This review dives deep into the Oster DuraCeramic Griddle, comparing it to a previous model to highlight its key improvements. We'll explore its performance, ease of use, and overall value, assessing whether it truly earns the title of "best electric griddle." Expect a detailed analysis covering aspects such as cooking surface size, grease management, cord design, cooking speed and evenness, and cleaning convenience. We’ll uncover both the advantages and minor drawbacks, providing a balanced perspective to help you decide if this griddle is the right choice for your kitchen.The Oster DuraCeramic Griddle boasts a significantly larger cooking surface than its predecessor, making it ideal for larger meals. This review examines the enhanced grease management system, the improved power cord design, and the remarkably faster and more even cooking provided by the DuraCeramic surface. We'll also discuss its non-stick properties and ease of cleaning, alongside a brief consideration of its price point and overall value. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Oster DuraCeramic Griddle’s capabilities and suitability for home cooks.
Pros And Cons
- Cord plugs in directly, eliminating the need for an extension cord in some setups.
- Higher profile allows for easier grease collection with a standard bowl.
- Coats more evenly and cooks faster than previous griddle.
- Non-stick DuraCeramic surface; doesn't flake or have hot spots.
- Easier to clean; food doesn't stick.
- Holds approximately the same amount of food as the previous model.
- The lower edge near the handle is close enough to the cooking surface that it can cause burns if not handled carefully.
Read more: Cuisinart Electric Grill: Top 9 Models Reviewed
Size and Grease Management Comparison
The Oster DuraCeramic griddle boasts a larger cooking surface (10 inches by 18 1/2 inches) compared to my previous 12x12 inch square griddle. This allows for cooking larger quantities of food at once. While the water test showed similar overall capacity, the elevated design of the DuraCeramic griddle is a significant improvement. A regular bowl fits comfortably underneath to catch grease, eliminating the need for precarious propping.
The integrated grease tray is a convenient feature, just like its predecessor. However, the DuraCeramic model's higher profile makes grease management much more user-friendly.
Cord and Control Panel
A key upgrade is the DuraCeramic's power cord, which plugs directly into the outlet. While it doesn’t offer as many temperature settings, the simpler design and accessible placement are noteworthy improvements. In my case, it completely removed the annoyance of a short cord requiring an extension. The cord placement now allows for convenient plugging, something that my previous model lacked.
Cooking Performance and Heat Distribution
The DuraCeramic surface is advertised to cook up to 30% faster and more evenly than traditional Teflon surfaces, and my experience seems to confirm this. During the bacon-cooking test, I observed significantly faster cooking times and even browning with no sticking or burning. The heat distribution was much improved compared to my previous griddle.
A minor safety concern is the lower edge near the handle that could cause burns if touched carelessly while lifting. Always lift from the bottom to avoid accidental burns. Overall, the quicker cooking times and even heat distribution make this griddle a superior choice.
Additional Features and Overall Impression
The griddle also includes a warming tray, similar to its predecessor, though its usefulness remains subjective. The non-stick DuraCeramic surface is a standout feature, allowing for easy cleaning and preventing food from sticking. The ability to easily push grease through the designated holes is also a remarkable improvement.
Despite its slightly higher cost, the Oster DuraCeramic Griddle offers significant improvements over other models, making it a worthwhile investment. The enhanced grease management, convenient cord placement, faster cooking times, and even heat distribution make it a clear winner. The non-stick surface is a game-changer, ensuring effortless cleaning and preventing food from sticking.
Conclusion: Is it Worth the Buy?
Overall, the Oster DuraCeramic Griddle surpasses my previous griddle in almost every aspect. The larger cooking surface, improved grease management, convenient cord, and superior cooking performance make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for an efficient and easy-to-use electric griddle. While the non-stick surface is prone to scratches from metal utensils, it's a minor drawback compared to the numerous benefits it offers.
The griddle's even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking results, and the easy-to-clean surface is a massive plus. For around $24.95, the Oster DuraCeramic Griddle offers exceptional value, making it a recommended purchase for home cooks.
