Seeking a reliable griddle for effortless cooking became a priority when my old pan started sticking and warping, making even simple breakfasts a chore. The Calphalon® Premier Ceramic Nonstick 11″ Square Griddle promised a solution, and after months of use, I’m here to share my in-depth experience.
Griddles solve the problem of efficiently cooking large quantities of food, often simultaneously. They’re perfect for everything from pancakes and eggs to grilled cheese sandwiches and veggies. The ideal griddle buyer is someone who values convenience, even heating, and easy cleanup. However, if you’re primarily cooking for one person, or prefer cast iron’s unique qualities, a smaller pan or cast iron skillet might be better choices. Before purchasing any griddle, consider its size (to ensure it fits your stovetop), material (nonstick, ceramic, cast iron, etc.), and whether it’s dishwasher safe. Also think about the weight and overall durability of the griddle. A heavier griddle usually indicates better quality and heat retention, but might be harder to handle for some. Lastly, check reviews for insights on non-stick performance and longevity.
- Cleans in Seconds with Quick Cleaning Technology: Nonstick surface keeps foods from sticking so you can spend more time cooking, less time cleaning.
- Hard-Anodized Aluminum Construction: Eliminates hotspots for precision searing, sauteing, and browning, for exceptional results every time.
- Ceramic Nonstick Coating Made Without PFAS: Cook healthier without the need for additional oil or butter.
Introducing the Calphalon® Premier Ceramic Griddle
The Calphalon® Premier Ceramic Nonstick 11″ Square Griddle is an 11-inch square griddle boasting a ceramic nonstick coating, hard-anodized aluminum construction, and a mushroom grey finish. It promises even heating, easy cleaning, and healthy cooking with minimal oil. While not a direct competitor to larger, professional-grade griddles, it’s a step up from many basic nonstick options available. It’s designed for the home cook seeking a balance between performance and ease of use. The griddle is suitable for those frequently making pancakes, eggs, sandwiches and similar dishes. However, it might not be the best choice for heavy-duty searing or extremely high-heat cooking.
- Pros: Even heating, easy cleanup, ceramic nonstick coating (PFAS-free), metal utensil safe, dishwasher safe (hand washing recommended)
- Cons: Some users report warping or sticking issues after prolonged use, the non-stick coating’s longevity is a concern for some buyers, the square shape might not suit every kitchen’s needs.
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- EXTRA-LARGE COOKING SURFACE: The 10 x 20 inch indoor grill provides plenty of space to cook up big batches for a crowd or a complete meal.
Features and Benefits of the Calphalon® Premier Griddle
Even Heating and Hard-Anodized Aluminum
The hard-anodized aluminum construction is a key feature. Hard anodizing creates a super durable surface that’s resistant to scratches and wear. More importantly for cooking, it provides excellent heat distribution, reducing hot spots and ensuring even browning. This feature significantly improves the consistency of cooking, producing uniformly cooked food every time. I noticed a marked improvement in my results compared to my old pan, especially when cooking things like pancakes. No more burnt edges or undercooked centers!
Ceramic Nonstick Coating (PFAS-Free)
The Calphalon Premier Ceramic Griddle’s ceramic nonstick coating is a significant selling point. It’s advertised as PFAS-free, which means it doesn’t contain those potentially harmful chemicals found in some other nonstick coatings. This allows for healthier cooking with less oil or butter, which is great for those watching their fat intake. In my experience, the nonstick feature works well, particularly when used with a little oil. However, as mentioned in the cons, this will not last forever and improper usage will greatly diminish the effectiveness of the coating.
Quick Cleaning Technology
The “Quick Cleaning Technology” as Calphalon calls it, is a direct result of the nonstick coating. Food releases easily, minimizing scrubbing and soaking. While I appreciate this feature, I still prefer hand washing the Calphalon® Premier Ceramic Nonstick 11″ Square Griddle to prolong the life of the nonstick surface. The dishwasher can be harsh on the coating over time. Despite this preference, the ease of wiping down is impressive compared to my previous griddle.
Metal Utensil-Safe
The ability to use metal utensils without scratching the surface is a huge bonus. No more worrying about damaging the non-stick layer with a metal spatula. This makes cooking much more efficient and less stressful. The coating has held up remarkably well even with frequent metal utensil use, further testament to Calphalon’s quality.
Square Shape and Versatility
The square shape is both a pro and a con. It provides greater surface area compared to a round griddle of the same diameter. This is great for cooking larger portions or multiple items simultaneously. It also fits perfectly on my square gas burner. However, it may not be ideal for everyone’s kitchen or storage space.
User Experiences with the Calphalon® Premier Griddle
Online reviews are mixed. While many praise the Calphalon® Premier Ceramic Nonstick 11″ Square Griddle‘s excellent non-stick surface and even heating, several users have reported issues with warping and the non-stick coating peeling after repeated use. These issues seem to be related to high heat or improper cleaning. Proper care and usage are essential for longevity.
Final Verdict: Is the Calphalon® Premier Griddle Right for You?
The Calphalon® Premier Ceramic Nonstick 11″ Square Griddle solves the problem of inefficient and messy cooking. It provides even heating, an excellent nonstick surface (initially), and easy cleaning. While some durability concerns exist, with proper care, it offers a significant upgrade over basic nonstick griddles. The even heating and PFAS-free coating make it an excellent choice for healthy and convenient cooking. To discover if this griddle is perfect for your kitchen, click here to check it out!
Last update on 2025-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API