With the holidays just about over, the kids and the adults begin to go back to their dreary lives. But when you’re a fun loving child at heart like the rest of us, no season is perfect for an old-school cookout. But how can you be sure which method is the best? Which cooking process or grilling utensil can provide the most flavor and heat to the food? Griddle vs. Pan?
We’ve compiled an in-depth look at the difference between using a pan and a griddle, and how the two can affect the flavor of your food. Read on to learn the difference between a griddle and a pan!
Comparison: Griddle vs. Pan
| Feature | Griddle | Pan |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Area | Larger surface area | Smaller area |
| Durability | Usually lasts longer than a pan and is harder to lose | Lasts long enough, made of stainless steel, copper or aluminum |
| Portability | Cannot be quickly moved around, must be used on large stoves | Can be easily moved around |
| Taste | More robust and diverse flavor | A bit of a diluted taste |
| Price | More expensive than pan | Cheaper than griddle |
| Texture | Smoky texture | Roasted texture |
What Is a Griddle?
A griddle is like the flat alternative of a grill. Instead of an elevated wired surface with coals underneath, the griddle features a smooth stainless top which can be heated from below. Griddles are less popular but are indeed better at roasting than a regular grill.
One myth about the griddle is that it takes longer to cook the food, whereas the grill roasts instantaneously. It arises from the fact that, on a grill, the heat is directly touching the food, whereas on the griddle it is merely conducted through the steel. It is a false assumption, as most griddle surfaces are so conductive that the heat takes no more than a second to cook your food.
The difference between griddle vs. pan regarding taste is meager.
What Is a Pan?
A regular pan which is also known as a skillet in Northern America and frying pan or fry pan in the UK is best suited for reducing the fluid or preparing a sauce. You can utilize it for different purposes such as making eggs or reducing the gravy to thicken the sauce. You can also use it for warming your refrigerated or frozen foods. The pan looks and feels just like a regular frying pan, except it can easily be optimized for grilling or charring. Due to its lightweight, you can use a pan on any stove or burner.
A pan does not replace a griddle. It is a more portable and compact alternative of a griddle. The taste and smokiness are a bit “diluted” with the pan, but rest assured your cutlets will come out boiling hot. The slanted edges of a pan make it the best option for stir-frying, sautéing, browning, searing or any cooking technique in which you have to move around your food and mix all the ingredients well.
What Is A Griddle Used For?
The griddle can be used for a variety of purposes. If you like charred or smoky flavor in your food, then a griddle is the right option for you. It is best suited for steaks and other meats. Most people use griddles because they offer more area and more coverage.
Many smaller griddles can be used indoors by chefs who want to give the traditional barbecue flavor without actually starting a tailgate. Griddles can also be used for frying or for infusing the steak with some sauce, which is a bit harder with a traditional pan.
Griddles are useful for enhancing the flavor and the seasoning. Usually, the fat on the meat doesn’t stay, and this can either improve the taste (with oil infused) or completely ruin the experience. The choice between the two is a bit subjective.
What Is a Pan Used For?
A regular pan is very different from a griddle. The two of them provide different flavors to your food and are used for various cooking methodologies. In general, pans can be used for almost anything: roasting, frying, simmering, infusing, marinating, and even baking has its twist. The only thing it can’t do is boil the food. However, if you get your hands on a pan that is deep enough, then you can use it for boiling as well.
The only thing that makes a pan unique is that it is usable indoors and will not produce a suffocation hazard. The pan can also be optimized for regular frying or roasting. Eggs, bacon, shrimp, vegetables, celery, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, patties, and of course, steaks are all comfortable and straightforward to cook if you’re using your pan. The flavor is not changed much, but you won’t get that smoky or chary texture.
Griddle vs. Pan: The Differences
Griddles and pans are so very different from each other. It all comes down to griddle vs. pan, and though no one is better than the other, we would like to point out a few differences.
- A pan gives better taste while a griddle adds smoky flavor to your food
Griddles are great, but they are unable to sustain the taste for long. Usually, at higher temperatures, they tend to lose their charm, and the flavor isn’t as strong. Pans, on the other hand, do not compromise on the taste, and if you plan on cooking the meat at high temperatures for that real taste of the ingredients, then we recommend you to use the pan. On the other hand, if you want that smoky flavor, then you should opt for a griddle.
- Everything shouldn’t taste smoky
It is where a pan takes the lead over a griddle. The griddle can make everything taste chary or smoky regardless of the cooking technique. On the other hand, a pan will provide you with a taste of all the ingredients and every recipe will taste differently according to the ingredients involved.
- Griddles offer more substantial surface area while pans offer portability and convenience
Pans are unable to provide the necessary space for more than a few patties or steaks. Griddles are flat and expansive and take up more space, which means that they can accommodate more food. In general, griddles can serve a family of 6 at a time, though the size differs from brand to brand. The large surface area can also be seen as a drawback, as griddles will be lesser portable and more laborious to cook over stoves.
- Pans are more portable than griddles
Portability in griddles vs. pans is apparently, a significant factor. In griddles, the larger surface area creates lesser portability, and the griddle cannot be moved around easily or be put on the stove. Pan, however, are smaller and can fit anywhere. They can be used on an open oven, and can easily be tucked away in a regular sized cabinet. They even have an easy-to-hold handle. Some of the pans might be heavier than griddles though, but this is just a slight difference.
- Pans have a price advantage over griddles
Price is a significant factor to consider. The cost is higher with the griddles vs. pans, and we think that if you’re on a limited budget, a pan might be the best choice. They can give just the same amount of taste and diversity as a regular grill.
Conclusion
If you’re confused about griddle vs. pan, then we will boil everything down for you. Griddles have more surface area, more diversity, and are better for grilling. A pan provides more portability, frying capabilities, and even lesser prices. Choosing between the two is a highly subjective matter. Some people love smokiness in their food while others like a diverse menu to consume. So, which one of these two would you prefer?