Griddle vs. grill: Is there much of a difference? They both cook a lot of similar food. They also offer high temperatures and plenty of grilling space. But is one healthier or better than the other? What's better for a family dinner?
The first griddle appeared in the 19th century in Mexico. It was used to make corn dough. Since then, it has become a favorite in American households, making pancakes and hamburgers. The grill has existed for thousands of years to barbecue cows, pigs, and other forms of meat. While the griddle and the grill may seem similar, there are a lot of differences between them that make them unique.
This guide explores those differences. We look at what makes a griddle and a grill stand out. We also look at which is better for you if you want specific health benefits.
What Is a Griddle?
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The griddle is a high-temperature carbon steel surface that cooks various foods. It's typically non-stick and can be placed anywhere in the home near an outlet. Think of it as a rectangular frying pan that allows you to cook more food with more space.
You can choose to get various kinds of griddles for your home. These are typically flat-standing surfaces that you can place on counterstops. You can also select a pricier one that sits outside and acts like a barbecue. If you want a free-standing griddle, you'll learn they are almost always powered by gas.
What Kind of Food Should You Cook On the Griddle?
While there are various kinds of griddles, from freestanding to tabletop griddles, you'll find that you can cook much of the same food.
For example, here are the most common kinds of food you can cook on the griddle:
- Eggs
- Pancakes
- Steak
- Sausages, hashbrowns, and bacon
- Fried rice
- Burgers and hot dogs
These are only some of the most popular options for cooking food on a griddle. You'll also find other recipes and foods that make it worthwhile to get a griddle for your home.
Common Mistakes With the Griddle
While the griddle is wonderful at home, there are also some drawbacks. There are plenty of mistakes people make with the griddle that can either ruin the griddle itself or ruin the food altogether.
- Not seasoning or oiling your griddle before cooking.
- Letting your food sit too long on the griddle.
- Forgetting to clean your griddle after you use it.
- Leaving your griddle outside in the rain.
What Is a Grill?
While the griddle is a flat surface, the grill is slatted cooking grates above a gas pit. The grill allows for oil, gas, or water to run off the food while it cooks under a flame. With a grill, you can choose between a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill. This can give it a smokier flavor compared to the griddle.
Grills can also vary in price. If you want more features that include Wi-Fi internal temperature, more space, and more overall bells and whistles, you'll pay over $1,000 for a nice grill.
The main difference between a grill and a griddle is that a grill works best when it cooks around 400 degrees, and the griddle performs best at a temperature of around 350 degrees.
What Kind of Food Should You Cook on the Grill?
The grill cooks roughly the same food as the griddle, with slight differences. The grill is designed more for smoky food. It's also great for barbecuing different kinds of meat.
For example, here are the most common kinds of food you can cook on the grill:
- Brisket
- Pulled pork
- Steak
- Sausages and bacon
- Burgers and hot dogs
These are only some of the most popular options for cooking food on a grill. You'll also find other recipes and foods that make getting a grill for your home worthwhile.
Common Mistakes With the Grill
One of the most common mistakes when you cook on a grill is undercooking your food or overcooking your food. You want to make sure that you know how to cook the temperature of your food, especially if it's a certain kind of meat that needs to be at a specific temperature.
Another common mistake with grills is not cleaning it properly. If there's excess grease in the grill, it could cause a grease fire the next time you use your grill.
What's The Better Choice?
Griddles and grills are perfect for cooking specific kinds of foods. If you love barbecuing and the taste of smoked meat, you'll love the grill. But if you love indoor cooking and the accessibility of a stovetop griddle, you'll love what the griddle can offer you. Ultimately, they are both great options for cooking.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Mironov Vladimir/Shutterstock.com.