Nonstick electric griddles and I are frenemies. No matter how much I avoid metal cooking utensils, scratches inevitably render each griddle’s nonstick surface unusable within five years. That is, until I found the Presto 07062 Electric Griddle.
The last time I retired a griddle, I replaced it with this pricier ceramic model, and that Presto product has been a scratch-free cornerstone of my kitchen ever since. Its staying power makes it an easy recommendation for folks seeking a great gift for themselves or for another home cook.
Right now, this Presto griddle is available on Amazon for $60 — a discount of 14% or $10. Although it’s more expensive than some other electric griddles, its durability makes it a fantastic value.
The durable nonstick coating is what makes this a long-lasting kitchen appliance
Over the last five years, I’ve seen my cast-aluminum Presto ceramic griddle take a beating without losing its nonstick properties, and its performance easily outshines its few flaws. The biggest shortcoming is that the textured ceramic cooking surface has tiny channels that love to absorb oil. Even nonstick cookware works best with a little oil.
With enough time and heat, this trapped oil cooks onto the griddle surface above the heating elements and spreads from there. Regular cleaning only slows the oil’s progress across your griddle, so this isn’t the best fit if you prefer your cookware to look as pristine as the day you bought it. I’ll admit that some blame lies with me — I could’ve deep-cleaned it more often by making a baking soda paste mentioned by the manufacturer. It really does work, but it’s a long process compared to a quick wash in the sink.
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But despite the battle-worn appearance of my griddle, I haven’t noticed a decline in nonstick performance due to the oil deposits forming a coating that’s not unlike the seasoning on a cast-iron griddle. I can’t vouch for intentionally seasoning this Presto griddle, but my accidental results suggest that it’s possible.
At the end of the day, I can’t complain about its cooking performance relative to other electric griddles I’ve used. And the durability of its nonstick ceramic surface means it will likely outlast other, less expensive options.
For other kitchen tech we’ve personally tested and come to love, check out my colleague’s favorite all-in-one kitchen appliance and her favorite blender.
