I make pancakes or French toast for four or five on a two-burner (11" x 22") griddle with no difficulty. I usually cook bacon in the microwave but occasionally cook six slices at a time on an 11" square griddle, so 3/4 of the range is covered with griddles. A 24" square griddle would make a LOT of pancakes.

Thank you velodoug. I appreciate the feedback. It is the kind of information I was looking for. Based on your note, I am not sure I need the larger griddle, which was the purpose of my post...to help me understand what meets our needs. Take care.

I have a Viking with a 12 inch griddle. If I were a cooking for a family of four I would opt for the 12 in. with more burners.

We are a family of 2 parents & 11 children, 9 of which still live at home. In our new build I am getting larger 24 in griddle and 6 burners. Can't wait. But I use griddle so much and it does a good job for us as is, so think it would be fine for your 4.

Funny coincident. We also have a Viking with a 12 inch griddle. We are a family of 5 and never feel the need for more burners than 4. But do feel the need for larger griddle.

As useful as a 12 inch griddle is, it is just not wide enough. Try to do fried rice on it and the rices goes all over the burners.

So our cooktop for the second house has a 24 inch griddle :). And yes, still four burners (Wolf).

Thanks acountryfarm and amirm. Your thoughts have been very helpful. Obviously two different opinions but that is what I wanted to know...pros and cons. I was wondering about things falling off the sides on a slimmer griddle, but I guess I need to decide what I think we will cook most and if that is really an issue for me. If acountryfarm can cookfor 11 on a 12" griddle, surely I can. But it will drive me crazy if we do more hash browns, rice, etc... and it is all over the place :).I greatly appreciate your both taking the time to comment on my question. BTW, acountryfarm, I have seen your kitchen progress on the kitchen forum. It is beautiful and totally my style. Congrats and good luck with your project.

I agree with your instincts on the larger griddle. We're building a new home and have opted for an induction cooktop (the new Miele five-hob), sitting right next to a Viking 24" x 24" gas griddle. To the left is a pair of Miele ovens. We really like induction over gas, so this was a way of getting what we think of as the best of both. Plus, we prefer the wall ovens to the range ovens, just because my back doesn't like bending down!

Good luck!

Thank you bens_dad. What a fabulous kitchen you are planning. I wish you many happy dinners in it. Appreciate your input.

First, do bacon in the oven the way the pro's do. then get a wok for fried rice.

It's a tough decision. 99% of the time, 4 burners is fine. The only real problem with the double griddle is that the two burners next to the griddle MAY be limited in the size of the pan you can use there. I don't know. If the griddle does limit the size of the pots you can use, you have to ask yourself is two full burners plus two limited-size burners enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? The problem is that you really want to deign a kitchen that works great 365 days a year (double griddle) but it may limit you on 1-2 holidays per year.

If you think that you will be limited, one inexpensive answer is to get the double griddle, then add an inexpensive butane burner. Generally $70 or less, these burners do a fine job. Many restaurants and catering companies use them daily. This would provide an extra burner that could hold a large pot for occasional use, plus it can double as an emergency cooker in case of a power outage, hurricane, etc. It is portable, so it can be used outside, for tailgating, etc. Here is one example-most are made by Iwatani, and the fuel cartridges are standard and readily available.

Here is a link that might be useful: Portable butane burner

Hi - We are a family of four (twin 6 yo boys) and use the Wolf Rangetop (gas - 4 burners, double griddle). We have a grill outside we use year round, so we didn't need a grill.
The double size griddle is just right. I have rarely needed the extra burners (holiday dinner or party), but use the griddle on at least a weekly basis. So, my trade off is for the everyday use, not the occasional need.
We have been in our new home almost 2 years and this is one thing I would not change.

Wow...I really appreciate all the input I have received on my question. You all are fabulous and have given me alot to think about. cpovey...thanks for the input and advice (on the griddle and the butane burner). We are in hurricane territory (Gustav is brewing) and so that might come in handy. Thanks to you betsey anne as well. It always gives me something to think about when people are confident in things they like/dislike. Also, with you as well as some of the other posters, it was good to hear from experienced parents whose children are older than mine (and so eat more). I want to have my DH read all of the input here so we can make a decision. Thanks again to you all. I really appreciate your time to answer my question.