Buying a plancha: what should you look for?

You don't buy a plancha BBQ for just one summer. It's an investment you want to enjoy for years. Yet we see many people getting swayed by looks or price, while it's exactly the details that make the difference between a top plancha and a bad purchase.

In this article we list the key things to pay attention to. From material choice to warranty, from construction to accessories. So you know exactly what to look for before buying a plancha.

1. The material: corten steel, black coated or bronze?

The material of your plancha determines not just the look, but also the lifespan and maintenance.

• Corten steel: robust, industrial and ages with time. Forms a natural rust layer that protects, but does require good maintenance of the plate.
• Powder-coated black steel: sleek and modern. Less prone to visible discolouration, but the coating needs to be high quality to stay looking good for long.
• Bronze version: exclusive and unique. The Tiger Fire 10 Year Anniversary bronze variant is a good example of this. This isn't a standard colour, but a statement for anyone looking for something special.

Above all, choose what suits your outdoor space and use, but look beyond just the colour.

2. Warranty says more than marketing

Warranty is often a direct reflection of confidence in one's own product. And here you see clear differences.

Tiger Fire gives 15 years warranty on their planchas. That's not just a number, but based on material choice, construction and production.

By comparison: at OFYR the warranty stops at 2 years. That doesn't necessarily have to be bad, but it does say something about how long a manufacturer expects its product to last trouble-free.

3. Quality versus cheap

Cheap planchas may look appealing, but often save money in places you don't immediately notice.

• Thinner plates that warp faster
• Parts that are screwed instead of welded
• Less stable bases
• More smoke and uneven heat distribution

Tiger Fire planchas are welded, not screwed, and delivered in three solid parts. This provides stability, a tight fit and a longer lifespan. You notice the difference not just when unpacking, but especially while cooking.

4. Construction and stability

A plancha stands outside, and has to withstand heat, weight and movement. Stability is therefore not a minor detail.

Pay attention to:

• Is the base welded or screwed?
• How thick is the steel of the plate?
• Does the plancha stand stably on different surfaces?

A wobbly plancha or a plate that warps under heat quickly ruins the fun.

5. Accessories: what can you expand with?

A plancha only becomes truly versatile with the right accessories. So think ahead.

• Grates and grilling accessories
• Pizza attachments
• Wood storage or worktops
• Protective covers

For some brands the range is limited or expensive. Tiger Fire has a wide range of accessories that are really designed for their models, not as an afterthought.

6. Where is the plancha made?

Country of production says more about a plancha than many people think. Cheaper planchas often come from China, with varying quality control, thinner materials and shorter lifespans.

Tiger Fire planchas are produced in Belgium. That means short supply chains, stricter quality control and better finishing. You see and feel that, and it cooks more pleasantly.

Handy facts before buying a plancha

• The heavier the plate, the more stable and even the heat
• A plancha without good accessories, you'll outgrow that faster
• More steel often means less maintenance in the long run
• A longer warranty saves frustration and costs later

So, what should you really look for?

When buying a plancha, look beyond design and price. Material, construction, warranty, production and expandability determine whether you'll enjoy it for years.

Anyone choosing a plancha like Tiger Fire is choosing quality, stability and long-term certainty. And you'll taste that in the end, in every dish you cook on it. Want to know right away how to light it or how to maintain it? Those guides are ready for you.

Is a plancha suitable for professional use?

Yes. A plancha is well suited to professional use thanks to its performance, versatility and robust construction. The Tiger Fire planchas, both the Corten steel collection and the Black Line, are designed for intensive use in catering, at events and in high-end outdoor kitchens.

The generous cooking surface with several heat zones allows efficient, controlled cooking. You can prepare meat, fish, vegetables and even desserts at the same time, with plenty of flexibility and precision. The plancha also heats up quickly (15 to 25 minutes on average), which matters when time is precious.

The materials are chosen for daily outdoor use too: durable Corten steel, or on the Black Line a heat-resistant powder coating. That coating is developed in the company's own factory in Belgium and applied there as well. If you are buying a plancha for commercial use, also look closely at the construction and stability we covered above.

What is the difference between the Corten steel collection and the Black Line?

Both lines deliver the same powerful performance and are suitable for professional use. The difference lies in finish and look.

Corten steel collection

Over time, Corten steel forms a warm, rust-coloured patina. It gives a natural, robust look and protects the steel against further corrosion. Ideal for anyone who likes a rustic, industrial look that blends into the outdoor setting.

Black Line

The Black Line has an extremely heat-resistant, deep black powder coating. This gives a modern, luxurious look with extra protection against heat and weather, and the coating is easy to clean. The coating is developed and applied in the company's own factory in Belgium.

In short

• Corten steel: natural, weathered and robust
• Black Line: sleek, stylish and refined

So the choice mostly depends on your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create in your outdoor space.