The plancha produces heat to grill meat, fish or vegetables. It offers the possibility of a cooking without fat and healthier than the barbecue. Attracting more and more English people, it comes in 2 versions: electric or gas. But which one to choose? You will surely fall for one of the models presented in this complete buying guide!
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Our selection
"This gas griddle is primarily designed for outdoor cooking. Its large enamelled plate offers enough surface for a whole family and some guests."
"Smaller budgets will appreciate the large cooking surface, even heat distribution and ease of cleaning of this griddle. All in all, it's a great success!"
"Designed for the restaurant world, this griddle is remarkably powerful. Its cast iron cooking surface ensures sturdiness and durability. Ideal for 6 to 8 people."
"The Tristar BP-2834 stands out because of the size of its cooking surface which measures 100 x 22 cm. This huge griddle has enough space…"
This gas griddle is primarily designed for outdoor cooking. Its large enamelled plate offers enough surface for a whole family and some guests.
96 £ on ManomanoThe Alice's Garden Porthos PH1003SB griddle is powered exclusively by butane or propane gas. It has 3 stainless steel burners that share the total power of 7,500 W for a more even distribution of heat. Its front panel is made entirely of stainless steel, which is proof of its durability and resistance. Its cooking surface is made of black enamelled cold rolled steel.
To optimize the level of comfort, the griddle is equipped with a piezo ignition and large chrome switches on the burner valves. The removable griddle, measuring 61 x 33.5 cm, promises enough space to serve up to 8 people. The grease trap in the form of a drawer is also detachable for easy cleaning.
Smaller budgets will appreciate the large cooking surface, even heat distribution and ease of cleaning of this griddle. All in all, it's a great success!
44 £ on BoulangerThe Tefal CB503813 Malaga offers you its high power of 2,000 W, ideal for cooking even large pieces. It has a cooking area of 50 x 26.5 cm, a total surface of 1325 cm². This means you can prepare food for 6 to 8 people. The cooking plate, which is removable like the grease trap, is equipped with a non-stick coating. It ensures a fast heating time and an even heat distribution.
The Thermo-Spot technology warns you when the griddle is ready for use. Of course, there's nothing to stop you from cleaning it in the washing machine, which will save you time during maintenance. The 6-position adjustable thermostat makes it even more convenient for you to adjust the temperature as you wish. We only regret that it is quite limited in terms of options, otherwise it would have been perfect.
Designed for the restaurant world, this griddle is remarkably powerful. Its cast iron cooking surface ensures sturdiness and durability. Ideal for 6 to 8 people.
196 £ on AmazonTo take care of your customers, nothing beats a quality plancha like the Royal Catering RCEG-55. It is especially designed for restaurant owners and managers of snack bars or food trucks. Its thermostat operates automatically for better cooking and sets the temperature between 30 and 300°C. The infrared heating elements ensure that the heat is evenly distributed. The integrated drip tray is used to collect the cooking juices. The removable drip tray allows for quick and easy cleaning.
This powerful 3,000 W griddle promises a spacious, perfectly flat, 55 cm long cast iron cooking surface. You can prepare omelets, mirror eggs or pancakes on it. Safety is not forgotten as it is equipped with a splash guard system on both the sides and the back.
The Tristar BP-2834 stands out because of the size of its cooking surface which measures 100 x 22 cm. This huge griddle has enough space to satisfy the appetite of a dozen people.
52,57 £ on AmazonAre you a large family or do you often have friends over for a festive, gourmet evening? It's hard to resist the call of this XXXL plancha. Its large cooking area measures 100 x 22 cm, perfect if you're cooking for a small crowd of 10 people. The Cool Touch handles make it easy to carry without fear of being burned. The non-stick coating guarantees easy cleaning and prevents your food from sticking to it.
It is of course equipped with an adjustable thermostat, but this time it is located on the removable power cord. Excess fat is automatically emptied via the drip tray. The heating time is fast thanks to its power of 1800 W.
Any specific needs?
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Alice's Garden Porthos PH1003SB
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Tefal CB503813 Malaga
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Royal Catering RCEG-55
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Tristar BP-2834
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This gas griddle is primarily designed for outdoor cooking. Its large enamelled plate offers enough surface for a whole family and some guests.
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Smaller budgets will appreciate the large cooking surface, even heat distribution and ease of cleaning of this griddle. All in all, it's a great success!
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Designed for the restaurant world, this griddle is remarkably powerful. Its cast iron cooking surface ensures sturdiness and durability. Ideal for 6 to 8 people.
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The Tristar BP-2834 stands out because of the size of its cooking surface which measures 100 x 22 cm. This huge griddle has enough space to satisfy the appetite of a dozen people.
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Wattage
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7,500 W (545.7 g/hr)
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2,000 W
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3,000 W
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1800 W
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Cooking surface area
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61 x 33.5 cm
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50 x 26.5 cm (1325 cm²)
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55 x 35 cm
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100 x 22 cm
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Material
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Black enameled, cold-rolled steel
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Aluminum, thermoplastic
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Stainless steel, cast iron
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-
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Number of guests
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Serves 6 to 8 people
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6 to 8 people
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-
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Up to 10 people
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Fat trap
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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On the market, you can find gas or electric planchas. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Because of the danger and the size, the gas model is intended for outdoor use. Gas has the advantage of heating the griddle faster than electric power. On the other hand, a gas griddle is expensive and cannot be used inside the house.
On the other hand, an electric griddle is more suitable for indoor use. But nothing prevents you from using it outside. However, electricity heats up the plate less quickly, although it offers better temperature control. And in terms of price, electric planchas start at 30 €, while gas models are inaccessible at less than 80 €.
Pay particular attention to the material making up the cooking plate. The latter must allow a fast and uniform diffusion of the heat coming from the resistances or the burners. The plate must also remain at high temperature when you add food to cook, be non-stick and easy to clean. To meet these requirements, a hard chrome steel plate is the best choice. However, this material is expensive. Enameled or double-enameled cast iron meets most expectations and seems more affordable.
One step below, you will find enameled steel. This material offers less facilities for thermal inertia and heat distribution. If possible, avoid unprotected cast iron and steel plates. Food will stick to them, making cleaning difficult. The same goes for stainless steel and laminated metals, which are beautiful to look at, but which conduct heat poorly. And choose a stainless steel frame for easier maintenance and greater robustness. Finally, we highly recommend a stainless steel, dishwasher-safe grease trap.
The dimensions of a plancha affect the size of its cooking surface. Plates 30 to 40 cm long are sufficient for up to 4 guests. For 8 to 10 people, a 50 to 60 cm long griddle will do. And go up to more than 70 cm long if you regularly entertain more than 10 people or if you cook meat at the same time as vegetables.
Note, however, that the size of the cooking plate has an impact on the power of the plancha. The larger the appliance, the more heaters or burners it will need. Also, make sure the griddle reaches 300°C or more, if possible with independently adjustable burners. But don't forget that the bigger the griddle, the heavier it will be!
As a general rule, the griddle is equipped with either a cooking plate resting on a stainless steel or painted steel chassis, or on a cart. If the steel frame, with a minimum of bulk, offers a better resistance to shocks, the stainless steel, it is quite affordable in terms of price. Moreover, the latter is very resistant to corrosion and can be easy to maintain.
On the other hand, the cart is quite bulky, but you will be able to cook and grill your food by taking advantage of the height offered by the stand. It has several shelves giving you the possibility to store your ingredients, your utensils and all your necessities to cook cleaner.
Just like the barbecue, the plancha will have to be installed on a stable support, far from the wind, dry herbs and any flammable products. Think first of where you are going to place it before the final purchase. Ideally, it should be placed away from your guests and walls, although it does not give off fumes. The presence of a chassis with wheels and a lid is an interesting option. The electric model is perfectly suited for use on the balcony or terrace. On the other hand, a gas griddle is more suitable for outdoor use.
The essentials
A good plancha is nothing without accessories that facilitate its use. Among the essentials, we note theremovable grease trap. On some appliances, it is located under the cooking plate. For others, it is placed on the side. For gas models,piezo or battery ignition is standard.
Some planchas are sold with acart, sometimes integrated, sometimes removable. The latter can be very practical for moving the appliance. Thelid is also a must, especially for outdoor planchas. And in any case, buya cover to protect the appliance against dust and bad weather.
Secondary accessories and utensils
On the market, there are planchas with reversible plates. Others have a tilting plate, which facilitates the flow of grease. The thermocouple can also be useful. Indeed, it allows the passage of gas and allows to cut it in case of non-combustion. Butkeep in mind that these different options will increase the price regardless of the price of the plancha.
Most manufacturers of planchas offer utensils adapted to their appliances.Forks, spatulas, knives and other tongs are used to move or turn the food. The flat spatula is also used to remove food from the plate. Only buy stainless steel ones. They do not corrode, transfer little heat and are easier to clean.
Know that you can use the utensils you already have at home, but also utensils of a different brand from your plancha. The main thing is that they are stainless steel and allow you to turn or move the food easily. As for the cart, you won't necessarily need one. You can simply place the griddle on a table.
Plancha still hot
Turn off and unplug the griddle before cleaning. Pour warm water over the hot cooking surface. This process makes it easier to remove food residue. Then simply scrape or clean with a damp sponge.
Use the flat spatula or a wooden spatula to scrape the plate. If you have difficulty removing everything,don't rub with an abrasive product. It is better to repeat the operation several times. Empty the grease trap and rinse it with a damp sponge.
Plancha cooled
For some reason, you may not have had time to clean the unit while it was still hot. Don't panic, you can do it once the griddle has cooled down. The best option is to use baking soda.
First, pour water over the griddle with a wet sponge. Next, sprinkle the wet surface with baking soda powder. Stir gently with a spatula. Then wipe with a paper towel and rinse with clean water.
What to do
It's best to put oil on your griddle if the coating is laminated steel. Otherwise, the surface may oxidize. Scrub the cooking surface with half a lemon if you have cooked strong smelling foods such as fish or shellfish. This eliminates bad odors.
Don't just focus on cleaning. Protecting the griddle is also important. If stored outdoors, fold down the lid andcover it with a cover or tarp to prevent damage. Oil laminated carbon steel griddles regularly.
What to avoid
Contrary to what some users recommend, donot use ice cubes or ice water. Indeed, the thermal shock will not make your plancha last, because it accelerates its degradation. Only hard chrome models can withstand this treatment.
For cleaning,using a household product has no interest. The detergent will inevitably leave an unpleasant taste on the griddle. Grilling with a soap-like aftertaste will not please your family and guests!
White vinegar is also not very interesting, which is why we suggested half a lemon above. Besides, you won't need it at all if you use your plancha on a regular basis.
Some griddles are dishwasher safe, as are some grease trays. If your plancha allows this facility, do not hesitate. For utensils, put them in the dishwasher as well to save time. Scrub only when the residue is difficult to remove.
If the plancha is the darling of today's consumers, it is mainly because of its ability to keep the flavors of food. It is also an alternative cooking method for better health. So, do you prefer the gas or electric model?
For obvious safety reasons, the gas griddle cannot be used indoors. As a result, your grilling will depend a lot on the weather. On the other hand, this type of appliance is easily lit by piezo or batteries, and rises quickly in temperature. It takes an average of 8 minutes to heat up to 250°C. The plate of a gas griddle diffuses the heat well. The regulation of the temperature is done by hand or automatically for some models. In terms of size, the griddle comes directly with the propane or butane cylinder. Finally, you must take into account the refill, especially if the device has more than 3 burners.
Note that its burners spread the heat evenly and can reach very high and adjustable temperatures. Apart from its high price, this type of plancha is quite bulky since it must be accompanied by a cylinder, a regulator, a hose ... If you find a gas barbecue too bulky, too expensive and too difficult to clean, try the gas griddle. It offers the same quality of cooking and is much more practical.
Contrary to the gas model, the electric plancha costs less and is suitable for indoor use. You can also install it on the terrace or in the garden, as long as you can find an adequate electrical connection. However, it takes longer to heat up. It takes an average of 12 minutes to reach 250°C.
The main defect of the electric plancha comes from its connection. Often, the power cord is quite, or even very short, forcing you to use an extension cord. And as mentioned above, this parameter is to be taken into account for outdoor use. On the other hand, you will have better control of the temperature thanks to the thermostats. If you live in an apartment, the electric griddle is the ideal choice, although it still gives off smoke. There is no risk of fire or explosion, unlike gas. However, remember to equip yourself with an extension cord.
It's hard to say, as each one has its own undeniable arguments and defects. In addition, all cooking methods are equal. It all depends on your tastes, your budget and your habits. If you have a garden, opt for the gas griddle. If you don't have one, choose the electric griddle.
The plancha is one of the easiest cooking appliances to use. Considered a cooking method in its own right, it allows you to cook your food without adding fat. Its greatest asset is the absence of smoke emitted during use. With such an equipment, you will be able to prepare all types of recipes from meat to fresh fruits. If large pieces have difficulty cooking, small portions will be cooked evenly and perfectly.
Thanks to the adjustable thermostat, you will be able to regulate the temperature according to the type of food to cook. Available in 2 versions, you can choose between the gas griddle and the electric griddle. The first one can be used outdoors while the second one is more suitable for indoor use. With an average power of 2000 Watts, the griddle benefits from an impeccable finish and manufacturing quality.
Barbecuing is particularly tasty. Whether you want to grill or smoke your food, it won't be swimming in fat like frying. Used preferably outdoors, this type of cooking device exposes food to a heat source that allows it to cook efficiently. Combustion, gas, smoke or electric, there is no shortage of models that can be adapted to all uses.
Although practical, the contact of animal fat with flames can produce carcinogenic elements. Also, you must constantly monitor the embers. The heat is not always emitted evenly over the entire grill.
The barbecue and the plancha are two types of cooking appliances that each offer different advantages. As they can be complementary, you can use a barbecue for outdoor use while a plancha is best suited for indoor use (except for gas planchas). Note that there are currently models of built-in plancha allowing you to save space in your kitchen.
Versatile
The plancha can be installed both indoors and outdoors. You can put it in the garden, on your terrace or balcony. Moreover, the dishes that can be prepared on it are of a great variety and are very tasty; whether it is beef or pork, fish, shellfish, vegetables and even fruits.
Preserved nutrients
An undeniable advantage of the plancha is the preservation of the taste and nutritional value of food. It allows for rapid cooking in about ten minutes. The vitamins and nutrients contained in your food will not be denatured by the heat imposed. It is also an excellent way to eliminate animal waste and to have a healthy food. In short, it contributes to your health and well-being.
No use of fat
The plancha is an ideal ally for people who do not like greasy cooking. Unlike cooking in a pan, it does not require the addition of fat. This gives it an undeniable advantage in terms of weight and health.
User-friendly
The plancha is currently available in models that can be placed directly on the table. It allows your guests to participate in the preparation of the meal. Everyone can cook what they want. You have the possibility to live a convivial moment with your friends and your family. It is also an excellent way to create cohesion between colleagues, during a small barbecue or during a team building session.
Ecological and economical
Running on gas or electricity, the use of a plancha considerably reduces greenhouse gas emissions. And it doesn't involve any additional expenses, unlike the classic charcoal barbecue. In addition, electricity is much cheaper than buying fuel.
In our opinion, the best brands of planchas in 2022 are :
Lagrange is a French brand created in 1955, it started producing its first grill in 1989. Today, it is one of the most appreciated brands on the plancha market. Lagrange offers high-performance, aesthetic and durable products.
Tefal is a French manufacturer of kitchen utensils and small appliances belonging to Groupe SEB (the world's leading manufacturer of kitchen utensils). This brand is a safe bet: it offers innovative, ergonomic and efficient planchas.
Alice's Garden is a specialist in outdoor furniture and equipment. It manufactures parasols, trampolines, garden furniture, but it is also known for its barbecues and planchas. If you're looking for quality for cheap, this brand is just right.
This brand has been around for 70 years. Anyone who loves grilling is bound to have heard of this French brand. It specializes in the manufacture of gas or charcoal grills and cooking appliances. On a cart or on a stand, Campingaz planchas are real references.
Krampouz is a French manufacturer of domestic and professional cooking appliances. Founded in 1949 in Pouldreuzic, Brittany, it is best known for its range of crepe makers, waffle makers and planchas. Resolutely turned towards the top of the range, this brand rarely disappoints.
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.
Combine plancha and marinade
To bring more flavor, marinate your meats and fish for about 30 minutes before putting them on your plancha. For your marinade, you can use olive oil, lemon juice, wine, spices, etc. But be careful not to mix too many ingredients to avoid loss of taste. And don't forget to drain the food well before putting it on the plancha.
Use the right utensils
To turn the food on your plancha, choose tongs rather than a fork. The latter spoils the appearance of the food and promotes the release of juices. Also, when you are going to make skewers, make sure to oil the metal picks beforehand, and soak the wooden picks for half an hour in cold water so they don't burn.
Cook your meats the right way
It is advisable to cut the meat into small pieces for faster cooking. Also, in order for the meat to be juicy, let it rest for a few moments in aluminum foil after cooking. Also, salt your meat only when you serve it, not before, to preserve the juices.
Lightly oil your plancha
To prevent your meat from sticking to the plancha, remember to lightly oil the plate with a brush or paper towel before cooking. Also, make sure that the appliance is hot when you are going to place the meat. Note that you should only grease the griddle when necessary, as the purpose of a griddle is primarily to limit fat.
Make your own plancha
If you don't want to invest in a stand-alone griddle just yet, it is entirely possible to DIY a temporary griddle. To do this, get a food-grade stainless steel plate. It should be thick and suitable for the size of your stove. To fix it temporarily over the fires, drill holes on all 4 sides and run wire through them.
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