Choosing the best kitchen griddle It is essential if we want our grilled meats, vegetables and fish to be as delicious and succulent as those we eat in restaurants. Cooking on the grill It has its tricks and secrets, but it is a fairly simple technique that highlights the flavor of the main ingredient. That is why it is crucial to use a high-quality cooking griddle.
Smooth or grooved cooking griddle: Which is better?
Although parrilla and grill are synonyms, the word parrilla usually refers to the iron bars over the embers, while kitchen griddle, grill and griddle are used for cooking utensils. The main difference between a grill pan and a grill pan is that the grill surface is ridged and the grill surface is flat. grill plate It is smooth. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
The grillers They are easier to master and also easier to clean because they are completely smooth. If you are not an expert in grilling, it will help you prevent that more delicate foods, such as fish, break apart halfway through cooking.
On the other hand, although the flavour achieved is practically the same as that of the grill, the griddle does not mark the ingredients with those lines that we like so much because they remind us of Sunday barbecues. But it will give it a nice toast and uniform to the food, which is also comparable to the marks from a grill.
The striated surface of the grill plate It helps to separate the cooking liquids from the meat and prevents it from cooking instead of roasting. It also reduces smoke emissions, which can be very important, especially in small kitchens. But as we have already said, it will cost you a little more to clean and it is not the most recommended for cooking fish and certain types of vegetables.
Recommended materials for your kitchen griddle
Cast Aluminum vs Cast Iron
To cook on the griddle, the utensil must reach and maintain high temperatures. Cast aluminum and cast iron are ideal materials due to their ability to retain and transmit heat. Although cast iron is excellent, cast aluminum is more light and easy to handleIn addition, cast aluminum plates usually have a non-stick coating, allowing you to cook with less oil and making cleaning easier.
Cast aluminum
Non-deformable: perfect contact with the kitchen surface.
Homogeneous heat distribution.
Maximum energy efficiency.
Oven safe up to 250°C. (Without removable handles on pans and saucepans)
Ideal weight for easy handling of pieces and comfortable cooking.
Cast iron
Heavy and solid.
It retains heat very well.
Naturally non-stick when seasoned.
Non-burning handles and removable handles
Although the surface and material While the main factors to consider when choosing your griddle are the following: grills with handles and grills with handles, there are other details that also count. For example, some griddles have handles and others have handles. Choosing between one option or the other will not in any way influence the taste of your dishes, the only significant difference between the two options is that griddles and grills with handles have a larger surface area. elongated, while those with handle are more square.
But those little details are also what differentiates a good product from a great product. If you use a cooking griddle with removable handle You will save storage space, you will optimize space when you wash it in the dishwasher, you will be able to clean it by hand much more comfortably and, if you feel like it, you can even cook with it in the oven.
One of the main drawbacks of griddles and grills with handles is that you can burn yourself. Wouldn't you rather they didn't? At Castey we believe that it is very important, that is why our cooking plates or grills have silicone handles. And you can choose if you want them to be completely integrated into the grill or do you prefer them to be removable. They also have slightly higher walls than usual, so they splash a little less and so you can also use them as a baking tray.
What about electric griddles and grills?
Although some models are very good and very fun to use on special occasions, for everyday cooking we recommend the following: Castey grills and grill plates conventional models that are placed on the stove or ceramic hob. Electric models take up a lot of space and are often a bit bulky. That is why we end up being lazy about using them and leave them abandoned at the back of the cupboard of kitchen utensils that we never use.
If you still want one, you should look at two important things:
- First of all Make sure it has enough power to heat and keep the griddle hot during the cooking process. An underpowered electric griddle will cause ingredients to cook in their liquid rather than roast.
- And secondlyMake sure that the griddle is made of cast aluminum or cast iron and, if it has one, that it has a good non-stick coating. If not, the food will end up sticking shortly after using it, or the griddle may become deformed over time and stop cooking the food evenly.
Castey recommends you…
Cooking on the grill is easy and healthy, but it has its secrets. You just need fresh ingredients, the right utensil and some practical tips. If your steaks always turn out bland and tough, follow our tips recipes and tips to cook the perfect steak and enjoy delicious, well-prepared dishes.
The choice between a smooth or grooved cooking griddle It depends on your preferences and needs. Both options have their pros and cons, but the most important thing is to have a flat iron. high quality from a brand recognized as Castey. It is important to consider additional details such as removable handles and grips to enhance your cooking experience.
Start cooking with your kitchen griddle and enjoy healthy and delicious meals with the authentic flavor of the best ingredients.