A griddle with hot spots and cold spots makes consistent cooking hard. Burgers on one side sear fast while pancakes on the other side stay pale. Some unevenness is normal, especially at the edges, but large differences point to a problem you can often find and fix. Here is how.
See also the Standard Range SR-EG48 48-inch electric griddle.
Map Your Hot Spots
Preheat the griddle for the full time the manual recommends. Then use an infrared thermometer to measure the surface in a grid pattern, front to back and left to right. Write down the readings. This tells you whether one burner zone is weak, whether the front is cooler than the back, or whether the problem is random.
Know What Is Normal
Edges and the front of a griddle are usually cooler than the center. On manual-control griddles, each burner zone has its own valve, and zones may not match exactly. On thermostatic griddles, each zone is controlled by a thermostat. Many operators intentionally set different zones for different foods.
Check the Settings
Make sure every zone is set to the same temperature or valve position before testing. Staff often adjust individual zones and forget. Let the griddle stabilize for several minutes after changes.
Check Leveling
A griddle that is not level lets grease and liquid run to one side, where it cools the surface and burns. Use a level on the plate front to back and side to side. Adjust the legs of the griddle or the stand. A slight forward slope toward the grease trough is typical on some models, so check the manual.
Clean the Plate
Heavy carbon buildup acts like insulation. Scrape the plate thoroughly during and after service. Use a griddle brick or scraper and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning method. Keep the grease trough and drawer empty.
Check Burner Flames
On gas griddles, you can often see the burner flames through a front opening. Healthy flames are mostly blue with steady cones. Yellow, lazy or lifting flames, or a burner with no flame, can mean a clogged burner, dirty orifice or gas supply issue. Also check that the gas quick-disconnect hose is fully connected. Burner, valve, orifice and gas pressure adjustments must be done by a licensed gas technician. Never open gas components yourself.
Check for Drafts
Strong air from hoods, fans or air conditioning can cool part of the griddle or disturb burner flames. If one end is always cooler, look for drafts.
Overloading
Loading the entire plate with frozen product pulls heat out of the steel faster than burners can recover. Stagger loads and keep a hot zone ready for searing.
Thermostatic Models
If one zone on a thermostatic griddle is far off setpoint, the thermostat may need calibration or replacement. That is a technician job.
When to Call a Technician
Call a licensed gas technician for weak or yellow flames, burners that will not light, or gas odor. Electrical griddle element and control issues require a licensed electrician or technician.
Next Steps
If your griddle is worn out or too small, compare options in our griddles and gas griddles categories. Options include the Cookline CGG-36M 36″ countertop gas griddle, the Cookline CGG-48T-HD 48″ countertop gas griddle, and the Cookline CGG-24M 24″ countertop gas griddle. For a solid base, see the equipment grill stand with undershelf. See each product page for specs.
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-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-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
Stainless Steel Equipment Grill Stand with Undershelf
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Stainless Steel Equipment Grill Stand
- Heavy-Duty 18-gauge steel
- Extra Storage Adjustable shelf
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.