We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Kitchen Products Cooking Tools The Best Electric Griddles for Pancakes, Bacon, and Burgers Let's get cooking. By Nor'adila Hepburn Nor'adila Hepburn Nor’Adila is a contributing writer for Real Simple. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, US World News & Report, and Trip Advisor. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 15, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Kristin Kempa The electric griddle is a kitchen MVP when it comes to whipping up eggs, pancakes, and other breakfast foods, but it works wonders on lunch and dinner ingredients, too (think smash burgers, seared scallops, grilled cheese, and so much more). The countertop appliance makes a great addition to any home chef’s arsenal, as it cuts down on the amount of cookware used and frees up space on the stove. To find the best electric griddles on the market today, we spent hours researching top options and considering factors such as cooking surface, size, and features. We also consulted with Steve Chiappetti, executive chef at the Albert in Chicago, and chef Donald Young, owner of Duck Sel in Chicago and James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best Chef. Our Top Picks Best Overall : SALE Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle at Amazon $196 $142 Jump to Review Best Budget: BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Large: Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Small: Dash Mini Maker Griddle at Amazon $13 Jump to Review Best Electric Griddle/Grill Combo: Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler at Amazon $100 Jump to Review Best Ceramic: Presto Electric Griddle at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best With a Warming Tray: BELLA Electric Griddle with Warming Tray 10" x 18" at Amazon $34 Jump to Review Best Portable: Elite Gourmet EG2212 Ceramic Coated Electric Skillet at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Overall Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle PHOTO: Amazon $142 at Amazon $136 at Wayfair View on Bed Bath & Beyond What Stands Out It features a large cooking surface, high sides, and a lid. What Could Be Improved This is not a good option if you don’t have storage space. The Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler features an extra-large, 19-by-12.5-inch cooking surface, which is excellent when cooking meals for large groups. However, our favorite feature is the lid that helps you cook faster, keep food warm, and stop oil from splattering everywhere in your kitchen. (And it’s great for making the perfect sunny-side-up eggs every time.) A metal spatula is also included. A nonstick ceramic titanium surface ensures that the heat distribution is excellent, so you should be able to cook foods such as pancakes, bacon, or omelets without burning. This griddle’s surface is not shallow like other griddles, so it can even be used to stir fry. You’ll notice that the cooking plate is placed inside an outer guard to protect your hands from the heat. Both the guard and cooking plate are fully immersible for thorough cleaning. Just be aware that the combined weight of all these parts makes the Zojirushi more than double the weight of some other griddles on our list. We do wish it came with a drip tray for catching grease, but the deep cooking surface and included lid help to offset grease splatters. Overall, if you plan to use an electric griddle on a daily basis, the Zojirushi is well worth the cost and the storage space. Cooking Surface: 19 by 12.5 inches (237.5 square inches) | Weight: 12 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 425°F Best Budget BELLA Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Amazon $27 at Macy's What Stands Out It has a nonstick ceramic surface that won’t leach chemicals into your food. What Could Be Improved It lacks a tilting mechanism, so it may not be able to drain all the grease from food. When you want to cook for a crowd, this nonstick electric griddle from Bella is inexpensive and features an extra-wide surface to cook pancakes, eggs, and sausage Even though it’s a budget pick, you get everything a standard griddle has, including stay-cool handles, a temperature control knob that heats up to 400°F, and a removable drawer to collect leftover grease and crumbs. What we like the most about this model is that its nonstick ceramic coating won’t leach harmful toxins like PTFE and PFA in your food. It also cooks food fast and is durable, so it should last you a long while. This Bella model is available in three sizes and color options, including all black, copper, and copper/black. Just note that the drip pan does not have a tilting mechanism to get rid of excess grease, so it may not drain liquids as effectively, especially when cooking fatty meats. Cooking Surface: 10 by 16 inches, 10.5 by 20 inches, 12 by 22 inches | Weight: 3.88 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 400°F Best Large Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle PHOTO: Amazon $60 at Amazon View on Lifeandhome.com $69 at Houzz What Stands Out Its extra-long surface area makes it the ideal griddle to cook for large groups. What Could Be Improved It does not have a tilting feature for draining excess fats and oils. For the next family brunch or any get together, an extra-long griddle like this 22-inch Presto model is well-equipped to cook food in batches. In contrast to griddles that have a smooth surface, the Presto's surface is textured, so your food won’t stick and it will be easy to clean. Thanks to the 231-square-inch cooking surface, you can make tons of pancakes or slices of French toast at once. The drip tray and handles are removable and can be popped out for cleaning, and the detachable parts make the griddle more compact and easier to store in a kitchen cabinet. However, since the griddle is quite large, you may not be able to fit it in your sink. Cooking Surface: 231 square inches | Weight: 6.5 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 400°F Best Small Dash Mini Maker Griddle PHOTO: Amazon $13 at Amazon View on Target View on Bydash.com What Stands Out This griddle is ideal for cooking individual portions. What Could Be Improved It cooks all food using one temperature. If you are a college student, live alone, or just prefer to cook single portions, this is the smallest griddle on our list—and it’s worth checking out. Not only is it cute to look at, but it’s also extremely compact, which makes it the perfect option if you have limited countertop space or don’t have a lot of storage room in your cabinets. It’s also portable (it weighs just over 1 pound), so you can bring it along with you on the road, such as in a camper van or RV, or pack it in a suitcase. Using it is simple and requires you to just plug it in to start cooking. The downside is that it only has one temperature to cook with, so it’s probably not a good idea to use it if you want to prepare grilled chicken or vegetables that need a wide range of heat to cook properly (or anything for a crowd). Still, it’s quite handy for making pancakes, eggs, and maybe a giant cookie for one. The Dash griddle comes in six eye-catching colors: white, aqua, red, black, silver, and pink. Cooking Surface: 4-inch diameter | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Maximum Temperature: No adjustable range Best Electric Griddle/Grill Combo Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler PHOTO: Amazon $100 at Amazon $85 at Wayfair $100 at Williams-Sonoma What Stands Out It features dual grill and griddle plates, and it’s great for making paninis. What Could Be Improved The drip tray is not visible, so you’ll have to remember to empty it after each use. Whether you want to grill chicken or flip pancakes, this stainless steel Cuisinart Griddler features reversible grill and griddle plates so you can do it all. It has five main functions: a contact grill that allows you to cook foods on both sides, a panini press, a full griddle, a full grill, and a half griddle/half grill. You can also press down on sandwiches using its cover and handle to make deli-style paninis. Dual-temperature controls allow you to individually set the temperature for each plate, and it also has preset functions for grilling fish, meat, or veggies. These plates are removable and easy to clean either by hand or dishwasher. The drip tray underneath catches grease splatters, but it is tucked away from sight, which makes the design seamless, but it also makes it hard to remember to take it out when it’s time to clean it. Cooking Surface: 11 by 9 inches | Weight: 11.4 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 425°F Best Ceramic Presto Electric Griddle PHOTO: Amazon $52 at Amazon $55 at Wayfair $55 at Target What Stands Out It has a textured nonstick surface for easier removal and cleanup. What Could Be Improved It leaves a textured pattern on pancakes. This griddle from Presto has a ceramic nonstick surface that prevents food from sticking, while the added texture aids in releasing the food and prevents liquids, such as pancake batter or eggs, from spreading. At 253 square inches, it’s quite big, to say the least, so you'll have plenty of space for cheesesteaks, French toast, chicken strips, or scrumptious quesadillas. Plus, it comes with a slide-out drip tray to catch excess fat while you cook. At the same time, it’s designed to be compact, so it won’t take up a lot of space in an 18-inch kitchen cabinet. The cast aluminum base feels heavy duty, which might make it a drag to carry but is less likely to be warped when exposed to extreme heat or cool temperatures. You can store it easily, too, as it comes with quick-release handles that double as legs to hold it up. You can remove the thermostat so it's safe to wash it in your sink. Just keep in mind that the textured surface may transfer a pattern to pancakes and other delicate foods. Cooking Surface: 22 by 11.5 inches (253 square inches) | Weight: 5.9 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 400°F Best With a Warming Tray BELLA Electric Griddle with Warming Tray 10" x 18" PHOTO: Amazon $34 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s a convenient griddle to bring along on camping trips or barbecues. What Could Be Improved The warming tray won’t keep your food warm for a long time. The warming tray on this Bella model ensures that no one gets cold food, especially when you’re feeding a crowd (or planning on coming back for seconds). The griddle has all the standard features you would expect, such as a large 18-inch surface that holds about eight pancakes at a time, cool-touch handles, and an adjustable temperature probe that goes up to 400°F. The warming tray is located at the bottom of the appliance and keeps food insulated until it's ready to be served. There is also a drip tray to collect any extra grease dripping down from the food. Although its surface is nonstick, you can safely throw it in a dishwasher. Overall, the warming tray makes it a great griddle to take on camping trips, barbecues, or short hotel stays. Just keep in mind that it’s still best to serve your food ASAP, as the tray may not keep your food warm for a long time. Bella also sells a toaster and griddle combo, just in case you want a complete breakfast set. Cooking Surface: 10 by 18 inches | Weight: 4.7 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 400°F Best Portable Elite Gourmet EG2212 Ceramic Coated Electric Skillet PHOTO: Amazon $34 at Amazon $35 at Walmart View on Kohls.com What Stands Out It is available in a variety of sizes. What Could Be Improved You might have to experiment with it to see what temperature works best for what you’re cooking. More than just a griddle, the Elite Gourmet EG2212 is like having another stove to make cooking go faster. This griddle has taller sides and comes with a glass lid to roast, steam, and stir fry lots of different foods like pasta, vegetables, meat, and, of course, your favorite breakfast fare. The griddle is made from rust-resistant cast aluminum and features a nonstick ceramic coating that cooks food quickly. The temperature ranges from 250°F to 450°F, and an indicator light shows you both when the power is on and when it reaches the set temperature. Once you remove the temperature probe, this skillet can be submerged in water or thrown in the dishwasher. The pan comes in five sizes including 2, 2.5, and 10 quarts, serving up to eight people. To get the best results, we suggest experimenting with the temperature controls as things might cook faster or slower than your regular stove. Cooking Surface: 17 by 14 by 5.8 inches, 8 by 8 by 4 inches, 12 by 12 by 2.15 inches, 3.2 by 12 by 12 inches, 3.2 by 16 by 13 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Maximum Temperature: 450°F Final Verdict The Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle is our favorite electric griddle thanks to its extra-large surface area and handy lid that helps speed up cooking and prevent grease splatters. For a more affordable option that still gives you enough space to feed a family, consider the Bella Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle. How to Shop for Electric Griddles Like a Pro Cooking Surface With electric griddles, nonstick ceramic or steel surfaces are the most common cooking surfaces you’ll come across. Griddles with nonstick cooking surfaces are the most convenient because food doesn’t stick to their surface, which makes them easy to clean. While all griddles are designed to be immersed in water (after you remove the temperature probe), not all are dishwasher friendly, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions first. Nonstick griddles featuring nonstick ceramic surfaces are typically safer to cook with because they don’t contain harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFA. To keep the griddle in the best condition for as long as possible, use only wooden or plastic utensils that won’t scratch them. Size Most standard-size electric griddles will have cooking surfaces that measure about 20 by 10 inches, or approximately 200 square inches in total surface area. For most people, this is enough room to cook many different kinds of food like French toast, pancakes, and sausage at the same time. From here, you’ll find more compact griddles for cooking for one to two people and griddles with larger cooking surfaces that can accommodate up to a dozen servings at once. Features When shopping for a griddle, you'll notice that they have a range of features that make cooking and cleaning up faster and more convenient. These may differ slightly depending on the brand. Most standard features include drip trays used to collect grease and adjustable temperature controls. You’ll also find griddles that come with extra features such as lids to trap heat, warming trays, and interchangeable plates that let you switch between different cooking surfaces. “The absolute must-have (for me) is a warmer tray under the griddle. This will keep sausage or bacon warm as you cook eggs, or tortillas warm while you cook fajitas or tacos,” Chiappetti says. “However, my favorite feature is the temperature controls, which allow for even, consistent cooking.” Questions You Might Ask What can you cook on an electric griddle? While most people associate griddles with breakfast, a griddle’s flat top makes it a convenient surface to cook just about anything for any meal. Chiappetti’s favorites are eggs, pancakes, French toast, fish tacos, chicken Parmesan, steak Diane, stir fry, crepes, and toasted pound cake with blueberries. Do electric griddles cook faster than regular grills? Griddle temperatures usually range from 200°F to a maximum of 450°F. While this ensures you are able to cook most foods on a griddle, outdoor grills do have a clear advantage over griddles in terms of heat and can reach temperatures up to 550°F. What is the difference between an electric skillet and a griddle? Electric skillets are typically designed with higher sides and come with a lid which makes them more versatile than griddles. That said, there are models like our Best Overall pick, the Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle, that can act as a griddle or a skillet because it has high sides and comes with a lid. On the other hand, electric griddles are known for their wide, flat cooking surface, and for this reason, they are often referred to as flat-top grills. A skillet has edges while a griddle doesn’t. “Also, its edges make it a little more versatile to cook with, so you can bake or pan fry or stew in it,” Young says. “A griddle is great for pancakes, bacon, eggs, and burgers because it doesn’t have edges, which makes it easier to flip them. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple who writes product reviews and home and lifestyle content. To put together this list, she spent hours researching electric griddles and looking to see what makes them so beneficial for home and professional chefs. She received tips from Steve Chiappetti, executive chef at the Albert in Chicago, and chef Donald Young, owner of Duck Sel in Chicago and a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best Chef.