If you are considering adding an industrial griddle to your business, it’s important to understand the different types of griddles available on the market to choose the option that best suits your needs.
The industrial griddle allows for the preparation of vegetables, meats, and fish in a healthy way, as it enables the creation of low-fat and nutritious dishes quickly without the use of oils. For this reason, many restaurants and hospitality businesses use these machines daily to prepare food for their customers.
How to Choose the Ideal Industrial Griddle for Your Business Kitchen
To choose the most suitable industrial griddle for your professional kitchen, it is essential to consider the type of business and the intended use of the griddle.
- Intensive Daily Use: Hard chrome or rectified steel griddles are the most recommended for businesses with high demand, as they can withstand intensive use and provide optimal thermal performance.
- Occasional Use or Events: Blued steel griddles are an economical and practical option for occasional use or in low-demand establishments.
Below, you can read a comprehensive analysis of the types of industrial griddles based on their energy source and materials, as well as their main advantages and usage recommendations.
1. Types of Griddles According to the Energy Source.
Depending on the type of energy, we have the electric industrial griddle. Robust, practical, and easy to use, it only needs to be plugged into the electrical supply for the heating elements to start generating heat.
They are easy to clean, but you should keep in mind that you need to protect them with oil after cleaning to extend their durability and keep them in the best possible condition, thus preventing oxidation.
The gas industrial griddle: natural gas, propane, or butane. It must be connected to the gas supply source and lit using the corresponding component for the selected griddle.
Electric griddles
Electric griddles are easy to install, as they only need to be plugged into a power outlet and adjusted using a thermostat that controls the temperature. They are ideal for kitchens where a gas connection is not feasible, as they allow the equipment to be placed in any available space. Their ease of use and cleaning, combined with their versatility, make them an excellent choice for small restaurants, cafes, or food trucks looking for a practical and effective solution.
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Gas griddles
Gas griddles, which can operate with natural gas, butane, or propane, require professional installation to ensure safe use. They reach high temperatures quickly due to the efficiency of combustion. This type of griddle is ideal for businesses that operate on a large scale and need superior power to prepare large volumes of food in a short time. It is a common choice in bars, grills, and high-demand restaurants due to its thermal performance and speed.
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2. Types of Griddles According to the Plate Finish.
The plate of the industrial griddle is responsible for distributing heat to the food for cooking. Each of the materials used in its manufacture has its advantages and disadvantages. According to the plate finish, we can find:
Hard chrome griddles
Considered to be of the highest quality, these griddles are coated with a layer of hard chrome that optimizes heat retention and ensures quick heating. Their mirror finish makes cleaning easier and enhances durability, as the chrome protects the surface against oxidation and abrasion. If the plate is properly cleaned with ice or cold water, it can remain in excellent condition even after 10 years of use.
They are recommended for the preparation of delicate foods such as fish and vegetables, due to their ability to reach and maintain high temperatures without burning the food. This allows for a golden, non-burnt finish, giving the dish a much more attractive presentation.
Another great advantage of hard chrome is the material’s ability to expand evenly across the entire surface of the plate. In the case of Mainho griddles, the thickness of the chrome layer is over 60 microns. This, along with the design of the burners, ensures a homogeneous temperature both in the center and at the edges, optimizing its maximum cooking capacity. However, it is essential to use spatulas with rounded edges to avoid scratching or damaging the material and to keep the surface in optimal condition.
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Rectified steel griddles
Les planchas en acier rectifié sont idéales pour les restaurants ayant un grand volume de travail.
L’acier est un matériau très réactif par rapport au traitement qu’il reçoit. Résistant aux grattoirs et spatules de tout type, il offre toujours rapidité dans la cuisson des aliments. L’épaisseur du matériau aide à ce qu’une fois la température désirée atteinte sur la plaque, elle soit maintenue plus longtemps que les planchas en fer pur ou en acier pavonné.
Las planchas de acero rectificado de Mainho tienen un grosor de 15mm en la placa.
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Esta opción es ideal para preparar carnes, ya que permite sellarlas a altas temperaturas sin riesgo de pérdida de jugosidad.
Regular cleaning is crucial to ensure its durability and prevent the buildup of residue.
Blued steel griddles
This type of steel has undergone an oxidation treatment to form a protective layer on the surface. Its main advantage is its resistance to corrosion during storage and its ability to reach high temperatures quickly.
It is the solution for bars and restaurants that need to equip their industrial kitchen with a basic griddle.
It is perfect for occasional use, such as at fairs or outdoor events, or for having at the counter to prepare sandwiches, breakfasts, etc.
These griddles require proper maintenance, which consists of three basic steps: First, use an abrasive detergent to remove all solid residues from the plate. Second, rinse thoroughly and for a long duration to clean any remaining stubborn particles. Finally, apply a LIGHT layer of oil to protect the steel from corrosion and rust.
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3. Plates with Smooth and Grooved Surfaces.
Planchas industrielles à surface lisse
Les planchas industrielles à surface lisse permettent de cuire une large variété d’aliments de manière homogène, ce qui en fait l’option la plus polyvalente. Des tortillas et crêpes aux viandes et poissons, une plancha à surface lisse permet d’obtenir des résultats uniformes sans laisser de marques sur les aliments. De plus, elle est facile à nettoyer, car elle n’a pas de crevasses où les résidus pourraient s’accumuler.
Planchas industrielles à surface rainurée
Les planchas avec plaques rainurées sont idéales pour cuire des viandes et obtenir l’effet caractéristique des marques de grillade. Es una opción atractiva para establecimientos que ofrecen en carta hamburguesas o platos con acabados “grill”. Mainho propose des plaques avec des finitions rainurées ou semi-rainurées, la partie rainurée de la plaque mesurant 40 cm.
These are the main differences between a griddle with a smooth plate and one with a grooved plate.
Don’t forget to properly clean the griddle after each service; proper maintenance will extend its lifespan. If you have any questions about choosing the most suitable industrial griddle for your professional kitchen, call us at +34 938 498 588 or contact our specialists, and we will advise you with no obligation.
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