The electric-griddle, all you need to know

About the electric-griddle and electric fry pan

The griddle is a very versatile piece of cooking equipment and many homes use them.

The basic griddle or electric frypan comes with a lid that allows everything from slow cooking and baking to cooking up the Sunday breakfast of bacon and eggs.

Many newer variations on the griddle come with ridged cooking surfaces to drain off fats and also many are now non-stick.

How does an electric-griddle work

The griddle or electric frypan is a very useful kitchen aid. The griddle is also a heating device, that comprises an enclosed heating element that is placed under the main cooking surface. The basic heating control is also from a thermostat that maintains the correct temperature.

Most griddles also have a light to indicate that power is on while some also have an additional light to show that heat is at the correct operating temperature.

To operate you simply dial up the required temperature and when the set temperature is reached the light goes out

How do you clean a riddle?

Many griddles or electric frypans are stainless steel although there also non-stick types available. After using your electric-griddle you should wipe the grids clean with a paper towel while still warm.

Under no circumstances scrape a non-stick griddle with a knife or other scraper as this will damage them and also take off any seasoning on the others.

When you unplug the stainless steel types, wash the pan in warm soapy water and be careful not to immerse the power plug socket. If you do get this wet ensure you properly dry the socket out before using again.

The bottoms of griddles also tend to get a build of grease and this is best removed with warm soapy water and a soap-filled steel wool pad, and cleaning immediately after use is the best preventive measure.

My griddle isn’t working

The electric-griddle is pretty simple and also very reliable, and if they fail there is not much that can be done to repair them.

If your electric-griddle will not work and the power light is on then the thermostat is probably faulty, or the heating element has failed. It is hard to access most griddles to actually test the heating element.

If the power light isn’t on then check the power is switched on and the power cord is undamaged. Also check the power cable plug connections

Recipes for the griddle

Watch this space for some useful electric-griddle recipes and basic cooking advice.