Best Griddles: 12 Electric Griddles for Pancakes, Eggs, and Smash Burgers

Our top pick is the Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle Combo (best overall), because 470 sq in, the largest surface for most households. The runner-up is the Presto 07046 Tilt 'n Drain Big Griddle (best budget), followed by the Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler Elite.

Our best-value pick is the Presto 07046 Tilt 'n Drain Big Griddle: tilting surface drains grease. Check the current price on Amazon, since deals change often.

It depends on what matters most to you. For overall, choose the Blackstone 28-Inch Griddle Combo. For budget, choose the Presto 07046 Tilt 'n Drain Big Griddle. For cuisinart, choose the Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler Elite. For simple, choose the Presto 07030 Cool Touch Electric Griddle.

For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our griddles research, though propane-fueled outdoor griddle, not a countertop electric, needs patio/deck space.

Electric griddle surface area determines how many portions you can cook simultaneously. Small (150 to 200 sq in): 4 pancakes or 2 eggs, adequate for 1 to 2 people. Medium (250 to 300 sq in): 6 to 8 pancakes or 4 eggs, the common household size for 2 to 4 people. Large (350+ sq in): 10 to 12 pancakes or 6 to 8 smash burgers simultaneously, for families or meal prep. The Cuisinart GR-300WS at 200 sq in and the Presto 07046 Tilt 'n Drain at 240 sq in are the most common household sizes. For smash burgers: surface area is secondary to temperature, the griddle must reach 375°F to 425°F for the Maillard crust.

375°F to 425°F sustained surface temperature for smash burger crust formation. Most electric griddles rated for 400°F to 425°F maximum produce adequate smash burger temperatures at their highest setting. The key: preheat the griddle fully before adding burgers (10 to 15 minutes on high), and verify the surface reaches the target temperature with a laser thermometer, the air temperature at the control dial is not the same as the actual cooking surface temperature, which can be 25°F to 50°F lower due to heat loss.

Removable non-stick plates (Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach) go in the dishwasher. Fixed plates (Presto, most budget griddles) must be wiped clean. At daily or frequent use: dishwasher-safe plates save 5 to 10 minutes per session. For occasional use: fixed plates are fine and less expensive.