What is a good electric griddle that can be used at home?

Consumer Reports Online

Yes, Lodge made a nice 20 inch cast iron griddle has bigger surface to cook more food with two side handles to make it easy to move. You have some other options like Presto 22 inch griddle, check out this link for different size griddles and pans with detailed information.
GroomNStyle Top 5 Best Saucepan and Pot reviews 2015

electric griddles have a thinner plate material than gas ones. they are generally less sophistacated and cheaper to make/made with cheaper materials.

This mya be a bit small for you but you said a small house so it's worth a look.
http://www.usfoodsculinaryequipmentandsupplies.com/product/-superior-24-27-27-electric-griddle.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

I use mine for okonomiyaki. This way you cook it at the table and it stays warm and then you eat it!
for more about how to make this:
http://www.closetcooking.com/2009/05/okonomiyaki-japanese-pancake.html

I can't help you with the manual because you did not provide the make and model number.

Typically, you wash the griddle with soap and water (DO NOT WASH ANY ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT!). Rinse and let dry if it has a non-stick coating. If it does not have a non-stick coating (bare metal), towel-dry the griddle, then put some vegetable oil on a paper towel and wipe the entire cooking surface so it is covered with a thin film of oil. Heat it to about 250 °F for about one on-off cycle on the electrical control. It is now "seasoned" and ready for use. If the griddle does not have an electric heater but is designed for use on a range-top burner, set the burner to just below medium heat and heat until water droplets splattered on the griddle boil off quickly.

Would you be interested in selling the Farberware 260 griddle? I need parts for this particular griddle.

You can use it like an electric stove; just put the fry pan on the griddle part and turn it on high.

Hi there!

When it is warm, use a spray cleaner and paper towel to wipe up the grease.
Wooden or non-stick spatulas make excellent scraping tools to take the worst off first.

Use paper towel to wipe up.

For really stubborn deposits, use an oven cleaner - and cover with plastic film. Check in 1 hour, and clean as above.

Soda Crystals dissolved in hot water are excellent at cutting through grease, but may affect aluminium. They work out cheaper than many commercial products.

Hope this helps you.

Take it back for a refund. What make and model was that? I'll remember not to buy one of them.