Our Top Picks
Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control10" x 20"11.7 x 21.4 x 3.2 Inches4.4 PoundsCheck on Amazon
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Dash Smash XL Electric GriddleXL GRIDDLE WITHOUT ACCESSORIES17.48 x 27.87 x 2.95 Inches7.94 poundsCheck on Amazon
Chefman Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control10" x 16"10 x 18.6 x 3.2 inches4.4 PoundsCheck on Amazon
The Chefman XL Electric Griddle is a budget, plug-in flat top with a 10 by 20 inch (about 200 square inch) nonstick surface, a 1500W element and a removable temperature control that lets you wash the whole plate. The short verdict: it is one of the easiest ways to cook a full family breakfast on one surface without paying for a premium appliance, but it is a simple single-zone griddle with a thin aluminum plate, so expect modest heat uniformity and gentle-use care for the coating. This review covers what it does well, where reviewers see problems, and which rivals to compare before you buy.
Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through a link, at no extra cost to you. This review is research-based, drawn from product listings, the maker’s user guide and published reviews, not from our own use.
Chefman XL Electric Griddle: What You Get
Chefman XL Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Extra Large Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 20 Inch
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The XL pairs a large, nonstick cooking plate with a slide-out drip tray at the front and a detachable temperature probe. Because the control unit pulls out, the plate can be rinsed and, per the maker’s guide, washed in the dishwasher. The listing describes a ceramic coating that is marked lead, PFAS and PFOA free; those are manufacturer claims rather than independent lab results.
| Spec | Chefman XL (B0C4Z39TK9) |
|---|---|
| Cooking surface | 10 x 20 in (about 200 sq in) |
| Power | 1500W, 120V |
| Temperature range | About 200 to 420 F on the dial (one review lists a 400 F top; follow the unit you receive) |
| Dimensions | About 21.4 x 11.7 x 7.4 in per one review |
| Weight | About 4.4 lb per one review |
| Cord | Short, roughly 2.5 to 3 ft per one review |
| Controls | Removable analog dial, no digital display or presets |
| Drip management | Slide-out drip tray |
| Zones | Single zone |
Who It Suits, and Who Should Skip It
It suits you if: you cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, grilled sandwiches or smash-style burgers for three to six people; you want a griddle that stores flat and washes easily; and you accept a basic dial and a short cord.
Skip it if: you want separate warm and hot zones, a digital thermostat, a heavy cast surface that holds heat, or a plate that stands up to metal spatulas. Buyers who sear steaks often should look at a heavier cooktop or a gas flat top instead.
Published reviews repeat the same strengths and weaknesses. Strengths are the large surface, easy cleanup and light weight. The main complaints are uneven heating between center and edges, a short cord, an unmarked dial and a plate that can be damaged by metal tools.
Daily Use: Heat Up, Cooking and Recovery
Reviewers report that the plate reaches a pancake-ready 350 F in around five minutes, and that it recovers within roughly a minute to a minute and a half after you lift food off. Treat those as reported impressions rather than guaranteed numbers, since kitchen temperature and outlet loading change them.
The temperature dial has no numbers on some reviews, so you learn it by feel. Start at medium for pancakes, raise it for burgers and bacon, and use the warm setting to hold finished batches. A cheap infrared or probe thermometer helps you learn the real surface temperature. See best instant read meat thermometers for doneness checks on burgers and sausages.
Because the plate is a single zone, plan a cooking order: eggs and pancakes first at lower heat, then bacon and burgers at higher heat. Do not crowd the plate. If the edges run cooler than the center, put thicker items in the middle and thin items at the edges, or rotate food halfway through.
Suggested settings by food
| Food | Dial range | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Pancakes and french toast | Medium (roughly 325 to 350 F) | Wait for the indicator light to cycle before pouring batter |
| Eggs | Low to medium | A thin film of oil or butter helps the coating last |
| Bacon | Medium-high | Angle the griddle slightly toward the drip tray if the model allows |
| Burgers and sausages | High | Cook in batches, check internal temperature |
| Grilled sandwiches | Medium | Press gently with a nylon or silicone tool |
| Keeping food warm | Warm | Do not leave cooked food out more than two hours |
Treat the ranges as starting points. Dial markings vary and your plate may run hotter or cooler.
Cleaning and Care
This is the griddle’s best feature. Pull out the temperature control, let the plate cool, then wash it. The maker’s guide, as summarized in published coverage, allows the plate on the bottom dishwasher rack and the drip tray on the top rack. The temperature control, its cord and plug must stay dry and out of water and the dishwasher.
- Use nylon, silicone or wood tools. Metal can scratch ceramic or nonstick surfaces. Our list of nylon utensil sets for nonstick cookware shows safe options.
- Skip abrasive pads and cleaners. The user guide warns they can scratch the coating.
- Let the plate cool before washing. Cold water on a hot aluminum plate risks warping.
- Do not use nonstick spray in a way that builds up. Aerosol residue can leave a sticky film; a little oil wiped on works better.
- Store flat. Do not stack heavy items on the plate.
Where the Chefman XL Falls Short
- Heat uniformity: the thin aluminum plate is lightweight but can show hot spots. One major review lists uneven heating as its chief con.
- Cord length: a short cord limits placement; avoid extension cords with heating appliances unless they are rated for the load and the maker allows it.
- Controls: there is no digital readout, timer or preset, so you cook by sight.
- Single zone: everything is the same temperature, so large mixed breakfasts take sequencing.
- Coating longevity: like any nonstick, gentle tools and hand-friendly cleaning matter. If you have a bird, note that heated PTFE-type nonstick coatings can harm pet birds; the listing states a ceramic coating, but keep birds out of the kitchen when any nonstick cookware is heating.
Chefman XL vs Closest Rivals
All rivals below are chosen from items returned by the product search for the same use. Specs come from listing titles; anything not in the title is marked not listed.
| Griddle | Surface | Notable feature | Tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chefman XL | 10 x 20 in | Removable control, immersible, drip tray | Budget | Easy cleanup on a tight budget |
| Chefman (non-XL) | Not listed in title | Same removable control concept | Budget | Smaller households |
| Bella 10 x 20 ceramic | 10 x 20 in | Ceramic coating | Budget | Direct size match with a ceramic top |
| Presto 07030 | 20 in | Cool-touch body | Budget to mid-range | Long-standing simple design |
| GreenPan Advanced | 10.5 x 20 in | Warming drawer, PFAS-free ceramic coating | Mid-range | Holding finished food warm |
| Dash Smash XL | 15 x 19 in | Drip tray, ceramic nonstick, smash burger focus | Mid-range | Burgers and big batches |
Bella 10 x 20 Ceramic Griddle
Bella 10 x 20 in Ceramic Griddle, Oatmilk
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The most direct size match: the same 10 by 20 inch footprint with a ceramic coating. Choose it if you like the look, but check the listing for control type and cleaning instructions.
Presto 07030 20-Inch Cool Touch Electric Griddle
Presto 07030 20-Inch Cool Touch Electric Griddle | Electric Griddles, Countertop Griddles, Nonstick Cookware, Electric Cooking Appliances, Aluminum, Black
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A long-running design with a cool-touch body. It is a good fit if you prefer a classic, permanently attached control. Whether the plate can be fully immersed is not stated in the listing text, so follow the care instructions.
GreenPan Advanced 10.5 x 20 Electric Griddle with Warming Drawer
GreenPan Advanced 10.5”x 20” Electric Griddle with Warming Drawer, Ceramic Nonstick PFAS-Free Coating, Temperature Control, Easy and Versatile Countertop Meals, Dishwasher Safe, Clay
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A step up if you want food held warm while the next batch cooks. The listing mentions a ceramic nonstick, PFAS-free coating and temperature control. Expect a higher purchase tier than the Chefman.
Dash Smash XL Electric Griddle (15 x 19 in)
Dash Smash XL Electric Griddle,15x19 Inch Indoor Flat Top Grill with Drip Tray, Ceramic Nonstick Griddle for Smash Burgers, Pancakes & Breakfast, Quick Sear, Black
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A squarer, more burger-focused griddle with a drip tray and ceramic nonstick. Pick it if smash burgers are the goal and you have counter space for the footprint.
Chefman Electric Griddle (non-XL)
Chefman Electric Griddle with Removable Temperature Control, Immersible Flat Top Grill, Burger, Eggs, Pancake Griddle, Nonstick Easy Clean Cooking Surface, Slide Out Drip Tray, 10 x 16 Inch
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Same brand and same removable-control idea at a smaller size and lower tier. Consider it for one or two people, and read the listing for the exact surface size.
How to Choose Any Electric Griddle: Thresholds That Matter
If the Chefman XL is not quite right, use these checks on any electric griddle before you buy.
- Surface size: 200 square inches (about 10 x 20 inches) feeds three to four people in one go. Under about 150 square inches means two batches for a family; above about 250 square inches needs a deep counter and a dedicated storage spot.
- Power: 1500W is typical for a plug-in griddle on a standard 120V kitchen circuit. Higher output usually means faster recovery but more load on the outlet, so avoid running other high-wattage appliances on the same circuit.
- Control type: an analog dial is simple and cheap; a thermostat with a set temperature is steadier. Look for a clearly marked warm setting.
- Cleanup design: removable control plus a fully washable plate is the feature that decides whether you use it weekly or let it gather dust. A fixed control means hand-wiping only.
- Grease path: a slide-out tray or a front trough is far easier than a slope with no catch.
- Coating: ceramic and PTFE nonstick both need soft tools. Read the maker’s claims and the care guide, and avoid heating any nonstick coating empty on high.
- Cord and footprint: a cord under about 3 feet limits you to outlets near the counter edge; measure your counter and cabinet depth before ordering.
Cooking a Full Breakfast on One Plate
- Preheat 5 to 8 minutes with the dial on medium, wiping on a thin film of oil or butter.
- Start with bacon at one end, then push cooked strips to the drip-tray edge or a plate to rest.
- Pour pancakes in the center, leaving finger-width gaps, and flip when the surface bubbles and the edges look set.
- Add eggs at the cooler end last, since they cook fast and overcook easily.
- Switch to warm and hold finished food briefly while you plate it, keeping holding time short for food safety.
For crepes and thin batters, a griddle plate is not a substitute for a crepe pan; our crepe pans guide covers when a dedicated pan is better.
Safety Notes
- Keep the cord away from the hot plate and the counter edge so it cannot be pulled by children.
- Plug into a wall outlet; do not use a damaged cord, and do not immerse the control unit or plug.
- Place the griddle on a heat-safe, level surface with clearance from walls and cabinets, since steam and grease vapor rise from the plate.
- Let the plate cool fully before cleaning, moving or storing.
- Cook meat to safe internal temperatures and wash hands and tools after handling raw food.
Cost of Ownership in Plain Terms
| Cost factor | Chefman XL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase tier | Budget | Among the lowest-cost 20-inch griddles in this search |
| Running cost | Low | 1500W heating, used for short sessions |
| Replacement risk | Moderate | Coating life depends on tools and cleaning habits |
| Accessories | Low | Silicone or nylon turner and scraper are enough |
| Space | Medium | About 21 inches wide; store flat |
For other tools that pair with a griddle, see best electric skillets for home cooking and best nonstick pans for eggs if you need a stovetop backup.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large 10 x 20 inch surface for the budget tier
- Removable control, so the plate can be washed thoroughly
- Slide-out drip tray and light weight
- Simple dial that anyone can use
Cons
- Reports of uneven heating
- Short cord and no numbered dial in some reviews
- Coating needs gentle tools
- Single heat zone
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chefman XL griddle dishwasher safe?
The plate can go in the dishwasher once the removable temperature control is taken out. The drip tray is for the top rack per the user guide. Never put the control in water.
How hot does the Chefman XL get?
The dial runs from about 200 to 420 F per the listing and one review; another source lists 400 F. Either is hot enough for pancakes, eggs, bacon and burgers.
Is the Chefman XL nonstick coating PTFE free?
The listing says ceramic coating and lists it as PFAS and PFOA free. That is the manufacturer’s claim, so read the current listing and user guide.
How many pancakes fit on the Chefman XL?
One review says 12 to 15 small pancakes. That depends on size, so expect about 8 to 10 standard pancakes with space to flip.
Does it heat evenly?
Not perfectly. Several reviews flag uneven cooking between center and edges, so preheat fully and rotate food.
Can I use metal utensils?
No. Use silicone, nylon or wood tools to protect the coating, and avoid abrasive pads.
Is it better than a stovetop pan?
For batch cooking, yes, because the surface is far larger. For searing and heat retention, a heavy skillet is better.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
- Buy the Chefman XL if you want a big, light, easy-to-clean griddle for breakfast and sandwiches at a budget price.
- Choose the Bella 10 x 20 if you want the same footprint with a different ceramic coated plate.
- Choose the GreenPan if a warming drawer is worth a higher tier.
- Choose the Dash Smash XL if smash burgers are your main reason to buy.
- Choose the Presto 07030 if you prefer a classic permanently wired design.
The Chefman XL is a sensible budget pick as long as you accept its simple controls and treat the coating gently.
Last updated: October 2026
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