Commercial Griddles Pricing and Costs

Know what to look for when it comes to commercial griddles pricing and costs

A commercial griddle's pricing and costs depends on many factors--the model you select, the size of the cooking surface, and how it is powered. You can buy commercial stovetop griddles that are powered by electric, gas or steam. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages, but their benefits depend on the type of cooking you need to do.

When you're in the market for commercial griddles, pricing and costs shouldn't be your only consideration. You also need to consider the following:

1. Decide how much space you have available for a commercial griddle.

2. Ask yourself which types of kitchen griddles suit your cooking style.

3. Do your homework on commercial griddle manufacturers and vendors.

 

Consider your available space and needs before you choose your restaurant griddles

If you don't have enough burners to use a commercial stove top griddle, you may want to look into a free-standing version. While these are more expensive, they can provide a much larger cooking surface. Some come equipped with a stove underneath; others have shelving. A commercial electric griddle will need to be plugged in, so you must be sure the available space has electricity nearby. If not, choose a self-contained gas griddle instead.
Try: Instawares has griddle-top gas ranges that cost between $2000-8000. ACityDiscount sells flat griddles that can be placed on the counter top for $800-4000 and freestanding ones for $1500-2000.

Select from stovetop griddles, industrial electric griddles and gas-fired griddles

If you need only a small griddle, you may be able to get one inexpensively in the housewares department of a retail store. These smaller-sized griddles may work well for catering or for a bit of additional griddle space during peak times. For most restaurants, though, industrial griddles are a better choice. They are much more expensive, but will provide a larger cooking surface, allowing you to prepare more foods to meet the needs of your clientele.
Try: Cooking.com offers small griddles suitable for home use. Their pan griddles can be purchased for $15-100. Electric griddles sell for $100-300. BigTray has electric griddles for sale from $1500-6000. They also offer manual and thermostatic gas griddles in the $1000-5000 price range.

Get the best buy by comparing prices and features

Before you buy, thoroughly research commercial griddle manufacturers to be sure you are not only getting a good price, but that the brand you selected is reliable. If the model you want is out of your price range, look for stores that sell used products. Often you can get a commercial grade griddle for about half the cost of new. Check the griddle over thoroughly before you buy to buy sure it is in good working condition. It isn't a bargain if you have to pay for costly repairs soon after you install it in your restaurant kitchen.
Try: C. Worth has both freestanding and tabletop griddles for sale for $700-1500. J&C Restaurant Equipment offers commercial griddles for under $1000.

 

• Whatever commercial grade griddle you select, be sure parts and service are readily available if it should malfunction. Your business can't afford to be without its griddle for any length of time, particularly if it's a large one that is one of your main cooking surfaces.

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