Updated on 3 January 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Tristar Bamboo Grill XL
Between its original design and its good performance, the Tristar XL griddle offers the best quality/price ratio at the moment.
This very large griddle (51 x 25.4 cm) is suitable for 6 persons, but can also be used for 8 if you only cook meat. Its thermostat indicates that it can reach 230°C. After our tests, we can confirm that this is true on the griddle side but increases to 310°C on the grill side. Made of cast aluminium with a non-stick coating, food does not stick. The bamboo frame of the appliance is durable and retains its colour despite small grease splashes. In addition, the dish is dishwasher safe, which is a good thing, because cleaning it by hand is rather cumbersome.
Some of the planchas we have put to the test.
First of all? We assessed the quality of the material.
We judged their ease of installation and use.
Then we timed the pre-heating time.
Finally, we checked that the heat was constant.
Moulinex Accessimo
Attractively priced, this model is ideal for use by up to four people. It is easy to use, maintain and store. In addition, the heat is adjustable thanks to the thermostat.
The Moulinex Accessimo is equipped with a nickel-plated steel plate that conducts heat well. It offers a cooking surface of 35 by 25.5 cm, ideal for up to four people. Equipped with an adjustable thermostat installed outside the plate, this model with a power of 1800W offers fast and even heating.
Riviera & Bar QP350A
This Riviera & Bar model offers the largest cooking surface in this selection. It also has the best price/performance ratio, which more than justifies its price.
With a solid cast aluminium plate and a non-stick coating that didn’t stick in our tests, this griddle performs very well. Size-wise, with a cooking surface of 59 x 32.5 cm, you can easily use it for 6 to 8 people, or up to 10 if you only cook meat. In addition, it has a long cord of about 1.70 m, and two practical handles, but they get hot when heated. It is not dishwasher safe, so cleaning is a bit tricky.
With its red circle that warns when the appliance is hot (typical of the brand), this model offers quality and safety. We recommend it for 4 to 6 people.
Tefal Colormania CB660301
Made of aluminium with a non-stick coating, this griddle managed to surprise us during our tests. On the one hand, we found it heated a little more consistently than the Moulinex and Tristar. On the other hand, we like its lively appearance, its short heating time (about 5 min.) and its maximum temperature of 230°C. Although the hob is not removable, the whole thing is dishwasher-safe, which makes it easy to clean.
Our selection
Our choice, Best mid-range Best budget Best High-End Budget alternative Tristar Bamboo Grill XL Moulinex Accessimo Riviera & Bar QP350A Tefal Colormania CB660301 Between its original design and its good performance, the Tristar XL griddle offers the best quality/price ratio at the moment. Attractively priced, this model is ideal for use by up to four people. It is easy to use, maintain and store. In addition, the heat is adjustable thanks to the thermostat. This Riviera & Bar model offers the largest cooking surface in this selection. It also has the best price/performance ratio, which more than justifies its price. With its red circle that warns when the appliance is hot (typical of the brand), this model offers quality and safety. We recommend it for 4 to 6 people. See the price on Amazon
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How did we test?
In order to test the electric griddles, we first analysed the quality of their materials in detail. Initially, we wanted to focus on installation and operation, but it turned out that all the griddles we tested were very easy to use. In addition, each one had a practical tray for juices and sauce.
We then timed how long each model took to heat up to the maximum temperature. We also measured the temperature to see if they lived up to the brand’s promises. For cooking, we prepared different types of food: meat, fish, seafood and vegetables. We observed whether the heating was constant or not. Finally, we cleaned each model according to the brand’s recommendations and assessed the difficulty of the task (is it dishwasher safe?).
How to choose your electric plancha?
First of all, your electric griddle must be made of resistant materials. Let’s take a look at the different materials:
- Coated steel or solid chrome: chrome plated or made of hard chrome, these plates have the advantage of maintaining a homogeneous temperature. Made to last, they are solid and very resistant to scratches and abrasion (but less so to impact). Better quality than their competitors, they are also the most expensive.
- Rolled steel: more prone to food sticking, it is imperative that you brush your plates with a greasy body before cooking your food. These plates are usually between 6 and 12 mm thick.
- Enamelled steel: this material rises more slowly in temperature, but stays hotter longer. It limits food sticking and the risks of corrosion.
- Cast iron: well known for holding heat, it is slower to heat up and if it cools down too quickly during cleaning it could damage it. However, it remains greasy for much longer (food clings less). They are often the best value for money.
- Stainless steel: although it is a resistant material, it does not transmit heat easily (which can make cooking uneven). Therefore, the temperature rise is slower than with steel.
Whatever material is chosen, it should ideally be free of PFOA (perfluoro-octanoic acid). As opinions are divided on the danger of this component, it is best to avoid it.
After having compared some fifty models available on the market, we have paid attention to several technical details, those that directly affect the efficiency and ergonomics of the griddles:
- Power: for this type of appliance, a minimum power of 1500W is recommended. But if you use it frequently, opt for a model with more than 2500 W, almost like the professional models. The higher the power, the faster and more evenly the iron heats up.
- The cooking surface: regardless of the number of guests, an appliance worthy of the name should ideally have a cooking surface of at least 30 cm so that it can prepare several foods. A cooking surface of 30 to 40 cm in length is recommended for four to five people.
- The temperature: it is recommended that it reaches at least 180°C. Some griddles, equipped with an adjustable thermostat, can reach up to 300°C.
- The extras: a juice recovery tray is a very useful element that facilitates the maintenance of the griddle. Other options and additional accessories (tongs, aprons, etc.) can also be included.
Another model we recommend
Riviera & Bar QPL570 Plancha-Grill (£149.95 upon publication): a top-of-the-range model with two independent heating temperatures. This top-of-the-range model has two independent heating temperatures. On one side, you have a griddle and on the other side, the grill. Although effective, the meat stuck more on the griddle compared to other models tested. It is also the only one in this selection to offer a fat guard.
Other models we have tested
Jata GR195 (£40.12 upon publication): this 2200W model has one of the best quality/price ratios on the market. With a 46 x 25 cm non-stick and PFOA-free cooking surface, it is highly scratch-resistant and has a drip tray.
Duronic GP20 (£49.95 upon publication): during our tests, we found this griddle to be a little less qualitative than the others. It is very light, which says a lot about the quality of its materials.
Tefal Malaga (£80.18 upon publication): the price of this model has risen considerably – a pity! Especially considering its inferior quality and overall performance.
Translated by Ramsés El Hajje
