A griddle, or flat top, is one of the most versatile pieces on the line. It handles breakfast, burgers, cheesesteaks, quesadillas, seared fish and vegetables. The right griddle depends on the width you need, how you want to control heat and what kind of volume you run.
One model to look at: our Standard Range SR-EG36 electric griddle.
See also the Standard Range SR-EG48 48-inch electric griddle.
Manual vs Thermostatic Controls
Manual griddles use valves that set flame height, like a stove burner. They heat fast and are simple, but plate temperature drifts as you load and unload food. Cooks adjust by feel.
Thermostatic griddles let you set a target temperature, and the burners cycle to hold it. This gives more consistent results, especially for eggs and pancakes, and can reduce wasted gas during slow periods. The Cookline HD models are thermostatic, such as the Cookline CGG-36T-HD 36″ countertop gas griddle.
If your menu is mostly burgers and cheesesteaks with experienced cooks, manual works well. If you do breakfast or need consistency across shifts, thermostatic is worth a look.
Width
Griddles typically come in 24″, 36″, 48″ and 60″ widths. Estimate how many items need to be on the plate at your busiest moment. A rough approach is to lay out the items you would cook at peak on a table and measure the space.
- 24″: the Cookline CGG-24M 24″ countertop gas griddle for light volume or as an add-on station.
- 36″: the Cookline CGG-36M 36″ countertop gas griddle suits many small restaurants.
- 48″: the Cookline CGG-48T-HD 48″ countertop gas griddle for busier lines.
- 60″: the Cookline CGG-60T-HD 60″ countertop gas griddle for high-volume breakfast or burger operations.
A wider griddle with independent burner controls lets you turn off sections during slow times.
Plate Thickness
Thicker griddle plates hold heat better and recover faster when you load cold product. Thinner plates heat up faster but can drop temperature under a heavy load. Check each product page for plate specs.
Gas or Electric
Gas griddles are the most common in restaurants, using natural gas or propane. Order the right gas type or confirm conversion options. Electric griddles are useful where gas is not available, in food trucks with limited gas, or for low-volume counters. Browse countertop electric griddles for those.
Countertop or Range-Top
Countertop griddles sit on a stand or chef base. Ranges with a built-in griddle section combine burners, griddle and oven in one footprint, which is useful when space is tight.
Grease Management
Look for a wide grease trough and a large, easy-to-remove grease drawer. Emptying it during service should be quick and safe. Splash guards on the sides and back keep grease off neighboring equipment.
Installation
Gas griddles need to be under a hood and connected by a licensed gas fitter. Check clearances to combustibles in the manual and confirm hood requirements with local officials. Make sure the stand or chef base can handle the weight and heat.
Care and Seasoning
Season a new griddle plate before first use per the manual. Scrape it throughout service. At the end of the day, clean it while warm, then apply a thin coat of oil to protect it. Avoid pouring cold water on a hot plate, which can warp it.
Buying Checklist
- Manual or thermostatic.
- Width based on peak volume.
- Gas type confirmed.
- Hood coverage confirmed.
- Stand or chef base ready.
Next Steps
Measure your peak griddle load and your hood space. Compare options in griddles and gas griddles. Questions? Contact Express KitchQuip and we will help you pick the right size and configuration.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
Cookline CGG-36T-HD 36″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle with Thermostatic Controls – 90,000 BTU (model CGG-36T-HD)
- Brand: Cookline
- Heavy-Duty Construction: High-grade stainless steel exterior designed for long-lasting commercial durability.
- Precision Thermostatic Controls: Independent temperature dials allow precise heat regulation per burner zone.
- Triple U-Shaped Burners: 3 stainless steel burners provide even heat distribution across the 36″ cooking surface.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline CGG-24M 24″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle with Manual Controls – 60,000 BTU (model CGG-24M)
- Brand: Cookline
- Dual U-Shaped Burners: Delivers evenly distributed heat output across the entire cooktop surface.
- Independent Manual Controls: Allows custom multi-zone heating for simultaneous preparation of different foods.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built with durable stainless steel sides and front panel for long-lasting commercial service.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline CGG-36M 36″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle (model CGG-36M)
- Brand: Cookline
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built with durable stainless steel body and splash guards to handle demanding kitchen environments.
- High-Output Heating: Equipped with 3 independent stainless steel U-shaped burners generating a total of 90,000 BTU.
- Thick Steel Griddle Plate: 3/4″ polished steel plate ensures exceptional heat retention and uniform cooking surfaces.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline CGG-48T-HD 48″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle with Thermostatic Controls – 120,000 BTU (model CGG-48T-HD)
- Brand: Cookline
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Premium stainless steel front and sides built for demanding commercial kitchens.
- 1-Inch Thick Polished Steel Plate: Superior heat retention and uniform thermal distribution for heavy volume cooking.
- 4 Independent Thermostatic Controls: Precise heat adjustments ranging from 200°F to 500°F across distinct cooking zones.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Cookline CGG-60T-HD 60″ Commercial Countertop Gas Griddle with Thermostatic Controls – 150,000 BTU (model CGG-60T-HD)
- Brand: Cookline
- High Heat Power: 150,000 Total BTU/hr across 5 heavy-duty steel U-shaped burners (30,000 BTU each).
- Independent Heat Zones: Individual thermostatic controls placed every 12″ for multi-zone cooking versatility.
- Thick Polished Steel Plate: Maintains surface temperature and quickly recovers heat under heavy food loads.
- Warranty: 1-Year Parts & Labor
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.