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Nisbets Essentials
In Stock
Commercial Countertop Griddle | Electric Flat Top Grill | 2.9kW | DA397
£207.98
/ exc vat
£249.58/ inc vat
- Powerful 2.9kW Element
- Smooth Steel Griddle Plate
- Strong Stainless Steel Construction
- Removable Drip Tray
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Product Overview
Thinking about a new griddle? Let's take a look at this absolute workhorse from Nisbets Essentials. This is the DA397, a professional flat top cooking grill designed to be the backbone of any busy breakfast or lunch service. It's a seriously sturdy, no-fuss bit of kit that delivers consistent heat across a generous cooking plate, all while sitting neatly on your countertop without hogging all the space.
It's built for places that need to get food out quickly and reliably. Think bustling cafés serving full English breakfasts, street food vans flipping burgers, or pub kitchens grilling halloumi and steaks. The simple dial control means there’s no complicated training needed for staff, and the tough stainless steel construction is designed to handle the daily knocks of a commercial kitchen. If you need power and simplicity, this is where you start.
Ultimately, this electric countertop griddle 2.9kW is about making your service smoother and faster. With clever features like side splash guards and a removable drip tray, it even makes the clean-down at the end of a long shift that little bit easier. It’s a smart investment in efficiency, ready to help you meet customer demand head-on.
Key Features and Benefits
- Powerful 2.9kW Element: Heats up quickly, slashing waiting times during peak periods.
- Smooth Steel Griddle Plate: Offers fantastic heat distribution for consistently cooked results every time.
- Strong Stainless Steel Construction: Built to last and withstand the rigours of a busy kitchen.
- Removable Drip Tray: Catches grease and debris, making for a much faster, easier clean-up.
- Simple Dial Temperature Control: Incredibly easy to use, so any member of your team can operate it.
- Integrated Side Splash Guards: Keeps surrounding areas cleaner by containing spits and splashes during cooking.
- Compact Countertop Design: Delivers maximum cooking power without sacrificing precious kitchen workspace.
- Sturdy Non-Slip Feet: Ensures the unit stays securely in place for safer operation.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Nisbets Essentials
- SKU: DA397
- Power: 2.9kW / 13A Plug (Single Phase)
- Dimensions: 230(H) x 550(W) x 430(D) mm
- Cooking Area: 554(W) x 345(D) mm
- Weight: 25kg
- Controls: Manual Dial Thermostat
- Material: Stainless Steel Body, Steel Plate
- Colour: Silver
Expert Review and Insights
The Nisbets Essentials griddle is the definition of a 'does what it says on the tin' appliance. It's not flashy, but its performance is spot on for high-volume cooking. The heat-up time is impressive for a unit this size, and it holds its temperature well under pressure. For any business focused on classic griddled items, it's a reliable and sensible choice.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Pros: Excellent heat retention means it recovers temperature quickly between batches.
- Cons: The steel surface requires proper seasoning and care to prevent sticking.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
"The Full Monty Café" in Manchester needed to upgrade their ageing griddle, which was causing bottlenecks during their frantic weekend breakfast service. They chose the DA397 for its power and simplicity.
"The new griddle got up to temperature in half the time of our old one. The heat is so much more even across the plate, meaning no more half-cooked sausages or burnt bacon. It's made our busiest period far more manageable."
Steven Hughes – Head Chef
The café now gets breakfast orders out 25% faster during their 9 am-11 am peak, leading to happier customers and higher table turnover.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Find a flat, stable, and non-combustible countertop for the unit.
- Before first use, 'season' the steel plate. Clean it, then apply a thin layer of cooking oil and heat it for 15-20 minutes until it smokes slightly, then cool and wipe.
- Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating.
- Check the removable drip tray is properly seated in position before you start cooking.
Keeping It Going
- For the easiest clean, scrape the surface down while it is still warm (but not dangerously hot).
- Empty and clean the drip tray at the end of every single service to maintain hygiene.
- Use a griddle scraper or stone for tough residue. Avoid steel wool which can scratch the surface.
- Regularly wipe down the stainless steel body with a damp cloth and suitable cleaner to maintain its finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to season this griddle before I use it?
A: Yes. Seasoning the steel plate is essential. It creates a natural non-stick layer and protects the surface. Clean it, apply a thin coat of oil, and heat it until it smokes slightly.
Q: What is the best way to clean the griddle plate?
A: The best time to clean it is while it's still warm. Use a griddle scraper to remove food debris and then wipe with a damp cloth. For a deep clean, a griddle stone can be used.
Q: Is the temperature even across the whole cooking surface?
A: It's designed for excellent heat distribution. While there might be very slight variations, it provides a highly consistent temperature suitable for all professional cooking.
Q: Can I cook different types of food on it at once?
A: Absolutely. The large cooking area is perfect for cooking multiple items, like bacon, eggs, and tomatoes, all at the same time for a full English breakfast.
Q: What does the dial control do?
A: It's a simple thermostat. You turn the dial to your desired temperature, and the griddle will heat up and maintain that temperature automatically.
Q: Is this catering electric griddle portable?
A: At 25kg, it's designed as a countertop unit. While it can be moved for cleaning or relocation (e.g., in a food truck), it's not designed for daily portability.
Q: What are the splash guards for?
A: They are raised edges at the sides and back of the cooking plate. They stop oil and food from spitting or splashing onto walls and surrounding equipment, keeping your kitchen cleaner and safer.
Q: What does the 13A plug mean?
A: It means the griddle can be plugged into a standard UK mains socket, just like a kettle or a toaster. You don't need any special hardwiring by an electrician.
The Nisbets Essentials Promise: Workhorse Gear for Real Kitchens
When you choose a Nisbets Essentials product, you're investing in a philosophy of pure, functional reliability. This brand was built for the chef who values performance over pretense. The DA397 griddle is a perfect example: it forgoes complex digital displays and unnecessary features in favour of a rock-solid build and a powerful element that you can count on during the busiest service. This focus on the fundamentals means fewer things can go wrong, leading to less downtime, lower maintenance headaches, and simpler training for your team. It's not about being the flashiest piece of equipment; it's about being the one you can trust to show up and perform, day in and day out. That's the long-term value that keeps a professional kitchen running smoothly.
Explore more from Nisbets EssentialsHow a Removable Drip Tray Protects Your Food's Flavour
It might seem like a simple feature, but the removable drip tray is one of this griddle's unsung heroes. It does more than just keep your counter tidy. As you cook, fats, oils, and small food particles fall away from the main cooking surface and are collected in the tray. This is crucial because it prevents that old grease from sitting on the hot plate, burning, and creating smoke. That smoke doesn't just smell bad; it can taint the flavour of the fresh food you're cooking. Think of the drip tray as a safety net for taste – it catches all the unwanted bits, ensuring that your burgers taste like burgers, not like the burnt-on remnants of yesterday's bacon.
Who Should Buy This?
Bustling Cafés
Perfect for handling the morning rush, churning out bacon, eggs, and pancakes with consistent, even heat.
Mobile Catering Vans
Its robust build and compact footprint make it the ideal commercial electric flat top grill for life on the road.
Pub & Bistro Kitchens
An essential for lunch menus, effortlessly grilling burgers, onions, and steaks to perfection every time.
Community & Event Halls
A simple, reliable, and easy-to-clean option for catering community events, functions, and fundraisers.
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