A griddle is an essential piece of cooking equipment for any home cook. From making pancakes and eggs for breakfast, to cooking up burgers and vegetables for dinner, a good griddle can be used for a variety of tasty meals. When shopping for a new griddle, timing your purchase strategically can help you save money.

Why Buying a Griddle at the Right Time Matters

Griddles can be quite an investment, with prices ranging from $20 for a small electric model up to $500 or more for a large, commercial-grade grill. Purchasing a griddle is not generally an impulse buy for most households. Consumers often research different models and compare prices before deciding.

By paying attention to certain sales cycles and shopping events throughout the year, you can often score significant discounts on quality griddles. Saving 20% to 50% or more off full price makes the purchase more affordable.

Timing is also important if you need a griddle for a particular season. If you want to enjoy delicious summertime meals outdoors with a new griddle, be sure to purchase well before the peak of grilling season when selection is low and prices are higher.

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Griddle

Generally speaking, the best times to buy consumer appliances and household items are during major holiday sales events. Here is an overview of some of the top sales for griddles during the year:

Early Winter Sales

Early winter, from early November through December, can be a good time to find deals on indoor electric griddles. Retailers will be clearing inventory to make room for new products in the new year, leading to sales. Keep an eye out for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales.

Post-Holiday Clearance Sales

January and February are often host to inventory clearance sales after the holidays have ended. This is especially true for department stores and big box retailers like Walmart, Target, etc. Expect to see significant discounts on remaining griddle stock. Even high-end models may be marked down temporarily.

Spring Sales

As the weather warms up in March-April, retailers will begin putting summer grilling supplies on display, including outdoor propane griddles. This is in anticipation of the summer cooking and entertaining season. Look for sales during this transition period to score discounts before peak pricing hits.Some of the best deals for outdoor griddles can be found on or around Memorial Day weekend in late May. Keep an eye out both in stores and online for Memorial Day sales.

Where to Find the Best Griddle Sales

In addition to the sales timing, where you shop plays an important role in finding griddle deals. Here are some of the best places to watch for discounts:

Department Stores

Stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and other department chains usually discount prices on home goods a few times per year. Often you’ll need to wait for a storewide sale event to save. Sign up for their promotional emails to stay updated on sales.

Big Box Retailers

Watch for griddle sales at Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, etc. Their buying power allows them to offer discounted prices regularly. Check both in-store and online for deals.

Hardware/Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware also sell griddles. Follow their seasonal sales cycles and you can often save money. Expect to find more outdoor models here.

Online Retailers

Keep an eye on Amazon, Overstock, WayFair and other online stores for griddle deals. Make sure to compare their prices against other retailers. Free shipping offers may also be available.

Manufacturer Websites

If you have a brand preference, check the manufacturer’s website directly. Companies like Cuisinart, Blackstone, Camp Chef offer promotions periodically. Sign up for their email list to receive sale notifications.

How to Choose the Right Griddle

While timing your griddle purchase around sales is great for maximizing savings, it’s equally important to select the right griddle for your cooking needs. Taking the time to determine the features you require will ensure you choose a model you’ll enjoy using for years to come.

Griddle Buying Considerations

Here are some key factors to evaluate when choosing a griddle:

Type of Griddle

The two main categories are electric or propane griddles. Electric models are convenient for countertop cooking indoors. Propane griddles hook up to a gas tank and are ideal for BBQs and outdoor use. Smaller electric units can be portable, while most propane models are larger.

Size

Griddle plates range in cooking surface size from about 100 square inches for personal electric models up to 700+ square inches for giant outdoor griddles. Determine how much cooking space you need to handle the amount of food you’ll cook in one batch. Bigger allows for more portions at once.

Temperature Controls

Higher priced griddles tend to come with more precise heat and temperature controls. Basic models may just have low/medium/high settings. Advanced griddles allow you to dial in a specific temp, and have multiple zones for custom heating. Consider your needs around temperature regulation for your style of cooking.

Ease of Cleaning

While all griddles require regular cleaning, some models are easier to maintain than others. Electric griddles with removable plates and dishwasher safe parts make cleanup simpler. Outdoor griddles are harder to clean so stainless steel is best for durability and wiping down.

Special Features

Higher end griddles boast extra features like multiple cooking zones, side tables and shelves, grease management systems, timers, non-stick surfaces, and more. Consider which features would be useful to best suit your cooking requirements.

Budget

Griddle prices span from about $20 to $500 or more. Set a budget to narrow down options to only griddles you can comfortably afford. Keep quality and durability in mind as very cheap griddles tend to underperform.

Types of Griddles

To determine what style of griddle is right for you, consider where and how you want to use it:

Electric Griddles

Best for indoor countertop cooking. Offer convenient temperature controls and plug into a standard outlet. Models range from small personal sizes ($$) up to large family sizes ($$$$). Some electric griddles are dual-sided or have removable plates for flexibility.

Stovetop Griddles

These lay right on your existing stovetop surface to add griddle cooking capability. No electricity required. Models are typically smaller in size due to stovetop space limitations. Great for small batches of food. Affordable option just $$-$$$.

Propane Griddles

Ideal for outdoor BBQs. Hook up to propane tank for grilling. Available in both portable small sizes and giant built-in sizes. Large surface areas allow for cooking full meals. Start around $$ for portable up to $$$$ for high-end stainless steel.

Dual Fuel Griddles

Higher priced models offer dual fuel options to run on either electricity or propane for flexibility. Allow you to use indoors or outdoors. Zoned temperature controls. Luxury choice $$$$-$$$$$.

Top 10 Griddle Reviews and Recommendations

Now that you know what features to look for and the different griddle types available, here are 10 great griddle options worth considering for your home:

1. Presto 22-inch Electric Griddle

Best Electric Griddle Under $50With 200 square inches of cooking space, this budget-friendly Presto electric griddle is ideal for small families. The textured nonstick surface helps reduce sticking and is easy to clean. Fully immersible and dishwasher safe. Great starter griddle!Price Range: $30-$45

2. BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle

Best Electric Griddle Under $75This family size electric griddle boasts a 315 square inch cooking surface to handle several portions at once. The integrated drip tray catches grease while you cook. Temperature control dial allows custom heating up to 400°F.Price Range: $55-$75

3. Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle

Best Dual Burner Electric GriddleThe Cuisinart double griddle features two burners to cook different foods at separate temps up to 425°F. Reversible nonstick plates allow grill or flat griddle cooking. Stainless steel body with integrated grease channel looks sleek.Price Range: $140-$160

4. Blackstone 22” Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill Griddle

Best Outdoor Propane GriddleThis restaurant-grade Blackstone griddle is perfect for outdoor cooking on your patio or at camp. Massive 470 square inch stainless steel cooktop plus side shelf provide ample space for meals. Dual heat controls on propane-fueled burners.Price Range: $270-$300

5. Camp Chef Flat Top Grill 600

Best Large Outdoor GriddleThe extra large 604 square inch grilling surface on this Camp Chef griddle can handle 30+ burgers at once! Rolled edges contain mess on the huge cooking area. Portable propane fuel and matchless ignition makes it easy to use for camping or tailgating.Price Range: $280-$320

6. Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill/Griddle

Best Electric Griddle ComboGet a 2-in-1 griddle and grill in one with this Hamilton Beach electric combo cooker! Large 200 square inch plates are reversible – one side griddle, one side grill. Hood pops up to cover like a contact grill to melt cheese, etc. Great versatility!Price Range: $60-$80

7. Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Griddle

Best Electric Griddle for PancakesThe Oster DuraCeramic griddle is specially designed for even heat distribution – great for perfect pancakes and eggs! Titanium infused ceramic coating is 4X more durable than standard nonstick coatings. Natural nonstick avoids oil for healthy cooking.Price Range: $55-$70

8. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle

Best Cast Iron Griddle PanThis versatile Lodge cast iron griddle transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven up to 500°F. The 10.5 inch round cooking surface handles everything from pancakes to meat. Pre-seasoned with oil for immediate use – just keep seasoning over time.Price Range: $15-$25

9. NutriChef Double Electric Hot Plate

Best Small Electric GriddleThe NutriChef portable double burner hot plate is perfect for dorm rooms or small kitchens with limited space. Two independent cooking zones allow you to heat two items at custom temps. Great for eggs, pancakes, and more!Price Range: $55-$65

10. BLACK+DECKER Family-Sized Electric Griddle with Warming Tray

Best Electric Griddle with Warming TrayThis top-rated electric griddle from Black & Decker has a 200 square inch nonstick cooking surface plus an integrated warming tray to keep food hot after cooking. Temperature control dial goes up to 400°F. Large drip tray handles grease cleanup.Price Range: $52-$65

Griddle FAQs

Still have some questions about purchasing or using a griddle? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Q: What size griddle is best?
A: The best size griddle depends on your needs. Smaller 100-200 square inch models work well for 1-2 people while 300+ inch griddles accommodate 4+ people. Outdoor propane griddles are often 400-700+ square inches since they cook full meals. Consider how much food you normally cook at once.

Q: Which is better – electric or propane griddle?
A: Electric griddles are convenient for indoor cooking and maintain even heating. Propane griddles hook up to gas tanks making them ideal for outdoor use where electricity may be limited. Dual fuel griddles offer the versatility of both in one unit.

Q: How do you properly season a new griddle?
A: Seasoning fills in the pores of the metal to create an initial nonstick surface. Coat your new griddle in a thin layer of oil and heat on medium for 10 mins. Let cool and repeat oil coating and heating several times. The griddle is seasoned once it develops a darker patina.

Q: What is the best way to clean a griddle after use?
A: Start by thoroughly scraping off any stuck-on food debris with a metal spatula while the griddle is still warm. Then wipe the surface clean with a soft cloth or paper towels. Use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap if needed. Avoid abrasive scouring pads.