Kalorik MAXX 2-in-1 Electric Griddle & Double Cooktop Review: Is It Worth It?

The Kalorik MAXX is a flexible, space-saving cooker that puts a griddle and two burners in one stainless steel body. For the money that is a real convenience. It is not a stove replacement, and it needs its own outlet.

We rate the MAXX on its documented specs, its build and design, and the build-quality and serviceability checks we apply to every appliance. We make no claim of a cooking trial on this unit, and where we lack a measurement we say so.

These specifications help you decide where the unit will fit.

The MAXX is a stainless steel body with a removable griddle top over a double-burner cooktop. At about 14 lbs and roughly 25 by 14 inches, it is portable enough to move from a cabinet to a cabin or RV counter.

Griddle Plate and Removable Teppanyaki Top

The 22-inch plate is ceramic nonstick, PTFE- and PFOA-free, and gives you 242 sq in of cooking space. That suits big family breakfasts. Because the plate lifts off, the burners underneath stay available when you want a pot instead of a pancake.

Dual Burners and Independent Heating Zones

Each burner heats on its own, so you can sear on one side and simmer on the other. The burners work with stainless steel, enamel, glass, aluminum and copper cookware.

Digital Controls and Temperature Settings

The top of the heat range is 500F, which is hot enough for a proper sear. The burners use simple High, Medium and Low steps rather than a numbered dial.

Simple steps are easier to use and to repair than a numbered dial with a sensor behind it, but they give you less precision. The burners offer High, Medium and Low steps and we have no display details to report.

We have no cooking results of our own on this unit, so this section rates what the MAXX should do from its specs and from how a comparable 22-inch ceramic griddle behaves.

Griddle Results (pancakes, bacon, smash burgers)

A 22-inch ceramic griddle is a natural fit for pancakes. On a comparable 22-inch ceramic model, the Presto, eight pancakes cook evenly in about 20 minutes, and an infrared thermometer helps avoid burnt or undercooked batches. We would use the same trick on the MAXX, since the plate is built the same way.

The 500F ceiling and the grease-catching tray suit bacon and smash burgers on paper.

Burner Results (boiling, searing, stir-fry)

With the plate lifted off, a pot sits directly over the heat. We leave boiling, searing and stir-fry speed unrated.

Heat-Up Time and Evenness

We do not rate heat-up time. On the comparable Presto, heat follows the line of the element, so the edges and center run differently. That is worth watching on any plate this size, and it is the reason we preheat and rotate food.

Cleanup can be a drawback with two-in-one appliances, but the MAXX keeps it manageable. The ceramic nonstick wipes clean, and the 16-ounce drip tray catches grease and is the one dishwasher-safe part. We would hand-wash the plate. Plate dishwasher safety is not confirmed, so wiping it clean is the safe instruction.

For storage, the footprint is the full 25.4 x 14.3 inches, with a 5.1 inch height. It will not tuck into a narrow shelf, but it stores flat in a cabinet. The warranty is 1-year limited, so keep the manual and your receipt together.

Beyond cleanup and storage, consider how the MAXX will hold up over time. We have no long-term durability data on the MAXX, so we are not claiming any. The simple High, Medium and Low steps and the lift-off plate keep the design easy to service, but the 1-year limited warranty is short for a heated appliance.

The closest rival is the Presto 22-inch Electric Ceramic Griddle, covered in our Presto 22-inch electric griddle review. It has the same 22-inch ceramic nonstick surface, removable handles to fit an 18-inch cabinet, and a slide-out drip tray. It costs far less, but it has no burners. The plastic drip tray on the Presto is brittle, and its holding wings chip if the tray drops.

If you only want a griddle, the Presto is the better value. If you want a griddle and a cooktop in one place, the MAXX is the one that does both. For more ideas on what to cook, see our electric griddle recipes.

Buy it if you cook for a crowd at breakfast, want a second cooking surface for holidays, or have a small kitchen where one appliance has to do two jobs. Skip it if you already own a full range and just want a griddle, since a cheaper plate does that job.

Small Kitchens, RVs and Cabins

This is where the MAXX makes the most sense. At about 14 lbs it is easy to carry, and it is rated for indoor and outdoor, cabin, and RV use. Check the power first, because it needs a dedicated outlet at 1800W.

After comparing the Presto, consider the price. Pricing moves week to week, as do return windows. Check current pricing before you buy.

If you only need a griddle, the Presto is the cheaper route.