The plancha, a time-honored Spanish cooking technique, has gained massive popularity in recent years. It sears food directly on a metal plate heated to 250-300°C for perfect results. As experienced outdoor cooking enthusiasts, we've compiled these proven tips to help you select the ideal plancha for your garden investment.
With a plancha, food cooks evenly without added fats, preserving natural flavors and essential nutrients. It's a healthy, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious choice. Explore a wealth of recipes to get started.
Best of all, planchas foster shared moments, letting everyone cook their own dishes convivial-style.
For outdoor setups, gas planchas reign supreme. Many models, similar to gas barbecues, come with trolleys for easy gas cylinder transport. They heat up lightning-fast. Expect to invest 80-2000 euros.
Electric planchas work great outdoors too—no flames, precise temperature control. Budget 30-1000 euros for quality options.
For superior results, the plate must distribute heat quickly and evenly, offer strong thermal inertia, resist sticking, clean easily, and withstand years of use without warping.
Chrome steel plates are the gold standard—pricier upfront but unbeatable for cooking quality, ease, and longevity. Opt for thick enameled steel or cast iron alternatives to avoid deformation from heat.
Steer clear of unprotected steel or cast iron, as food sticks and cleaning's a chore. Stainless steel falls short on even heat conduction.
Size depends on your household and guest count. For a family of four, 30-40 cm models suffice. For larger groups or frequent entertaining, go 50-60 cm for 8-10 people, or 70-80 cm for a dozen.
Larger plates let you cook meats, fish, and veggies simultaneously without flavor crossover.
Bigger models need multiple burners for full-plate heat—ensure it hits 300°C. Look for independently adjustable zones to customize temperatures per dish and preference.
