Commercial Griddles, Grill Plates & Char Grills — What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When you’re setting up a café, restaurant, food truck, or takeaway shop, choosing the right commercial cooking surface can make a big difference in speed, flavour, and efficiency. But with so many options — flat griddles, ribbed grill plates, and radiant char grills — how do you know which one’s right for your kitchen?

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose the best fit for your menu, budget and business.

The Difference Between a Griddle, Grill Plate and Char Grill

Commercial griddles (flat grills) have a smooth steel surface that cooks food directly on the plate. They’re great for:

Eggs, bacon, burgers, seafood and pancakes
Even heat and quick cooking
Easy cleaning with a scraper

Grill plates can be flat, ribbed, or grooved — perfect for creating grill marks and letting fat drain away while keeping the charred flavour.

Char grills, on the other hand, use open flames or radiant heat (with ceramic rocks or burners). They deliver smoky flavour and high-heat searing — ideal for:

Steaks, chicken, skewers and BBQ dishes
Busy venues needing fast, powerful grilling

Quick tip:
If you want versatility, choose a half griddle / half char grill combo — perfect for mixed menus.

Gas vs Electric — Which Is Better for You?

Gas Griddle

When deciding between gas and electric commercial griddles or char grills, the better option depends on your kitchen’s volume, setup, and cooking style. Gas models are known for their rapid heat-up and recovery times, making them ideal for high-demand restaurants where speed and power are essential — such as burger joints, breakfast rush kitchens, or grill-heavy menus. They offer intense searing capabilities and, depending on your region, often come with lower operating costs due to cheaper gas prices. However, gas units also require proper ventilation, a gas line, and typically involve more complex installation and maintenance. They can also produce uneven heating and contribute significantly to the kitchen’s ambient heat.

Electric Griddle

In contrast, electric models provide cleaner operation with easier installation, making them perfect for cafés, food trucks, or indoor kitchens with limited ventilation. They offer more precise, even heat control — great for delicate items like eggs, pancakes, or fish — and generally involve fewer maintenance issues. However, they often heat slower, may not reach the same maximum temperatures as gas, and can be costlier to run in areas where electricity is expensive. Ultimately, gas is the better choice for high-volume, fast-paced commercial cooking environments, while electric suits low to medium-volume operations that value ease, control, and flexibility. Your existing infrastructure, energy rates, kitchen layout, and long-term goals should guide the final decision.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Kitchen

When selecting the right size commercial cooking equipment — such as griddles or char grills — it’s essential to balance your available space, energy setup, and cooking volume. These units typically come in standard widths like 300mm, 600mm, 900mm, 1200mm, and up to 1500mm for larger, high-output kitchens. First, accurately measure your available bench or stand space to ensure a proper fit, while also accounting for clearance and ventilation requirements. Next, check your kitchen’s power or gas supply — for example, larger electric units may require three-phase power, and bigger gas units will need higher-capacity gas lines. Think about your peak service times and menu demands: do you need multiple cooking zones to prepare different items simultaneously without flavor transfer? A smaller 300mm or 600mm electric griddle might be ideal for a compact café, brunch spot, or food truck, where space is tight and the menu is light. On the other hand, a 900mm or 1200mm gas char grill gives you more cooking surface and flexibility, making it perfect for a steakhouse, pub, or busy restaurant serving multiple proteins at once. For high-volume operations like hotel kitchens or function centers, even 1500mm units may be necessary to handle demand efficiently. Choosing the right size ensures your kitchen flows smoothly during service, avoids bottlenecks, and supports consistent food quality — without overloading your energy supply or overcrowding your workspace.

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

Regular cleaning extends your grill’s life and keeps food tasting great.

Griddles: Use a scraper while hot, then wipe with a damp cloth once cool. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Char grills: Empty drip trays daily, clean grates with a grill brush, and replace ceramic rocks as needed.
Grease zones and troughs: Keep clear to prevent flare-ups and improve cooking consistency.

Goldstein and other Australian-made models are designed with front-access servicing and removable drip trays to make this easier.

Why Choose an Australian-Made Grill or Griddle

When it comes to commercial kitchen equipment, buying Australian-made means more than just supporting local industry — it means getting gear that’s built tough for Australian kitchens, climate, and compliance. An Australian-made grill or griddle is designed specifically for our voltage, safety, and gas standards, so you get reliable performance that meets AS/NZS commercial kitchen regulations right out of the box. There’s no need for conversions or workarounds — just plug it in, fire it up, and start cooking.

Local brands like Goldstein, B+S, LUUS proudly available at BENDGS, have built a reputation for creating heavy-duty cooking equipment that thrives under pressure. Made from high-grade stainless steel, these grills and griddles are built to last for years of daily service. The craftsmanship shows in the details — welded frames, precision thermostats, even heat distribution, and easy-clean surfaces that make end-of-day clean-down a breeze. They’re built by people who understand what Aussie kitchens really need: strength, reliability, and simple operation.

Another big advantage of choosing Australian-made is energy efficiency. Goldstein equipment, for example, is designed for fast heat recovery and low energy consumption, helping busy kitchens save on running costs without sacrificing cooking speed or quality. You’ll notice the difference during peak hours — your grill or griddle stays hot, consistent, and ready to go, even with constant turnover. It’s this balance between performance and efficiency that sets local manufacturing apart.

Then there’s the peace of mind that comes with long-term support. When you buy Australian, you’re backed by guaranteed parts availability for up to 10 years and nationwide service support. That means if something goes wrong, you won’t be waiting weeks for overseas parts to arrive — local technicians can get you back up and running fast. Goldstein’s service network and commitment to after-sales care make it a trusted name across the hospitality industry.

And let’s not forget about warranty and compliance. With local warranty coverage, easy access to spare parts, and service teams operating across Australia, you can count on quick solutions and honest advice. At BENDGS, we partner directly with Australian brands to make sure every customer gets expert help when they need it — from selecting the right grill for your menu to arranging delivery, installation, and servicing.

In short, choosing an Australian-made grill or griddle means investing in equipment that’s designed for the way you actually cook in Australia. You get durability, energy efficiency, compliance, and local support — all from a brand that’s proud to stand behind its products. Whether you’re fitting out a new restaurant or upgrading your existing kitchen, Goldstein commercial grills and griddles from BENDGS are a smart, long-term choice for any foodservice business.

Top Features to Look For

When you’re buying your next commercial griddle or grill, a few key features can make all the difference in performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. The first thing to check is plate thickness. A solid plate of at least 12 mm thick ensures even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface. Thicker plates retain heat better, recover temperature faster after loading, and deliver consistent results when you’re cooking high volumes during peak service times.

Next up, look for thermostatic controls rather than simple manual switches. A thermostatically controlled griddle automatically maintains a stable temperature throughout the day, letting you cook evenly without constant adjustment. This means better consistency, less energy waste, and fewer overcooked or underdone items.

Durability is another must. Always choose a griddle or grill made from fully welded stainless steel — not just for the sleek look, but because it’s built to handle the heat, moisture, and daily cleaning that come with commercial kitchens. Welded seams are stronger, easier to sanitise, and prevent grease or food from getting trapped in gaps.

Cleaning convenience is also key. Go for units with removable drip trays, spill zones, and front-mounted grease gutters. These simple design features save valuable cleaning time at the end of a long shift and help extend the lifespan of your equipment by preventing oil build-up and corrosion.

Finally, consider your menu and workflow when choosing the cooking surface configuration. Many professional griddles offer custom options — like grooved plates for grill marks, polished chrome for delicate foods like eggs and seafood, or even half-flat, half-grooved setups for versatile cooking. These upgrades give you flexibility to handle different cuisines and cooking styles all on the same machine.

In short, a well-built commercial griddle or grill should deliver even heat, easy cleaning, precise control, and long-term durability. When you invest in the right features, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment — you’re investing in smoother service, better food consistency, and lower running costs for years to come.

Best Brands in Australia For Commercial Griddles and Char Grills

Here are detailed pros and cons in paragraph form for five leading commercial griddle and char-grill brands you might consider: Goldstein, B+S, Luus, GasMAX and CookRite. This should help you evaluate which brand fits your kitchen, budget and service-needs.

Goldstein

Pros: Goldstein is proudly Australian-made and designed specifically for commercial kitchens in Australia, which means the build quality, spare parts availability and service network are strong. Their griddles and char-grills typically use thick mild-steel or cast-iron plates, heavy welded stainless steel bodies, and include features like pilot flame failure and grease drip-trays for ease of daily cleaning. These features make them well suited for high-turnover restaurants, steakhouses and grill kitchens.

Cons: Because of the premium build and local manufacturing, Goldstein units can come at a higher upfront cost compared to some imported options. Also, large sizes and heavy construction mean they require adequate space, ventilation and installation planning. Their strong build may be over-spec for smaller cafés or low-volume kitchens, leading to potentially higher maintenance or energy costs.

B+S (B + S Commercial Kitchens)

Pros: B+S is another Australian brand with decades of experience (since 1956) and a broad product range tailored for Australian kitchens—including grill plates and char broilers. Their units are designed for durability, versatility (suitable for Asian, European and fast-food style cooking) and are backed by local manufacturing and service. They offer good service-support and parts availability. B+S offers three distinct tiers in its cooking equipment lineup — K+, Black, and Verro — each designed to suit different commercial kitchen sizes, workloads, and budgets. This tiered range allows businesses to choose the right balance of performance, durability, and price for their specific operational needs.

Cons: While robust, B+S equipment may not always match the same ultra-heavy-duty specification as some premium brands (e.g., plate thickness, burner output) depending on model. For very high-volume, specialised grilling applications you might find you need the “top-end” versions (Verro) which cost more than Goldstein’s counterparts. Also, the warranty and parts cycles may not always match the longest in the industry.

Luus

Pros: Luus offers excellent build quality with thick mild steel plates (for example 21 mm thick for some models) and modular configurations that combine griddles and char-grills. Their Australian manufacturing (Melbourne) means they understand local kitchen requirements and service. The flexibility of combining griddle/char grill units allows operators to tailor to menu mix without buying separate units.

Cons: Because of their heavy-duty and thicker-plate designs, Luus units tend to weigh more and take up more space, which may be less ideal for smaller kitchens. Also, higher specification and optional finishes (chrome plating, ribbed plates) may drive cost up. Some users may pay for features they don’t strictly need if volume or menu is modest.

GasMAX

Pros: GasMAX offers a broad range of commercial cooking equipment in Australia, often at competitive prices, including griddles and char-grills. For kitchens needing reliable equipment at decent value, they provide good functional specification and are easy to source. Even if Gasmax ranges are made in overseas, they get reliable local warranty support (2 years labour and 4 years part).

Cons: Because they’re positioned more value-oriented than premium heavy-duty brands, the materials, plate thickness or service-support might not match the top tier. If you’re in a high-volume steakhouse or heavy-basting grill environment you may find they’re not quite as rugged or long-lasting as some premium brands.

CookRite

Pros: CookRite is known for solid, value-for-money char-grills and griddles designed for Australian commercial kitchens. Their models often include flame-failure safety, stainless steel construction, and appropriate warranties (for example 4 years parts on some models). They are especially good for cafés, bars and moderate-volume kitchens where performance and cost-balance matter.

Cons: While good value, CookRite may not offer the same plate thickness, maximum output or custom modular options of the highest specification brands (Goldstein or B+S Black or above). For extremely high demand kitchens or specialised heavy grilling operations, you might need to step up to a premium brand. Also, fewer advanced features or “luxury” finishes may be offered.

To Sum Up

When it comes to setting up a commercial kitchen, your griddle, grill plate, or char grill plays a major role in how efficiently you cook, how your food tastes, and how quickly you can serve customers.

Commercial griddles are best for all-round cooking — flat, smooth, and great for eggs, bacon, seafood, burgers and pancakes. They heat evenly, clean easily, and are perfect for cafés and takeaways that need quick turnover.

Grill plates give you flexibility with flat or ribbed surfaces, letting you achieve those signature grill lines while draining away excess fat — ideal for healthier, flavour-packed cooking.

Char grills bring the flame and flavour. They use gas burners or radiant heat to create smoky, restaurant-style results, making them a must-have for steakhouses, pubs and BBQ venues.

When comparing gas vs electric, think about your kitchen’s setup.

Gas models offer higher power, fast heat-up times and are great for high-volume restaurants.
Electric models are energy-efficient, compact, and perfect for cafés, food trucks, or kitchens where gas lines aren’t available.

For sizing, 600mm, 900mm and 1200mm griddles and grills are most common — choose based on your available space and daily output. The thicker the cooking plate (ideally 12mm or more), the better the heat retention and consistency.

Maintenance is also key. Regular cleaning, scraping and clearing grease zones prevent build-up, protect your investment and keep flavours fresh. Look for models with removable trays, spill zones and easy front servicing to save time in your daily routine.

Finally, if you want long-term value and reliable performance, choose Australian-made equipment. Brands like Goldstein, available at BENDGS, are built to last — with stainless steel construction, thermostatic control, and a 10-year parts availability guarantee.

Whether you’re upgrading your restaurant, opening a café or fitting out a food truck, investing in the right commercial electric or gas griddle, grill plate or char grill will give you the control, efficiency and quality you need to run a professional kitchen.

Shop the full range at bendgs.com.au — trusted suppliers of commercial cooking equipment, grills, griddles and char broilers Australia-wide.