Commercial grills and griddles fire up to feed the world before it even wakes up. And they keep running to serve customers their last meal of the night, whether it's burgers or late night tacos. It's a piece of equipment that rarely rests - so at Eleven36, we want to make sure you get the commercial grill or griddle that works best for you.
Our commitment to meaningful relationships means we are here to lock in on your needs, guide your choices with the benefit of our years of experience in the culinary world and provide unwavering support once you put your equipment in use. We supply many different types of commercial grills and griddles, including rolling grills, flat tops, and charbroilers.
With that in mind, here's a few things to know before you grab your griddle.
The Kitchen is Open
You'll have more luck listing what can't be prepared on commercial griddles than trying to keep up with everything that can. From American breakfast classics like bacon and eggs cooking side-by-side to fajitas, tacos, veggies, burgers and steak, a commercial griddle cooks up tasty food fast and in bulk, making it the perfect piece of equipment for the busy restaurant world. Don't be afraid to experiment - the griddle powers high-end restaurants, all-night diners, cheesesteak joints and hibachi grills alike. With the cooking power of commercial griddles at your disposal, coming up with daily specials just got a lot more fun.
Why Choose a Commercial Grill or Griddle?
Commercial grills and griddles are essential cooking appliances in commercial kitchens, offering a range of benefits that simplify kitchen operations. One of the primary advantages of these appliances is their versatility in cooking. Whether you need to sear a juicy steak, grill vegetables, or prepare a perfectly crisp pancake, a commercial griddle can handle a wide variety of cooking styles.
Efficiency and speed are crucial in high-volume environments, and commercial grills excel here. Their large cooking surfaces allow chefs to prepare multiple items at a time and reduce cooking time, increasing the speed of service. This is particularly beneficial during peak dining hours when quick production is essential to maintaining customer satisfaction. The even heat distribution provided by commercial griddles ensures consistent cooking results, helping to maintain the quality and flavor of each dish.
Another significant benefit of commercial grills and griddles is their ability to enhance flavor. Commercial grills leave a unique grilled taste. The caramelization achieved on a griddle also brings out the natural sweetness in foods, providing a range of flavors that diners love.
Commercial grills and griddles also contribute to kitchen efficiency through their easy maintenance and durability. Made from high-quality materials like stainless steel, these commercial griddles are designed to live through excessive use in busy kitchens. Their smooth surfaces are easy to clean, reducing downtime and ensuring that the equipment remains in top condition. This durability translates into cost savings, as it minimizes the need for frequent replacements or repairs and will last a long time.
Types of Commercial Grills & Griddles
Griddles & Flat Top Grills
Griddles or flat top grills are versatile cooking appliances with smooth, flat surfaces that are perfect for cooking a wide range of foods. They are essential in many commercial kitchens because they allow for even heat distribution and can cook multiple items simultaneously, making them ideal for high-volume food preparation. They're especially popular in breakfast eateries & cafes due to their efficiency in cooking large batches of pancakes, eggs, bacon, and hash browns. One of the main benefits of griddles and flat top grills is their ability to provide a consistent cooking surface, which brings even cooking and enhances food presentation. Additionally, their large cooking surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, increasing kitchen efficiency and service speed.
Charbroilers
Charbroilers are high-temperature grilling appliances that use gas or electric heat to cook food, imparting a distinctive charred flavor and a juicy interior. They are a staple in many restaurants, especially steakhouses, burger joints, and barbecue venues. Charbroilers excel at cooking meats such as steaks, chicken, and pork chops, as well as vegetables like peppers, zucchini, and corn. They are also perfect for grilling seafood items such as fish, shrimp, and scallops. The benefit of charbroilers is their ability to sear meat and lock in juices to produce a delicious grilled flavor that enhances the taste and presentation of dishes. Their high-temperature cooking allows chefs to grill large quantities of food quickly while maintaining consistent quality. The grill marks not only add visual appeal but also create incredible flavors in grilled dishes.
Specialty Grills & Griddles
Specialty grills and griddles include appliances like waffle makers, sandwich and panini makers, and crepe makers, each designed for specific cooking tasks. Waffle makers are designed with non-stick plates and unique grid designs, allowing for the quick production of consistently textured waffles. Sandwich and panini makers are designed to press and grill sandwiches to perfection, creating crispy outside and melted inside with added grill marks for visual appeal. Crepe makers offer a flat cooking surface for crafting thin, evenly cooked crepes. Together, these appliances provide targeted solutions for specific menu items, allowing establishments to expand their offerings and attract customers looking for unique and delicious options. Their specialized features make them essential for efficiently preparing menu items with consistent results.
Gas Vs. Electric Grills & Griddles - How Will You Sizzle?
Choosing what source you want your grill or griddle to be powered by may be a tough choice. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing utility bills and ventilation needs, so talk to us and we will help figure out which griddle approach will work best for you. We offer both gas and electric options.
Gas Grills & Griddles
Commercial gas griddles are popular choices in commercial kitchens due to their powerful performance and flexibility. They are fueled by either natural gas or propane, providing quick heating and temperature control. This makes them ideal for high-volume settings where speed and efficiency are crucial. Commercial gas grills and griddles reach high temperatures quickly, making them perfect for searing meats, grilling vegetables, and cooking dishes that require rapid heat adjustments. This is particularly beneficial in restaurants and catering services where large quantities of food need to be prepared in a short time.
When considering a commercial gas grill or griddle, it's important to factor in the availability of a gas supply and installation requirements. Commercial settings with existing gas lines may find gas appliances more cost-effective and convenient to use. Maintenance is another consideration; commercial gas grills typically require regular cleaning of burners and grates. Commercial gas griddles also tend to have lower operating costs compared to electric ones, especially in high-volume environments.
Electric Grills & Griddles
Commercial electric grills and griddles are convenient and versatile, making them an excellent option for kitchens with limited space or specific safety regulations. Commercial electric grills are easy to install and require only a standard electrical outlet, eliminating the need for complex gas hookups. Commercial electric grills provide even heat distribution and precise temperature control, ensuring consistent cooking results every time. Commercial electric griddles are great for cooking foods that require precise temperature settings, such as delicate fish, pancakes, eggs, and grilled sandwiches.
When considering a commercial electric grill or griddle, you should evaluate the available power supply and ensure the kitchen's electrical system can support the appliance's energy requirements. While electric models may have higher energy costs compared to gas, they often make up for it with ease of use, safety features, and convenience. Commercial electric griddles are the perfect choice for businesses seeking efficient cooking solutions that align with safety standards and spatial constraints.
Choosing a High-Quality Commercial Grill or Griddle Brand
At Eleven36, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality, long-term solutions for efficiency and cost savings in the commercial kitchen industry. We proudly supply brands that are leaders in the field, including American Range, Southbend, and Vulcan. These brands are well-respected and renowned for their durability, innovation, and performance in the commercial kitchen equipment industry. With our selection of these industry-leading brands, Eleven36 ensures that your kitchen operates at peak performance, helping you achieve long-term cost savings and efficiency.
Here are some popular models from each brand we supply for commercial griddles and grills:
American Range:
- American Range ARGB-24 Griddle on Overfire Broiler, Natural Gas, Countertop Stainless Steel 24.0(W)
- American Range AR36-24G2OB Griddle / Hotplate, Natural Gas, Countertop Stainless Steel 36.0(W)
Southbend:
- Southbend HDG-36-M Heavy Duty Counterline, Natural Gas, 36", Manual Griddle, 60,000 BTU
- Southbend HDC-30 Heavy Duty Counterline, Natural Gas, 30", Charbroiler, 100,000 BTU
Vulcan:
- Vulcan 948RX48" 900Rx Series Commercial Natural Gas Griddle / Flat Top
- Vulcan HEG48E48" Heg Series Professional Electric Restaurant Flat Top Griddle/Grill, 240V, Three Phase
When Surface Level Knowledge Isn't a Bad Thing
On a griddle or commercial flat top grill, the surface is everything. Griddle plates where the food is prepared are often made of easy-to-clean stainless steel, and sometimes cast iron for nonstick cooking. Chrome is another option for retaining heat while needing less power, resulting in a cooler kitchen. Plate thickness is another difference-maker: breakfast-only joints might want a thinner plate, while restaurants leaning on a griddle for all day use may want something thicker. The size of the griddle you invest in will also depend on your space considerations and how much use you plan to get out of it (though we are sure our high-quality commercial griddles will steal your heart and your menu before long, so think big). At Eleven36, our knowledge of surfaces goes way beyond the surface, so we are excited to partner with you and find the exact quality fit for your business.
At Eleven36, we want you to feel fired up about your equipment when you fire it up, and our commercial griddles are no different. By bringing transparency, positivity and genuine communication to the table, we believe we can help you take your business and love of food to new heights. If you're in need of similar commercial kitchen equipment, make sure to check out our cooking equipment, including fryers, ovens, ranges, and more. Contact us today to get started on finding the high-quality commercial grill or griddle that works for you.