Bethany Housewares Electric Griddle review 16-inch Heritage model for perfect cooking

Description

Elegant Design and Sturdy Build

The Bethany Heritage Griddle 1450 W 16 In. Dia. Satin Finish, complete with wooden handles, immediately stands out with its elegant and functional design. Its 16-inch diameter surface provides ample space for cooking a variety of items, making it perfect for large families or gatherings. The satin finish aluminum body feels durable, yet lightweight enough to handle, and the wooden handles add a touch of charm while staying cool to the touch during operation. This griddle doesn’t just perform; it looks good doing it. Though it lacks a nonstick coating, I found that proper greasing and cleaning mitigates any sticking issues.

Performance You Can Rely On

Cooking with this griddle is a joy. The 1450-watt power output ensures even heat distribution, and I was impressed with how quickly it heats up. Whether I was making pancakes, tortillas, or the traditional Norwegian lefse, it delivered consistent results. The round shape of the griddle is ideal for evenly cooking circular items, and it’s big enough to fit multiple smaller items at once. However, be mindful that it doesn’t come with a temperature control dial, so you’ll need to unplug it to manage overheating or adjust cooking intensity. For those who love experimenting with different recipes, this might require a bit of patience.

Upsides

• Large cooking surface ideal for family meals or gatherings.
• Satin finish aluminum ensures durability while being lightweight.
• Wooden handles stay cool and are comfortable to grip.
• Even heat distribution for consistent cooking results.
• Perfect for specialty items like lefse, tortillas, and crepes.

Shortcomings

• No nonstick coating, so careful greasing is required.
• Lacks a temperature control dial, making heat adjustments tricky.

Ease of Cleaning: A Mixed Bag

Cleaning this griddle is a bit of a mixed experience. Since it isn’t dishwasher safe, you’ll need to clean it by hand. The aluminum surface is easy to wipe down, but you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaners to preserve the satin finish. I found that a damp cloth with mild soap worked well for most messes. However, since there’s no nonstick coating, some food residues can be stubborn. If you’re used to quick-clean nonstick surfaces, this might feel like extra work, but it’s manageable with a bit of effort.

Competing Products

Comparing this griddle to others in the market, like the Presto 07061 22-inch Electric Griddle or the Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler, reveals some interesting trade-offs. The Presto model boasts a nonstick surface and temperature control, but it doesn’t have the same durable aluminum build or charming wooden handles. On the other hand, the Cuisinart Griddler offers multiple cooking modes, such as grilling and panini pressing, yet it’s smaller and lacks the traditional feel of the Bethany griddle. If you value performance with a touch of old-world craftsmanship, this griddle shines, even if it’s missing some modern features.

True Value in the Kitchen

While the price of this griddle might seem high compared to more feature-rich models, its solid construction and large cooking surface justify the investment. The unique craftsmanship and focus on specialized cooking make it a fantastic addition for those passionate about traditional recipes. If you’re someone who enjoys preparing lefse or similar dishes and values durability over convenience, this product offers excellent value for money. That said, it might not be the best pick for those who need an all-purpose, multi-functional griddle.

Additional information