Buyer's Guide: Smaller Sized Electric Griddles

Smaller sized electric griddles provide a convenient and space-saving method for preparing food. They can be used to prepare a variety of foods, including pancakes and garlic toast, and usually have a non-stick flat cooking surface. Smaller size electric griddles can be purchased as stand-alone units or in combination with other kitchen appliances; some alternatives to griddles are also available.

Some examples of relatively small sized electric griddles include the Presto Cool Touch model 07047 (10.5"x16", available at Wal-Mart for just under $20), the Kitchen Selectives GR63 (9.5"x11.5", at Target.com for about $18), and the Ultrex Reversible Grill/Griddle Combo (10"x18", at Target, eBay, and Overstock). One of the smaller stand-alone electric griddles is the Presto Liddle Griddle model 07211, which is sized at about 8.5" x 10.5" inches. It is available from QVC (item K121253) for about $35, and Home Depot stores for just under $30. Some eBay.com sellers and internet shopping websites also offer them.

An option for buying smaller sized griddles which is often overlooked is to purchase a toaster oven with a built-in griddle. Models of this type include the Sunpentown 3-in-1, Aroma ABT-103 (white) or ABT-203 (black, somewhat different design), Kalorik BSET1, Elite Cuisine EBK-200, and others. The Aroma ABT-103 and ABT-203's built-in electric griddles measure about 5.5" across. The Elite Cuisine RO-2005 and RO-1010X toaster ovens are available at Target.com; they feature built-in griddles, grills, rotisseries, and steamers. Toaster ovens with electric griddles can be purchased on eBay.com or ordered from Wal-Mart's website (Aroma, Sunpentown) and picked up at the nearest store.

An alternative to buying a small electric griddle is to purchase a hot plate and use a non-stick frying pan on it; this is likely to be more expensive, however (unless perhaps if you already own the pan or the hot plate and only need the other). Another option is to buy a Presto Burger or Sears Jiffy Burger unit; these are small sized griddle-like devices which have a lid and are about big enough to cook a large hamburger patty. They are no longer being manufactured, but can often be purchased on eBay.com either used or as "new old stock." Another alternative to electric griddles is the electric grill; these are similar, but have a grill-style surface. However, such grills produce a different texture and grill marks on the food, so electric griddles are preferable for some types of foods (like pancakes) and tend to be smaller sized as well.