A benchtop griddle is a compact, high-performance cooking appliance with a flat heated surface, designed to cook a wide range of food evenly without taking up the space of a full range. The best features to look for are precise temperature control, the right heating type for your kitchen, effective grease management and a cooking surface sized to your menu. Get those four right and a benchtop griddle becomes one of the most versatile stations in a café, food truck or restaurant.
📋 What this guide covers
- What a benchtop griddle is and what it cooks
- The main types: electric, gas, single-sided, double-sided and portable
- Key features that separate a good griddle from an average one
- How to choose the right size and heating type for your kitchen
- Maintenance that keeps the surface performing
What is a benchtop griddle?
A benchtop griddle is a compact cooking appliance with a flat, heated surface. Unlike ovens or stovetops, it cooks food in direct contact with the plate, giving even heat distribution and precise temperature control across the whole surface.
Benchtop griddles are typically used for:
- Pancakes, waffles and French toast
- Eggs and breakfast meats
- Burgers, sandwiches and panini
- Vegetables and seafood
- Stir-fried and sautéed dishes
The compact design suits small kitchens, and works just as well as an extra cooking station in high-volume operations.
Types of benchtop griddle
The right type depends on your kitchen setup and what is on the menu.
Electric benchtop griddles
- Heated by electric elements
- Provide uniform heat across the cooking surface
- Ideal for small cafés or kitchens without gas lines
Gas benchtop griddles
- Quick heat-up and precise temperature control
- Efficient for high-volume kitchens
- Require a compatible gas connection
Single-sided griddles
- Flat cooking surface for direct grilling
- Suited to breakfast or simple menus
- Compact and space-saving
Double-sided or reversible griddles
- Two cooking surfaces for multiple items at once
- Ideal for busy restaurants with high customer turnover
Portable benchtop griddles
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Perfect for catering, food trucks or pop-up kitchens
Key features to look for
When selecting a benchtop griddle, weigh up these critical features.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cooking surface | Stainless steel or non-stick for durability and easy cleaning |
| Temperature control | Adjustable thermostats ensure even cooking and prevent burning |
| Heating type | Electric or gas, depending on your kitchen setup |
| Grease management | Built-in drip trays or channels for safe, clean cooking |
| Size and capacity | Match the griddle to your kitchen volume and menu |
| Durability | Commercial-grade construction for long-lasting performance |
| Ease of cleaning | Removable plates, drip trays and non-stick surfaces simplify upkeep |
| Electric | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | ✓ Plug-and-play, no gas line | Needs a compatible gas connection |
| High-volume running cost | Higher over time | ✓ Lower long-term cost |
| Best suited to | Small cafés, sites without gas | Busy, high-output kitchens |
Benefits of a benchtop griddle
- Compact and space-saving: ideal for small kitchens or crowded cooking stations.
- Versatile: cooks a wide variety of foods at the same time.
- Consistent cooking: even heat across the surface for uniform results.
- Fast heat-up: reduces cooking time during peak service.
- Energy-efficient: electric and gas models are designed for efficient energy use.
- Durable and reliable: built to withstand commercial kitchen demands.
- Easy maintenance: non-stick surfaces and removable parts simplify cleaning.
How to choose the right benchtop griddle
Determine your menu
Identify the main foods you will cook so you can select the appropriate size and type.
Evaluate kitchen space
Make sure the unit fits comfortably on your bench without affecting workflow.
Choose the heating type
Electric griddles are plug-and-play, while gas offers lower long-term costs for high-volume operations.
Check capacity and size
- Single-plate for low-volume kitchens
- Double or larger plates for high-volume service
Look for safety features
Automatic shut-off, heat limiters and stable construction help prevent accidents.
Consider cleaning and maintenance
Removable drip trays, grease channels and non-stick surfaces reduce maintenance time.
Assess durability
Stainless steel construction resists corrosion and stands up to heavy use.
A griddle is often one part of a benchtop cooking line. If frying is also on the menu, see our benchtop deep fryers buyer's guide, and browse the full benchtop griddles range or pair it with units from our benchtop fryers collection to round out the station.
⚠️ Protect non-stick surfaces
Avoid abrasive scourers and metal tools on non-stick plates. Once the coating is scratched, food sticks and the surface degrades quickly. Use the cleaning tools and methods the manufacturer recommends to keep the plate performing.
Maintenance tips
- Clean after each service using appropriate cleaning tools.
- Empty and sanitise grease trays regularly.
- Inspect heating elements or burners for wear and efficiency.
- Avoid abrasive materials that could damage non-stick surfaces.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for periodic maintenance.
ℹ️ Who uses benchtop griddles
Cafés and breakfast diners, restaurants and fast-food chains, hotels and catering businesses, food trucks and mobile kitchens, and small or pop-up commercial kitchens all use benchtop griddles for high-volume, consistent cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. They are compact and provide professional-grade cooking without taking up much space, which suits small or crowded kitchens.
Electric griddles are easier to install and need only a power point, while gas units tend to be more cost-efficient for high-volume kitchens.
Yes, especially with larger or double-sided griddles that offer ample surface area for cooking several items together.
Use the built-in drip trays, clean the surface frequently and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to keep grease under control.
Yes. Commercial benchtop griddles are designed for efficient energy use while maintaining consistent heat across the cooking surface.
