Why do we choose a hot plate that lies over the firebox?

When designing a plancha or fire bowl, the choice of griddle plate is an important consideration. There are various designs, but we clearly prefer a thick griddle plate that rests over the fire bowl rather than a griddle plate that drops into the bowl. This choice is not only based on ease of use, but primarily on safety and performance.

Increased safety during cooking

When a griddle plate lies within the fire bowl, a gap forms all around between the plate and the bowl. During cooking, your hands and arms are often above or very close to this gap. Hot air, smoke, and even flames can escape through this opening. This increases the risk of burns to hands and forearms and can also cause smoke to get into the eyes, reducing cooking comfort.

A griddle plate that rests over the fire bowl seals this opening. As a result, heat is better retained under the plate, and the user is less exposed to hot air currents and smoke.

Reduced risk of flare-ups

During cooking, fats, oil, and food residues are released. With a design that has an opening around the griddle plate, these can more easily fall into the fire. When fat comes into direct contact with flames, flare-ups can occur. This is not only undesirable for the cooking process but can also create a dangerous situation for the user.

Because an overlapping griddle plate covers the space between the plate and the bowl, the chance of fat directly entering the fire is significantly reduced.

Better heat utilization

In addition to safety, efficiency also plays an important role. A griddle plate that rests over the fire bowl retains heat better. Less heat is lost through openings along the edge, which means the heat is distributed more evenly over the cooking surface. This ensures a more consistent cooking temperature and a better end result.

Furthermore, less fuel is needed to maintain the same temperature, which makes the appliance more efficient to operate.

Easier maintenance

An overlapping griddle plate also offers advantages in terms of maintenance. Since there is no open gap where grease, food residues, or dirt can accumulate, cleaning is easier. Additionally, the griddle plate can often be more easily removed for a thorough cleaning.

Conclusion

A griddle plate that rests over the fire bowl offers clear advantages over a griddle plate that lies within the bowl. It increases safety, reduces the risk of flare-ups, retains heat better, and provides a more pleasant cooking experience. For these reasons, we have consciously chosen this construction, as we believe it offers the best combination of safety, efficiency, and ease of use.