There’s so much to love about cast iron cookware, but most cooks opt for it because they have more control when cooking food. That’s all thanks to its amazing heat retention.
A cast iron griddle is a must for grilling because it allows you to cook steak, bacon, and even pancakes on your grill. You can even use it for sautéing and searing outside the grill.
That said, if you love using this ancient material, you should look for the best cast iron griddle to help you out in the kitchen. To help out, we’ll review five of the highly recommended griddles, discuss the top features you need to consider, and answer common questions about this cookware.
Comparison Chart
Best Cast Iron Griddle Reviews
1. NutriChef 18-Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate
As a new brand, NutriChef focuses on making life easier and healthier through its kitchen products. The NutriChef 18-Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate is an excellent pick if you are looking for versatile cookware.
Product Highlights
Let’s find out how this amazing reversible cast iron griddle fairs up with other popular brands in the market. Here are some of its features:
- Reversible Sides
One of the main features of this NutriChef cast iron cookware is its reversible sides. You can use the smooth side for making pancakes, grilled cheese, and more, while the ribbed side is excellent for grilling.
The ribbed side of the cast iron griddle is also made to keep the excess oil from the food. You can enjoy your meat and vegetables without that extra fat.
- Non-Stick Surface
Since it’s made from cast iron metal, you can cook your food evenly. The non-stick surface also allows you to cook food without butter oil or cooking spray.
- Heat Safe Up to 480 Degrees Fahrenheit
This cast iron cookware is heat safe up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can allow the surface to heat up and cook your food faster.
- Induction-Ready
You don’t have to worry if you only have an induction stove. The NutriChef 18-Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate is compatible with all heating methods.
What We Like
Versatility is one of the reasons you should get this NutriChef cast iron cookware. You can cook different types of food on the smooth side and start grilling whatever you want on the other side.
What We Don’t Like
The NutriChef 18-Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate has a non-stick surface, but it doesn’t last long. You’ll notice that the food will start sticking on the surface after a few months of regular usage.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
- Perfect for healthy cooking
Con:
- Non-stick surface doesn’t last long
2. Lodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan
Lodge is always at the top of the list if you need quality American-made cast iron cookware. They create products that would last for a long time, making them a great choice if you prefer long-lasting cast iron griddles.
Product Highlights
The Lodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan is a great pick for home cooks, but can it go toe-to-toe with other brands? Let’s check it out.
- Foundry Seasoned
The Lodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan is a great choice because it is foundry seasoned.
When the cast iron is completely cleaned, it will be hung on a conveyor, sprayed with vegetable oil, and baked at a high temperature.
Thus, no pre-seasoning is needed when you’re cooking.
- Unparalleled Heat Retention
Since it’s made from high-quality cast iron, you can expect amazing heat retention. It will allow you to cook your steak, chicken, and other food items evenly.
- Perfect for All Heating Methods
You won’t be disappointed by this cast iron griddle’s versatility. You can use it in the induction stove, traditional stove, oven, grill, and even in a campfire.
What We Like
The Lodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan’s seasoning is amazing, and it allows you to cook amazing food. You can try to season it if you want, but it’s not mandatory.
The heat retention is also great, as the pan will stay hot for long.
What We Don’t Like
The surface usually rusts very fast, especially if you don’t take extra care of the pan. However, you might still have issues with rust even if you dry it properly and apply vegetable oil now and then.
Pros:
- Versatile
- High-quality material
- Cooks evenly
Con:
- Rusts easily
3. Victoria Cast Iron Round Pan Comal Griddle
Since 1939, Victoria has created a wide range of innovatively designed and sustainable cooking products that promote good health. Cast iron pan is one of the best in their arsenal.
Hence, if you need top-quality cookware, you might want to check out the Cast Iron Round Pan Comal Griddle.
Product Highlights
Are you wondering how this amazing cast iron round pan can help you cook great food? Here are some of the features that it provides:
- Long and Curvy Handles
Long and curvy handles are not only beneficial for better maneuverability. The design also keeps the handle cool while on the stove.
- Slightly Sloped Surface
Compared to other cast iron pans, the surface is not flat, making cooking easier. That’s because it would allow the meat to have better contact with the hot surface and cook evenly.
- Pre-Seasoned
One of the best features of the Victoria Cast Iron Round Pan Comal Griddle is its 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil seasoned coating.
The flaxseed oil is vegan and Kosher certified, so it’s perfectly safe for cooking. It also doesn’t contain PFAS and PTFE, which can harm your health.
- Suitable for All Heating Methods
You can use this cast iron in induction cooktops, ceramic, grill, campfire, broiler, and oven. You can also cook different foods like crepe, pizza, flatbread, and more.
What We Like
The Victoria Cast Iron Round Pan Comal Griddle is more versatile because of its flat surface. Although the counterparts are good options, this particular cast-iron pan can cook more types of food.
What We Don’t Like
The pan is a bit heavy because of the material, and it’s not a non-stick model. There are also issues about rust after a couple of uses, especially if you don’t know how to maintain it properly.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Good for your health
Cons:
- It’s not a non-stick model
- It’s a bit heavy
4. Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
For the past 30 years, Camp Chef has always been a leader in outdoor cooking equipment.
The Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle is currently one of the best products they have to give you the freedom to cook whatever you want without changing your cookware.
Product Highlights
Are you looking for a cast iron griddle that you can use for different cooking methods? Let’s have a look at the features of this cast iron cookware:
- Double-Sided Grill or Griddle Combo
Since it’s a reversible cast iron griddle, you can cook breakfast on one side and lunch or dinner on the other. The smooth side will allow you to use it as a normal cast-iron pan, while the ribbed side will serve as a grill.
- True Seasoned Finish
The cast iron griddle is pre-seasoned with the popular “True Seasoned Finish” by Camp Chef. It offers a natural cooking surface that you can use immediately.
- Molded Design
The handles are molded into the griddle so you can easily move and carry it even when it’s hot.
- 16×24 Cooking Surface
With its 16 x 24 cooking surface, you can cook multiple food items at the same time, saving you more time.
What We Like
The best thing about this Camp Chef cast iron griddle is its reversible, pre-seasoned surface. It’s more versatile since you can cook different meals depending on your preference.
What We Don’t Like
There are times when food sticks to the surface, especially when cooking eggs or breakfast in general.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Sturdy construction
- Pre-seasoned
Con:
- Food sticks on the surface
5. Cuisinel 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle
Cuisinel is one of the best brands in the market when it comes to cookware and other kitchen products. The 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle is one of the best options that you need for a high-quality pan.
Product Highlights
Can this Cuisinel product beat the other brands from the list? Below are the amazing features that it offers.
- Non-Stick Surface
Cast iron griddles are now made with a non-stick surface to allow the users to cook any food on the surface. You can cook egg, bacon, and other breakfast meals with ease.
- Pre-Seasoned Surface
The surface of the Cuisinel 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Round Griddle is already pre-seasoned, so it’s ready to use out of the box.
- Silicone Handle Grip
With a silicone handle grip, you can hold the cast iron griddle properly, even if the surface is extremely hot. It also lessens the strain on your hands while holding the pan.
- Perfect for All Heating Methods
You can use it on the grill, oven, and stovetop.
Since the bottom of the pan is flat, you can also use this on your induction stove.
What We Like
The silicone handle grip is a great addition to the griddle as it prevents your hands from being burned when the pan is too hot. You can also cook a wide range of food items on your cast-iron pan with a flat surface.
What We Don’t Like
You need to be very careful when cleaning the pan because it would rust quickly if you don’t know how to maintain it.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Sturdy construction
Con:
- Susceptible to rust
Buyer’s Guide
Searching for the best cast iron griddle is not too difficult since most of the features are very common. They have no complicated features and technical terms, so it’s pretty easy to find a good one.
However, since you are spending money on the cast iron griddle, you have to make sure that you know what to look for. Here are a few things that you should check:
1. Size and Shape
There are different models of cast iron pans and griddles available in the market. Choose the size and shape of the cookware you need based on how you plan to use it.
If you plan to use it for large cookouts with your family and friends, you might need something that would cover at least two burners. If you only need it for your family, a cast iron pan can be a good choice for you.
2. Weight
One of the best features of a cast iron griddle is that you can move it anywhere in the kitchen. That said, you should expect that it is heavier than a regular pan.
Cast iron is very heavy, and a normal model usually weighs around 10 to 12 pounds. Some units would weigh more than 12 pounds so make sure that you check the weight before buying.
Although you can carry the pan or griddle with two hands, it would be more convenient if you could hold it with your dominant hand, especially while you are cooking.
Also, pans that are too heavy might damage your induction stove. It will also be harder to set up if you plan to use it for cooking or grilling in a campfire.
3. Number of Handles
A cast iron griddle usually has two handles: one on both sides.
As for a cast iron pan, most models only have a single handle. However, a few brands have a small handle on the side, especially if the cast iron pan is a bit heavy.
Pay attention to the weight of the cast iron cookware.
If it’s 10 pounds or below, a single handle will do the trick. If it’s around 12 pounds and above, you should opt for a griddle with at least two handles.
4. Reversible Griddles
If you’re buying a cast iron griddle, it is always important to look for a reversible model.
There are cheaper models with a soft or a ribbed surface, but you would need to buy two griddles if you do this.
It’s more practical to have a single one with a reversible surface. This would allow you to cook and grill foods without buying two cast iron pans or griddles.
5. Non-Stick Surface
Common cast iron pans right now come with a non-stick surface. Thus, you can cook different kinds of food on a smooth surface.
Food that usually sticks on the pan like eggs, bacon, and more can now be cooked in a cast-iron pan. A non-stick surface is a better choice right now as it makes your cast iron pan more versatile.
Best Cast Iron Griddle FAQs
1. Are cast iron griddles worth it?
Yes! Cast iron pans or griddles are multi-purpose pieces of cookware that can cook your food evenly.
Most of the current products and designs are also compatible with most cooking methods, so it’s a great investment.
2. Can I use a cast iron griddle on the stovetop?
As noted, yes, cast iron griddles are now made for almost all types of heating methods. You can even use it on your induction cooktop if you want.
3. How do you clean a cast iron griddle?
You should always handwash your cast iron griddles. Although some brands claim that their products are safe for dishwashers, it’s better to wash them by hand to prevent any damage to the surface.
If there is food stuck on the surface, consider using a pan scraper so you won’t damage the surface. For hard-to-remove food, add some water and let it simmer for about three to five minutes, then use the scraper once the pan has cooled.
Before you store it, make sure to apply a small amount of oil to the pan.
4. Can cast iron go in the oven?
Cast iron is safe in the oven, so you can put it there directly after using the stovetop.
5. What is the best oil to season cast iron?
The highly recommended oil to use for your cast iron is grapeseed oil. It is versatile and has a high smoke point. You can also use peanut oil or vegetable oil if you want.
Which Among the Cast Griddles Should I Choose?
Looking for a cast iron griddle is not as stressful as you imagine because the features are pretty basic. Among the choices we reviewed, our top pick would be the NutriChef 18-Inch Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate.
Although there are issues with its non-stick surface, most of the features you need from a typical cast-iron pan are already there. Thus, you’re assured you can cook every ingredient almost perfectly.