Trendy cooktops such as planchas are replacing the grill in both commercial kitchens and at home. There are specific benefits to using a plancha instead of a griddle, and we’ll explore the differences between griddles and planchas in this article.
What Is The Difference Between Griddles And Planchas
Most flat grills and griddles are thermostatic, with sensors measuring the temperature and adjusting gas or power to maintain a “set” temperature, whereas most traditional planchas are manually controlled and can reach higher temperatures. The surface of the plancha is a 5⁄8 or 3⁄4 inch thick metal plate, slightly thinner than 1 inch and is usually made of steel, but cast iron may also be used. However, cast iron requires more maintenance than steel (it can rust and should be seasoned).
Origins Of The Word “Plancha”
Derived from the Spanish plancha and the French planche, the plancha is a grill that reaches incredible high temperatures. Temperatures easily reach 550°F-700°F (most griddles reach 800°F he maxes out at 550°F-575°F). Proteins and vegetables alike can be roasted and seared quickly, which makes it ideal for use in catering kitchen designs where speed is necessary. You can also indirectly use the super high temperature of the plancha, for example, you can cook using a frying pan on the surface.
Traditional plancha boards look like they are raised. This is a kind of floating surface surrounded by grooves on three or four sides. New style planchas available from several manufacturers come in a variety of 12 inch- and 14 inch-wide zones. Each zone works independently to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the zone. Heat transfer between zones is minimised thanks to the patented thermal break. This means that you can cook a 650°F zone right next to a 350°F zone, without heat transfer.
Cuisine Differences Between Griddles And Planchas
Cooking with a plancha provides more benefits than searing food quickly (although it’s a huge benefit). The plancha makes it possible to cook all kinds of foods and to vary the type of cuisine. A plancha allows you to grill, fry, simmer, reheat, to keep warm and steam cook – the sky is the limit!
Difference Between Cleaning Griddles And Planchas
The plancha and the griddle are both equipped with a tray to collect grease and grime from cooking, which helps when it comes to cleaning. In addition, a plancha is smooth which makes it easy to wipe clean and maintain a high cleanliness standard, which is vital in commercial kitchens. Simply use dishwashing liquid to degrease. Regular cleaning of the plancha and griddle is an important factor in assuring its maximum performance potential.
What Is The Difference Between A Grill And A Plancha?
Planchas are frequently compared to traditional flat grills and griddles, but there are distinct differences. The main difference between a plancha and a griddle is that the plancha has very high heat, concentrated just above the burner under the plate with a gradual decrease in temperature towards the edges. This allows you to sear food beautifully with ease.
The plancha’s incredible temperatures is stated to enact the Leidenfrost phenomenon, in which a liquid in close to touch with a mass considerably warmer than the liquid’s boiling factor produces an insulating layer of vapor that maintains that liquid from boiling off quickly. Because of this “repulsive force,” the object type of floats over the floor in preference to making bodily touch with it proper away (you spot it while you splash a warm pan with water droplets; they bypass throughout the floor). This creates that uniform sear at the food’s complete floor, growing a deeper, extra flavorful crust and caramelizing juices.
When grilling burgers on a ordinary grill, a chef will regularly turn the burger to a new, warmer spot, to get a great sear on the beef. With the plancha, there’s no want to transport the beef to a specific spot at the flat floor due to the fact the temperature stays regular withinside the spot without having to “recover.” One corporation’s motto for its plancha as it should be sums up this concept:
“Same sear, equal spot.” While a few grilling strategies can positioned ingredients thru a temperature fluctuation, the plancha rolls regular with just “a few negligible peaks and valleys.” A manufacturer’s income rep in comparison a plancha buy to shopping for a vehicle, “deciding on a plancha is like deciding on a vehicle with 8 cylinders, in place of four.” If you want excessive production, non-stop grilling and not using a recuperation time, you may need to improve to a plancha.
