The Beautiful by Drew Extra-Large Nonstick Electric Griddle offers a family-sized 12" x 22" cooking surface with a PFOA/PFOS-free nonstick coating. Beautiful rates it for up to 15 pancakes or eggs at once, while YouTube reviewers noted the detachable stainless steel backsplash and removable drip tray for easy cleanup. However, some reviewers observed damage to the packaging and signs of prior use, raising concerns about product integrity. This griddle is best suited for families who need ample cooking space but may not be ideal for those with limited kitchen storage or who prioritize pristine packaging.
Full review
Nonstick coating performance
Reviewers noted that the griddle's PFOA/PFOS-free nonstick coating performs well for basic cooking tasks, with one reviewer observing that it provides 'Superior abrasion resistance and outstanding non-stick performance' during testing. However, the coating's durability under heavy use remains questionable. A YouTube reviewer who tested the griddle reported seeing 'scuff marks' on the surface after initial use, suggesting potential wear issues. The coating is described as PFOA/PFOS-free, which addresses certain safety concerns raised by users. Another reviewer found that the surface was 'not used' but noted the need for careful handling to prevent damage to the temperature probe, which could affect calibration.
Temperature control and heat distribution
The griddle's temperature dial ranges from 200°F to 400°F, with a power output of 1500 watts, which allows for rapid heating. This discrepancy was noted, where the actual surface temperature exceeded expectations, making it necessary to adjust the dial lower to prevent overcooking. The temperature probe's calibration was also questioned, as one reviewer warned that 'banging it or tossing it around' could affect its accuracy. Despite these concerns, the dial was effective in cooling the surface when turned down, though some users noted that the cooling effect was 'a little too drastic' in certain instances. The griddle's heating system was deemed 'powerful' and 'even,' though the lack of precise temperature control raised questions about its suitability for more delicate cooking tasks.
Design and build quality
The griddle features a detachable stainless steel backsplash that clips onto the unit, though one reviewer noted that the attachment mechanism was 'not attached very well' and that the backsplash 'sits really loose.' This issue was not resolved even after multiple attempts by the reviewer and their spouse. The unit also includes a removable drip tray for collecting fats and oils, and a removable heat control probe with a polarized plug. The build quality was described as 'durable' and 'long-lasting' with a 'soft matte premium finish,' though the lack of secure attachment for the backsplash detracted from its overall appeal. The griddle's slim design allows for easy cabinet storage, and the cool-touch handles were noted as convenient for handling. However, the unit's weight and the need for a stable surface were highlighted as important considerations, with one reviewer warning that 'some countertop and table surfaces such as Corian and other surfaces are not designed to withstand the prolonged heat generated by this extra large griddle.' The overall design was considered 'slim' and 'easy to store,' but the lack of secure attachment points for accessories was a notable flaw.
Cooking surface and capacity
The griddle's 12 x 22-inch surface is described as 'XL family-sized,' capable of cooking up to 15 pancakes or eggs at once. One reviewer noted that the surface is 'large enough' for family meals, though the actual cooking capacity was tested with a variety of foods including bacon, eggs, and chicken breasts. The griddle's large surface area was praised for its ability to accommodate multiple items simultaneously, but one reviewer found that 'some oil and grease has collected into this tray' and that 'the oil and grease along this Ridge kind of has a hard time of pushing itself through into the drain.' The drip tray's effectiveness was limited, as it was difficult to push oil through the ridges. The griddle's ability to cook multiple items at once was seen as a significant advantage, particularly for busy households or those entertaining guests. However, the surface's large size also meant that it required careful placement to avoid overheating nearby surfaces, and the need for a hot pad or trivet was emphasized by the manufacturer's manual.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
The griddle is described as 'fully immersible for easy cleaning,' and the manufacturer's manual states that 'you can wash it with a dampened soapy sponge or paper towel.' One reviewer noted that the griddle was 'all cleaned off' and that 'the whole thing can be put in water to clean it,' which was seen as a positive feature. The removable drip tray and the detachable stainless steel backsplash were also noted as helpful for cleaning. However, the cleaning process was not without its challenges. One reviewer found that 'the oil and grease along this Ridge kind of has a hard time of pushing itself through into the drain,' which made cleaning more difficult. The griddle's nonstick surface was easy to wipe clean, but the need for careful handling to prevent damage to the coating was emphasized. The manufacturer's instructions recommended conditioning the surface with cooking oil before first use, which was noted as a simple but important step for maintaining the coating's integrity.
User experience and functionality
The griddle's functionality was tested across multiple cooking tasks, including bacon, eggs, and chicken breasts. One reviewer noted that the griddle 'heats up very quickly' and that 'the indicator light on the little probe has actually already turned off,' indicating that it was ready for cooking. The temperature control was effective in adjusting the heat, though the cooling effect was sometimes 'a little too drastic.' The griddle was tested for its ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, and the large surface area was found to be 'large enough' for family meals. However, the reviewer noted that 'some oil and grease has collected into this tray' and that 'the oil and grease along this Ridge kind of has a hard time of pushing itself through into the drain.' The griddle's ability to handle multiple items at once was seen as a significant advantage, particularly for busy households or those entertaining guests. The griddle's ease of use was also noted, with the temperature dial being 'easy to use' and the overall setup being 'simple.' However, the lack of secure attachment points for accessories was a notable flaw that detracted from the user experience.
Value proposition and price point
The griddle is priced at $49.46, which is $5.51 less than its original price of $54.97, according to Walmart's listing. This represents a 10% discount, which was noted as a good value for a product with such a large surface area and multiple features. One reviewer noted that 'this is a no brainer' for those looking for a versatile kitchen appliance, particularly for those with limited counter space or those who frequently entertain guests. The griddle's ability to cook multiple items simultaneously, combined with its large surface area, was seen as a significant advantage. However, the lack of secure attachment points for accessories was a notable flaw that detracted from the value proposition. The griddle's price point was considered reasonable for its size and features, but the need for careful handling to prevent damage to the coating was emphasized.
Strengths
- +XL family-sized cooking surface makes up to 15 pancakes or eggs at once
- +PFOA/PFOS-free nonstick coating
- +Detachable stainless steel backsplash helps keep counter clean while cooking
- +Removable drip tray collects unwanted fats and oils from food
Watch-outs
- −Product was reportedly shipped in damaged packaging with signs of previous opening
- −The backsplash does not attach securely to the unit.
Rating sources
“I'm going to go ahead and flip these bacon this is the bacon at the 11 minute 30 Mark it's looking almost done as you can see here some oil and grease has collected so I'm going to use this spatula and push it into the drain”
“I'm going to say most likely I will be keeping it but you never know until you try it out so and as you see it's packaged fairly well”
Our 3.9 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
