Hamilton Beach 38522 Durathon Reversible Ceramic Griddle: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-18

Summary

No recurring 38522-specific complaints exist; the known limits are a 400°F top temperature, no independent test coverage, and predecessor-model reports of coating wear. Running costs are minimal: electricity for a 1500W element plus cheap replacement parts. Fair-to-good value at $63.45; hard to justify at Macy’s $90.99.

Common problems and fixes

400°F maximum temperature — below the 450°F and higher that some rival griddles reach, so hard searing is not its strength. Pick a griddle rated above 400°F if searing matters. [1][11]
No independent test coverage — neither Food Network’s 2026 electric griddle guide nor Wirecutter tested the 38522, so Durathon coating durability rests on manufacturer claims. [2][11]
Predecessor coating and cord complaints — the earlier non-reversible 38518 Durathon griddle drew owner complaints about the nonstick coating wearing off easily, rough surface texture, uneven heating toward the edges and cord connection issues; whether the 38522 shares them is unknown. [12]
Care instructions conflict — Hamilton Beach says the griddle, drip tray and base are dishwasher safe with the cord removed, while Macy’s lists “Hand wash”. The conflict is unresolved. [1][10]
Manufacturer site out of stock — Hamilton Beach’s own page showed the model “Coming Soon”/“Out of Stock” at $63.99 MSRP while Lowe’s, Walmart and Home Depot had it in stock at $63.45. [1][7][8][9]

Parts and consumables

Drip tray (part 990216700) — $2.99 at the Hamilton Beach parts page, listed at check time (October 2026). [1][3]
Cordset with probe, polarized (part 990337200) — $19.99 at the Hamilton Beach parts page. [1][3]

Yearly running cost

Not enough data for a dollar figure. The recurring costs are electricity for the 1500W element (per retailer specs; Hamilton Beach does not publish wattage) and cooking oil or butter; a drip tray or cordset is a one-off purchase at $2.99 or $19.99 when needed. There are no subscriptions. Local electricity prices are not in the sources, so a yearly total cannot be computed. [7][8][9][1][3]

When it is a good buy

$63.45 at Lowe’s, Walmart and Home Depot — in stock (October 2026); fair-to-good value for a 200 sq in ceramic griddle with a reversible cord. [7][8][9]
$63.99 MSRP at Hamilton Beach direct — the manufacturer site showed “Coming Soon”/“Out of Stock” at check time. [1]
$90.99 at Macy’s — overpriced relative to the other retailers. [10]
Below $50 — strong value for this feature set. $66-80 — weak value; griddles with higher wattage or higher max temperature may be preferable. Above $80 — hard to justify unless the Durathon coating and reversible cord are specifically required.
The warranty is 1 year, per Macy’s product details and Hamilton Beach’s general practice for small appliances. [10][4]
Named alternatives: the non-reversible sibling 38521G at $59.99 is the better choice if you do not need the reversible cord; the Hamilton Beach Professional Cast Iron 38560, Food Network’s top-rated pick in this class, is the better choice when durability and high-heat performance matter more (it carries a 3-year warranty against the 38522’s 1 year). [14][11][17]