How a Grill is Different from a Griddle

 

The main difference between a grill and a griddle is the cooking surface. A grill uses metal grates that are typically spread about a half inch apart. This allows the heat from the flame to cook the food directly while the grease drips to the tray without making a mess or starting a fire. A griddle is a heated, flat surface with evenly distributed heat that allows for even cooking of thinner foods that should be cooked quickly (like eggs or fried rice). Charcoal grills are popular for barbecue cooking because of the extra flavor that comes from the smoke of the burning wood. Gas grills are a convenient alternative that makes lighting and cooking on the grill faster and easier at the expense of some of the natural smoke flavor.

Lower-priced grills often use chromed steel for the metal grates. Higher-cost options use cast iron or porcelain enameled steel for the grills. You'll also find solid grills that are similar to a griddle but usually have ridges to allow for grease to drain away while leaving beautiful sear marks on the meat.

What is a Griddle?

 A griddle is defined primarily by the use of a heavy-gauge metal plate that acts as the cooking surface. 

Most griddles are heated using natural gas while some are also heated by electricity. Typical outdoor freestanding griddles use propane that is commonly stored in portable tanks. A griddle can also be plumbed to use natural gas from the house supply.

A griddle will typically have a trough around at least one edge to catch excess oil and grease that then flows into a catch can for easier cleanup. In order for a griddle to work well, The Cooking Surface Must Be Seasoned And Maintained, which can take a bit of effort and time, but it's essential for producing a non-stick surface that is healthy and clean to cook food on.

The Official Start of Autumn Season!

 

Here are Three (3) Reasons to Change Your Decor in the Fall

As the season changes and we move from summer into fall, we are often inspired to change our decor. But why? Are there any good reasons to do it?

YES, there are several. And they are all good for us!  READ MORE

Do You Need a Grill if You Have a Griddle?

 Grill - Griddle Combo

Because the two cooking instruments are so different, you'll probably want both a grill and a griddle to get the cooking results you want. With a griddle, you won't get direct exposure to flame that allows for the surface of your meat to get a beautiful sear, but instead you'll have a more uniform surface. This is because of the design and construction of a griddle. READ MORE

What's Better: A Grill or a Griddle?

 

A good griddle is better than a bad grill, but all things equal, the two cooking tools are significantly different and it's difficult to say which is actually better.

Cooking on a grill and a griddle is a different experience, too. You'll use different techniques and tools to get the kinds of results you hope for from a griddle versus a gas or charcoal grill. If you are thinking about picking up a griddle, we'll walk through some of the things you should look for and how a griddle can improve your cooking experiences.

Some people will find that they prefer cooking on a griddle over a grill while others find the smell and flavor of a charcoal grill to be an essential part of the cooking process.

Comparing the two cooking tools isn't easy to do because of the significant differences in materials, cooking fuels, and results.

Grills vs Griddles (Flat Tops): What You need to Know Series

Grills are one of the most iconic American cooking instruments that are practically a requirement for outdoor get-togethers. 

Most people are more familiar with griddles at diners and restaurants where the flat surface sizzles and sears in the background all day long rather than a tool for cooking up some steaks at the next holiday barbecue.

But a griddle can unlock opportunities to prepare a wide variety of food items with an easy-to-clean cooking surface. Our next blog series will do a "deep dive" into the pros/cons of grills and griddles. ENJOY!

20 Vegetables You Can Re-Grow From Scraps

 

Sure, you’ve heard that buying organic food over the genetically modified or pesticide exposed versions is ideal for your health, but it can get costly.

Due to the limited supply of organic foods as well as the additional labor and maintenance required to produce them, you may be paying 20-100% more for an organic banana!

Fortunately, here are 20 vegetables and herbs you can grow indoors using parts of the produce you would throw away anyways, and this can save you a pretty penny the next time you go grocery shopping.

Click Here for all the details

Happy Labor Day From Team Hoffmann

 

As we reach the official end of summer...

Team Hoffmann wants to wish everyone a Happy Labor Day... Enjoy The Weekend with Friends and Family!