Luckily for fans of barbecuing, there are all sorts of different cooking appliances out there to choose from. Grills and griddles are sold side by side in stores, but many people don’t know the difference between the two. If you’re not sure whether a grill or griddle is right for your needs, read on to learn about the key differences between these two popular cooking tools.
Features and Uses of a Grill
A grill is typically a piece of outdoor cooking equipment that uses charcoal or gas to heat a metal grate. The food is placed on the grate, and the heat from below cooks it. Grills are often used to cook meats, as the high heat sears the outside of the meat and locks in the juices. This cooking method is ideal for steaks, burgers, chicken, and other similar items.
Grills can also be used to cook vegetables, fruits, and even breads. Many people enjoy grilling things like pineapple or watermelon to bring out their natural sweetness. Grill marks can also add an attractive visual element to grilled foods.
Features and Uses of a Griddle
A griddle is a flat cooking surface that can be used indoors or outdoors. It is usually made of cast iron, aluminum, or steel. A griddle can be placed on top of a stove burner or over an open flame.
Griddles are often used to cook breakfast items like pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage. They can also be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and other lunchtime favorites. Many people also use griddles to cook burgers, steaks, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
The main difference between a grill and a griddle is the way heat is applied to the food. On a grill, the food is cooked by direct exposure to high heat from below. On a griddle, the food is cooked by indirect heat from the sides. This means that a griddle can be used to cook food more slowly and evenly than a grill.
Grill and Griddle Appliances
Grill and griddle appliances are designed to make it easy to cook food on either type of cooking surface. These appliances usually have a grill on one side and a griddle on the other, so you can choose which cooking method to use depending on the food you’re preparing.
Some grill and griddle appliances also come with features like lids or temperature controls. These can be helpful if you want to use the appliance for both indoor and outdoor cooking.
When choosing a grill or griddle appliance, it’s important to consider how much space you have available. Some units are compact enough to fit on a countertop, while others are larger and require their own dedicated space.
Choosing Between a Grill and a Griddle
Now that you know the key differences between grills and griddles, you can decide which one is right for your needs. If you want to cook quick meals like burgers or steaks, a grill is a good option. If you want to cook breakfast items, grilled cheese sandwiches, or quesadillas, a griddle is the way to go. And if you want the versatility of being able to cook both types of foods, a combo appliance is probably your best bet. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to enjoy delicious grilled or griddled foods all summer long!