Flat Top vs Ribbed Grills: What Is the Best Choice for Your Kitchen Menu?

We know that every kitchen manager wants to make the best choice when it comes to buying commercial grills, and that’s where Canmac can help. Choosing between a flat top grill or a ribbed grill can leave restaurants and chefs asking a lot of questions. Canmac knows how to answer these questions and make the process of choosing commercial grills as stress-free as possible for chefs.

The most important reason to invest in the right grill is that it will enhance overall kitchen performance and open up new menu options. The cooking method of a grill is unique to its make and design, which has an impact on how food tastes and how chefs can work. For this reason, it is vital that every kitchen consider its specific needs before buying cooking equipment. Flat top grills and ribbed grills will appeal to different types of cooking styles, so it’s essential that chefs take menu, service volume and cooking style into account when making their decision.

Choosing the right grill can make the cooking process more efficient and enhance the food that is produced in the kitchen.

Helping restaurants make the right commercial grills choice is part of Canmac’s commitment to service, and our team of knowledgeable experts can make this process easier for chefs and kitchen managers.

Commercial Grilling Equipment 101

Restaurant chefs are always looking for high-performance commercial grilling equipment options that have been built to last. Choosing the right grill is an important part of making the kitchen a more efficient operation and enhancing the quality of the food that is prepared there. Canmac’s range of grills includes many of the latest features that chefs will look for when choosing equipment for their kitchen. The newest technology for kitchens has a direct influence on the design and construction of modern cooking spaces, and Canmac’s grills represent some of the highest quality cooking systems on the market. Canmac’s grills have been designed to be versatile kitchen appliances that come with multiple features for improved performance.

Core Aspects of a Grill

• Stainless steel
• Heat retention
• Temperature control

Commercial Kitchen Temperature Control

Temperature control is one of the key elements of commercial grilling. Canmac’s grills make this process easier with digital temperature control features that boost kitchen efficiency. Temperature control will also ensure that food is cooked to the right level, reducing waste and spoilage and keeping food safe. In addition, with the right temperature controls, chefs can optimise many different styles of cooking and techniques with just a button press.

Performance Features

• Heat distribution
• Heat retention
• Temperature accuracy
• Response time
• Energy efficiency
• Ease of cleaning
• Maintenance and durability

The Flat Top Grill and its Versatility in Commercial Kitchens

Flat top grills are one of the more popular choices for many commercial kitchens. These commercial grills offer a large and versatile cooking surface where chefs can prepare many different types of food. The main benefit of the flat surface is the ability to prepare multiple menu items at one time.

Flat top grilling is an excellent choice for high-volume restaurants. The larger cooking area that comes with these models means that chefs can easily prepare a larger quantity of food at once. This allows everything from breakfast eggs and burgers to stir-fry to be produced in higher volumes.

Chefs are able to cook a wide variety of menu items on a flat top grill:

• Breakfast menu items such as pancakes, eggs and bacon
• Sandwiches, burgers and grilled vegetables for lunch
• Entrees such as stir-fries, seafood and meat

Restaurants can multi-task when it comes to preparing food with a flat top grill. This saves time and energy, making the kitchen more efficient and enabling food orders to reach customers more quickly.

Flat top grills also offer better heat distribution, which is another important feature for chefs. Chefs also tend to appreciate the way flat top grills cook food, ensuring a consistent and high-quality end product. The flat top grill also makes it easy for chefs to transition between different styles of cooking.

Flat Top Grill vs Ribbed Grill: Which Is Right for Your Menu?

Choosing a commercial grill is one of the most important decisions that professional kitchens need to make. The choice can have a long-lasting impact on menu planning and kitchen efficiency, as well as the quality of food. Restaurant owners need to carefully assess their needs before deciding if a flat top or a ribbed grill would be the best choice for their kitchen.

Different menus and cooking styles may require different cooking techniques, and a greater understanding of both grills will make it easier to unlock the full potential of a kitchen and create new menu items.

Menu Compatibility

Flat top grills tend to work well for cooking more delicate foods such as eggs, pancakes or vegetables.

Ribbed grills, on the other hand, are ideal for steaks and other types of meat preparations because of the unique grill marks that they can create.

Canmac has a wide variety of versatile commercial grill models that can be used in many different kitchens and with many different types of cuisine.

Food Preparation Requirements

One of the first things that a chef needs to consider when deciding on the best commercial grill for their kitchen is their preferred style of cooking. A few things to take into account include:

• Cooking temperature
• Surface texture
• Compatibility with marination and seasoning

Volume of Service Considerations

Kitchen efficiency can also be affected by the use of the correct size grill. Restaurants that experience high levels of customer traffic will need powerful commercial equipment that is capable of meeting the demands of rush service. Canmac has the solution, with kitchen equipment that can help restaurants to prepare excellent food more quickly and easily.

Choosing the right grill is an opportunity to showcase a kitchen’s skills in the menu-planning stage. Chefs are able to be more creative and consistent with the right kitchen equipment.

Maximising Efficiency with Ribbed Grills

Ribbed grills are the next step up for the commercial kitchen. Professional-quality ribbed grills can transform the cooking process by providing an excellent way to improve the flavour and presentation of a dish. Ribbed grills are designed in such a way that makes it easier to prepare impressive-looking meals at home, with those characteristic restaurant-quality grill marks.

Ribbed grills are an excellent way to add chargrilled flavour to food. Ribbed grills also allow fat to drip away from food during the cooking process, resulting in healthier food that is lower in fat. This can be achieved without sacrificing the taste or texture of the meal.

Chef-recommended tips for ribbed grills

• Use the right temperature to achieve the grill marks that you desire
• Experiment with times and temperatures to perfect your cooking method

Canmac has a range of heavy-duty ribbed grill models that can help improve kitchen performance. Canmac kitchen equipment allows restaurants to prepare a wide range of dishes quickly without having to sacrifice quality or consistency. Ribbed grills make it easier for chefs to achieve great results, even if they have little or no experience.

Ribbed grills are one of the best ways to make everyday dishes taste special, just like the meals that are served at high-end restaurants. Ribbed grills can be used to prepare steaks, chicken and vegetables, and they are an excellent choice for getting consistent results.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Commercial Grills

Kitchen maintenance and cleaning is one of the most important steps that professional chefs can take to ensure a successful kitchen. Cleaning and servicing cooking equipment on a regular basis will help to extend its useful life and save money in the long run.

Canmac has a useful cleaning schedule that can be used by kitchen staff to protect their investment and ensure that the grill always performs at its best.

Daily Cleaning Protocols

• Scrape cooking surfaces
• Degreasing solutions should be used for flat top and ribbed grill types as needed
• Grease and food debris should be removed from the cooking surface
• Sanitisation with approved cleaning agents

Long-term Maintenance Schedules

• Deep cleaning on a weekly basis
• Monthly checks and maintenance of all parts and equipment
• Quarterly maintenance by a professional
• Annual detailed inspection of all parts and equipment

Professional Servicing Guidelines

Cleaning is important, but kitchens also need to invest in professional servicing. Professional servicing is an important part of maintaining commercial-grade kitchen equipment. The professional inspection can prevent problems from developing and becoming more expensive to repair, and it also keeps the kitchen operating at peak levels.

Investment and ROI Considerations

Restaurant owners need to consider more than just the cost of a commercial grill when choosing a new grill. The long-term value is also something to consider, and restaurateurs need to consider the overall potential that each grill has to offer their kitchen. Canmac has a range of commercial grills that will help restaurant owners to find the right balance between the initial outlay and the potential for an excellent return on investment.

Commercial grills’ cost-effectiveness is not just a consideration of the purchase price. Chefs and kitchen managers will also need to consider energy consumption, maintenance needs and even the potential for menu expansion. The right grill will improve kitchen efficiency, increasing the number of dishes that can be served in a given time frame. This will lead to better profit margins for the kitchen as a whole.

Cost considerations for kitchen equipment should include a thorough analysis of the durability, efficiency and versatility of the chosen equipment. Canmac has an extensive range of grills that will allow restaurateurs to find the right commercial kitchen equipment to meet their needs, with menu-planning at the centre of this process.

FAQ

Q: What are the key differences between a flat top grill and a ribbed grill?

A flat top grill is a completely flat cooking surface, and chefs can prepare multiple dishes on the surface at the same time. A ribbed grill has a series of grooves on its cooking surface, which creates charred lines. Ribbed grills are also well-suited to chargrilling. Ribbed grills also offer a different style of presentation. Canmac has a range of versatile grill models that can be used in a wide range of kitchens and with a variety of cuisines.

Q: How do I know which type of grill is best for my kitchen?

The first step in making this decision is to consider your menu, service volume and kitchen space. Flat top grills are very versatile and ribbed grills are great for chargrilled flavour and grill marks.

Q: What maintenance do commercial grills require?

Daily cleaning is the most important part of keeping a grill in good working order. This includes scraping the cooking surface after each use, degreasing flat top and ribbed grill types as necessary, and removing grease and food debris. Sanitising the grill with approved cleaning agents is also recommended.

Q: Are commercial grills energy-efficient?

Yes. Energy efficiency is a concern for many modern kitchens, and Canmac’s commercial grills are designed to use less energy. This is accomplished through better insulation, accurate temperature controls and a shorter heat-up time.

Q: Can I use the same grill for multiple foods?

Many grills can be used for a variety of different foods, but chefs will need to be aware of the potential for cross-contamination risks. Flat top grills are ideal for many different foods, but ribbed grills are better suited to certain menu items.

Q: What factors influence the price of a commercial grill?

Size, construction materials, temperature control and additional features such as digital controls will all impact price. Energy efficiency and brand reputation also play a role. When making a purchase, restaurateurs will want to weigh their initial investment against the long-term value of the product.

Q: How often should I replace my commercial grills?

A good-quality commercial grill will last for between 7 and 10 years with the right care. Replacement times will vary, but they are generally dependent on usage, maintenance and changes to the kitchen.

Q: Are there any safety considerations when operating commercial grills?

Kitchen ventilation is essential, and equipment should be inspected on a regular basis. Staff also need to be trained in the safe operation of kitchen equipment. Surfaces should be kept clean and grease should be removed. Staff should be equipped with the appropriate protective gear, and gas and electrical connections should be checked on a regular basis.

Q: How does temperature control affect a grill’s performance?

Advanced temperature control systems help with heat management, which in turn results in more consistent cooking. Temperature control also reduces energy waste, and it helps chefs to get better results.

Q: Can a commercial grill be customised to meet the needs of my kitchen?

Yes, many manufacturers, including Canmac, offer the ability to customise grills. Size, power and even features can be selected to best meet a kitchen’s needs and menu.