Top Industrial Griddles for Restaurants 2025
In 2025, industrial griddles for restaurants will be more important than ever. These key pieces of restaurant kitchen equipment boost cooking speed and keep flavors consistent. More than 80% of commercial kitchens in the US use griddles as their main tool for cooking.
Griddles are essential for any kitchen size or cuisine type. They let chefs cook everything from pancakes to steaks on one surface. The latest commercial kitchen appliances now have cool features like adjustable heat zones. They also heat up super evenly, being right about 95% of the time.
The griddle market is expected to grow a lot, with sales possibly going up by 5.2% between 2023 and 2028. Given this demand, it’s no shock that prices vary a lot, from $795.00 to a whopping $34,818.00. For example, the MSA72-LP Vulcan 72″ Deep Griddle has a huge price drop from its original cost ($30,295.00) to its sale price ($11,611.00), saving buyers a lot.
About 30% of restaurant owners say they’re using griddles more because they can do so much. Whether it’s for a busy diner or an upscale bistro, a top-quality industrial griddle makes a commercial kitchen super efficient.
Introduction to Industrial Griddles for Restaurants
In today’s busy restaurant world, having the right gear is key. Industrial griddles, known too as professional griddles, are must-haves in commercial kitchens. They offer chefs flexible and dependable cooking spots. They’re perfect for whipping up breakfast goodies like pancakes and bacon, or dinner dishes such as burgers and stir-fries, ensuring even cooking every time.
Knowing the different griddles out there and their features is important. You can find commercial griddles in sizes ranging from 12″ to 72″ wide. The width decides how much food you can cook at once. They usually come in three types:
- Standard duty griddles with plates about 1/2″ thick.
- Medium duty griddles with 3/4″ thick plates.
- Heavy-duty griddles that have strong 1″ thick plates, great for keeping and spreading heat well.
The gas versus electric decision affects how well your kitchen runs. Commercial gas griddles get hot fast and are ready for more cooking in no time. They’re often cheaper to run, making them favorites in busy spots. Electric griddles, though slower to warm up, offer steady heat, which is great for sensitive cooking, like getting eggs just right.
Griddle plate thickness matters for performance. A thinner plate, around 3/4 inch, warms up fast and costs less but might not spread heat as evenly as a thicker 1″ plate. This means picking the right griddle depends on what you’re cooking. For lots of breakfast food, a thinner plate works well, but thicker plates are better for cooking frozen items like burger patties.
Griddles also come in different depths, from 20 inches to 30 inches, generally being 24 inches deep. This choice affects how much you can cook at once. Selecting the right size is crucial for kitchen efficiency and serving up lots of food quickly.
All standard griddle models have to go under a type 1 exhaust hood for safety. But in unique spots using electric griddles, ventless hoods like the Wells Universal Ventless Hood are the go-to choice to follow rules.
Getting a top-quality, professional griddle changes how a kitchen works, bringing unmatched flexibility and productivity. By understanding each type’s details, restaurants can pick wisely to boost their food service game.
Benefits of Using Industrial Griddles in a Commercial Kitchen
Industrial griddles are key in commercial kitchens. They boost cooking speed and improve food quality. They can keep up with the busy pace of restaurants. They bring several benefits to professional kitchens.
Versatility in Cooking
Commercial griddles are incredibly versatile. They can cook up to 12 different foods at once. This is great for menus with a variety of dishes. You can cook hashbrowns, eggs, pancakes, and burgers all together. This makes the kitchen run smoother and keeps customers happy. About 70% of restaurant owners say griddles make customers more satisfied.
Efficient Cooking Surface
Commercial griddles have a surface that cooks food fast. This is especially helpful during busy hours. They allow for quick cooking of dishes like stir-fries and sandwiches. Griddles made of cast iron save about 20-30% more energy than other surfaces. They increase kitchen output by 25-35% during peak times. This helps keep the kitchen running efficiently.
Adjustable Heat Zones
Industrial griddles let you cook at different temperatures at the same time. This ensures all food is cooked perfectly. You can sear meat on one part and sauté vegetables on another. About 60% of chefs prefer cast iron griddles for their even heating. They’re great for managing different cooking temperatures.
Overall, industrial griddles are valuable for commercial kitchens. They offer versatility and efficiency. They make sure the cooking surface is efficient and heat can be adjusted as needed. They’re essential for any professional kitchen.
Top Features to Look for in 2025 Industrial Griddles
Choosing the right griddle for your restaurant is important. You need to think about features that make cooking and cleaning easy. Looking ahead to 2025, we also need to focus on new tech that improves how these griddles work.
Material and Build Quality
What your griddle is made of really matters. Using strong materials like cast iron ensures your food cooks evenly. Restaurants love these griddles because they last long and keep the heat consistent. More and more, griddles are also getting surfaces that food won’t stick to. This makes them easier to clean.
Heating Technology
Heating tech is key for the best griddles in 2025. Being able to control different areas at different temperatures is super handy. It makes sure every meal comes out just right. Also, technologies like induction are changing the game. They heat up fast and let you control the temperature very precisely.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning a griddle should be easy, especially in a busy kitchen. Features like grease trays you can take out and wipe-clean surfaces save a lot of time. Lightweight materials like aluminum are becoming popular. They’re easy to handle and clean, making life simpler for restaurant owners.
| Model | Size | BTU | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooking Performance Group GM-CPG-72-NL | 72 inches | 180,000 | $1,929.00 | 4.2 stars |
| Cooking Performance Group GM-CPG-15-NL | 15 inches | 30,000 | $579.00 | 4.2 stars |
| Cooking Performance Group GM-CPG-48-NL | 48 inches | 120,000 | $1,109.00 | 4.2 stars |
| Vollrath GGMDT-36 Cayenne | 36 inches | 84,000 | $2,095.25 | 5.0 stars |
| Avantco Chef Series CAG-36-MG | 36 inches | 90,000 | $549.00 | 3.6 stars |
| Avantco Chef Series CAG-48-MG | 48 inches | 120,000 | $699.00 | 3.6 stars |
Best Electric Griddles for Restaurants in 2025
When looking for the best electric griddle for a restaurant in 2025, you should think about how well it saves energy, cooks food, and uses the latest in heating tech. The market for these griddles is expected to grow quite a bit by 2028. It’s important to know about the best ones available.
Our favorite for 2025 is the Presto Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle. It has a big 254 square inch surface to cook on and uses 1200 watts of power. This makes it great for cooking a lot of food fast. People like it because it doesn’t use much power, doesn’t cost too much (about $60), and heats evenly. This means you can make perfect pancakes at 350°F without trouble.
The Broil King Nonstick Griddle is also a great choice, with its 252 square inch surface. We don’t know how much power it uses, but it’s light, weighing only 8.15 pounds. This griddle keeps a steady heat, making it perfect for frying bacon or cooking complex meals all at once.
Another great pick is the Presto 22-inch Electric Griddle. It uses 1500 watts and has a cooking surface of 231 square inches. It’s also light, weighing just 6.5 pounds. Its strong heating and light weight make it great for many different restaurant kitchens.
The Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle has a 237.5 square inch surface for cooking, weighs 12 pounds, and uses 1000 watts. It costs about $160, which is more, but it comes with great temperature control and is very sturdy. This makes it a top pick for restaurants that want something that lasts and performs well.
Using griddles like these in restaurants can be very reliable and keep cooking consistent. In fact, 60% of restaurant owners say they cook more efficiently with energy-saving griddles. So, knowing what each model offers is key to picking the right one.
| Model | Cooking Surface Area (sq. inches) | Weight (lbs) | Wattage | Average Cost | Temperature Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presto Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle | 254 | NA | 1200 | $60 | Steady |
| Broil King Nonstick Griddle | 252 | 8.15 | NA | NA | Steady |
| Presto 22-inch Electric Griddle | 231 | 6.5 | 1500 | NA | Variable |
| Zojirushi Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle | 237.5 | 12 | 1000 | $160 | Consistent |
As more restaurants choose energy-efficient griddles, investing in advanced models looks smart. They cut down on power costs and make kitchens run better. By picking a griddle that fits your kitchen’s needs, you can really improve how food is made in 2025.
Best Gas Griddles for Restaurants in 2025
In 2025, restaurant owners looking to boost their kitchen should consider gas griddles. These devices are known for their efficiency and quality. They’re becoming more popular in commercial kitchens because they cook consistently well.
One key feature of these griddles is their IRX™ infrared burner technology. It saves gas and spreads heat evenly. This tech lets kitchens keep a steady temperature from 100°F to 750°F, perfect for any meal. Plus, gas grills are 50% more efficient than others, making them a smart choice.
These gas griddles also allow chefs to manage different cooking areas at once. This is great for busy times, like brunch or BBQ events, without losing food quality. Quick recovery times keep the griddle ready for more, thanks to IRX™ technology.
Now, let’s highlight some leading gas griddles for restaurants in 2025:
| Model | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vulcan VCRG36-M1 | IRX™ Infrared Burners, 36-inch Flat Top, Adjustable Heat Zones | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| Hestan Outdoor GMBR36 | High-Performance Burners, Stainless Steel Build, Easy-to-Clean Surface | $3,200 – $3,800 |
| Blaze BLZ-4GRL | Efficient Natural Gas Cooking, 4 Burners, Enhanced Heat Distribution | $2,700 – $3,300 |
The griddles mentioned are top-notch and adapt well to busy restaurant kitchens. They offer the right mix of flexibility and energy efficiency. These help with saving costs and improving kitchen work. Adding these griddles to a restaurant can really upgrade how food is prepared, making sure every dish is cooked just right.
Innovations in Professional Griddle Technology
The market for commercial griddles and flat top grills is growing fast, aiming for a big value by 2030. Thanks to new technologies, the industry is changing. Features like Rapid Recovery™ composite plates and infrared burner technology are hot trends. They boost growth and make things more efficient.
Rapid Recovery™ Composite Griddle Plates
Using Rapid Recovery™ composite plates is a game-changer in griddle tech. These plates heat up quickly and evenly. This means less waiting between cooking times. It makes cooking faster and keeps food quality high. Schools and hospitals use more griddles with these plates. Thus, more people want griddles with this feature.
Infrared Burner Technology
Infrared burner tech marks a big step in better heat spread and saving energy. It cooks food evenly with less gas, saving money and helping the planet. It’s perfect for the food service sector’s eco-friendly goals. Also, more people want griddles with this tech. It performs well and is good for the environment.
In summary, adding Rapid Recovery™ plates and infrared tech to griddles is a major move. It meets the needs of busy places while focusing on doing things better and greener.
Choosing the Right Size and Configuration for Your Kitchen
Picking the right griddle size and setup is key for your kitchen. It boosts kitchen layout optimization and efficiency. We’ll look at countertop vs. portable models for the best kitchen use.
Countertop vs. Portable Models
First, decide between countertop and portable griddles. They each have benefits depending on your kitchen’s needs.
- Countertop Griddles: Great for fixed spots, they fit well with other kitchen gear. They’re ideal for busy kitchens needing durability.
- Portable Griddles: Best for flexible spaces, you can move them around. They work well for catering or changing kitchen layouts, without losing cooking power.
Both types are important for arranging your kitchen efficiently. They offer different levels of adaptability and ease.
Space Optimization Tips
Making the most of your kitchen space is vital. Here are strategies to use the right griddle size and configuration:
- Assess Your Cooking Needs: Figure out how much food you’ll make and pick a griddle that fits. It’s smart to think about your business growing too.
- Flexible Positioning: If space is limited, consider portable griddles that you can store. This helps manage space while keeping your kitchen running well.
- Size Matters: A bigger griddle can cook more types of meals during busy hours. Just make sure it fits well with your kitchen setup.
- Workflow Integration: Place your griddle to improve your kitchen’s work process. Keep it near equipment you use a lot to make cooking smoother.
Choosing wisely and sizing your griddle right boosts kitchen work and food quality.
| Model Type | Best For | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Countertop Griddles | Permanent Installations | Stability, Large Cooking Surface |
| Portable Griddles | Flexible Kitchens | Mobility, Space Efficiency |
Budget Considerations and Top Value Picks
Griddles that are kind to your budget don’t skimp on performance or affordability. It’s crucial to think about what your kitchen really needs. This way, you find something that’s worth your money and doesn’t let quality slip.
Choosing the right griddle can really make a difference for your place. Here, you’ll find some great griddles that are worth considering:
| Griddle Model | Type | Key Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vulcan VCRG48T | Gas | Thermostatic Control, Quick Recovery | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| Globe PG36E | Electric | Even Heat Distribution, Energy Efficient | $1,800 – $2,200 |
| Star Manufacturing 636MF | Gas | Manual Controls, Durable Steel Plate | $1,900 – $2,500 |
| Waring WGR140 | Electric | Compact Design, Easy to Clean | $600 – $800 |
Gas Griddles:
- They heat up fast, which is super useful for kitchens with lots of orders.
- The Vulcan VCRG48T model, for example, controls temperature well and bounces back quickly during busy times.
Electric Griddles:
- They keep the temperature uniform, which is great for cooking food that needs gentle heat.
- The Globe PG36E is not only efficient with power but also spreads the heat evenly.
Still, some things are important no matter the griddle you pick:
- Durability: Choose griddles made of stainless steel or cast iron so they last longer.
- Ease of Cleaning: Features like grease traps help keep your kitchen clean with less effort.
- Size and Configuration: The griddle should fit well in your kitchen, whether it’s small and sits on the counter or a bigger one that stands on the floor.
Considering these points can lead you to find griddles that are great for your budget. They also boost your kitchen’s work and help your business grow.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve seen how important it is to pick the right industrial griddle for any restaurant. The best griddles offer quick heat recovery and efficient heat use. Also, looking towards 2025, picking a griddle with the latest tech is crucial for success.
Commercial griddles offer many perks. They heat evenly, warm up quickly, and need less oil, which means healthier meals and lower costs. Features like non-stick surfaces and grease traps make cleaning easier. Plus, you can cook many things at once, highlighting the need for a great griddle in your kitchen.
When choosing a griddle, think about your budget, the size you need, and your kitchen’s unique needs. Maybe you prefer electric for its steady heat or gas for its fast warming. The right griddle will not just fit these requirements but also perform well consistently. This leads to happier customers who come back. Use what we’ve discussed to make a wise choice for your restaurant’s future.
FAQ
What are the main benefits of using industrial griddles in a commercial kitchen?
Industrial griddles can cook many foods like hashbrowns and pancakes all at once. They heat up evenly, which helps cook everything just right. This makes food taste consistent and keeps the kitchen moving fast.
What features should I look for in a top-quality industrial griddle?
Look for a strong build and the latest in heat tech to cook well. Features that make cleaning easier are also key. For example, Rapid Recovery™ plates heat up quickly and evenly.
What are the top electric griddles for restaurants in 2025?
In 2025, the best electric griddles save energy and cook food just right. They have new heating tech and are easy to keep clean. This helps kitchens run smoothly and keeps food tasting great.
How do gas griddles compare to electric griddles for restaurant use?
Gas griddles heat up fast and keep the temperature just right. They work well for quick cooking and when you need lots of heat. Electric griddles are great for saving energy and precise cooking.
What new advancements are available in professional griddle technology?
New tech includes Rapid Recovery™ plates for quick and even heating. There’s also infrared technology for better heat spread and less gas use. These upgrades help chefs cook better and manage the kitchen more easily.
How do I choose the right size and configuration of a griddle for my kitchen?
Consider your kitchen’s size and how the griddle will fit in. Countertop models work well if you’re not moving them around. Think about how much food you’ll cook to pick the right size. Organizing your space well can also help a lot.
What should I consider for budget-friendly griddle options?
Pick a griddle that’s a good deal but still cooks well and lasts long. Budget options should still be made of strong materials and have good heating. This ensures they work well for a long time even in busy kitchens.
