How to Choose The Right Griddle Plate

With three dependable griddle plate options from which to choose, how do you determine the best fit for your operation? Here we break down the differences between the Vulcan’s steel, composite, and chrome griddle plates.

Steel
Rapid Recovery™ Composite
Chrome
Description

Steel griddle plates are considered the industry standard and work well in most applications. They are the most durable and economical choice, but also emit the most heat into the kitchen. This option is best suited for an operation with various menu items (proteins, sandwiches and vegetables), and multiple day parts of service.

The Rapid Recovery™ Composite Griddle Plate delivers the most even heating from corner to corner. Exclusive to Vulcan, it’s made out of composite material with an aluminum core and a stainless steel cooking surface. The aluminum core of the composite plate transfers heat 5X faster than steel, resulting in faster cook times. It also reduces the radiant heat emitted into the kitchen compared to a steel plate. This option is best suited for high-volume operations cooking burgers and proteins.

Chrome griddle plates are the most visually appealing, and typically seen in open kitchen concepts. Less likely to transfer flavor, a chrome plate keeps foods from sticking or turning light foods a darker color,  such as eggs or white bread. A chrome plate emits the least amount of radiant heat into your kitchen environment, and can offer as much as 20% energy savings. This option is best suited for open kitchens, burger operations, breakfast menus or any operation serving delicate menu items (fish, etc.)

Price Point

Average

Falls between Steel and Chrome

Higher End

Sizes Available

All sizes are available in the steel griddle plate; 24” and 30” depth and 24”, 36”, 48”, 60” and 72” wide.

The Rapid Recovery™ Plate is only available in a 24" depth on MSA griddles in 24", 36" and 48" wide and VCCG griddles in 24", 36", 48" and 60" wide.

All sizes are available in the chrome griddle plate; 24” and 30” depth and 24”, 36”, 48”, 60” and 72” wide

Aesthetic

Steel is very durable, however, becomes less aesthetically attractive after the first use compared to other options and must be seasoned daily after cleaning. Available in grooved or smooth option.

Since the outer layers of the griddle plate are stainless steel, this plate enjoys all the aesthetic benefits of the solid chrome plate, making this a great option for display cooking. Rapid Recovery™ Plate cannot be purchased in a grooved option.

This option is very aesthetically pleasing and is great for open kitchens when the cooking line is visible to end consumers. Available in grooved or smooth option.

Cleaning

Steel plates tend to be the most labor-intensive to clean as they may require a brick or special detergent.

Unlike steel and chrome, the Rapid Recovery™ Plate only requires mild soapy detergent and a non-abrasive pad to clean. There are no special tools or polish required, and a griddle brick should be avoided. The composite plate also cools down 5X faster than steel, speeding up the cleaning process at the end of a shift.

While chrome plates require special tools such as food-safe polish, a special razor bladed scraper and a Palmetto brush, they require less physical force to clean. A griddle brick should not be used for cleaning on chrome.

Control Options

Offered in gas with Manual, Snap Action and Solid State controls. Also available in an electric. 30” depth option on some gas models.

Offered in gas with Snap Action and Solid State controls. Also available in an electric option. Only available in 24” depth cooking surface, with temperature controls up to 450 degrees.

Offered in gas with Snap Action and Solid State controls. Also available in an electric option.  Available in 30” depth option on some gas models.

Cook Time/Heat Transfer

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Rapid Recovery™ Plates delivers the most even heating from corner to corner making every square inch usable for consistent cooking

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Still unsure which Griddle Plate is right for you?

We're here to help you determine the best option to fit your unique cooking needs.