Review: Frigidaire Ultimate Griddle

In one of my bottom kitchen cabinets, on a top shelf, covered with ten different sized zip-top bags, you will find a very lonely, rarely used electric griddle, that I’m sure I insisted on having. I break it once, okay, maybe twice a year to cook up a big batch of pancakes for sleepovers because I refuse to make them three at a time in my big frying pan. I’ve been eyeing griddles that are for glass top stoves, and the Frigidaire Ultimate Griddle ($44.99) seemed like one that would be worth springing a few dollars for. According to the website, it would use the two different sized burners to spread the heat evenly. Ok, I’m game – if it has the potential of making my life one step easier, I’ll try it.

When the Ultimate Griddle showed up at my door, I’ll admit, I was pretty psyched. Then, when I read through the papers there was one page that caught my eye – it promised it could thaw frozen food much faster than in the fridge or on a counter (yes, I know I shouldn’t, but in life, time can be my worst enemy). I knew they had hooked me…if it was true. I pulled out three boneless skinless chicken breasts from the freezer, and figured I’d test their promise. The “approximate thaw time” for a 5 oz boneless skinless chicken breast is about 17 minutes, taking into consideration the number of items being thawed and the room temperature. I put one chicken breast on a plate and two on the Ultimate Griddle and started to play the waiting game.

I flipped all three chicken breasts after 15 minutes and the one on the plate was still frozen solid. Much to my surprise, the ones on the Ultimate Griddle were definitely on the fast-track to being defrosted! After 31 minutes, I was able to cut through the chicken that I defrosted on the griddle, while the piece on the plate was still pretty much solid. I will say, that the one on the griddle was still a bit icy in the middle, but it was really easy to cut and definitely did just as it promised – looks like it’s teriyaki tonight!

Test number two was pancakes. I figured, if I could make a big batch of pancakes on a Sunday night and have them ready to go from the fridge to the toaster for breakfast, then the Ultimate Griddle had the potential of becoming my new kitchen BFF. I put the griddle across two burners, setting both to 6 (just over medium heat), and let it heat up for a few minutes. I pulled out my measuring cup, mixed up the batter, sprayed the griddle and was able to make 15 pancakes in minutes! I did have to adjust the temperature a bit, but this was the first time I’d actually cooked with it, so, all things considered, it’d call it a huge success.

Being a working mom with two kids, it’s great to find a product that truly lives up to its name. This time, I really think I’ve found it in the Ultimate Griddle.

Buy the Ultimate Griddle or learn more about out Frigidaire products here http://frigidaire.stores.yahoo.net/

-Erin

* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy received a discounted Ultimate Griddle by/from Frigidaire to facilitate this review. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service.
 The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.