Without a doubt, cast iron griddles are one of the most versatile utensils to have in your kitchen. Whether you want to fry, saute, bake, or steam your food, the best cast iron griddle will come in handy in every situation.
Even if you already own stainless steel cookware sets or a smokeless indoor grill, this all-encompassing utensil is a must-have for avid home chefs. However, it is difficult to pick out the best cast iron griddle from the lot with the plethora of brands available.
Besides that, your cast iron griddle will require special attention to last long after rigorous use, just like copper cookware or ceramic cookware. In this article, you will find a detailed guide for how to clean cast iron griddle properly after you purchase the right one for yourself.
So let’s get started.
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The Best Cast Iron Griddles Reviewed – Five Options for 2021
Compared to induction cookware and non-stick cookware that have their limitations, the best cast iron griddle pan can be used for almost every recipe you want to try. Simply enough, you can’t call yourself a cooking enthusiast without investing in one.
But, not every cast iron griddle you come across online has to fit your needs. You have to make specific considerations regarding the product’s size, shape, and brand reputation before clicking the buy button.
To ensure making the right purchase, check out these options below for some insight about the best cast iron griddle in the market.
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
Lodge Cast Iron is one of the pioneering companies for durable cast iron kitchen utensils in the US. It has a reliable, versatile, and affordable product range that facilitates the needs of commercial home kitchens.
This 16-inch 2-in-1 cast iron griddle and grill by Lodge is one of the best options you could go for. Whether your family loves fried eggs and bacon for breakfast or you regularly entertain your guests with delicious grilled meat, this is the ideal product for you.
With a high maximum heating temperature, it can sustain high oven temperatures. This makes it a perfect choice for baking. Furthermore, the griddle has two reversible sides so that you can be creative with your recipes.
The smooth side works great for frying eggs and toasting sandwiches. If you want to grill steaks or hamburgers, you can flip it to the ribbed side and get the perfect sear with appetizing grill marks.
The best part is, this cast iron pan comes at a highly affordable price, ideal for people looking for budget options.
2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
This best cast iron griddle for grill and campfire cooking is another versatile option from Lodge Cast Iron. This pre-seasoned griddle is mostly similar to the one mentioned above but differs in size.
Unlike its sister product, this one gives you a 20-inch wide cooking area. So if you usually serve a large family at breakfast time or need to cater to multiple guests at once, this is the go-to product for you.
It is compatible with multiple cooking surfaces such as an electric coil, smooth induction top, and even a gas grill. So all you need to do is pair it up with the best toaster oven to get breakfast ready in minutes.
Although it comes at a higher price than the 16-inch griddle mentioned above, it has better compatibility and provides a larger cooking area.
3. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron
The third product from Lodge Cast Iron that makes it to our top five list is the best cast iron griddle for gas grill. It is the ultimate budget buy for home cooks. The foundry-seasoned circular griddle comes ready to use right out of the box.
Besides that, it has low sidewalls that provide a larger cooking surface and help balance heat throughout the pan. You can use it to saute, sear, broil, braise, or bake your food.
Furthermore, its versatile construction and shape make it compatible with multiple cooking ranges such as the regular stovetop, gas grill, campfire, and oven.
Its 10-inch circular cooking area is ideal for catering a small family breakfast without taking up too much space on your stovetop. If you regularly cook for a family of three or four, this is the most cost-effective product you should add to your kitchen.
4. Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle
The next product on our list is a functional double burner seasoned griddle from Victoria. The brand has established itself in the market by providing sustainable and health-friendly cooking products for decades.
Seasoned with organic flaxseed oil, it releases beneficial natural minerals during the cooking process to make your food healthier. Similarly, its ample cooking surface facilitates multitasking in the kitchen so you can whip up speedy meals for your family.
You can use it to broil your slow-cooked ribs, fry eggs and bacon for breakfast, or grill hamburgers and steaks for guests. Furthermore, it has an ergonomic design with easy-grip handles to reduce any accidents or mishaps while cooking.
Moreover, it has large handles and loops for hanging, so you can easily store it anywhere in your kitchen without any hassle. Although it’s a bit on the expensive side, it is a good investment if you regularly cook for a lot of people.
5. Camp Chef Reversible Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
The final product on our list is this modest reversible cast iron griddle by Camp Chef. This double-sided griddle lets you cook a plethora of recipes from breakfast to dinner.
It has an ergonomic molded handle that helps the user when moving it during the cooking process. Furthermore, it offers impeccable heat retention that makes it perfect for all cooking surfaces.
Additionally, it comes with a natural seasoning that makes it ready for the stove right out of the box. Moreover, the griddle gives you a large 24-inch cooking area, making it ideal for catering to large indoor and outdoor parties.
How to Clean Cast Iron Griddle?
Believe it or not, rice cookers and deep fryers aren’t the only kitchen utensils that require regular cleaning and maintenance. For example, cast iron griddles and pans require thorough cleaning after rigorous use to maintain their productivity and avoid disintegration.
Don’t worry; the cleaning process takes no time if you know what you’re doing. The guide below will describe how to clean cast iron griddle properly to retain its functionality in the long run.
To get started, you will need,
- Running water
- A non-abrasive sponge and scraper
- A dishcloth
- Dishwashing liquid or detergent
- Vegetable oil
- Paper towels
Step 1 – Wash Your Griddle
Begin by washing the griddle with warm running water in your sink. After that, use a non-abrasive sponge or nylon kitchen scrubber to remove any food or stuck-on residue left on the surface.
While completing the process, make sure you protect your hands from the warm metal by wearing rubber gloves. If your griddle has tough stains, you can use a paste of water and kosher salt to rub the pan thoroughly.
Step 2 – Dry it Out
Once you have washed your griddle thoroughly, use a dishcloth to wipe it dry. Then, if you’re in a hurry, you can place it on a warm stove so that the water evaporates quickly.
Step 3 – Season Your Griddle
After ensuring there are no traces of water or moisture on your griddle, it is time to season it. Remember, if you dried your pan on a stove, let it cool down completely before starting the seasoning process.
Use a paper towel to spread the vegetable oil of your choice on the pan’s surface. Coat it evenly before using another clean paper towel to remove all the excess fat. That’s it, your griddle is ready to be stored for later use.
Seasoning Your Griddle
All the cast iron griddle options we have mentioned above come pre-seasoned right out of the box. However, that’s not the case with every product available in the market.
If you buy an unseasoned new griddle, you should season it before using it in your kitchen. Use the same procedure we defined earlier on how to clean cast iron griddle and season it accordingly.
After that, bake the newly seasoned pan in the oven for about an hour and let it cool to make it ready for use.
Tips for Maintaining Your Cast Iron Pan
Apart from using the proper method to clean your cast iron pan, here are some tips that will help with its overall productivity and longevity.
- Do not soak your pan in water for long intervals as it makes it prone to rust.
- Avoid cleaning a hot pan with cold water to reduce warping.
- Never store your pan with the lid on, as it can retain moisture and cause rusting.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best cast iron griddle for your kitchen, there are countless options to choose from. But remember, the trick to selecting the ideal product is making sure it fits your needs.
Whatever you do, don’t jump directly for the most expensive product coming from a highly popular brand. Instead, take your time to assess the features of shortlisted products based on your cooking requirements and expertise.
Similarly, upon buying the right cast iron griddle, make sure to pay attention to its maintenance so that it lasts you long term.
