AFW-SBTB-AW Review: A Comprehensive Look at This Commercial Kitchen Workhorse

I remember the first time I saw the AFW-SBTB-AW in action. It was at this little diner downtown that always had a line out the door, and I couldn’t figure out how they kept up with the breakfast rush. Then I noticed this beast of a griddle, just humming along, turning out perfect pancakes and eggs like it was nothing. That was my introduction to what’s become one of the most reliable pieces of equipment in commercial kitchens across the country.

In this review, we’re going to dive deep into the AFW-SBTB-AW. I’ve spent weeks researching, talking to chefs who use it daily, and even getting my hands dirty with some maintenance work. We’ll look at what makes this griddle stand out, where it might fall short, and whether it’s the right fit for your kitchen. By the end, you should have a pretty clear picture of whether this is the workhorse your kitchen needs.

The AFW-SBTB-AW isn’t just another griddle. It’s one of those pieces of equipment that can genuinely transform how your kitchen operates. But is it right for everyone? Let’s find out.

Main Content: The AFW-SBTB-AW Under the Microscope

First Impressions and Build Quality

When you first lay eyes on the AFW-SBTB-AW, you notice its solid construction. This isn’t some flimsy piece of equipment that’s going to shake apart during a busy service. The stainless steel construction gives it that professional look that says “I mean business.” The weight alone tells you it’s built to last – we’re talking about a griddle that can handle the constant abuse of a commercial kitchen.

I was particularly impressed with the welding quality. Too often, I’ve seen equipment where the welds are the first thing to go, but not here. The seams are clean and solid. The control knobs have a satisfying resistance to them – not too loose, not too tight. It’s these little details that make you appreciate the build quality.

The griddle plate itself is a thick slab of polished steel that heats evenly and retains heat beautifully. No hot spots, no warping – just consistent cooking surface. The sides are properly angled to prevent grease buildup, which is a small but important detail that shows thoughtful design.

Performance Under Pressure

Let’s talk about what really matters – how this thing performs when the tickets are stacking up. I’ve seen this griddle handle a breakfast rush that would make lesser equipment cry for mercy. The heat distribution is remarkably even across the entire surface. You can load it up with pancakes, eggs, and bacon all at once, and everything cooks at the same rate.

The recovery time is where this griddle really shines. You know how some griddles take forever to recover after you’ve loaded them up with cold food? Not the AFW-SBTB-AW. It maintains temperature beautifully, even when you’re constantly adding new items. This is crucial during those peak hours when every second counts.

I’m torn between calling the temperature control precise or forgiving. It’s precise enough that you can dial in exactly the heat you need, but forgiving enough that small fluctuations won’t ruin your food. The thermostatic controls are responsive without being touchy, which is a delicate balance to strike in commercial equipment.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Now, let’s be real – nobody enjoys cleaning a griddle. But the AFW-SBTB-AW makes it about as painless as possible. The grease management system is well-designed, with a proper trough that actually catches the grease instead of letting it spill over. The grease drawer is large enough that you’re not constantly emptying it during service.

The cooking surface itself is easy to clean when properly seasoned. A good scrape with a griddle brick and a wipe down is usually all it needs between services. The stainless steel construction means you’re not dealing with rust or corrosion issues if you maintain it properly.

One thing I appreciate is how accessible all the components are for maintenance. The burners, the thermostat, the grease trough – everything is designed to be easily reached and serviced. This might not seem like a big deal until you’re trying to fix something in a tight space during a busy service.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

In today’s kitchen, energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment – it’s good for your bottom line. The AFW-SBTB-AW does a good job in this department. The insulated construction helps retain heat, meaning it doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain temperature.

The burners are designed to provide maximum heat with minimal gas usage. I’ve seen kitchens that have reduced their gas bills noticeably after switching to this model. Over time, those savings add up and can help offset the initial investment.

Is it the most energy-efficient griddle on the market? Maybe not. But it strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency. You’re not sacrificing cooking power to save a few bucks on your gas bill.

Size and Space Considerations

The AFW-SBTB-AW comes in a few different sizes, but even the smaller models pack a lot of cooking surface into a relatively compact footprint. This is important in commercial kitchens where space is always at a premium.

The 24-inch model seems to be the sweet spot for most operations. It gives you enough cooking surface to handle a serious volume without taking up your entire line. The larger models are great if you have the space, but I’ve seen kitchens where they become more of a hindrance than a help.

One thing to consider is the height. It’s standard counter height, which is great for workflow, but make sure you have proper ventilation above it. You’d be surprised how many kitchens I’ve seen where they didn’t account for proper clearance.

Versatility in the Kitchen

While it’s primarily a griddle, the AFW-SBTB-AW is surprisingly versatile. I’ve seen chefs use it for everything from searing steaks to making grilled cheese to cooking delicate fish. The even heat distribution makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.

The adjustable legs are a nice touch that allows you to level it perfectly, which is more important than you might think. An uneven griddle can lead to uneven cooking and potential safety hazards. Being able to adjust it precisely means you can integrate it perfectly into your line.

I’ve even seen some creative chefs use it for baking, though I’m not sure I’d recommend that for most operations. Still, it’s nice to know you have options if you need them.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a priority in commercial kitchens, and the AFW-SBTB-AW has some thoughtful features in this regard. The cool-touch handles stay relatively cool even when the griddle is at full heat, which is a small but important detail when you’re working in tight quarters.

The grease management system isn’t just about convenience – it’s also about safety. Proper grease drainage reduces the risk of flare-ups, which is crucial in a busy kitchen environment. The last thing you need is a grease fire during the lunch rush.

The unit also has proper gas line protections and pressure regulators to ensure safe operation. These might seem like standard features, but you’d be surprised how many manufacturers cut corners in these areas.

Comparing to Other Models

How does the AFW-SBTB-AW stack up against similar models? I’ve used quite a few griddles over the years, and this one holds its own against competitors that cost significantly more.

Compared to some of the higher-end models, it might lack some of the fancy features like digital temperature displays or automatic cleaning systems. But in terms of pure cooking performance and reliability, it’s right up there with the best.

Where it really shines is in its price-to-performance ratio. You’re getting commercial-grade performance without the premium price tag. For many operations, especially smaller or mid-sized ones, this makes it an excellent value proposition.

Real-World Testing

All the specs in the world don’t mean much if a piece of equipment can’t handle real-world use. I spent some time in a few different kitchens watching how the AFW-SBTB-AW performed during actual service.

In a busy diner, it handled the breakfast rush with ease. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage – all cooking evenly with no slowdown. The chefs appreciated how quickly it recovered temperature when they loaded it up with cold food.

In a burger joint, it seared patties beautifully while also handling onions and mushrooms on the side. The even heat meant they could cook different items simultaneously without worrying about some things burning while others were still raw.

Perhaps most impressively, in a high-volume catering operation, it ran continuously for hours without any performance degradation. That’s the kind of reliability you need in commercial equipment.

Potential Drawbacks

No piece of equipment is perfect, and the AFW-SBTB-AW does have a few potential drawbacks to consider. The initial cost might be higher than some operators want to spend, though as we’ve discussed, it offers good value for the price.

It’s also not the lightest griddle out there. Once it’s in place, you’re not moving it easily. This is generally a good thing in terms of stability, but something to consider if you need to rearrange your kitchen frequently.

The learning curve isn’t steep, but there is one. Getting the seasoning just right and learning the exact temperature settings for your specific needs takes a little time. But this is true of any quality griddle.

Closing Thoughts: Is the AFW-SBTB-AW Right for Your Kitchen?

After all this research and hands-on experience, I can confidently say that the AFW-SBTB-AW is one of the best griddles in its class. It offers commercial-grade performance at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of operations.

If you’re running a high-volume kitchen where reliability and consistent performance are crucial, this griddle should absolutely be on your shortlist. The build quality, even heating, and thoughtful design features make it a workhorse that can handle just about anything you throw at it.

For smaller operations, it might be more griddle than you need. But if you have the space and anticipate growth, it could be a smart investment that will serve you well for years to come.

Ultimately, the right equipment depends on your specific needs, but the AFW-SBTB-AW comes pretty close to being a universal solution for commercial griddle needs.

FAQ

Q: How often does the AFW-SBTB-AW need to be seasoned?
A: With regular use, you should plan to season it thoroughly about once a week, with quick touch-ups between services as needed. The exact frequency depends on how much you use it and what you’re cooking.

Q: What’s the warranty like on this model?
A: Most suppliers offer at least a one-year warranty on parts and labor, with some offering extended warranties. Always check with your specific supplier, and consider companies like Chef’s Deal that provide comprehensive support packages.

Q: Can this griddle handle both breakfast and lunch/dinner service?
A: Absolutely. Its versatility is one of its strongest points. You can go from pancakes and eggs in the morning to burgers and steaks in the afternoon with no issues.

Q: How does the AFW-SBTB-AW compare to electric griddles?
A: While electric griddles have their place, gas griddles like the AFW-SBTB-AW generally offer better heat control and recovery time. They’re also typically more durable and easier to repair if something goes wrong.

@article{afw-sbtb-aw-review-a-comprehensive-look-at-this-commercial-kitchen-workhorse,
    title   = {AFW-SBTB-AW Review: A Comprehensive Look at This Commercial Kitchen Workhorse},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/afw-sbtb-aw-review/}
}