Abstract: The flavor producing plate, resembling an inverted egg carton, has a smooth surface topography comprising symmetrical, convex protuberances disposed in a symmetrical array. Excess food drippings are drained away through through-openings (having diameters greater than 12 millimeters) located within the interstices between protuberances. Plate cleanability is improved by coating the surface with an anti-stick coating of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) preferably containing reinforcing particles that enhance the coating's scrub resistance. The plates can be made from cast, wrought, or sintered metal such as iron, aluminum, copper, or bronze. Plate mass provides an areal heat capacity (Q.sub.A) in the range of from 500 to 3,000 Joules per square centimeter thereby retaining the heat sink and heat modulating functions of prior art plates.