Electric Vs Gas Commercial Griddles: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

Ready to pick your champion? Follow these steps to make an informed decision for your commercial kitchen!

STEP 1: Define Your Menu & Service Flow

Actionable Question: What percentage of your menu items will rely heavily on the griddle (e.g., breakfast, burgers, stir-fries)? Do you need precise temperature control for delicate items or high-volume, rapid searing?

Specific Task:

• List your top 5 griddle-dependent dishes. For each, note the ideal cooking temperature and cooking time.

• Estimate your peak hour griddle volume. (e.g., "We expect to make 100 burgers/hour during lunch rush"). This helps determine required griddle size and power.

Why this matters: This step directly links your culinary vision to the griddle's functional requirements.

STEP 2: Assess Your Kitchen's Infrastructure & Utilities ⛽

Actionable Question: Can your current building infrastructure support the griddle you desire without costly overhauls?

Specific Task:

• Consult your building's electrical plans: Identify available amperage and dedicated circuits near the proposed griddle location. If considering electric, determine if you need to upgrade your panel or run new lines.

• Verify gas line availability and pressure: If considering gas, confirm there's an existing gas line close by with sufficient pressure for a commercial griddle. (Refer to the gas appliance pressure requirements in your kitchen design documents).

• Evaluate your ventilation system: Ensure your current hood system has the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) capacity to handle the heat and exhaust from your chosen griddle type, especially if it's a powerful gas unit.

Why this matters: Skipping this can lead to unexpected expenses and project delays.

STEP 3: Calculate Total Cost of Ownership & Operational Fit ✅

Actionable Question: Beyond the sticker price, what's the true long-term cost and operational impact of each griddle type for your specific business?

Specific Task:

Get quotes for both electric and gas griddle models of the size and capacity you need.

• Obtain installation estimates from licensed contractors for both electrical and gas hookups. Include any potential upgrades (e.g., electrical panel, new gas line, enhanced ventilation).

• Research local utility rates: Compare the cost per kWh for electricity vs. cost per therm/cubic foot for natural gas in your area. Use your estimated daily griddle usage (from Step 1) to project monthly energy costs for each type.

Consider ongoing maintenance: Electric griddles generally have fewer moving parts, potentially leading to lower maintenance. Gas griddles require periodic checks of burners and gas lines.

Involve your lead chef/kitchen manager: Get their input on the feel and workflow of both types. Chef familiarity can significantly impact efficiency.

Why this matters: This holistic view helps you avoid hidden costs and ensures the griddle truly fits your daily operations.

Contact Us for Expert Consultation

For more details on designing the perfect walk-in refrigerator or any commercial kitchen equipment inquiries, contact us at benny@ntsmart.com.