Brentwood Nonstick Electric Griddle (TS819) Review: Can This Budget Griddle Handle Breakfast?
Okay, let’s be real – mornings can be chaotic. I’m always searching for those kitchen heroes that can make breakfast a little less crazy, you know? So, when I stumbled upon the Brentwood Nonstick Electric Griddle (TS819), I thought, “Hey, maybe this is it!” It boasted a big cooking surface, adjustable heat, and a non-stick coating, all without emptying my wallet. Sounded promising, right?
First Look:
Taking it out of the box, the griddle seemed…well, decent. The 9×18 inch surface? Definitely big enough to handle a family-sized pancake frenzy. And those cool-touch handles? A lifesaver for clumsy folks like me. Plus, a removable drip tray? Yes, please – cleanup is my nemesis.
Putting It to the Test:
Time to see what this thing can do! I threw on some bacon, cracked a few eggs, and poured out some pancake batter. The griddle heated up pretty quickly, and the temperature dial seemed to do its job. Now, I did notice the heat wasn’t perfectly even – the center got a tad hotter than the edges. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
That non-stick surface? Mostly a win. The bacon crisped up like a dream, no sticking at all. And the eggs? They practically danced across the surface. The pancakes, though…that’s where things got a little sticky (pun intended!). They clung a bit, and I had to reach for the oil more than I wanted to keep them from burning.
Uh Oh…A Little Mishap:
Okay, so here’s the thing. After only a few uses, the temperature knob started feeling…loose. And then – pop! – off it came! I managed to stick it back on, but seriously, that doesn’t exactly scream “quality,” does it? I’ve seen other folks online mention the same problem, so it’s not just me being ham-fisted.
Cleanup Time:
Thankfully, cleaning up was a breeze. That non-stick surface lived up to its name, and the removable drip tray was a godsend. A quick wipe and the griddle was sparkling. The drip tray? Straight into the dishwasher – done and done.
The Final Verdict:
So, here’s the deal: the Brentwood TS819 Nonstick Electric Griddle is alright if you’re broke and need a big cooking surface for basic breakfasts. But that iffy build quality and the uneven heating? Those are definite downsides. Honestly, if you can swing it, you’re probably better off spending a bit more on something more reliable.
The Good Stuff:
- Big cooking space – feed the whole crew!
- Adjustable temperature – get that heat just right.
- Non-stick surface – mostly lives up to the hype.
- Removable drip tray – cleanup is a snap.
- Cheap as chips – won’t break the bank.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Build quality is a bit suspect – that knob issue is worrying.
- Heating can be a little uneven – watch those edges.
- Pancakes might stick – keep that oil handy.
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. It’ll do in a pinch, but don’t expect it to last forever.