For healthy and tasty grilling, the plancha is a better choice than the barbecue. No wonder that 4 out of 10 English people own one, the must-have being the gas plancha. Equipped with 2 to 4 burners with a minimum power of 5 kW, it has a cast iron, stainless steel or hard chrome cooking plate. To help you choose the right model for your needs, we have written this comparison of the best gas planchas.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"For the price, the Alice's Garden Porthos gas griddle is perfect. With its 4 burners and large plate, you can cook for more than 10…"
"Despite some shortcomings, the Happy Garden Mala is the ideal gas griddle for beginners. In addition to fulfilling its function, it is not too expensive…"
"The Campingaz EXB 2 is so practical that it will convert the most reluctant! It is robust, can withstand intensive use and has a large…"
"The dimensions of the AutoGas XPO-PG-80 are matched only by its price. This griddle has 3 burners and a hard chrome cooking plate of 80…"
For the price, the Alice's Garden Porthos gas griddle is perfect. With its 4 burners and large plate, you can cook for more than 10 people. You can add a removable cart if needed.
See the priceAlice's Garden opens this compartmental with the Porthos, a gas griddle equipped with 4 stainless steel burners of 10 kW power. Each burner has independent settings and the ignition is done by piezoelectric system. Unlike the 3-burner version, this one does not have a cart. But you can buy one separately.
The Alice's Garden Porthos is powered by 6 and 13 kg butane or propane and has a 77 x 34 cm cold-rolled enamel steel cooking surface. It is large enough for 10 or more people. For cleaning, you can remove the plate. However, we would have liked a larger grease trap.
Despite some shortcomings, the Happy Garden Mala is the ideal gas griddle for beginners. In addition to fulfilling its function, it is not too expensive and its maintenance is not complicated.
See the priceAt this price, it is surprising to see such a practical appliance. The Happy Garden Mala is a rather compact gas griddle with a 46.5 x 33.5 cm cooking plate, large enough for 6 people. It can cook all types of food and is easy to clean thanks to the grease trap. The piezo system simplifies and accelerates the lighting of the fire.
In addition to its 2 independent stainless steel burners of 5 kW, we appreciate the Happy Garden Mala for its panel under the plate which prevents the food from sticking. Compatible with propane or butane, this griddle is easy to clean. Just leave it on for a few minutes at full power and scrape the cooking surface.
The Campingaz EXB 2 is so practical that it will convert the most reluctant! It is robust, can withstand intensive use and has a large cooking surface. The price reflects the quality of this gas griddle.
211 £ on AmazonCampingaz offers the EXB 2, a large and particularly robust double enamelled steel griddle. Equipped with 2 separately adjustable 7.5 kW aluminized steel burners, it has a cooking surface of 66 x 42 cm. Its excellent heat distribution allows cooking on the entire surface of the griddle.
The Campingaz EXB 2 also has a cart with integrated spice basket, 2 folding side shelves and utensil hooks. For cleaning, you can put the grease trap in the dishwasher. You should also know that the 6 kg gas bottle can fit under the cart, but not the 13 kg one.
The dimensions of the AutoGas XPO-PG-80 are matched only by its price. This griddle has 3 burners and a hard chrome cooking plate of 80 x 40 cm. Make sure you have enough room for the appliance!
See the priceThe AutoGas XPO-PG-80 is huge, as evidenced by its measurements of 80 x 40 x 24 cm. Equipped with 3 independently adjustable burners of 12.6 kW, this high-end gas griddle is distinguished by its hard chrome cooking plate. Ultra resistant, this plate is 15 mm thick and has the same surface as the appliance.
This model is suitable for those who regularly receive family or friends for moments of relaxation and conviviality. In addition to the piezoelectric ignition, the AutoGas XPO-PG-80 has a grease trap and a stainless steel insulating wall at the back. Despite the size of the unit, maintenance is simple.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level gas griddle
The best gas griddle on a cart
The best hard chrome gas griddle
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | EXCELLENT | VERY GOOD | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
8/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Alice's Garden Porthos
|
Happy Garden Mala
|
Campingaz EXB 2
|
AutoGas XPO-PG-80
|
|
For the price, the Alice's Garden Porthos gas griddle is perfect. With its 4 burners and large plate, you can cook for more than 10 people. You can add a removable cart if needed.
|
Despite some shortcomings, the Happy Garden Mala is the ideal gas griddle for beginners. In addition to fulfilling its function, it is not too expensive and its maintenance is not complicated.
|
The Campingaz EXB 2 is so practical that it will convert the most reluctant! It is robust, can withstand intensive use and has a large cooking surface. The price reflects the quality of this gas griddle.
|
The dimensions of the AutoGas XPO-PG-80 are matched only by its price. This griddle has 3 burners and a hard chrome cooking plate of 80 x 40 cm. Make sure you have enough room for the appliance!
|
|
|
|
Cooks for 10 or more people
|
Compact and efficient appliance
|
Huge griddle, ideal for the whole family
|
Large enough to seat more than 10 people
|
|
|
Optional removable cart available
|
Excellent quality/price ratio
|
Good heat distribution over the entire cooking surface
|
Hard chrome cooktop, the strongest material for this type of appliance
|
|
|
Excellent value for money
|
Independent burners for easy use
|
Removable, dishwasher-safe grease tray
|
Excellent heat distribution
|
|
|
Cooks up to perfection
|
The presence of the gas inlet pipe on the front left detracts from the aesthetics of the unit
|
Practical wheeled cart
|
Easy to maintain despite its size
|
|
|
Featuring 4 independently adjustable burners
|
Baking plate only 3 mm thick
|
We wish we had a lid
|
Heavy and bulky
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
This criterion is of paramount importance. Expressed in watts or kilowatts, the power of a gas griddle determines its cooking speed. It should be at least 5 kW to properly sear meat, a little less for cooking vegetables and fish. Most burners have an independent knob to adjust the power.
A gas griddle has 2, 3 or 4 burners in steel, stainless steel or cast iron. The more there are, the more evenly the heat is distributed. Independent settings allow for different temperatures on the griddle. This way, one part of the cooking surface is used for searing while the other keeps the food warm.
The larger the griddle, the more guests you can entertain. Between 30 and 40 cm long, the cooking surface should be enough for 4 to 6 people. From 50 to 60 cm long, you could entertain up to 10 people. And between 70 and 90 cm, the cooking surface will cook for 10 to 15 people.
Most gas planchas run on propane and butane, packaged in 6 or 13 kg bottles. But there are differences. Propane is more resistant to cold. You can therefore use it outside. Moreover, this gas must imperatively remain outside the house. For indoor use, butane is ideal. Equip your plancha with a regulator adapted to the chosen gas. The piezoelectric ignition and the safety thermocouple facilitate the use of the device.
Manufacturers use 4 materials to design the griddle of gas planchas: steel, stainless steel, cast iron and hard chrome. The ability of the griddle to retain heat and distribute it, its lifespan and ease of cleaning depend on the material. The price also depends on the material, hard chrome being the most expensive. You should also consider the thickness of the cooktop
. If it is too thin, it may deform at high temperatures and will not last long. The thicker it is, the more its thermal inertia will allow it to retain heat. If possible, opt for a griddle with a 6 mm thick plate or more.
Some gas planchas have a removable cart with wheels. You can purchase one if your gas griddle lacks one. A tilting grid dle also has some utility, especially for cooking food in its juices or draining them easily. The lid is usually available as an option. The same goes for the cover. Finally, take the time to choose the right utensils. A long fork, a knife, a wide spatula and tongs are all you need to cook clean on a gas griddle. Choose stainless steel utensils, a material that does not corrode, does not heat up easily and is easy to clean.
Despite its heaviness, this material heats up quickly. It is excellent for distributing and retaining heat. Enameled cast iron is preferable to raw cast iron. Indeed, the latter tends to stick to the food and is prone to rust.
This is generally laminated carbon steel, a material that is accessible and distributes heat well. However, the steel plate retains heat for a shorter period of time than cast iron plates. Single or double enamelled steel has an anti-rust and non-stick coating and does not heat up as quickly as laminated steel.
More commonly known as stainless steel, this material is favored by professionals. It ensures a perfect hygiene while having a considerable lifespan. On the other hand, stainless steel is less efficient than steel or chrome in conducting heat.
This is the most expensive cooktop material. It offers excellent heat distribution, withstands very high temperatures, is easy to clean and is not affected by rust or scratches. In general, it costs 1,000 euros or more to buy a gas griddle with a hard chrome plate.
Enamel is a protection applied to the entire hob. It is used to increase the resistance of steel and cast iron against rust and corrosion. The thicker the enamel, the stronger the plate will be.
If your griddle is made of steel, cast iron or stainless steel, it should be culled before the first use. This way, the food will not stick and cleaning will be quick. Enamelled steel and hard chrome plates do not need to be culled.
For a steel plate, it is better to start by degreasing with white vinegar. Once the plate is dry, cook at 250°C. This temperature will create a brown, non-stick coating on the cooking surface. Repeat this operation to complete the basting.
If you have a stainless steel plate, clean it and heat it to dry. Then cook on the plate for 5 to 10 minutes so that the raw stainless steel absorbs the fat from the food. As with steel, repeat the process several times until a brown non-stick coating forms.
The most effective method is to use white vinegar. Pour it on the hot cooking surface and it will boil instantly. This will loosen the food deposits and all you have to do is scrape off the stubborn residue with a rounded-edge spatula. Lemon juice offers the same results, but is more corrosive.
Once the plate is perfectly clean, wipe it with a paper towel soaked in cooking oil. For a first cleaning, a trickle of warm water and a damp sponge may be enough. Those in a hurry can wait until after the meal to clean and preheat the griddle so they don't have to scrub!
If your griddle has an enamel coating, cleaning will require a degreaser and a sponge. To avoid scratching the enamel, avoid or limit scraping with hard utensils like a spatula. After cleaning an enamelled plate, apply edible oil to the entire plate.
Moisture is the weak point of planchas, so wipe your appliance thoroughly after cleaning. Many users recommend pouring ice cubes or cold water over the hot plate. Unless you have a hard chrome griddle, avoid this practice. The thermal shock does not help the appliance's longevity.
Before storing the griddle, oil the surface, including the sides. This operation is also valid after a period of hibernation. Any cooking oil will do, as long as it is applied in a thin layer. In addition to protecting the appliance, oiling makes it easier to cook after a long period without using the griddle.
Store your griddle in a dry place. To avoid dirtying or damaging it, cover the griddle with a cover or a tarp. If a cover is provided, it's even better! Before storing, don't forget to empty and clean the grease trap. This will save you from unpleasant surprises the next time you use it.
Start by scrubbing the rusty plate with a suitable cleaner. Then, gently rub the iron straw. Wipe with a cloth or paper towel, then spread a thin layer of olive oil. Wipe again, making sure the oil is evenly distributed. Finally, turn on the appliance. Gently scrape the baking sheet with a rounded-edge spatula from top to bottom and back again to avoid scratching the surface. Then wipe it clean.
For a healthy and fast cooking, use the gas griddle. It is a kitchen appliance equipped with a cooking plate, ideal for searing food while keeping its flavour. It can easily handle several types of cooking independently thanks to the different fires that make it up. The advantage of the gas griddle is that it does not need to be connected to an electrical source to operate. You can, as with a barbecue, use it outside.
The taste of food grilled on a gas griddle is comparable to that of food cooked in a frying pan, if not better. In addition, it heats up quickly (250°C in 8 minutes), which makes it easier to cook. However, the gas griddle is difficult to transport. It is also less safe than an electric griddle. In addition, to operate it, you are obliged to invest in one or 2 bottles of gas with the instructions that accompany them, a gas hose and a regulator.
The electric griddle is the easiest way to cook safely. Light and compact, you can easily place it on a table or on the balcony of your terrace. To start it, simply plug it into a mains supply, preheat it briefly and place the food you want to cook on it. One of the most convincing reasons to choose an electric griddle is that it is smoke-free.
On the other hand, you should understand that the electric griddle offers less power than a gas griddle. In addition, you can not cook several dishes at once with this type of plancha. It should also be noted that its temperature rise will be slower and it is mostly used indoors.
Both types of griddles have their advantages and disadvantages. However, an electric griddle is best suited for safe and easy indoor cooking. However, if you want a better quality of cooking or to take advantage of the outside air, a gas griddle is more suitable.
Tasty cooking
The gas griddle protects your food from the flames. Thus, the food keeps its flavor. It also reduces carcinogenic risks by avoiding the carbonization of fats. The cooking temperature is evenly distributed, so that the food cooks at the same time. It's hard to miss cooking your sausages, chickens and meats with a gas hob!
Safety
Generally, a gas griddle is an equipment intended for cooking outside the house. It is therefore safer because you do not risk having backfires. In addition, some models are equipped with a device that turns on automatically in case of a gas leak. This device turns off the burner and cuts off the gas supply.
Easy to use
The gas griddle is a very practical device. Unlike a barbecue, you don't need to add charcoal. To start it, all you have to do is press the buttons on the front of the appliance. In addition, a gas hob heats up quickly, so you don't have to wait several minutes before you can cook.
Easy to clean
Gas griddles are usually made of non-stick materials to prevent food from sticking. With a stainless steel griddle, you avoid problems related to corrosion. To clean the appliance, all you need is a sponge and food detergent.
Save money
A gas hob, since it does not require electricity, allows you to save energy. As a result, there are no constraints on its use, as it can be taken anywhere: on holiday, during a family gathering, at a picnic. In addition, you can adjust the temperature to your liking, once it is on high, so that you can limit your gas consumption.
In our opinion, the best brands of gas hobs in 2022 are :
Anyone who loves grilling is bound to have heard of this French brand. It specialises in the manufacture of gas and charcoal grills and cooking appliances. Campingaz planchas are a real reference, whether on a trolley or on a stand.
Alice's Garden is a specialist in outdoor furniture and equipment. It manufactures parasols, trampolines, garden furniture, barbecues and planchas. If you are looking for quality at a low price, this brand is the right one.
AutoGas is best known to the hotel and restaurant industry. It manufactures gas or electric planchas equipped with hard chrome cooking plates. If you are not afraid of the price and if you are looking for sturdiness, buy with your eyes closed.
Krampouz is an expert in precision cooking. It manufactures crepe makers, waffle irons, barbecues and gas planchas for professionals and individuals. Resolutely oriented towards the top of the range, this brand rarely disappoints.
Happy Garden has a very similar offer to Alice's Garden. Barbecues, spas, trampolines, planchas and lounges made of resin or aluminium are among their top products. If the Porthos griddle is sold out, you can buy the Happy Garden models.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Preheat the griddle before use.
For perfect cooking without sticking, let the griddle preheat for a few minutes at maximum power. This will allow it to accumulate a lot of heat. Check the temperature with a kitchen thermometer or by pouring a few drops of water on the griddle. Water droplets in the shape of balls should dance on the cooking surface if it is hot. Then the cooking can begin.
Clean up immediately after cooking.
A
beginner will be tempted to turn off the gas griddle and enjoy their meal before cleaning the griddle. Don't make this mistake! Even if you don't do a full cleaning, try to remove as much residue as possible while the griddle is still hot. As you proceed, you'll find that getting the residue off becomes easier.
Wait before turning fragile foods.
In
general, using a suitable utensil (tongs, scoop, spatula) prevents food from sticking. For fragile foods like fish, lightly oil the cooking surface, place a sheet of parchment paper on top, and sear the fish on the paper. The sheet will preserve the flesh of the fish while preventing it from sticking to the baking sheet.
Keep all ingredients on hand
Given the high temperatures, cooking on a plancha is fast. Even more so for a gas plancha! You must have all the ingredients, seasonings and utensils close to the appliance before you start cooking. Don't forget to prepare the accompaniments.
Marinate the meat to tenderize it.
Vinegar, lemon, verjuice or green fruit juices are effective in tenderizing meat. Marinate your preparations the night before for tender meat. To go faster, vacuum seal marinated meat. For pork, marinating in pineapple juice gives it an incredible tenderness.
In our opinion, the best gas griddle for most people is the Alice's Garden Porthos. At the entry level, the Happy Garden Mala is a must. If you're looking for sturdiness and cooking quality, the Campingaz EXB 2 is a must. Finally, the AutoGas XPO-PG-80 is for those looking for a top-of-the-line gas griddle.
Of all the griddles, the gas griddle offers the highest temperatures. To make the right choice, look at the power of the appliance, the number of burners, the cooking surface, the material used to make the griddle and the accessories provided.
The cooking plate of a gas griddle is made of cast iron, steel, stainless steel or hard chrome. Enamel is mainly used on steel and cast iron. It is a protective layer applied to the entire surface of the metal to prevent rust. The thicker the enamel, the longer the plate will last.
The golden rule is to clean the griddle while it is still hot. Pour white vinegar on the hot plate to loosen food residue more easily. Lemon juice will also do the trick. You can also preheat the griddle so you don't have to scrub. An enamel coating will need a degreaser and a sponge. Use ice cubes or cold water only to loosen residue on a hard chrome plate. Once the plate is clean, apply a thin layer of oil on the entire surface. For the body of the griddle, a damp sponge should suffice.
In our opinion, the best brands available in the UK are Campingaz, Alices's Garden, Happy Garden, Krampouz and AutoGas.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
