A “Plancha” is a hot plate (“planchar” also means "to iron" in Spanish). “Planchas” are ubiquitous, no self-respecting Spanish restaurant would have a kitchen without one………… “[something] a la plancha” simply means that this is what it has been cooked on. One side is ridged to give the classic dark lines on meat and fish, the other side is smooth for vegetables. They aren’t cheap items, but they offer great value and will last a lifetime. Drop forged in the traditional manner with stay cool wire handles. Versatile, solid and durable, not to mention stylish. This particular model will stretch across two burners on the average UK hob 47x27cm