Commercial Griddles & Flat-Top Grills: The Complete UK Guide
A commercial griddle is a flat, heated cooking surface used to cook burgers, bacon, eggs, pancakes, onions, and more by direct contact. UK cafés, burger restaurants, hotels, and breakfast operations rely on them for fast, even, high-volume cooking that a chargrill or oven can't match for these foods. Choosing the right griddle — gas or electric, smooth or ribbed, and correctly sized — shapes your speed and consistency every service.
This guide covers griddle types, plate materials, sizing, gas vs electric, cleaning, and how to choose the right commercial griddle.
What is a commercial griddle?
A commercial griddle is a thick metal cooking plate heated from below by gas burners or electric elements, reaching 150–300°C. Its large, flat surface lets a cook prepare many items at once with even heat and easy turning. Commercial griddles are built from heavy steel or chrome plate to hold temperature under constant use — essential for smash burgers and busy breakfast lines. The 2-burner countertop gas griddle is a typical café unit.
Smooth vs ribbed vs half-and-half
- Smooth plate — the all-rounder for burgers, breakfasts, eggs, and onions; the most versatile choice.
- Ribbed plate — creates chargrill-style sear marks on steaks and burgers.
- Half-and-half — combines both so you can sear and cook flat on one unit.
Plate material: steel vs chrome
Standard steel plates are affordable and cook well but need seasoning and more cleaning. Chrome (hard-chromed) plates cost more but heat more evenly, are far easier to clean, radiate less heat to the kitchen, and don't transfer flavours between foods — ideal for mixed menus and delicate items like eggs and fish. For a high-volume mixed operation, chrome pays back in labour and comfort.
Gas vs electric griddles
Gas griddles heat faster (3–5 minutes to 200°C vs 8–12 for electric) and are cheaper to run in the UK, making them the standard for high-volume burger operations. Electric griddles offer more even heat distribution and precise zone control, better suited to delicate items and sites without a gas supply. For a busy burger line, gas is preferred; for a café prioritising control across zones, electric is more manageable.
What size griddle do you need?
- Up to 30 covers/hour — a 400–600mm griddle (2-burner) such as the 3-burner countertop griddle.
- 30–60 covers/hour — a 700–900mm griddle.
- 60+ covers/hour — a 1000mm+ multi-zone griddle like the 5-burner 150cm gas griddle.
Allow around 100mm of griddle width per simultaneous burger or item, and size for your peak.
The smash burger factor
Smash burgers demand a heavy, thick plate that holds temperature when a cold patty is pressed onto it. A thin or underpowered griddle drops temperature and steams the meat instead of searing it. If smash burgers are on your menu, prioritise plate thickness and burner power — a proper commercial griddle is what delivers the crust customers want.
How much does a commercial griddle cost in the UK?
Commercial griddles in the UK range from around £150 for a small countertop unit to £2,000+ for a large multi-zone chrome griddle. Mid-range 600–900mm gas griddles cost £300–£900; chrome-plate and larger units cost more. Browse the commercial griddle range for current pricing.
Cleaning and maintenance
Clean the griddle after every service while warm (not hot): scrape residue, apply griddle cleaner or a bicarbonate paste, scrub with a griddle brick, wipe clean, and season steel plates lightly with oil. Never shock a hot plate with cold water. Keep the grease trough emptied and check burners for even heat. Gas griddles need annual Gas Safe servicing; electric units need PAT testing.
Which griddle should you buy?
For a café, a 2–3 burner gas griddle is ideal and affordable; choose chrome if you cook eggs and delicate items. Burger restaurants need a heavy, powerful plate for smash service. High-volume sites should size up to a multi-zone unit. Explore the commercial griddle collection or call +44 7787 069044 for advice on size and plate type.
