Top-Rated Electric Griddle for Pancakes & Waffles: An Actionable Guide

Electric griddles are a convenient and versatile tool in the kitchen, especially for cooking pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast favorites. They provide a large, flat cooking surface that can handle multiple servings at once, ensuring that you can prepare your favorite dishes for a crowd or your family with ease. In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated electric griddles specifically designed for pancakes and waffles, offering insights into their features, benefits, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

Why Choose an Electric Griddle for Pancakes & Waffles?

While traditional stovetop cooking offers its own benefits, electric griddles excel in certain areas that make them the perfect choice for cooking pancakes and waffles:

1. Even Heat Distribution

Electric griddles have a large cooking surface with built-in heating elements that provide consistent and even heat. This ensures that your pancakes and waffles cook uniformly, preventing the edges from burning while the center remains undercooked.

2. Large Cooking Surface

Electric griddles typically offer a much larger cooking area compared to a standard frying pan. This allows you to prepare multiple pancakes or waffles at once, making them ideal for family breakfasts or gatherings.

3. Temperature Control

Most electric griddles come with adjustable temperature controls, giving you complete control over the heat level. This is essential for cooking pancakes and waffles, as you need to find the perfect temperature to achieve a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the inside is fully cooked.

4. Non-Stick Surface

Many electric griddles feature a non-stick coating, which makes cooking and cleanup easier. This is particularly beneficial for pancakes and waffles, which are notorious for sticking to the pan if not cooked properly.

Key Features to Look for in an Electric Griddle for Pancakes & Waffles

When choosing an electric griddle, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best one for your needs:

1. Size and Cooking Surface

The size of the griddle is one of the most important considerations. If you often cook for a large group, a larger cooking surface (around 20 to 25 inches) will allow you to cook more pancakes or waffles at once. However, if you cook for just yourself or a small family, a smaller griddle may be sufficient.

2. Temperature Control

The ability to adjust the temperature is crucial for making perfect pancakes and waffles. Look for a griddle with precise temperature settings that allow you to fine-tune the heat for optimal results. Some griddles even come with a built-in thermostat to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

3. Non-Stick Coating

A non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning up easier, preventing food from sticking and ensuring that your pancakes and waffles come out perfectly every time. Make sure the non-stick coating is durable and safe for use at high temperatures.

4. Ease of Cleaning

Electric griddles should be easy to clean, especially after cooking batter-heavy items like pancakes and waffles. Some griddles come with removable plates or trays to catch excess grease and crumbs, making the cleanup process more efficient.

5. Versatility

While you may primarily use the griddle for pancakes and waffles, it can be helpful if the griddle is versatile enough to cook other breakfast items, such as eggs, bacon, and hash browns. Look for a griddle with an adjustable surface or removable plates that can accommodate a variety of cooking needs.

Top-Rated Electric Griddles for Pancakes & Waffles

1. Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle

• Cooking Surface: 22 inches
• Temperature Control: Adjustable thermostat
• Non-Stick Coating: Yes
• Cleaning: Removable drip tray for easy cleanup

The Presto 07061 Electric Griddle is a great choice for those who need a large cooking surface to cook multiple pancakes or waffles at once. The 22-inch surface allows you to prepare up to 8 pancakes simultaneously, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. The adjustable temperature control allows you to cook at the perfect heat, while the non-stick surface ensures that your food doesn't stick.

Why It's Ideal : The Presto 07061 offers a large cooking surface, easy cleanup, and precise temperature control, making it an excellent option for pancake and waffle lovers.

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

• Cooking Surface: 10 inches by 5 inches (each cooking plate)
• Temperature Control: Adjustable dial for both sides
• Non-Stick Coating: Yes
• Versatility: Can be used as a grill, griddle, and panini press

The Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler is a versatile appliance that can be used as a griddle, grill, or even a panini press. The dual cooking plates allow you to cook pancakes and waffles on one side while grilling other items like bacon or eggs on the other. This griddler offers adjustable temperature controls, ensuring that your pancakes and waffles come out just right.

Why It's Ideal : Its versatility and ability to handle multiple cooking tasks make the Cuisinart GR-4N a great option for those who want more than just a griddle.

3. Hamilton Beach 38518R Durathon Ceramic Griddle

• Cooking Surface: 19 inches
• Temperature Control: Adjustable dial
• Non-Stick Coating: Ceramic coating
• Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe drip tray

The Hamilton Beach 38518R features a 19-inch cooking surface that's large enough to accommodate multiple pancakes and waffles at once. Its ceramic non-stick surface is durable and free from PTFE and PFOA chemicals, making it a safer choice for those concerned with non-stick coatings. The adjustable temperature dial allows for precise control, while the dishwasher-safe drip tray makes cleanup a breeze.

Why It's Ideal: The ceramic coating offers a safer alternative to traditional non-stick surfaces, and the large cooking area makes it ideal for cooking for a crowd.

4. Black+Decker GD2051B 3-in-1 Waffle Maker & Griddle

• Cooking Surface: 8 inches by 8 inches
• Temperature Control: Adjustable dial
• Non-Stick Coating: Yes
• Versatility: Waffle plates and griddle plates included

The Black+Decker GD2051B is a versatile electric griddle that also functions as a waffle maker. It comes with interchangeable plates, including griddle plates for pancakes and waffle plates for crispy waffles. The adjustable temperature control allows you to make the perfect waffle or pancake every time.

Why It's Ideal : If you want a combination griddle and waffle maker, the Black+Decker GD2051B is the perfect choice. It provides both versatility and ease of use.

5. Chefman Electric Griddle with Removable Plates

• Cooking Surface: 10 inches by 20 inches
• Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature knob
• Non-Stick Coating: Yes
• Cleaning: Removable, dishwasher-safe plates

The Chefman Electric Griddle offers a 10-inch by 20-inch cooking surface, large enough for cooking pancakes and waffles simultaneously. The removable plates make it easy to clean, and the adjustable temperature control ensures that your food cooks to perfection. Its non-stick surface also makes for easy food release and cleanup.

Why It's Ideal : The Chefman Electric Griddle offers a good balance of size, ease of cleaning, and affordability. The removable plates make it particularly convenient for those who value a hassle-free cleanup.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electric griddle for pancakes and waffles depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for a large cooking surface for family meals, options like the Presto 07061 offer plenty of space and easy cleanup. For those who want a more versatile griddle, the Cuisinart GR-4N provides multiple cooking functions. Additionally, if you're concerned with health and safety, the Hamilton Beach 38518R offers a ceramic non-stick surface free from harmful chemicals.

By considering factors like size, temperature control, ease of cleaning, and versatility, you can find the perfect electric griddle that makes pancake and waffle cooking an enjoyable and effortless experience.