Efficiency meets style: choosing the right single-plate cooking solution for your modern kitchen

Cooking outdoors is one of the best things about the warmer weather, but you shouldn’t have to compromise on the quality of the food to barbecue al fresco. Some cooktops limit what you can achieve in the outdoor kitchen, so it’s important to choose the right solution. Single-plate cooking is emerging as the ideal when it comes to cooking outside. Not only does it limit mess, but some single-plate cookers allow you to achieve incredible culinary results. 

To understand how to select the right single-plate cooking solution, we spoke with Cook N Dine’s Peter Yeomans, who shares the benefits of single-plate cookers. 

The outdoor cooking experience

Single-plate cookers are transforming the way we cook and entertain outdoors, bringing together ease of cleaning, versatility, and a sleek, minimalist appearance. These cookers are designed with simplicity in mind, making clean-up after a delicious meal a breeze. The smooth, flat surface can be easily wiped down, ensuring that you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the company of your friends and family. 

“Communal areas typically require low maintenance, functional cooktops with less exposed parts that could be damaged. Sleek UltraDine cooktops are ideal for this reason,” shares Yeomans. 

The versatility of single-plate outdoor cookers is another standout feature that appeals to both novice and experienced cooks. These cookers offer a variety of cooking options, allowing you to prepare anything from sizzling stir-fries to perfectly seared steaks and even delicate crepes. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or an elaborate dinner, the single-plate cooker adapts effortlessly to your culinary needs. Its even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking results, while the large cooking surface provides ample space to prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.

Beyond their practical benefits, single-plate outdoor cookers are celebrated for their sleek, minimalist design. Their modern appearance complements any outdoor setting, from rustic patios to contemporary decks. The streamlined design not only looks great but also enhances functionality, allowing for easy access to the cooking surface and minimising clutter. This aesthetic appeal makes them a centrepiece for outdoor gatherings, drawing guests around to witness the cooking process.

Another significant advantage of single-plate outdoor cookers is their ability to turn cooking into a social activity. Traditional cooking methods often isolate the cook from guests, but these innovative cookers encourage social interaction. 

“They’re great for social interaction, the chef is surrounded by guests and not stuck with their back to them,” says Yeomans. 

How a ThermoFlex single-plate cooker works

Not all single-plate cooktops are created equal, so it’s important to select a cooker that will enable you to turn out the best possible meals. The design of Cook N Dine’s single-plate cookers enables the home cook to shine. That’s due to the innovative design called ThermoFlex; when the cooktop is turned off, the stainless steel surface is flat, when turned on, the centre of the surface dips to create a shallow bowl effect in the cooking area containing the marinades and juices, which are the ideal base for delicious sauces. This design means the one-piece surface divides into three different temperature sections: the hot cooking centre, the warming area and the edge, which stays cool. 

“More than just a flat-plate cooking solution, the ThermoFlex shallow dip offers a multitude of cooking options including grilling, steaming, and frying,” shares Yeomans. 

Choosing the right size single-plate cooker

Each outdoor cooking space has different parameters, and each home chef has different needs. That’s why CooknDine’s UltraDine single-plate cooker range comes in 12 different sizes, each suiting a different specification. Round and rectangular options exist from 60-120cm diameter, and there are both portable, built-in and table models available.

The impact of location on your single-plate cooker choice

It’s important to choose a cooker that will withstand the environment it’s located in, says Yeomans.

“Made from 304 stainless steel (the cooking grade stainless) each of our single-plate cookers is designed for outdoor use, on boats, on beachfront holiday homes - anywhere at all,” he shares. 

Silk brushed stainless steel requires little maintenance, and is easily cleaned with water and a paper towel, and can be easily polished to bring the metal back to a beautiful shining lustre. 

Explore single-plate cookers from Cook N Dine