Did you know…
- Studies have shown that cooking with cast iron can help with anemia
- Cast iron griddles can be passed down for generations
- They can withstand high temperatures
- There is great versatility when cooking with cast iron
- It is a healthier way to cook
People appreciate cast iron for many reasons. The primary one is the durability of the material. Cast iron may be heavier, but it lasts for a very long time. The material can handle literally almost anything you throw at it and still work.
They can withstand high cooking temperatures without warping, becoming damaged, or breaking. Even an open campfire won’t damage this type of material.
It also has a great deal of versatility when it comes to food. It will allow you to bake, fry, steam, sauté, boil, or char your food. In addition, it makes your meal tastier and healthier. Since the material retains heat, you use less fat and oils.
It has been proven that a small amount of iron located in the griddle absorbs into food when cooking more acidic food, which may help those with an iron deficiency like anemia.
Cast Iron Griddle
Cast iron griddles contain a flat cooking surface accompanied by raised edges that prevent batter, oil, and other ingredients from spilling onto the countertop. The raised edges on the griddle keep ingredients contained. The shallow edges of this griddle allow cooks to maneuver spatulas and other utensils designed for flipping easier.
Cast iron griddles are compatible with multiple stovetops, including induction. Plus, they are sturdy enough to be used on a campfire or grill as well.
Why Use a Griddle Over a Skillet?
The difference between the two resides in the height of the sides. Griddles contain lower edges, whereas skillets have high sidewalls. Griddles also contain a larger cooking surface over skillets.
Double burner griddles can span two stovetop burners, making them perfect for parties and large family gatherings.
Lodge Cast Iron Griddle
The Lodge Cast Iron Griddle is a reversible griddle that you can take from the stove to the oven or grill to the campfire. It is incredibly versatile. The size is big enough to cook for your family but has a small footprint and stores easily.
It works like a large cast-iron frying pan, retaining heat and heating up evenly. Users will receive consistent cooking results and nice grill marks with this tool. It is versatile enough to cook almost anything imaginable, from pancakes to bread to personal-sized pizzas.
Material
While it is pre-seasoned, the non-stick components of this griddle/grill improve with continued use or additional seasoning – especially if you are using fatty foods. Experts say that if you cook steaks, burgers, or bacon immediately, the griddle will naturally accumulate the seasoning. For anything else, it is best to season the griddle.
Since it is cast iron, it is very durable and indestructible. You can pass it down through generations.
Design
This griddle fits over two burners to generate a maximum cooking area and has low sides that contain your ingredients/food. A channel located on a long side collects the juices, allowing food to cook without steaming. Handles on the shorter sides provide a good grip while maneuvering the griddle. However, if hot, you will require oven mitts.
Slow to Heat but Retains Heat Well
This grill/griddle combination does take a while to heat up. However, once fully heated, the heat radiates across the entire surface. Users will not find hot spots. Once warm, it retains the heat beautifully for an even cook without losing temperature.
After you are done cooking and turn off your heat, the cast iron skillet will remain hot, allowing it to be used for warming.
Pros:
- Easy to store
- Sides reverse for griddle and grill
- Will fit over two stovetop burners
- Can be used to grill, fry, broil, or bake
Cons:
- Heavy
- Depending on what you cook for the first time, it may require seasoning
Blackstone Griddle Seasoning and Cast-Iron Conditioner
This product ensures that your griddle and cast-iron products are always protected and well-seasoned.
It is a two-in-one product that provides trusted results to get the griddle ready for use or maintain the current seasoning to prevent rust and sticking.
It is composed of shortening, palm oil, beeswax, soy oil, and canola oil. This product is specifically formulated for Blackstone griddles.
Cast Iron Griddle for Grill
Mastering anything made from cast iron may take some patience. Users may find that they need to adjust their cooking temperatures since the material, once heated, can cook food very evenly and thoroughly. It is not uncommon to accidentally burn food while learning how to cook with cast iron.
Start on a lower heat and adjust as necessary until you get used to the process. Eventually, you will adjust to the heat settings and the material.
Best Overall: Legend Cast Iron Griddle
Legend is known for its versatility and lifelong durability. This griddle is pure, solid, premium-grade iron and steel. It has the perfect heat distribution to provide an excellent sear to your meats.
This 20 x 10” pan provides a scratch-free, smooth finish that expands over two elements. Handles are easy to grip, and it works with all heat sources.
Pros:
- Performs better each time you cook
- Pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil
- Safe to use in the oven
- Withstands high temperatures
- Double-sided for grill and griddle
Cons:
- May need to season both sides
- Surface may be a bit rough on one side
Best Runner Up: Lodge Cast iron Griddle
If you want a griddle to cover only one element or one that isn’t so long, this griddle from Lodge is the perfect complement to your grill. It is seasoned cast iron, and you can use it on grills, campfires, and all cooking surfaces.
Pros:
- Low sidewalls with a wide cooking surface
- Great over a single burner
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Cooking on too high of heat may cause food to burn
- Handle is a bit awkward
Best Budget: Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill/Griddle
Weighing 11 lbs, this grill/griddle combination is pre-seasoned cast iron with user-friendly handles. The thin handles are part of the grill, allowing them to cool quicker. The surface dimensions are 10 x 11.4”, which means it can cook breakfast for 2-4 people. It is also oven safe to 500°F.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Even heat distribution
- Sturdy design
Cons:
- Despite saying that it is pre-seasoned, it is strongly recommended to season this griddle
- Is not a wipe clean
Things You Should Know
Cast iron, for most people, tends to be the “Cadillac” of cookware. Durable by design, people find that it lasts and can withstand higher heat. This makes it perfect if you want to cook pizzas or cook on multiple surfaces. They don’t easily scratch, and you can transport them anywhere.
Shape/Type
Many griddles come with a grill feature. This may be in the pan itself or as a dual-sided grill/griddle combination. The grill side is most beneficial when making juicier vegetables and fatty meats. It allows excess fat or juices to separate due to the grill indentations.
Griddles are often elongated and can span over two burners. They have the benefit of being able to cook on any stovetop.
Which one you choose will depend on what you need it for. You can use both for any situation; however, some people appreciate that the combination will give you grill/sear marks, and the fat drips down easier.
Weight
Cast iron, in general, is very heavy. While some see this as a downfall, others see it as a benefit since they last forever, and you can pass them down through generations. The average weight of a cast iron griddle is 10-12 lbs.
In terms of portability, cast iron griddles, despite being heavier, will endure being transported better. The surface isn’t prone to scratching, and cast iron is incredibly sturdy. They simply will not break easily.
Heat Retention
Cast iron will always retain heat very well. Iron readily absorbs heat and doesn’t release it quickly. This means that even if you turn an element off, it can still be used as a food warmer until you are ready to serve. It cools down slowly.
Cast iron allows you to save energy by not having to reheat.
Seasoning
Seasoning a cast iron griddle means that you are treating it by coating it with a layer of protection. It keeps the cookware free from rust, clean, and prevents aftertaste of previous meals. It keeps the surface non-stick.
FAQ
How do you cook with a cast iron griddle?
Gradually preheat your griddle to medium heat. Then, add a bit of fair or oil. Add your food to the griddle once it has heated up and begin cooking.
How do you season a cast iron griddle?
First, you need to clean it using hot water and a soft plastic dishwashing brush. It should be dry before seasoning it. Using lard, vegetable oil, or solid fatty shortening, spread it evenly over the surface, including the bottom.
Place the griddle in your oven and heat it, leave it in for one to three hours, and allow it to cool off inside.
Cast iron griddles are a great way to cook large batches, make a healthier meal, and cook a diversity of foods. They are durable, sturdy, and can be taken anywhere. When it comes to investing in cookware, this should be at the top of any chef’s list.
