10 Best Cast Iron Griddle You Must Have In Your Kitchen
We all want our kitchen to be filled with new and upgraded items. And often, we end up buying the items we crave for. A griddle is one of the items you must have in your kitchen if you want to call yourself a cooking enthusiast.
When you hear about cast iron, you imagine durability, heritage, heirloom, and tradition. But, can it be more than that? Griddles made of cast iron are now trendy, but why? You will never believe the door of cooking potentiality the best-cast iron griddle can open for you.
Manufacturers are adding innovations to their cookware. Some griddles also come with a grill side, so you get a 2-in-1 benefit. The difference between a grill and a griddle is a whole other issue. We’ll get to that.
But first, let’s not make you wait anymore. In the following section, you will find the top 10 griddles made out of cast iron. So, what are you waiting for?
10 Best Cast Iron Griddle
We’ve measured it all quality, durability, brand, user reviews. We’ve done all the work for you. Just go through the 10 best-cast iron griddles and find out which one says ‘you.’
10 Best Cast Iron Griddle in a Video Review
1. Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Pre-Seasoned Grill/Griddle
- Model Name: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Lodge
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 20 inch X 10.5 inch X 0.81 inch
- Oven-safe
- Compatible with all stovetops, including grills, ovens, and campfires
- Weight: 3.35 pounds
For obvious reasons, the first one to make our list is the pre-seasoned grill/griddle from Lodge. When you want an innovative reversible grill and griddle tray with portability convenience, this is where you start. It becomes more of an heirloom lasting through generations than just a grill tray.
The tray comes pre-seasoned. You will instantly know it by looking at the glaze. By evenly heating through the tray, you can ensure effortless cooking without any hotspot or cold spot.
You get to carry it for camping. That’s a far better option, especially for people who don’t like large grills. Versatile cooking will let you explore the world of cooking without any problems. Cleaning also becomes easy with this one. You can wash it by hand using mild soap or no soap. After drying it with a cloth or paper towel, rub a small amount of vegetable oil before it’s completely cooled down. The grill and griddle tray comes with handles on the edges for easy maneuver and storage.
- Better heat distribution ensures that your food gets cooked evenly.
- Portable, so you can carry it with you when camping.
- Handles on the ends provide easy handling and storing. You can hand the tray using the handles.
- The tray is heavy due to the iron material, which can make it difficult to move around
2. Lodge Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Reversible Grill/Griddle
- Model Name: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Lodge
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 9.5 inch x 0.5 inch x 16.75 inch
- Rectangular in shape
- Compatible with all cooktops, grills, ovens, and campfire
- Weight: 8.00 pounds
- Comes Pre-seasoned
Compared with the prior one we discussed in our list, this one is heavier and comes in a rectangular shape. The dimensions are also different from one another. Other than the size, both grill trays come pre-seasoned.
The quality remains the same with Lodge. You can trust this tray to last years without any damage. The more carefully you can use the tray, the longer it will last—one tray combining both grill and griddle only a flip away.
It’s easy for you to handle it and place it in your kitchen by hanging because of the comfortable handles. The tray is also compatible with all kinds of cooktops, grills, campfires, and ovens. Take care of the tray as you would maintain your usual cast iron utensils. An easy-release surface will make sure that your food doesn’t stick to the surface and help you experience effortless cooking.
- An easy-release surface makes your cooking effortless by ensuring that the food doesn’t stick to the surface
- It comes pre-season, so you don’t have to do it before you start cooking
- You can use it on any cooktop, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your tray
- Even heating eliminates any hotspots or cold spots to serve you with a perfectly cooked meal
- The tray is heavy and can be difficult to move around
3. ProSource Reversible Double Burner Cast Iron Grill Griddle
- Model Name: Cast Iron Grill Griddle
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: ProSource
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 20 inch x 9 inch x 0.5 inch
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Extended handles
When you can go exploring the most exciting dishes with a grill and griddle, ProSource is the perfect choice to get started with. Pure cast iron griddle will last through years after regular uses. In fact, the cooking surface gets better with use. The longer you use your grill, the less chance of sticking food on the surface.
You can go about cooking versatile dishes on your griddle when the quality is premium and lets you enjoy effortless cooking. A large cooking surface, perfect for use on any type of double burners, can accommodate food for everyone.
There are extended handles on each end to make it easy for you to move it around or hang it in the kitchen. Like all cast iron cookware, hand washes it to make sure it doesn’t damage. A beautiful black appearance is a bonus point with all other features you are getting. Overall, it’s one of the best large cast iron griddles you can get.
- Perfect heat retention for precise meal cooking
- It can be used on any stovetop without worrying about damaging the tray
- Grill and griddle sides let you cook different dishes on the same tray
- The size could have been bigger
4. Backcountry Cast Iron Skillet Grill/Griddle
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Backcountry Iron
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 20 inch x 9 inch
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Compatible with all stovetops, including induction
- Nonstick coating
- Comes pre-seasoned
Backcountry grill griddle pan provides you with the proud nature of pure cast iron-even heating. You can use this for generations to come, and it will get better with each use. It comes pre-seasoned, offering a Teflon-like nonstick surface. But unlike Teflon, it doesn’t release harmful chemicals to your food.
Another fascinating feature you can’t miss is, it’s compatible with all kinds of stovetops. It doesn’t matter if you are using glass, gas, induction, or any other direct heat source; it will fit just right. Even if you carry it for the campfire, you will not be disappointed.
If you keep your cast iron pan, it will rust. Make sure you use it with care. Don’t store it while wet. Clean with warm water and dry it completely. Remember that cast iron is not dishwasher safe. If you want your griddle to last, don’t forget to keep your side of the deal.
It’s difficult to find cast iron compatible with electric stovetops. Backcountry is one of the best-cast iron griddles for electric stoves. If you own an electric stove, rest assured backcountry won’t disappoint.
- High-quality cast iron provides even heat distribution for a perfectly cooked meal
- Easy to use and portable feature lets you carry it for campfire
- Versatile cooking functionality due to dual surface
- The cooking surface is comparatively smaller than anticipated
5. Utopia Cast Iron Reversible Grill Griddle
- Brand: Utopia Kitchen
- Color: Black
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Dimensions: 17 inch x 10 inch
- Weight: 8.34 pounds
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe
- Compatible with all cooktops
This tray is designed with a slop to take the grease away from your food. The handles are structured to provide you utmost convenience when it comes to moving and handling the tray. Pure cast iron doesn’t release any toxic chemicals into your food. Instead, it releases iron that helps you overcome iron deficiency, a very common phenomenon among females.
Utopia grill has the capability of perfect heat retention. Meaning that your food will stay warm long after you have finished cooking. The surface also heats up pretty fast that reduces your waiting time when cooking.
One thing to note about this grill/griddle is that it is dishwasher safe. But as you know, cast iron isn’t recommended to wash with a dishwasher. While you can use a dishwasher to clean it, if you want to keep it intact for a long time, you should always hand wash it. Multiple cooktop compatibility ensures you can use it regardless of what stove you are using.
- Extremely durable to accompany through long years to come
- Grill and griddle lets you cook versatile dishes using both sides
- Ergonomic handles to make your cooking experience more effortless
- The griddle has a rough texture
6. Lodge Cast Iron Single-Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle
- Brand Name: Lodge
- Color: Black
- Assembly Required: true
- Material: Cast Iron
- Model Number: 17LSRG3
- Dimensions: 15.18 inch x 10.5 inch x 0.75 inch
- Weight: 7.78 pounds
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Comfortable handles
Like all other cast iron cookware from Lodge, this one doesn’t disappoint either. It’s reversible, and you can use both sides for cooking. One side is flat, which you can use to cook eggs, pancakes, and non-protein foods. The other side is ribbed, perfect for cooking your proteins.
The pan is made for single burners. If you want a small cast iron griddle, this one would be perfect for you. Two handles on the opposite corners are structured in a unique way. The design itself is very innovative too. Undoubtedly, it’s going to add aesthetic value to your kitchen.
You cannot wash cast iron in a dishwasher. The same rules apply to this pan too. Hand cleaning the tray using water, drying it, and applying oil while it’s still warm can bring the best results in maintaining.
Using the grill in the right way will make it last for years to come and will get better with every use.
- Reversible design can let you cook versatile dishes on the same pan
- Durable cast iron will accompany you for years
- Easy to use and easy to clean, that make your cooking experience more convenient
- Longer handles would have been better as the handles become hot on the stove
7. Vremi Large Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle
- Model Name: 20 inch Cast Iron
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Vremi
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 18 inch x 12 inch x 1.97 inch
- Weight: 6.75 pounds
- Easy to maneuver handles
- Sloped surface for reducing grease from food
- Pre-seasoned and even heating
When you are buying cast iron, you are investing in an heirloom that will last generations. If you consider all possible features you can get from a good-grade griddle, you can undoubtedly trust Vermi. It’s a large tray that can cover two burners and accommodate large meals for the whole family.
You can rest assured to get even heating on the tray. That means no hot spots or cold spots on your cookware to eliminate the chance of undercooked or overcooked food. The in-build handles are structured for your utmost convenience. Use the handles to hang the grill if needed.
A reversible grill-griddle design lets you cook versatile dishes and encourage you to experiment with your food. You can use the flat and ribbed side for cooking various dishes.
This tray’s cooking surface comes with a sloped design to trap the fat and provide you with a healthier dish. Besides, the design makes it easier to clean. The griddle is compatible with various cooktop. But primarily, it is best suited as a cast iron gas griddle.
- Built-in handles are easy to move around and hang in the kitchen
- Durable quality gets better with each use
- It comes pre-season, so you don’t have to worry about a sticky surface
- Not appropriate when you’re cooking small portions as it is suitable for a double-burner
8. Legend Cast Iron Griddle
- Brand: LEGEND CAST IRON
- Color: Black
- Dishwasher Safe: No
- Dimensions: 21.5 inch x 10.78 inch x 1.25 inch
- Weight: 12.07 pounds
- Compatible with all stovetops
- Comfortable grip handle
- Lightly seasoned
- Oven safe
Legend cast iron griddle is a lightly seasoned reversible pan made combining high-quality steel and iron. The thing about the Legend cast iron griddle is that it comes with contemporary benefits combined with traditional cast iron features.
You can use it with all kinds of cooktops, ovens, and open fire heat sources. To give your cooking soul a piece of treasure, there can’t be anything better than the Legend cast iron griddle.
Need a change of cooking surface from ribbed to smooth? Flip. It’s as simple as that. Anytime you want to give your inner chef a tour of experiments, this cast iron griddle will stay by your side, granting you a satisfying cooking experience.
Cast iron improves with use. Legend cast iron isn’t an exception to this rule. You will feel the difference in your own cooking after using it a few times. Comfortable grip handles will ease your work a lot. Besides, it’s one of the best budget cast iron griddles you can find.
- Durable cast iron that can stay with you for long years
- Comfortable handles make it easy for you to maneuver and store
- The high-quality texture gets improved with every use and can accommodate versatile cooking
- The surface isn’t sloped, so you have to be careful while cooking juicy food
9. Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
- Material: Iron
- Brand: Camp Chef
- Color: Cast Iron
- Dimensions: 16 inch x 24 inch x 1 inch
- Weight: 14 lbs
- Material: pre-seasoned cast iron
- Best suited for Camp Chef 16-inch stoves
A reversible cast iron griddle that comes pre-season is something everyone admires. Seasoning cast iron is a lengthy process, so when you get a pre-seasoned grill and griddle, you know your work has lessened.
This pan can execute versatile dishes. You can cook eggs, pancakes, burgers, sausages, bacon, chicken, pork, steak, everything in one single pan. The cooking area is pretty large. If you are thinking about organizing a get-together, it’s going to be an excellent choice for you.
You will get a premium finishing on the tray. That means your meat will heat well, sear well, and retain the heat after it’s been cooked. You can now cook your chicken just like on a bbq grill with an indoor/outdoor tray.
You can use it both for indoor cooking and outdoor cooking. To sum up, it’s one of the best cast iron griddles for camping or any other occasion for grilling.
- Pre-season and ready to use right out of the box
- A Large cooking surface can accommodate large meals for a get-together or any occasion
- Reversible design offers versatile cooking with different ingredients
- The handles could have been better
10. NutriChef Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate
- Model Name: Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate – 18 Inch Flat Cast Iron Skillet Griddle Pan
- Material: Iron
- Brand: NutriChef
- Color: -Ceramic, Induction
- Dimensions: 18 inch x 10 inch x 0.6 inch
- Weight: 9.78 pounds
- Heat safe up to 480 degrees
- Even heat distribution
- Stain-resistant and easy to clean
Unlike many other grill plates, it can be used on induction. In fact, you can use it on any stovetop you want. So, if you ever want to switch your stove, no need to change your grill plate. Nutrichef grill plate has a reversible design. You can use the flat side for pancakes, sandwiches, etc., and the ribbed side is designed for cooking meat.
The cooking surface is large enough to hold enough food for a family gathering. You will notice the ridged lines on one side will keep excess oil away from your food, which means you get to eat healthier with this tray.
You should hand wash the plate and then dry it before storing it. Oiling it can preserve the tray better. Make sure there isn’t any water remaining when you store it, or there’s a chance of rusting. Your cast iron grill plate will accompany you for a long time with proper care and maintenance. To sum up, it’s one of the best-cast iron griddle pans you will ever find.
- Long-lasting cast iron material provides you with comfortable cooking
- Reversible sides are perfect for different cooking styles in a traditional way
- A large cooking area allows you to cook for a crowdy gathering
- Doesn’t come pre-seasoned
What Is A Cast Iron Griddle?
The history of cast iron being used as kitchen cookware goes way back. Some argue that the first cast-iron kettle was used in the 7th century, and some say it dates back even earlier. This material was popular until the 1960s. And then, Teflon and aluminum took over with the advancement of technology. People rapidly switched to these materials, and the use of cast iron began to decline. But what we are curious about is, how did cast iron become popular in this era?
Recently, many chefs and experts worldwide discovered that cast iron is ideal for everyday use. For starters, the strength and physical properties are unmatched. Even though cast iron is still considered rare, it’s used today for both residential and commercial purposes.
The technology of this material is not that complicated. Unlike other cookware, cast iron can last indefinitely if properly maintained. Cast iron is distinguished from other substances by special rituals. They need seasoning, proper storing when not in use, or to cure them again. One of the reasons why people choose cast iron is its ability to withstand extremely high temperatures even when using heat sources such as open flames.
Griddle Vs Grill
The primary difference between a grill and a griddle is the surface. While griddles are smooth and flat, grills are ribbed. A griddle is just a flat surface, like a pan without handles. On the other hand, a grill is a plate with ridges that adds a different texture to your food.
Other than the basic differences, their functions are different too. For example, you can use a griddle for cooking eggs, pancakes, bacon, and sandwiches. In comparison, grills are more appropriate for cooking meat.
Square VS Round
Comparing these two, a square pan provides a more expansive area, thus accommodating more food. Also, you can cook more food at once, making your cooking process faster. On the other hand, round griddles are suitable when you want a small cooking surface and easy maneuver.
Round pans are also comparatively easier to clean than square ones. But if you compare them based on everything, square pans are more beneficial and logical than round ones.
Cast Iron Griddle Maintenance and Cleaning
One weakness of cast iron cookware is rust. If you leave it wet, it’ll rust and ruin. Another rule is to avoid using any chemical substances. Many people find maintaining cast iron cookware bothersome. But if you know the proper rules, you can easily protect your griddle and make it last years. For cleaning a griddle-
- Remove any visible food residue.
- Use warm water to wash your griddle. If small particles are remaining, use a soft brush to remove them.
- Dry it well using paper towels or a clean cloth.
- Try to clean the griddle while it’s still warm. It makes the cleaning process easier.
After you’ve cleaned your griddle, season it. Use vegetable oil to wipe the full griddle, including the bottom surface. Place your griddle in the oven and heat it up. Keep the griddle there for 1 to 3 hours. Let the griddle cool down, and then store it.
While storing, make sure you keep it as much away as possible from moisture. Remember that iron does not do well with water.
Buying Guide To Pick The Best Cast Iron Griddle
Now that you have all the other information at hand, it’s time that you learn to pick up the best-cast iron griddle among alternatives. When shopping for a cast iron griddle, don’t forget to check out the following features.
- Portability: When you buy a griddle, you should be able to carry it for outdoor gatherings. That’s the whole point of upgrading from traditional heavy grills. So make sure the pan or tray is comfortably portable.
- Easy Maneuver: Look out for the handles. Unlike other materials, cast iron usually doesn’t feature cool-to-touch handles. So, make sure the handles are comfortable enough to hold with oven mitts. Poorly designed handles will make it difficult to move the pan around, and you may burn your hands.
- Size and Shape: The size depends on your convenience. If you cook for a large number of people, go for a large griddle. If you cook for yourself and small gatherings, go for a smaller one. We recommend you go for square or rectangular shapes because they can hold more food at once, accelerating the cooking time.
- Heat Retention: Cast iron can naturally retain heat for a long time. This feature can keep your food warm long after you’ve finished cooking. Go for the griddles that can retain heat longer than the others. Also, don’t forget to check if the griddle gets heated quickly.
- Even Heating: Any perfect dish needs the griddle to get evenly heated. Or, you will find hotspots that will result in undercooked or brunt meals. When the pan becomes equally hot throughout the whole surface, you can execute the recipe exactly as you want.
- Pre-seasoned: As you already know, cast iron takes time to be properly seasoned. You have to be patient for a while before you can get it perfectly seasoned. If the griddle comes pre-seasoned, even lightly, that means less waiting time for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Words
That’s all the instructions you need to get started with the best-cast iron griddle. If it’s your first one, try to figure out everything there is to learn before buying one. A beautiful cast iron griddle not only stays with you through the years but also opens a lot of potential doors for cooking new meals.
Even though cast iron has simple constructions, experts are using it regularly for a reason. So, when you think you are ready for a cast iron griddle addition to your kitchen cookware, go through our reviews and see what suits you the best.