Comstock-Castle HG36T-1-.5G, 36 In. Countertop Gas Thermostatic Half Grooved Griddle

Founded in 1838 in Quincy, Illinois, Comstock-Castle is America's oldest stove manufacturer still in operation. The company grew from a frontier hardware shop into a grey-iron foundry that helped make Quincy the nation's stove-production hub by the early 1900s. Seven generations later, Comstock-Castle still designs and union-builds commercial cooking equipment in the same Quincy facility, with ranges, griddles, charbroilers, fryers, and modular cook lines configurable from 24 to 72 inches to match your menu. Built to outlast the kitchens that put them on the line.

Commercial gas griddles are a staple in most professional kitchens. They offer a large, flat cooking surface with even heat, which is essential for breakfast service, burgers, sandwiches, and high-volume menus. Gas models heat up fast, recover quickly, and are cheaper to run than electric. If you need a 24 inch countertop unit or a larger flat top for a busy line, a commercial gas griddle gives you the speed and surface area to keep up.

Common Types and Configurations

• Countertop gas griddles: Sit on a prep counter and save floor space. Available in several widths to fit your kitchen.
• Commercial flat top griddles: Large surface for high-volume cooking. Standard in diners, breakfast spots, and full service restaurants.
• 24 inch commercial gas griddles: Compact for small kitchens or as a backup station. Suited for lower volume menus.
• 36 to 48 inch gas griddles: Mid-size units for most full service kitchens running steady volume.
• 60 inch gas griddles: High capacity for large volume kitchens where the griddle runs all day.

What to Look at Before You Buy

• Size and width: Match the griddle to your menu volume and available space. 24 inch units work for low volume. 48 to 60 inch units are for high-volume kitchens.
• BTU output: Higher BTU gives faster heat recovery. This matters in busy kitchens with constant orders.
• Plate thickness: Thicker plates hold heat better and cook more evenly. Thin plates heat up fast but lose heat under heavy use.
• Plate finish: Smooth plates are standard. Grooved plates add grill marks and help drain grease.
• Number of burners: More burners give you more temperature zones. Useful for cooking different items at once.
• Controls: Manual controls are simple and reliable. Some models have thermostatic controls for more precise temps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of griddle do restaurants use?

Most restaurants use commercial flat top gas griddles. They heat up fast, hold steady temps, and handle high volume. Gas is the standard for diners, breakfast spots, burger joints, and any kitchen running a griddle all day. The best commercial gas griddles combine thick steel plates, high BTU output, and reliable controls for consistent results through multiple services. Electric griddles are used where gas is not available or when precise temperature control is needed.

How long does a commercial griddle last?

A well-maintained commercial gas griddle can last 10 to 15 years or longer. The plate is the key part. Thick steel plates last longer and resist warping. Clean regularly, season the plate, and avoid pouring cold water on a hot surface to extend the life of your griddle.

What is the difference between a griddle and a flat top grill?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there are small differences. A griddle usually means a smooth, flat surface for eggs, pancakes, and sandwiches. A flat top grill is similar but often used for higher heat cooking like burgers and proteins. In most commercial kitchens, both terms mean the same thing: a large, flat gas or electric cooking surface.

Related Categories

• Commercial Grills and Griddles
• Electric Griddles
• Commercial Charbroilers
• Cooking Equipment

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