5. Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle
A unique ceramic griddle, this option by Zojirushi is one of the best when it comes to heating your food evenly and quickly. Unlike your standard electric griddle that seems to take forever to heat up, this option heats up efficiently and quietly – none of those strange gurgling noises that you might hear with standard electric griddles!
This ceramic griddle also comes with a ceramic lid. It will allow for even cooking and can also prevent splatters. It has an awesome heat distribution and will even allow you to steam your food. The technology used in this electric griddle is unsurpassed.
With 237 square inches of cooking space, this griddle will keep your food warm from 176 all the way to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s easy to take it apart for easy cleaning, and every part of it is dishwasher safe – the surface is fully removable so you can just dunk it into warm water.
What We Liked:
- Lid provides even heat distribution
- Dishwasher safe
- Disassembles quickly for easy cleaning
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sometimes does not heat all the way up to the expected temperature
6. BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle
Black + Decker is one of the top names to know when it comes to high-quality household appliances, and you don’t need to look far and wide when you’re searching for the best electric griddle, either.
This electric griddle is dishwasher safe but can also be quickly hand washed. It is coated with a nonstick Teflon layer and allows heat to be distributed evenly with its 500-watt heating coil. This coil can reach temperatures up to 400 degrees. The griddle heats up in just ten minutes.
You won’t have any problem with the heat getting to any corner of this 22”x12” griddle. You’ll enjoy a cooking space of 20”x11”, allowing you to easily serve up to eight people at once. It has a drip tray for an easy cleanup and a power cord that is two feet – you’ll be able to reach into any corner of your home for power.
What We Liked:
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
- Has a nonstick cooking surface
- Can cook food for up to eight people at once
What We Didn’t Like:
- Small grease tray only holds about half a cup of oil
7. Presto 07211 Liddle Griddle
The Presto Liddle Griddle doesn’t just have a name that’s fun to say – it’s also one of the best products for you to consider if you’re on the hunt for a perfect electric griddle for apartment cooking.
This griddle has one of the smallest cooking areas of all the electric griddles we’ve reviewed. However, it’s highly effective if you’re looking for the perfect product for just one person. Ideal for cooking all kinds of food, from steaks to hamburgers to eggs, this griddle is mighty despite its size – it can reach up to 390 degrees!
You will notice that the entire surface of this griddle heats evenly – which is practically unheard of when it comes to electric griddles. You’ll have plenty of surface area to cook enough food for yourself and perhaps one other person. With 90 square inches of cooking space, you won’t have any trouble starting and storing this device, either.
What We Liked:
- Quickly heats up to 400 degrees
- Has a nonstick cast aluminum cooking surface
- Comes with a built-in grease tray
What We Didn’t Like:
- Grease collector cannot be removed
8. Broil King PCG-10 Professional Portable
Easily one of the best electric griddles on the market, the Professional Portable Nonstick griddle by broil King gives you an impressive cooking area of 21”x12” – it’s one of the largest electric griddles you will find.
This unique model comes with a handy splatter guard to protect the users around your griddle from grease and oil splatter. It also has a nonstick coating so you won’t have to worry about food sticking to the surface it is one of the few electric griddles that can be tilted. It has pop-up rear legs that help make it easier for grease to run off.
This grease is then collected with the removable grease tray. Clean-up is easy, while your food will taste better and be healthier for you to eat since it will contain less grease.
Despite the large size of this electric griddle by Broil King, clean up is not difficult. The tilt feature, nonstick cooking surface and drip tray that can be removed make cleaning easy. The heat control can be removed, too, so that you can just submerge this device into soapy water. It’s also dishwasher safe.
This electric griddle has even heat distribution with few fluctuations in temperature. It has a thick surface that retains heat well and is one of the best for home cooks. Made out of heavy-duty cast aluminum, this unit is even backed by a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What We Liked:
- One of the largest electric griddles available
- Has a removable grease tray and temperature control
- Fully submersible
What We Didn’t Like:
- Feet have a tendency to fall off
9. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler, GR-4N, Silver
One of the bestselling electric griddles of all time, the Cuisinart Griddle has a unique folding ability and numerous reversible plates that allows you to take advantage of several cooking functions at once – grilling, griddling, panini pressing, contact grilling, and hybrid options, too!
This griddle can be used for just about anything and even lets you cook different times at the same time. It has a floating cover so you can adjust for the thickness of any food type. It can reach temperatures between 200 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit and has an adjustable heat control with helpful indicator lights. Its dual temperature control helps you make sure that both sets of food are cooked at perfect temperatures.
With reversible, removable nonstick plates, the griddle is easy to clean up. It’s also dishwasher safe. The Cuisinart electric griddle comes with a ton of bonus features, too. When you buy, you’ll get a handful of gourmet recipes as well as scraping tool for easy clean-up. It even comes with lightweight cups made out of plastic that you can use to catch grease runoff.
What We Liked:
- Comes with a limited three-year manufacturers’ warranty
- Folds in half for easy storage
- 5-in-1 device to make all kinds of cooking easy and seamless
What We Didn’t Like:
- Nonstick coating can flake off over time
10. Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill
The last pick on our list of the best electric griddle is definitely not the least! Hamilton Beach is one of the most trusted names when it comes to high-quality kitchen accessories – and this electric griddle is no exception.
You can cook a variety of food using this griddle, but we love using it for meat. When you cook with the Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill, you’ll provide the perfect sear to your meat each and every time, resulting in moist, tender meals.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill comes with a nonstick cooking grid that is completely removable. Just pop the griddle into the dishwasher and you’ll be done with the cleanup. It has a removable lid, too, so that you can provide for even cooking while also adding to the quick cleanup process.
What We Liked:
- Comes with removable nonstick plates and hoods
- Has adjustable temperature control
- Come with preheating lights
What We Didn’t Like:
- Many parts are made out of plastic
Why You Need One of the Best Electric Griddles
If you’re short on kitchen space or merely short on time, an electric griddle is the tool you need in your kitchen arsenal. Not only will an electric griddle cook all your food evenly and at ideal temperatures, but it will give you much more square footage than the average cooking pan. No more cooking in batches!
Since the surface of electric griddles tends to be nonstick, you can cook with less grease for a healthier finished product. In addition, they’re much easier to keep clean.
So what are you waiting for – haven’t we given you enough reasons to buy one of these handy kitchen appliances? Start shopping for the best electric griddle today!