Are you looking for the best cast iron griddles available on the market today? We presume that you are here because you have decided to improve your cooking arsenal and want to make sure you have the best cast iron griddle you can find online. Well, we fully support your decision to choose cast iron as the material of choice, and therefore we will help you find it thanks to this guide. The market and general demand for cast iron griddle is large, and the choice is numerous, so we have taken the most popular models to test them and summarized them in these cast iron griddle reviews.
Let’s cut to the chase!
1. Lodge LPGI3 – Pro-grid Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Grill
This reversible Lodge grill/griddle has reached the top of our list by its own merit. It has been designed as a perfect cast iron griddle for gas grills and as a two-burner stove.
It is perfect for cooking various steaks, eggs, pancakes, bacon and much more. It is surely one of the largest cast iron pans you can find at an affordable price and it has a 19″ x 8″ surface.
The reversible function allows you to use the smooth side to cook pancakes and eggs, or use the ridges side for hamburgers, steaks, sausages and other meats.
This reversible cast iron griddle is also a perfect camping griddle and can be placed in the oven to cook food such as pizzas. It comes with a lifetime warranty, so if it breaks, you can always return it and get a new one.
Cleaning is very easy and there are no complaints about the rust. Like all cast iron griddles, they will rust if you don’t take care of them. Simply clean them with a little salt and water on a paper towel and you are safe. You can also use special washers and oils designed to preserve your cast iron gas grill plate.
The double-sided grill/griddle weighs about 3.5 pounds. It is supplied with integrated grease trays on both sides of the grill plate. It is also equipped with integrated grease separators on both sides of the grill plate. It measures approximately 20 inches x 10.5 inches. On one side of the grill plate, there are perfect ridges for frying meat, fish and vegetables. The other side of the grill is flat, ideal for cooking eggs, pancakes, burritos, etc. It can be placed in the oven to cook food or on the grill. It is pre-seasoned and ready for immediate use.
The LPGI3 Lodge is the best-selling cast iron grill on the #1 gas grill on the Amazon, so we did take a hard look at it to see what makes it so special. and so popular. After wading through most of the 2,600 plus criticisms to see what happens to them, we actually found very few negative criticisms.
There are, however, a few complaints about the uneven warming of the frying pan. It is said that some sections get very hot and others not so hot. Some say that cleaning can be difficult and time consuming compared to other grills. There are also a few others who grumble that the food tends to stick to the side of the grill plate burrs. But these are minor complaints, because there are thousands of people who are willing to voucch for this product. All in all, it is a must-buy for any home that needs a cast iron griddle.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
2. Camp Chef CGG24B Cast Iron Griddle
Here we have a model of reversible cast iron griddle. This griddle is equipped with a combined plate that can be inverted to choose between a griddle and a grill surface. This type of appliance is very practical for campers or for people who eat a lot of meat or juicy vegetables.
Slightly heavier and heavier, it weighs a total of 22 pounds. That’s good news about melting. Obviously, the heavier the plate, the better the thermal capacity of the griddle. The handles are molded and fit on both sides of the plate, griddle or grill.
The heating size of this cast iron grill and combination griddle is 384 square inches (15 x 24) and is enough for a larger breakfast. It also means it covers 2 stove burners, so make sure your stove is large enough to accommodate this griddle.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Lodge LSRG3 Cast Iron Single-Burner Reversible Griddle
This is
This model is handmade by a company that has been in the market for over a century. The griddle is already seasoned so you can start cooking right from the start go. Thanks to its compact double-sided design, this reversible cast iron griddle can be converted into a large oven plate. This means that it is also possible to cook several pizza dishes on the table. There are 2 handles on the square griddle.
This dish is ideal for cooking recipes for two people at the same time and is an excellent addition to the kitchen utensils for breakfast.
CHECK PRICE IN AMAZON
Vremi 20 inch Large Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle
This rectangular cast iron griddle is also reversible and has double functionality. The other side transforms into a small grill as usual. Although the plate looks heavy, we were quite astonished to learn that it weighs a little less than 7 pounds. The most r
On the side you can see some well-made cast iron handles, which are very convenient when cooking outdoors on a grill or campfire. Thanks to its size, it can prepare meals for more than 4 people simultaneously. You can prepare a super large breakfast without having to occupy 3 or 4 pots and pans.
It is reversible, occupying two places in the furnace, but replacing more than two standard furnace units. Just make sure it fits you. This reversible griddle is already seasoned.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle
It has been our intention to add a 5-
The griddle is ideal for breakfast that needs to be frozen (such as pancakes and eggs), and cast iron pans are there to help you prepare the meal that needs to be removed a lot during preparation. Although you can use any type of cast iron griddle for cooking, this set has a Dutch pan, which is a cast iron pan specially designed for ovens.
The cover is designed to fit the Dutch part of the system, but remember to separate the cover from the pot when not in use. This will keep it away from condensation and extend its life. The whole product is pre-seasoned.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
Utopia Kitchen 17 x 10 inches Cast Iron Reversible Griddle
We have included another reve
The total surface area of the cook top is 170 square inches and easily meets the challenge of a hearty breakfast or a typical meal for 3 people. Simply use the smooth side for eggs, pancakes and soft foods, while the grilled side of the molded plate is used to prepare juicy meat and vegetables.
The manufacturer claims that this cast iron griddle is dishwasher safe, but we recommend that you clean it manually, following the rules mentioned in the guide. This reversible cast iron griddle/grill is already seasoned.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
7. 10.5-inch Lodge Cast Iron Griddle
The 10.5-inch cast iron griddle is a multi-functional kitchen gadget that’s perfect for all your favorite dishes. This griddle is essential for large breakfasts, tortillas, quesadillas, fried vegetables and grilled sandwiches. This cast iron griddle is just perfect for campfires, ovens or stoves and can slowly cook food without burning it. It stores heat well, so you can fry meat at high
Whether in the kitchen or in the warehouse, these almost indestructible cookware is expected to last for many generations. Made of cast iron, this plate distributes heat evenly from below through the side walls. Elegantly black, this cast iron griddle looks great in most kitchens and is also an excellent source of nutritious iron. It measures 10.5 inches in diameter and 0.5 inches deep.
Cast iron, as used by your grandmother, is still considered one of the best cooking utensils ever made. It provides an almost non-stick surface, without the dangerous vapors that comes from the pre-heating of the chemically- treated non-stick cookware. For more than a century, the American company Lodge has been refining its construction of sturdy cast iron cookware and has established itself as a big brand in the market.
The black patina provided to this kitchen tool by the factory seasoning process is, in fact, vegetable oil baked into a piece of kitchenware emerging from an individual sand mold. This layer of oil is a functional, non-cosmetic application. All in all, this cast iron griddle is a very handy stuff, useful and robust.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
8. Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
AmazonBasics has decided to jump into the bandwagon and provide this extensive combination of reversible griddle/grills. Unlike s
The integrated handles are part of the griddle are thin, which means they cool faster. The heating surface is 208 square inches (20 x 10.4) and can accommodate a full breakfast for 2-4 people simultaneously. The material is designed for temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius, and the shape of the griddle allows you to use it also for baking. The plate occupies two slots on top of the stove.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
9. Camp Chef Professional 16″ x 37″ Fry Griddle
Whether you’re at a family reunion or a tailgate party, there are times when you just have to cook a lot of food for a large number of visitors. No matter the size of the crowd, this professional flat top griddle is big enough to get the job done for you. From cook
The heat-diffuser plates have been added to evenly distribute heat and reduce hot spots on the griddle. The griddle comes pre-seasoned with Camp Chef’s “True Seasoned Finish” providing a natural cooking surface that is complete in every sense of the term. It has a huge cooking area to handle large groups and lots of cooking. It is a truly-seasoned finished steel griddle.
The convenient carry handle comes to your help when you are cooking. This griddle fits over three burners on Camp Chef 16″ Cooking System stoves This model is completely ready when it is purchased and ready as soon as it is opened out of the box.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
10. EurKitchen Pre-Seasoned Two-Sided Cast Iron Pizza, Griddle and Grill Pan
If you like pizza as much as I do, you need a good cast iron tray designed specifically for pizza. After examining about ten different pizza slices, we chose the EurKitchen piz
The flat side of the cast iron griddle is designed for thin and crunchy pizzas, giant pancakes, pancakes and more. The crest side is ideal for cooking steaks, seafood, vegetables and more. It also has an integrated drip tray for fat and oil.
Unlike its two-burner counterpart, the cast iron griddle is designed to cook more evenly. Because of its larger size, the heating plate heats more slowly than most other plates. It is also a little thicker than the other plates, which means you have to be a little more patient.
No complaints were received about the cast iron griddle, but we should cover some negative aspects. The big size of the griddle means that it takes longer to warm up than a smaller plate. Although it’s not really a scam, it doesn’t worth much. The other thing to keep in mind, as with all cast iron kitchen appliances, is cleaning. If you don’t clean it properly, it will rust.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
What is a cast iron griddle?
The history of cast iron kitchen utensils dates back to antiquity. The first cast iron teapot appeared in the 7th century, but historians say it dates back even further. Why are cast-iron skillets and griddles or frying pans so important today? Well, many chefs and gourmets around the world have recently discovered that this material is ideal for everyday use, not only because of its robustness and physical properties, but for many reasons that we will discuss.
This material was popular until the 1960s, when Teflon and aluminum kitchen utensils took over thanks to the advancement of technology. As people turned to those materials of the future and the use of cast iron began to fade, it was rediscovered at the beginning of the 21st century. Famous chefs and chefs from all over the world began to talk about it, and the media made it popular again. Although it may sound a little strange, it is now used in both residential and commercial applications.
Although it has had its ups and downs in Western culture, cast iron cooking utensils have never been confiscated or made unpopular in the Far East. Countries such as China, Japan, Korea and India have cast iron as a standard material for their kitchen utensils, whether it is a luxury restaurant or a small private house.
Simply put, the technology behind this unique material is not so complicated. Unlike other cooking surfaces and household appliances, cast iron can have an unlimited lifespan, of course, with proper maintenance. What distinguishes cast iron from other kitchen materials are special rituals such as holding an iron, storing it when it is not used for a long time or seasoning it again. And of course, one of the most important reasons for choosing this material is its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures, even when exposed to heat sources such as an open flame.
Who needs a cast iron griddle?
Well, to be honest, anyone who cooks at least once in a few days can benefit from a cast iron griddle in its set of cooking utensils. There are several reasons why one may need it. First, there is the advantage of having a food preparation tool that can essentially last forever. Cast iron can rust, but it can easily be avoided. So don’t be afraid that humidity or rust will destroy your iron, it’s just an urban myth, nothing more.
The property that people prefer is the heat capacity of the cast iron. These plates can withstand the highest cooking temperatures without breaking, bending or damaging in any way. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can consider your cast iron grill plate as standard camping equipment, or at least get an outdoor grill for your garden. The open fire will not damage it in the least. With the good possible results you will get in the camp, you may want an electric grill/griddle for your kitchen or an outdoor grill for your garden.
Another sought-after feature of cast iron is its enormous versatility in food preparation. You can use it to fry, bake, steam, cook, stir-fry or even cook charcoal. There are even special recipes specially designed to cook with cast iron. However, cooking with cast iron takes a little time to get used to it.
After all, the best thing this type of cooking utensil has to offer is: cooking with a cast iron plate makes your food tastier and, as recently discovered, healthier. Heat retention means you consume less oil and fat, and it is scientifically proven that a micro-quantity of iron from the grill penetrates your food when you cook more acidic foods such as tomato sauces. The story goes even further, because doctors sometimes recommend griddles frying pans for people with anemia (iron deficiency). Essentially, you are investing in tastier and healthier foods at the same time.
Guide to buying a cast iron griddle
We have seen why some people consider cast iron to be the first choice for cooking utensils. This is the time to review the main features and specifications that you should consider before you make your decision.
1. Portability
It is important to remember that cast iron griddles, unlike aluminum and ceramic plates, are generally somewhat heavier and heavier. There is nothing to fear. As with any product today, heavier means more ruggedness. You can’t expect a decades old griddle to weigh only a few kilos. The average weight of a cast iron griddle is about 10-12 pounds, which is not as heavy considering what you get. These plates can withstand many things, and a little amount of weight doesn’t really make much of a difference.
The dimensions of griddles/grills/iron pans do not differ significantly in size from the other types. Frying pans are, of course, smaller and are used to prepare meals for more people at the same time. A medium cast iron dish can contain 4 to 6 pancakes and sausages at the same time, with vegetables or bacon on one side.
In general, if portability is an important factor, you don’t have to worry. As mentioned in the previous section, people also bring cast iron pans for camping.
2.Type and shape
Like their electrical counterparts, cast iron cookware is available in many shapes and sizes. The three most common are:
Griddles – The most popular and versatile version of the cast iron cook top. Grill trays help you prepare all kinds of food. While cast iron griddles are the most popular for their breakfast making ability, but that is not all. Basically, a cast iron plate is a flat surface that is placed over a heat source to prepare food. This flat surface is ideal for soft foods that solidify during cooking (eggs, pancakes, etc.), but can also be used for cooking meat, vegetables and baked goods.
Grills – Some griddles have an additional grilling function. It is a reversible grill plate, or sometimes the manufacturer simply adds a separate cast iron plate to the side. The cast iron grill side is particularly useful when preparing fatty meats or juicy vegetables, as excess fat and juices can be separated by the teeth of the grill.
Skillets – An electric skillet is almost like a normal cast iron skillet. A cast iron skillet is generally larger than a regular skillet, and its main purpose is to make foods that need to be removed a lot. Compared to cast iron frying pans, frying pans are somewhat limited in the type of food that can be prepared. However, there are many ways to cook with cast iron griddles to make tortillas and soft foods, using protective sides to prevent spills.
3. Heat storage and heat capacity
It can be one of the most important specifications that differentiate cast iron as a material from all other materials in the kitchen market. Yes, we are talking about heat capacity. Iron, as a material, can absorb a lot of heat and does not let it pass quickly. As you may have understood, slow cooling is a very desirable feature.
First of all, it helps you save energy by avoiding having to add heat all the time. The other reason you want a large capacity griddle is because of the food itself. When you prepare food for several people, some ingredients cool faster than others. With a slowly cooled cast iron griddle, you can keep these parts of your food warm until everything is ready. Imagine serving your guests a semi-cooled meal. Surely, nobody would like that. But not with cast iron, needless to say.
The next big thing about the heat capacity of cast iron griddle is the shelf life that this material shows. Don’t be afraid to hear that people use their cast iron griddles with their stoves, in addition to open fireplaces and stove burners. Thanks to the extreme heat resistance of the product, you can even bake a whole pizza. It even helps to make the material stronger and more durable in the long term. This opens up a new world of experimentation and innovation in recipes, so don’t hesitate to use it as long as your stove fits naturally.
Seasoning
This term is often used when we talk about melting. The curing process is actually the process of treating the surface of the grill, griddle or pan plate to cover it with a much-needed protective layer. This protective film works in both directions: keep your stainless steel kitchen utensils clean and always clean, while preserving the aftertaste of pre-cooked food, and protect yours from the possible absorption of some of the rusty/damaged material.
The only process consists of a few carefully executed steps (discussed below), and one of the main reasons for this is to keep the cast iron surface non-stick. This makes the cooking process easier and helps to keep the griddle plate clean.
In addition, it is good to know that cast iron seasoning can also be used for catering. Worn and damaged cast iron can be repaired by appropriate hardening and ensure that the damage does not recur.
Heat source and coverage
When such a heat-resistant material is used, it may seem excessive to talk about heat sources. However, you should keep in mind that heating patterns determine how food is cooked. Let’s look at the most common heat sources and how you can use them to produce heat for your cast iron grill plates.
Standard electric stove top – If there is no gas range, you most likely use a conventional electric range. Of course, the grill plates are easy to use, but the heating power will not be as high as expected. Some griddle pans are designed to fit the type of stove, but if not, you will have to wait a while for your grill to warm up. And unfortunately, you cannot use the edges of the cast iron plates because they are colder than the others.
Standard gas stove top – This is by far the most common source of heat for your cast iron grill plate. The fire under the grill plate spreads quickly and provides complete thermal coverage. Some stove manufacturers have specific types of griddle plates that fit perfectly with your gas stove. If so, you will have the best cast-iron cooking experience.
Ovens – As mentioned above, cast iron products can also be used as a frying pan or griddle. You can bake cookies, pizzas or any type of baking pan that fits on the grill plate without slipping. This type of heat is evenly distributed, but grill pans often do not have quench handles, so be careful when using them with a stove.
Glass stove top – Although this is possible, we do not recommend the use of cast iron with a glass furnace. Regardless of the strength of the glass, cast iron is heavy and generally robust and can damage (or in some cases break) the glass surface of your furnace. Some more modern ovens with glass lids are designed to withstand cast iron cooking utensils, so you should check this before cooking.
Open flame – Yes, the impressive heat resistance of cast iron cannot be overestimated. Take it with you on your camping trips and let a professional cast iron grill prepare the best camping breakfasts or snacks for you.
The last thing to do on the heated surface is to check that the cast iron griddle you are looking at covers one or two places on the stove. Frying pans and small irons always cover only one place on the stove, which is often more than enough.
Cast iron maintenance
There are three important things you need to know in order to function properly in the maintenance of cast iron: Cleaning, seasoning and proper storage.
Cleaning
If you know someone who has experience with seasoning, you have probably heard about the rule not to use cleaning chemicals. Yes, you heard it right. Melting does not react well with cleaning chemicals, especially acids. The iron layer, however insensitive to heat, can easily be damaged by excessive humidity or detergents. Therefore, you should clean your cast iron griddle by following these simple steps:
- Dispose of all large pieces of food if they remain on the griddle.
- If there are small pieces, put them under hot water and brush them with a softer plastic dish brush.
- Dry the iron well
- If there are any stains, sticky food or pieces left, heat the iron to a low or medium temperature and repeat the operation once it has cooled.
Seasoning
As already mentioned, spices are a big problem when it comes to griddles or frying pans. This is the process by which the surface of the griddle plate is treated with vegetable oil or lard and heated to form a protective layer around the melt. Many fonts are already ready to use, but if you want to use them often, you must also learn how to use them. Seasoning helps to keep the surface non-stick and rustproof while protecting it from flaking. Good wort, from time to time, can keep your cast iron griddle fully functional for an indefinite period of time. Here is the procedure to follow:
- Clean the grill/griddle as described in the cleaning section. If the plate is in poor condition, use a little soap with warm water, but be sure to wash the soap thoroughly.
- Make sure to dry the cast iron griddle freshly washed.
- Take vegetable oil, or solid fat and distribute them evenly over all accessible cast iron surfaces. Yes, it also means the bottom.
- Place the plate in the oven and heat. Let the plate stand for 1 to 3 hours and let it cool inside.
- If it does not run as planned at the beginning, you can repeat it, and we are sure you will. Remember that a well cured cast iron plate will turn black.
Storage
When storing cast iron, there is only one rule that must be strictly followed: Keep away from moisture. After use, clean and store in a dry place. If a cover is provided, store it separately, as molten iron with a cover can retain moisture from the air and cause minor damage to oxidation. Moisture and steam are the biggest enemies of cast iron griddles, so be sure to keep them safe and dry.
Cast Iron Griddle FAQs
Can I use steel wool to clean my griddle or skillet?
Absolutely not, and for good reason too. Steel wool is hard, and even if it is the property we need to wash dishes, it damages the cast iron, which is often irreparable. We recommend using a softer plastic brush to clean the dishes, or if you insist on using metal, invest in a chain disc. By carefully following the cleaning process with additional heating, you can remove residual dirt from the cast iron griddle plate.
2.How long can I keep my cast iron griddle in the heat source?
The beauty of cast iron as a material is that it cannot be damaged by conventional stoves. In practice, you can keep it in the heat source as long as you want or need. You must keep in mind, however, that the cast iron griddle will become increasingly difficult to clean when cooked for longer periods of time. Be sure not to leave the cleaning process until tomorrow.
3. Can I wash my cast iron griddle with cold water?
Although this is possible, it is never recommended. The only reason is the nature of the material iron or metals in general. In a cold environment, iron shrinks and causes micro-perforations in the plate, which always causes greater damage. To make sure you have a durable cast iron plate, clean it with hot or lukewarm water. Especially if your griddle plate isn’t cold yet. Large temperature differences can sometimes cause the plate to break. Therefore, it is best to let it cool before washing.
My griddle is very dirty, so can I soak it to make it easier to clean?
We know that soaking makes it easier to clean dishes, but this is not the case here. As mentioned earlier, you should not put your cast iron cookware in contact with water or moisture. It is best to clean the cast iron by rubbing and heating it. If the persistent stain is not from grease, try again first and we are sure you can remove it.
Most cooks recommend the “non-detergent” cleaning method. How do I know if there are no bacteria?
Heating the cast iron griddle up to 400 degrees (or more) is an essential part of the cleaning process. This high temperature makes it a much better antibacterial protection than any other dishwashing detergent on the market. Detergents and soaps are only used on a cast iron grill and a very old, maintenance-free cast iron griddle.
Wrapping up
Here’s a complete guide on how to choose the best cast iron griddle for your kitchen. Preparing food is something we have to do every day, so why not try to make it as healthy and enjoyable as possible? There are many types of cast iron cookware, and we will deem our effort amply rewarded if you are able to take a decision about which one to buy after going through our detailed best cast iron griddles reviews.
Yes, this technology is old and simple, and that means that this material has withstood the test of time. Cast iron has been used all over the world for over a thousand years. Different cultures have discovered it separately and made it their own, and we have discovered it again in modern times, and consider it a great addition to our kitchen tool. We do hope this longish best cast iron griddles review guide will serve your purpose when you think of buying the best cast iron griddles for your kitchen.
