Stainless Steel Griddle ideas?

[MapleME]

I just bought a pretty substantial size commercial range for my kitchen and Id like to find a griddle I could put on top of all 6 burners. Its 36 inches wide. Problem is they are friggin BIG money in cast iron. Since I figured some of you are stainless experts, could I have something custom sized from stainless instead of purchasing something off the shelf in cast iron? Im thinking something for big family meals where I can get a boat-load of pancakes, bacon and eggs going all at once.

Appreciate the insight. Josh MapleMe

[happy thoughts]

Cast iron junky that I am, if it were me I'd opt for several smaller double cast iron griddles that fit over 2 burners if only for versatility. You can vary the number of griddles used with the number of people you're cooking for. Also to consider, is your sink large enough for cleaning the x-large size griddle you want? Secondly, stainless doesn't heat evenly or hold heat as cast iron would and I think you'll be disappointed with the results. Well seasoned cast iron is also fairly nonstick. Some double griddles are reversible with a smooth side and a ridged one for bacon and sausage to help drain grease. Again versatile for meal planning.

Nothing beats old cast iron and you might be able to find some matching Griswold pieces here and there. Or look at ones sold by the Lodge which are decent quality for new. I saw several double ones online by Lodge in the $30-40 range so that shouldn't break the bank. Lastly a trio of griddles should be easier to store than one that covers your whole range.

[markct]

Yea but everyone wants to have the biggest griddle in the neighborhood to show off to there buddies! That being said tho i think the problem with a very large cast iron griddle would be that it would either weight so much that you would need a jib crane over the stove to move it, or it would be so delicate as cast iron is very brittle, probably why you dont see too many cheap ones, as the cast iron cookware is generaly pretty thin when it comes to the discount stuff

[Ausable]

MapleME - Went to a good rummage sale a few years back and the couple were selling off all their family camping gear. I picked up a steel griddle that is 16"x28" and you can really cook a lot of pan cakes on that baby for a family gathering -- Only problem is that my oldest Son got the three burner camp stove it fits on.
The edges are slightly rolled upward and the griddle has a handle at each end --- But - We have to work as a team - He won't sell me the stove and I won't sell him the griddle. It works best - if we just cook pancakes on it and do the Eggs and Sausage, Bacon or whatever on one of our cast griddles. Of course - there is always several containers of good Maple Syrup on hand - when we do a Pan Cake Fest.....LOL.. Hope You find the one You are looking for. --Mike---