lastmanstanding started a thread looking for the best store-bought pancake mix. An imprecise count of the responses pushed me in the direction of Krusteaze, so on my next stop at Publix I found it. Right next to it was the Publix store brand. I have never been disappointed in a Publix brand product, so for a buck less for a box of what looked very much like the same product, I bought the Publix brand.

My wife does not have office hours on Friday, it's our together day off, so I cooked bacon, eggs, and pancakes for breakfast. The pancakes were a hit. She requested a second batch "for desert."

Rambling background above, written while wearing an onion on my belt. On to the real topic.

I used a Presto electric griddle that my wife brought into our union, from her first marriage. She and I have been together for 45 years (she has a high tolerance for aggravation). I noticed that the controller and the power cord were getting hot, VERY hot. Insulation on the power cord was getting soft, almost melted. Needless to say, the griddle is going to be in Monday's trash collection.

I do not want to spend big bucks on a replacement. Amazon shows Presto electric griddles in the $30 to $35 range, both Teflon coated and ceramic.

Question: Teflon vs. ceramic. Comments?

quote:

Needless to say, the griddle is going to be in Monday's trash collection.

Do someone who rummages through garbage a favor; throw out the power cord the next week.

I bought a Presto 7072 a while ago and while I haven't used it a whole lot, it has been good so far. Very nonstick, pretty even heating, if you unplug the heating control the entire griddle is immersible and can go in the sink. The cooking surface is huge but it's very thin so it's easy to store.

quote:

Originally posted by maladat:

I bought a Presto 7072 a while ago and while I haven't used it a whole lot, it has been good so far. Very nonstick, pretty even heating, if you unplug the heating control the entire griddle is immersible and can go in the sink. The cooking surface is huge but it's very thin so it's easy to store.

Teflon? Ceramic?

It isn't Teflon - I don't think anyone really uses Teflon anymore. It is listed as PTFE (Teflon) and PFOA free, but I don't think it's ceramic, either.

I have a Presto one that is a few years old and it's got a silvery-gray cooking surface and works very well for pancakes and french toast. I do find that I have to dial it down quite a bit after the initial preheat as it can burn the pancakes.

I have had the Presto- tilt and drain electric griddle (they're $39.88 at Walmart), like one poster once it gets hot I have to dial it down to keep the temperature where I want it. But I've had it maybe 7 years and it works great and has even heat. I love the tilt and drain feature for cooking bacon because the grease all goes into a small drawer and easy to collect or toss, then can cook eggs or pancakes or whatever on it right after doing the bacon without having too much grease. Mine is Teflon, but I think either Teflon or ceramic would be fine and they only come one way now (probably ceramic as Teflon is not kosher anymore).

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:

I think either Teflon or ceramic would be fine and they only come one way now (probably ceramic as Teflon is not kosher anymore).

Not true. Look at Amazon. They are currently selling a bunch of Presto griddles in Teflon (or similar), and a smaller number (I just noticed one, but there might be more) in ceramic.

Both Teflon (or similar) and ceramic are available; that's why I asked.

There are probably pros and cons to both.

We've got a presto that's probably 20 years old. Makes quick work of breakfast for the kids when on vacation. Stay away from the spray releases, they just build up residue. I take a paper towel or a baster and lightly coat with safflower oil between batches and after clean-up. We like the Krusteaz and can get a big bag at costco cheap. I agree with PASig, quick pre-heat, then dial back a bit.

If I'm buying a kitchen appliance, and zojirushi makes it, that's the one I'm buying. I've never been letdown by their quality and if I wanted to buy once cry once that is ten times out of ten the way I'll go. All of the old "American" brands are now Chinese garbage.

I know you are looking at a cheaper electric but consider this Japanese cast iron stove top griddle: Iwachu I have one and it's da bomb!

quote:

Originally posted by cne32507:

I know you are looking at a cheaper electric but consider this Japanese cast iron stove top griddle: Iwachu I have one and it's da bomb!

Stove top griddle? Does it work on a glass-top stove?

The one I have been using for a long time is a Cuisinart Griddler.
In addition to working as a griddle, it's also a panini press and a grill. The plates reverse. It has waffle inserts available too.
Liked mine so much that when it got knocked off the ocunter and killed, bought another right away.
https://www.amazon.com/Cuisina...-Black/dp/B002YD99Y4

Have you tried changing the cord? If it is nearly broken, the resistance in the wire could be causing the hot cord. The griddle may be fine. If you don't have a spare cord from something else, they have them at Ace, and probably Lowes.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:

quote:

Originally posted by cne32507:

I know you are looking at a cheaper electric but consider this Japanese cast iron stove top griddle: Iwachu I have one and it's da bomb!

Stove top griddle? Does it work on a glass-top stove?

Stove top. Glass top. Grill top. I bought mine to make yakisoba, but also use it for smash burgers. Seasoned, it is non-stick.