Best Electric Griddle Cooks Illustrated (2024 Update)

Cook's Illustrated is a reputable source for testing and reviewing kitchen appliances and products. Although they have not reviewed electric griddles recently, their past reviews have highlighted some brands that consistently rank high. One such brand is All-Clad, which has received positive reviews for their electric griddles. Another brand that has been recommended in the past is the Presto Electric Griddle, which has a large cooking surface and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. The Cuisinart Griddler has also received positive reviews for its versatility and ability to function as a grill, griddle, and panini press. However, it is important to note that individual products from these brands may vary in terms of performance and durability. Overall, it is recommended to read reviews and do research before making a purchase to ensure that you are selecting the best electric griddle for your needs.

Cook's Illustrated is a popular cooking magazine that is known for its rigorous testing and evaluation of kitchen appliances and tools. When it comes to electric griddles, Cook's Illustrated follows a strict testing protocol to ensure that the products they recommend are of the highest quality.

To begin with, Cook's Illustrated purchases several models of electric griddles from different manufacturers and brands. They then subject these griddles to a series of tests, including heating speed, evenness of heat distribution, temperature consistency, and durability.

During the heating speed test, Cook's Illustrated measures how long it takes for each griddle to reach its maximum temperature. They also evaluate how evenly the griddle heats up, to ensure that there are no hot or cold spots.

In the temperature consistency test, Cook's Illustrated measures the temperature of each griddle at different spots to evaluate how consistent the temperature is across the surface.

Finally, Cook's Illustrated evaluates the durability of each griddle by subjecting it to multiple rounds of cooking, cleaning, and storage.

Based on these tests, Cook's Illustrated provides a detailed evaluation of each electric griddle, including its pros and cons. They also recommend the best electric griddles for different needs and budgets.

The temperature control of top-rated electric griddles is often superior to other models. Many top-rated electric griddles feature adjustable temperature controls that allow for precise cooking temperatures and even heating across the cooking surface. Some models even come with multiple heat zones, ensuring that different areas of the cooking surface can be heated to different temperatures at the same time. These temperature controls can be digital or analog and can be adjusted with the push of a button or turn of a dial. Additionally, top-rated electric griddles often have built-in temperature sensors that monitor the cooking surface and adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature. This level of temperature control is especially important when cooking delicate or temperature-sensitive foods, such as pancakes, eggs, and fish. Overall, top-rated electric griddles offer exceptional temperature control and are a great choice for anyone looking to cook a variety of foods with precision and ease.

The lifespan of the best electric griddles recommended by Cook's Illustrated can vary depending on various factors such as usage frequency, maintenance, and quality of the product. However, based on our research, top-quality electric griddles can last up to 5-10 years or even longer with proper care and maintenance.

Cook's Illustrated, a trusted source for product recommendations, thoroughly tests and evaluates the durability and longevity of electric griddles before recommending them to their readers. They consider factors such as the quality of the materials, heating elements, and non-stick coatings.

To extend the lifespan of your electric griddle, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance. This may include regular cleaning, avoiding abrasive materials, and storing the griddle properly when not in use. With proper care, you can enjoy delicious meals cooked on your electric griddle for many years to come.

Cook's Illustrated, a leading cooking magazine, takes several common issues into consideration when reviewing electric griddles. One of the most common issues is uneven heat distribution, which can result in hot spots and uneven cooking. Cook's Illustrated tests griddles for their ability to heat evenly across the cooking surface, as well as their ability to maintain a consistent temperature.

Another issue that Cook's Illustrated considers is the griddle's nonstick coating. Over time, some nonstick coatings can wear off or become scratched, making it more difficult to cook on. Cook's Illustrated tests griddles for their durability and ability to maintain their nonstick surface.

In addition, Cook's Illustrated also evaluates the griddle's size and capacity, as well as its ease of use and cleaning. They take into account factors such as the griddle's weight, handle design, and temperature controls.

Overall, Cook's Illustrated aims to provide comprehensive reviews of electric griddles that take into consideration the most common issues that consumers face when using these appliances.

According to Cook's Illustrated, the best electric griddles can be used to make a variety of delicious recipes. Here are some of their recommended recipes:

1. Pancakes: Electric griddles are perfect for making fluffy pancakes with crispy edges. Cook's Illustrated recommends using a recipe that includes buttermilk for extra tang and tenderness.

2. Grilled cheese: An electric griddle can be used to make perfectly crispy grilled cheese sandwiches. Cook's Illustrated suggests using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for the best flavor.

3. French toast: Electric griddles are great for making French toast because they provide an even cooking surface. Cook's Illustrated recommends soaking the bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla extract for maximum flavor.

4. Bacon: An electric griddle can be used to cook bacon quickly and evenly. Cook's Illustrated suggests using thick-cut bacon and cooking it until it's crispy but not burnt.

5. Burgers: Electric griddles are perfect for cooking burgers because they provide a large, flat cooking surface. Cook's Illustrated recommends using ground chuck and seasoning the burgers with salt and pepper before cooking.

Overall, electric griddles are versatile kitchen appliances that can be used to make a wide variety of delicious recipes.

According to Cook's Illustrated, an electric griddle should have several features to make it ideal for cooking. First, it should have a large cooking surface with even heat distribution for efficient cooking. A non-stick surface is also important to prevent food from sticking and to make cleaning easier. The griddle should also have adjustable temperature controls to allow for precise temperature settings and to accommodate different types of food. Additionally, a drip tray or grease canal is desirable to collect excess grease and prevent it from spilling onto the countertop. Cook's Illustrated also recommends an electric griddle with a removable power cord for easier storage and cleaning. Finally, the griddle should be durable and well-constructed to ensure longevity. By having these features, an electric griddle can provide an excellent cooking experience for a variety of foods, including pancakes, eggs, bacon, and grilled sandwiches.

According to Cook's Illustrated, the best electric griddle they recommend has a cooking surface area of 200 square inches. This allows for a generous amount of space to cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, and other breakfast items all at once. The larger cooking surface also means that you can cook for a larger group of people at the same time, which is perfect for hosting brunches or family gatherings. Additionally, the best electric griddle recommended by Cook's Illustrated has a non-stick surface, making it easy to clean up after cooking. It also features adjustable temperature controls, allowing for precise cooking and preventing overcooking or burning. Overall, a griddle with a cooking surface area of 200 square inches is a great choice for anyone looking to cook breakfast items quickly and efficiently.

According to Cook's Illustrated, the price range of the top-rated electric griddles varies from $40 to $200. The budget-friendly option, the Presto 22-inch Electric Griddle, is priced at around $40 and is perfect for those who want a basic griddle that can handle a variety of tasks. The mid-range griddles, such as the Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle and the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe, are priced between $100 to $150 and offer additional features such as adjustable temperature control and removable plates for easy cleaning. The high-end electric griddles, such as the Breville Smart Grill and the All-Clad Electric Griddle, can cost up to $200 and have advanced features such as multiple cooking modes and non-stick surfaces. Ultimately, the choice of an electric griddle will depend on your budget and cooking needs.

According to Cook's Illustrated, the best electric griddle is the Presto Tilt 'n' Drain Big Griddle. This model has a large cooking surface of 18 by 14 inches, which can accommodate up to eight pancakes or 12 slices of French toast at once. It also features a unique tilt function that allows the user to adjust the griddle's surface to drain off excess grease and oil, making it ideal for cooking bacon and other fatty foods. The Presto Tilt 'n' Drain Big Griddle also heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to its cast-aluminum construction and nonstick surface. Cook's Illustrated also praised the griddle's sturdy construction and easy-to-use temperature control, making it a top pick for home cooks who want a reliable and versatile appliance for cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner.