We Tested 13 Electric Griddles—5 Made Perfectly Cooked Pancakes and Crispy Bacon

Whether you’re making brunch for a crowd or prepping breakfast for the week, a skillet can only do so much. Sure, you can flip banana pancakes or fry bacon in an eight-inch pan, but it takes a lot of time. That’s where electric griddles come in. These countertop appliances are also ideal for making arepas, French toast, and quesadillas. Just plug ‘em in and you’re ready to go.

But which electric griddle is best? To find out, we tested 13 models by flipping pancakes and frying bacon. While we wanted to see if these appliances could cook up great food, we also looked into other important characteristics, including surface area, ease of cleaning, and how simple they are to disassemble and store. Our tests produced enough brunch to feed a football team—and more importantly, they helped us narrow down our top picks.

The Winners, at a Glance 

The Best Electric Griddle

Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle

$70 $60 at Amazon View on Lifeandhome.com View on Houzz

Our longtime winner is only compact and easy to store, and it also has handles that stay cool when cooking at high heat. We noticed minimal hot or cold spots during our pancake and bacon tests. Plus, it has the largest drain of all the models we tested, along with a spacious drip tray to catch grease.

Another Great Electric Griddle

Crux Extra-Large Electric Griddle

$55 at Amazon View on Cruxkitchen.com

This nonstick griddle heated quickly and evenly and maintained a consistent temperature. We really appreciated this during the bacon tests, since it kept a steady temperature even when we added cold meat to the hot surface. It also deserves praise for being one of the sleekest and nicest-looking griddles we tested, even if it doesn’t contain any real copper (it’s just copper colored).

The Best Splurge Electric Griddle

Broil King PCG-10 Professional Portable Nonstick Griddle

$169 at Amazon View on Walmart

Although this griddle is pricey, it’s worth it. Cooking with it makes you feel like you’re in a professional kitchen. It has a spacious surface, heatproof handles, and a precise temperature dial.

The Best Electric Griddle With a Tilting Surface

Presto Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle

$76 $60 at Amazon View on Walmart $76 at Target

When cooking large batches of bacon, we appreciated this model’s ability to tilt, which made it easier to drain grease into its drip tray. Like most of our other top picks, it has a nonstick surface and a wide cooking area, which makes this appliance ideal for batch cooking. It was the easiest griddle to clean, too. 

The Best Electric Griddle With a Removable Cooktop

Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle

$196 $170 at Amazon View on Newegg.com View on Bed Bath & Beyond

This was the only electric griddle with a removable cooktop we tested. We liked the included lid—while it wasn’t necessary for our pancake or bacon tests, it’s helpful for cooking sausage, chicken, and other proteins. (Using the lid traps heat to help meats cook all the way through!) We also appreciated the heatproof handles and the fact that it breaks down for easy storage.

The Tests

• Fluffy Buttermilk Pancake Test: We set the griddle to 350°F and made batches of Kenji’s Light and Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes. Throughout cooking, we used an infrared thermometer to see if the temperature stayed consistent. We used a silicone food turner to flip the pancakes, noting how they browned and if they were difficult to flip. During this test, and the others, we used the Lodge Stovetop Cast Iron Griddle as a control.
• Light and Thin Pancake Test: We repeated the pancake test with Stella Parks’ Light and Thin Pancakes to see if the griddle could perform well when making a delicate pancake. 
• Bacon Test: We used each griddle to cook bacon slices until crispy, noting how many it could comfortably accommodate at once. Throughout this test, we recorded how each model handled grease runoff and if there was any leakage during cooking. 
• Cleanup Test: Between cooking rounds of bacon and pancakes, we followed the manufacturer’s care instructions and noted which griddles were more difficult to clean than others.

What We Learned

Most Griddles Had Uneven Heating Along Their Edges

During our tests, we found that most models exhibited temperature extremes near the plug or edges. We didn’t deduct points for that. However, a good electric griddle should be able to maintain a relatively consistent temperature across most of its surface. Out of the 13 models we tested, only a handful (including the Presto 22-inch, Broil King, and the Tilt-N-Fold) could do that. Surface temperatures often swung wildly with the Williams Sonoma and Black and Decker models registering variations as much as 90°F from one side of the griddle to the other. 

Cooktop Texture Was Important 

Most (if not all) electric griddle cooktops are nonstick, but there's a lot of variation among them. Some cooktops, like the Dash Deluxe, were so slick that we had trouble sliding a spatula underneath pancakes without pushing them across the surface. Most of our top picks had ceramic-coated nonstick surfaces that gave the griddles a slick, glossy texture. This made them nonstick enough to flip pancakes without being overly slippery. 

Lightweight Models Made a Big Difference

Most of the griddles we tested could easily fit at least eight three-inch pancakes or 12 pieces of bacon, so surface area didn’t set any of them apart. What made a bigger difference was how easy the griddles were to carry. Our top picks were between five and eight pounds, with the Zojirushi weighing in at 12 pounds (but that’s only because it includes a lid). A lighter griddle is much easier to handle than a heavy one, whether you’re lifting it onto the counter or tilting it to drain grease and clean it.

Detailed Temperature Dials Allowed for Precision 

Guessing the exact temperature of a griddle’s “1” or “5” setting required some trial and error. We preferred well-designed control dials with clearly marked temperature settings, such as the one on the Broil King, which can help you feel reasonably confident that you’re setting the griddle to the desired temperature. Not every model’s control dial included an “off” setting, so we had to unplug them to be sure they weren’t still on. While this was a small nuisance, it was an inconvenience nonetheless. 

A Roomy Drip Tray Made Cleaning Easier

Our top picks come with spacious drip trays that can hold at least half a cup of liquid. This helped during our bacon tests, providing a place for the rendered grease to go. Testing models without this component, like our control cast iron griddle from Lodge, proved frustrating. We had to wait for the griddle to cool down, then carefully drain the grease without spilling it. 

We also liked that some griddles, such as the Crux, included built-in grooves on one side of the cooking surface to help corral pancakes or eggs. While the raised edges didn’t help with flipping pancakes, they funneled grease directly to the drip tray, preventing any overflows of oil.

Smart Design Elements, like Heatproof Handles, Were an Advantage 

Whether you need extra counter space for prepping brunch sides or you’re ready to move your griddle to the sink for cleaning, heatproof handles make a big difference. All of our top picks come with sturdy handles that stayed cool—no need for oven mitts—and were large enough to prevent our fingers from accidentally touching the hot griddle.

Some of the griddles we tested, like the Presto 22-inch, were compact enough to fit into many cabinets or drawers. Others had removable parts or handles, allowing you to break them down into smaller pieces for easy storage. If you don’t have room for a full-size electric griddle in your pantry, you’ll want one that doesn’t take up too much space.

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Electric Griddle

We preferred electric griddles with a ceramic coating that’ll guarantee a nonstick surface that’s not too slippery but still easy to flip pancakes on. A good electric griddle has a drip tray that holds at least half a cup of liquid, heatproof handles, a spacious surface that heats evenly, and a temperature dial with precise settings to give you control over your cooking. Look for a lightweight model that fits snugly in a cabinet or drawer, or one designed to break down for easy storage.

Our Favorite Electric Griddles

The Best Electric Griddle

Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle

$70 $60 at Amazon View on Lifeandhome.com View on Houzz

What we liked: This aluminum griddle is easy to use, thanks to its ceramic coating, which provides a nonstick surface that’s smooth enough for easy pancake flipping without being too slippery. This model comes with a temperature dial that lets you adjust the heat between 200°F and 400°F, plus a “keep warm” setting, which is handy if you want to use it as a warming tray. It’s large enough to fit up to eight pancakes or 12 pieces of bacon, so you can use this appliance to help you feed a crowd.

We especially liked the design of the drain and drip tray. Both were spacious, making it easy to slide grease from the bacon test into the tray. The heatproof handles were another nice touch, especially when adjusting the griddle while flipping pancakes.

During the pancake tests, the Presto electric griddle maintained a consistent temperature of 345 to 350°F across most of its surface, with no major hot or cold spots. As a result, the pancakes cooked evenly and turned out uniformly brown. Cleanup was simple—it cooled down quickly, and wiping its nonstick surface took seconds to complete. Plus, the removable handles made it easy to store. 

What we didn’t like: Unlike the other Presto winner, this one doesn’t tilt. During our tests, the bacon grease funneled into the drip tray (which it had no problem doing). 

Key Specs

• Materials: Ceramic, aluminum
• Dimensions: 26.25 x 13.5 x 2.5 inches
• Cord length: 32 inches
• Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Care instructions: Hand-wash 
• Drip tray: Yes
• Warranty: 1 year

Another Great Electric Griddle

Crux Extra-Large Electric Griddle

$55 at Amazon View on Cruxkitchen.com

What we liked: This electric griddle has a ceramic surface, making it naturally nonstick. It also heated up quickly and cooled down just as fast. Whether we added cold batter or meat to the hot surface, the temperature immediately bounced back to its original level. We fit eight pancakes and 12 pieces of bacon (at separate times), and both cooked evenly. This griddle features cool-to-touch handles, a nonstick surface, a temperature dial that ranges from  200 to 400°F, along with a “keep warm” and “off” setting. Plus, it’s easy to clean. The built-in groove along the perimeter of the cooking surface helped direct the bacon grease into the drip tray. It’s designed to be disassembled, making it ideal for saving space.

What we didn’t like: The term “copper” is a marketing misnomer, as this pan doesn’t contain any copper or its desirable reactivity. (We’ve tested real copper cookware here.) Compared to the Presto 22-inch, this model doesn’t have as deep a well for scraping liquids or bits into the drip tray. So, when making pancakes, there wasn’t a spot to discard any excess batter. It also has the shortest cord compared to all the winners.

Key Specs

• Materials: Titanium-infused ceramic
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 25.27 x 3.74 inches
• Cord length: 23 inches
• Weight: 7.38 pounds
• Care instructions: Hand-wash
• Drip tray: Yes
• Warranty: 2 years

The Best Splurge Electric Griddle

Broil King PCG-10 Professional Portable Nonstick Griddle

$169 at Amazon View on Walmart

What we liked: This Broil King model, designed for professional kitchens, really impressed us during the bacon test. It heated up in about two minutes, and we could easily control the temperature with its built-in dial, ranging from 200 to 400°F. We encountered no hot spots while frying and rendering the bacon. It includes a splash guard to prevent oil splatter. Like most of our top picks, it has a drip tray to help drain excess grease. Throughout the pancake and bacon tests, the surface stayed nonstick, and the handles stayed cool. Cleanup was easy, thanks to the nonstick surface, and when it was time to put it away, we had no trouble fitting it in a cabinet since it broke down into separate components. 

What we didn’t like: During our pancake tests, we noticed some cold spots, typically located along the edges of the griddle. (This is common with electric griddles.) The drain for grease or leftover batter was smaller than most, making it difficult to funnel unwanted liquids or bits into the drip tray.

Key Specs

• Materials: Ceramic, stainless steel
• Dimensions: 29 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches
• Cord length: 50 inches
• Weight: 8.15 pounds
• Care instructions: Hand-wash
• Drip tray: Yes
• Warranty: 2 years

The Best Electric Griddle With a Tilting Surface

Presto Electric Tilt-N-Fold Griddle

$76 $60 at Amazon View on Walmart $76 at Target

What we liked: This model has been one of our top runners for years and shares many of the great qualities we love about the Presto 22-inch. It includes all the characteristics we look for in a griddle, such as heatproof handles, a temperature dial ranging from 200°F to 400°F, a drip tray, and a ceramic-coated surface. During our tests, it heated up in less than two minutes, and we appreciated the indicator light that turned on when it started heating. The surface stayed at a consistent temperature, cooking both bacon and pancakes perfectly. After the bacon test, we went nuts for the tilt mode, which made it easy to drain the grease into the drip tray. A quick wipe with a soapy sponge was all it took to clean the nonstick surface. It’s also the only model that folds up for easy storage.

What we didn’t like: This model’s drain chamber is too small to effectively scoop pancake batter bits into. (You have to flip them off with tongs or let them overcook on the surface.) Plus, this griddle has one of the shortest cords of the models we tested, so if your outlets aren’t conveniently located, you might need an extension cord.

Key Specs

• Materials: Ceramic, aluminum
• Dimensions: 22.12 x 15.25 x 2.97 inches
• Cord length: 29 inches
• Weight: 6.48 pounds
• Care instructions: Hand-wash
• Drip tray: Yes
• Warranty: 1 year

The Best Electric Griddle With a Removable Cooktop

Zojirushi EA-DCC10 Gourmet Sizzler Electric Griddle

$196 $170 at Amazon View on Newegg.com View on Bed Bath & Beyond

What we liked: While lids weren’t a factor in our griddle tests, we did appreciate that this one comes with one. It’s useful for helping proteins cook thoroughly without burning. We liked that the Zojirushi has a nonstick surface, heatproof handles, and a temperature dial that ranges from 300 to 425°F, which is higher than most of the other griddles we tested. During the pancake and bacon tests, its surface maintained consistent temperatures with no major hot or cold spots. This griddle was quick to clean, and it broke down into a few pieces for easy storage.

What we didn’t like: Its temperature range isn’t as versatile as other models, which go as low as 200°F. It also lacks a drip tray, but the built-in groove along the cooking surface makes it easy to drain excess oil without spilling.

Key Specs

• Materials: Aluminum
• Dimensions: 15 x 23.62 x 4.38 inches
• Cord length: 70 inches
• Weight: 12 pounds
• Care instructions: Hand-wash
• Drip tray: Yes
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty 

The Competition

• Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill + Griddle: The removable cooktop on this bulky griddle is reversible, with a flat cooking surface on one side and raised grill lines on the other. It’s also split into two pieces, so you can cook on half of a flat cooktop and half of a grill top. However, this versatility did not make up for the drastic drop in temperature during cooking.
• Black + Decker Family-Sized Electric Griddle: Pancakes cooked on this griddle were very unevenly browned.
• Bella Electric Ceramic Titanium Griddle: This was the least expensive of the models we tested. Its temperature reading fluctuated quite a lot throughout cooking batches of pancakes and bacon, which led to them being unevenly cooked.
• Mueller HealthyBites Electric Griddle: The control dial on this model is labeled from “1” to “5,” with no temperatures. It appears to have been discontinued.
• Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Griddle: This griddle consistently ran hot during multiple tests. While the pancakes were evenly cooked, they were very dark. 
• GreenPan Ultimate Gourmet Grill: GreenPan’s attempt to make an electric griddle into a multi-functional appliance is admirable, but we found this griddle less useful than others with simpler designs. The reversible cooktop is half griddle, half grill on one side. The opposite side has eight ringed divots in the cooktop surface for pancakes or eggs. Sadly, the pancake cups are more of a hindrance than a help. 
• GreenLife 20-inch Electric Griddle: Though it’s a fun shade of pink, this inexpensive griddle delivered unevenly cooked pancakes, and we found the quarter-inch gap between the body of the griddle and the cooktop hard to clean.
• Dash Deluxe Everyday Electric Griddle: This was by far the cutest electric griddle we tested, with a vibrant teal color that’ll brighten up any kitchen. It performed excellently during our bacon tests, but things took a turn when we tried making pancakes. It had too many hot spots for us to name it a winner.

FAQs

What can you cook on an electric griddle?

An electric griddle is ideal for cooking multiple portions at once, like pancakes or French toast. Its large surface lets you cook big batches of proteins, such as bacon or sausage, veggies for fajitas, or even quesadillas or Colombian-style arepas. It’s the ideal appliance for cooking for a crowd or saving time when meal prepping for the week.

Can you use an electric griddle to sear?

When we first tested electric griddles years ago, we also included a burger test. We chose not to repeat that test this time because we discovered it wasn’t quite fair. Most electric griddles top out around 400°F, meaning they’re not getting hot enough to create the sear you want on a good burger. Additionally, the nonstick cooktops of most griddles aren’t easy to evenly coat with oil (it just beads up on the surface) and shouldn’t be heated to screaming hot anyway, as super high temperatures can damage the nonstick coating.

Are electric griddles nonstick? 

While some professional models have stainless steel cooktops, the overwhelming majority of options designed for the home kitchen have nonstick surfaces. If you’re looking for a different option, stovetop griddles come in a wide variety of materials, including cast iron and carbon steel.

But deciding whether an electric griddle or stovetop griddle is better really depends on what you’re cooking. Based on our tests, the electric griddle provides more even heating and precision. However, for high-heat cooking, like grilling steaks or pork chops, a stovetop grill like the Lodge Cast Iron is the better choice since it can reach higher temperatures. 

Can you use metal utensils on an electric griddle?

Since most electric griddles are designed with a nonstick surface, you should not use metal utensils with them, which can scratch and ruin the nonstick coating. We recommend using silicone or wooden cooking tools with any cookware with a nonstick surface.

How do you clean an electric griddle?

Some electric griddles can’t be detached from their electrical components, so you’ll need to clean them by hand and never fully submerge them in water. After use, unplug the griddle and let it cool completely. Once the heat controller is removed, you can take the griddle’s surface to the sink and wash it with a sponge and soapy water. Some models include dishwasher-safe drip trays, but be sure to check the care instructions first. Finally, make sure to dry the griddle completely before storing it.

Why We’re the Experts

• Ashia Aubourg is a Serious Eats contributor with experience reviewing cooking gear and working in kitchens (and farms!). Her work with Serious Eats spans gift guides, educational pieces, and product reviews. She recently fried tons of omelets, over-easy eggs, and crepes to find the best nonstick skillets. 
• Andrea Rivera Wawrzyn is a writer and recipe developer. She's written multiple stories for Serious Eats, including reviews of grill presses and potato ricers
• Sasha Marx was the senior culinary editor at Serious Eats.
• For this review, we tested 13 electric griddles by using them to cook bacon and pancakes; we also examined how easy they were to set up, use, clean, and store.
• We first tested electric griddles in 2019 and compared our previous favorites against newer griddles for this review.