In case you didn’t know the pancake griddle is a staple of the American culture. From electric models to cast iron versions the pancake griddle has been used for more than 150 years in the United States. This versatile cooking tool can be used to make pancakes, cook sausage or bacon, make hashbrowns and much more. Up until the 1950’s the standard griddle was of the cast iron variety. It wasn’t until the 1950’s in the post World War II era that the electric pancake griddle was born. Many households felt that the electric version was much more modern and housewives both young and old used the pankcake griddle as a status symbol.
Nowadays you can still find both the electric and cast iron types. Since I have used many of these throughout the years I thought I would share with you my insights into these products. First lets examine the electric ones. I think one of the most important features is that the griddle have a draining system. Just so you know most do. When you are cooking a very large portion of bacon or sausage you want a place for the grease to drain away from the food. Next, you want a high wattage model something like 1500 watts or more of cooking power. Last thing you need is cold and half cooked pancakes! Finally, you want a pancake griddle that is quite large something on the order of 20 inches plus wide. My big family would kill me if I couldn’t make breakfast quick enough. I have big hungry kids. Some brands that have served me well are the Presto electric griddles and the Hamilton Beach electric griddles. Both are a great choice if you want electric models.
We will now turn our attention to the classic cast iron version of the pancake griddle. These heavy and well made pans spread heat very evenly allowing your pancakes and other food to cook thoroughly which is very important. The one downside to these types of griddles is the seasoning of the pan before use. My grandmother taught me how to season any cast iron pan as follows: first coat the entire pan with bacon fat or lard then bake in a 300 degree oven for about an hour. This process will fully season the pan and prevent rust. One thing is for sure though when you make pancakes on a good cast iron griddle they taste great and cook perfectly! As far as recommendation for cast iron models the absolute best is one that is 50 years old. Yeah thats right, you really want one used by your grandma. If you can’t get a hand me down than the new models from Circulon or Nordic Ware are good choices.
In the end whichever version you choose I think every home should own a good quality pancake griddle. Their versatility can’t be matched and you are owning a little piece of history when you have one. Breakfast as you know is an American staple, at least where I grew up, and having good griddle is a necessity.