What does factory reconditioned mean in this case? (Griddle plates replaced? Other options?)
We do not have specific information on what is done during factory reconditioning.
A “factory reconditioned” item was returned, inspected, and restored to fully working condition by the original manufacturer or a certified partner. And the original manufacturer stands behind it with a warranty. It’s as close to new as you can get without technically being “new”.
I can’t say, but my plate began giving up black flecks of coatings after 6 months.
Keep in mind that these products are not really made by the company, and there is no real repair department.
So there is a chance that they salvage plates that are OK from bad bases and put them units that work but have bad plates, etc.