Commercial Griddles for Consumers

Griddles are an essential component to any commercial kitchen. The relatively simple design of a griddle can have very different performance characteristics. Knowing the differences between griddles allows a food service operator to choose one that provides the best appliance for their kitchen. With increases in electric and gas rates, more kitchen operators are becoming aware that griddles with higher energy efficiency also deliver higher cooking performance and capacity. Commercial griddles that have earned the ENERGY STAR are about 10 percent more energy efficient than standard models.

Earning the ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR qualified griddles include thermostatically controlled, gas and electric, single- and double-sided models.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, griddles must meet minimum cooking energy efficiency, as well as a maximum idle energy rates. Cooking energy efficiency represents the amount of energy absorbed by the food product compared to the total energy used by the griddle during the cooking process. Idle energy rate represents the energy used by the griddle while it is maintaining or holding at a stabilized operating condition or temperature.

Griddles that earn the ENERGY STAR must meet a minimum cooking efficiency* of 70 percent (electric) and 38 percent (gas) while also meeting maximum idle energy rates. For comparison, standard gas griddles on average have a 32 percent cooking energy efficiency and use 3,200 Btu/h/ft² normalized idle energy rate, whereas ENERGY STAR qualified griddles must meet at least a 38 percent cooking energy efficiency and have a normalized idle energy rate of 2,600 Btu/h/ft².

Manually controlled griddles and fry-top ranges are not currently eligible.

Where can I get one?

For a list of ENERGY STAR partners that sell ENERGY STAR qualified equipment, see Where to Buy.

What can ENERGY STAR qualified griddles save me?

Each ENERGY STAR qualified electric griddle can save businesses 2,270 kWh annually, or an average of $230/year on utility bills. Each ENERGY STAR qualified gas griddle can save 15 MBtu annually, or an average of $170/year on utility bills.