5 Best Cast Iron Griddle and Pan Reviews and Comparison

Who doesn’t love a greasy and delicious breakfast? Even if you prefer oatmeal and fruit, you’ll occasionally indulge in crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and buttered toast. However, in homes where a Saturday fry up is a weekly ritual, you’re likely to find a cast iron griddle stored in one of the kitchen cabinets.  

A griddle is typically a pan with a smooth and flat surface that’s perfect for cooking an assortment of breakfast foods. In addition to pancakes and hash browns, it’s great for making grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas.

Purchasing a cast iron griddle ensures that whatever item’s sizzling on the pan will be cooked evenly. You can flash-fry steaks and grill zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers for a delicious dinner.

Cast iron griddle pans are usually made of one lump of molded iron. It’s definitely the kind of cookware that, with proper care and use, will last you decades.

With that, here are our top picks for cast iron griddle pans.

Best Cast Iron Griddle and Pan Comparison & Rating

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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles, 20 Inch x 10.5 Inch - One tray
Specifications

Dimensions

20 x 10.5 x 0.81 inches

Weight

14.08 pounds

Manufacturer

Lodge Logic

Model Number

LPG13

Rating: 96% Overall
99%
heat resistance
97%
durability
95%
performance
94%
easy to clean
Pros
  • The Lodge Pro-Grid Iron Grill & Griddle provides excellent heat retention and distribution and fits over two stovetop burners.
  • Seasoned and ready to use for a natural, easy-release finish
  • Two easy-grip handles allow for easy lifting, flipping, or hanging when not in use.
  • This grill can also be used to cook pancakes and eggs or grill chicken and steak.
  • Brutally tough for decades of cooking
Cons
  • The product can crack from frequent use and without proper cleaning.
  • Could distribute heat unevenly depending on the stove that would be used
Verdict

A good cast iron pan is a must-have addition to any cooking arsenal. The Lodge Pro-Grid Iron Grill & Griddle fits the bill perfectly. It fits securely on top of most stovetops, particularly gas burners measuring 17.5 inches across, and the 20 inches griddle fits nicely on them. It is large enough to sear several steaks at a time, giving them a beautiful flavorful crust. Literally, everything you throw at it will cook faster and have more flavor than a normal pan. In short, this griddle/pan can cook anything and everything with ease.


Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.75 Inch x 9.5 Inch, Black
Specifications

Dimensions

9.5 x 0.5 x 16.75 inches

Weight

9.35 pounds

Manufacturer

Lodge

Model Number

LDP3

Rating: 95% Overall
98%
heat resistance
96%
durability
94%
performance
92%
easy to clean
Pros
  • The Lodge Double Play Reversible Grill & Griddle has a smooth side that’s great for making grilled cheese sandwiches as well as eggs and pancakes.
  • The opposite (griddled) side is perfect for grilling foods such as steak, fish, chicken, and hamburgers.
  • Tough enough to withstand decades of cooking
  • Seasoned for a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use
  • This product is versatile and can be used in the oven, on top of the stove, grill, or campfire.
Cons
  • Grease gets in the corners making it a bit of a challenge to clean.
  • Foods could stick on the stamped brand name on its surface.
  • A bit small to cover some two burners 
Verdict

Like the first Lodge pan on our list, this reversible cast iron griddle makes a great addition to the cast iron cookware you currently have at home. It’s very easy to clean. Let the pan cool a little while then run it under hot water using a bristle brush to remove stains and other food chunks that might have gotten stuck to it. While it works on a stovetop, it does even better when placed on top of a grill. You can heat the entire griddle evenly using the grill heat. Doing this prevents the slightly cooler spot you would normally when using on the stove as the burners will only be at the ends.


Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Reversible Griddle and Grill

Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Double Burner, Reversible Griddle Grill Seasoned with 100% Kosher Certified Non-GMO Flaxseed Oil, 18.5 x 10 Inch, Black
Specifications

Dimensions

10 x 18.5 x 0.75 inches

Weight

9.8 pounds

Manufacturer

Victoria

Model Number

GDL-194

Rating: 94% Overall
97%
heat resistance
95%
durability
93%
performance
91%
easy to clean
Pros
  • The Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Reversible Griddle and Grill is wider than other similar pan and grill combinations out there. They’re easier grip with potholders.
  • This saves you time on meal preparation because the large griddle can fit 2 standard-size burners so you can cook 2 things at once.
  • Ready-to-use seasoning 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil seasoned coating
  • Does not contain PTFE and PFOA that can be harmful to your health
  • Reversible with a smooth side and a grill side for indoor or outdoor grilling
Cons
  • Initially, the first couple of meals could be a little sticky.
  • Foods could stick on the stamped brand name on its surface.
Verdict

The finish on the Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Reversible Griddle and Grill is far more superior when compared to other similar pans in the market. This pan has fewer flaws. We love the way it reaches the right temperature quickly, and how it cooks food evenly as well. Cleanup is a breeze but you should never soak it in water. Given the durability of cast iron is so durable, it’s something that you could use for decades to come.


NutriChef Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle Plate

NutriChef Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate - 18 Inch Flat Cast Iron Skillet Griddle Pan For Stove Top, Gas Range Grilling Pan w/ Silicone Oven Mitt For Electric Stovetop, Ceramic, Induction.
Specifications

Dimensions

18 x 10 x 0.6 inches

Weight

9.37 pounds

Manufacturer

Nutrichef

Model Number

NCCIRG59

Rating: 92% Overall
96%
heat resistance
93%
durability
90%
performance
87%
easy to clean
Pros
  • The NutriChef Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle Plate features convenient reversible sides. The smooth side is great for making grilled cheese sandwich eggs and pancakes The ribbed side is perfect for grilling foods such as steak fish chicken & hamburger.
  • This product reversible grill and griddle is made from cast iron metal w/ a nonstick surface that ensures homemade grilled food slides out easily.
  • The cast iron flat skillet is heat-safe at high temperatures up to 480°F. Includes heat resistant silicone oven grab mitt.
  • The stove grill features a ridged line surface that keeps excess oil away from food making it a healthier cooking option.
  • Ideal for grilling chicken steak & vegetables Adds grill marks to your food making it more appetizing.
Cons
  • Shallow depth to contain grease while cooking
  • Cleaning the flat surface is a bit hard due to the stamped brand logo where grease and other food particles could accumulate.
Verdict

The NutriChef Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle Plate is adaptable. It works on your kitchen stove, on a grill, or on an outdoor propane stove set. The ridged side makes perfect diamond marks in cooked meat. Very easy to clean but you need to dry it completely to prevent rusting. Even the red silicone mitts work like a charm.


ProSource Professional Reversible Double Burner Cast Iron Grill and Griddle

ProSource Professional Heavy Duty Reversible Double Burner Cast Iron Grill Griddle, 20 by 9-Inch, Black
Specifications

Dimensions

20 x 9 x 0.5 inches

Weight

7 pounds

Manufacturer

ProSource Discounts Inc - Dropship

Model Number

hg-1101-griddle

Rating: 91% Overall
95%
heat resistance
92%
durability
88%
performance
89%
easy to clean
Pros
  • This reversible grill/griddle is made from solid cast iron for fast, even heating.
  • Can be used on most two burners, stovetops, grills, and even over campfires
  • Retains heat very well and distributes it evenly
  • Subtle pan grade slope directs Grease away from the food.
  • This product has specially designed side grip handles that provide safety and convenience for easy transport.
  • High-quality and will last a long, long time
Cons
  • Shallow depth causing the grease to get into the food
  • Prone to rust if exposed to water excessively
  • Has a surface with a coarse texture
Verdict

This product is a nice, heavy piece of cast iron that will suit a variety of cooking purposes. If you’ve got a middle burner, this should fit in nicely. It gets better with constant use. So you can expect to get more of that nonstick coating that results from seasoned cast iron pans. Overall, it’s a durable product that can be a permanent addition to your kitchen.

Cast Iron Griddle and Pan Buyer's Guide

weight

Griddle pans made of cast iron are heavier than those made of aluminum or chrome steel. If you’re concerned about the weight, opt for the newer style of griddle pans. Advances in manufacturing technology have made them lighter than pans made the traditional way.

bare vs. enamel

Cast iron items come bare or with an enamel coating. Bare cast iron griddle pans are more reactive when heated compared to other items. They have to be “seasoned” and then used to develop a patina, in order to become truly nonstick. Enamel-coated pans tend to cost more because this added layer not only protects the core material of the pan but is also a great heat conductor.

handles

Examine the construction of the items you purchase. Make sure the handles and knobs either have a heat-resistant cover or a potholder to go over it. Opt for cookware that you can hold easily, or that have handles on both sides.

cost

Cast iron products range in price from something much cheaper than a new set of more modern pots and pans to a much more expensive cost per piece. The price is dependent on the brand, but cheaper does not always mean less effective.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a griddle and a grill?

In contrast to the griddle’s smooth and flat surface, a grill has distinctively raised ridges that keep cooked food separated from its grease, which reduces the overall fat content of the food.

How do you season a cast iron griddle pan?

Preheat your pan until it starts to smoke and put a small amount of grapeseed, olive oil, or coconut oil on it then buff using a paper towel or a dishcloth. Make sure the entire surface of the pan and the handles are coated. You’ll know when you’re done when the smoke lessens and your pan looks completely dry. 

You should season your cast iron griddle pan once a month and cook on it often so it retains that nonstick coating built up from the seasoning process.

How do I clean a cast iron griddle pan?

Wash your cast iron griddle by hand. cookware by hand. Pour a little dish detergent and use a non-abrasive scrub brush to remove the grease. Do a quick rinse with water and wipe dry with a paper towel. If there are stuck-on food bits, scrub the pan with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water. 

Never wash your cast iron pan in the dishwasher, soak it in water for too long or scrub using steel wool. These methods will remove the seasoning on your pan so that it’s no longer nonstick.

What’s the proper way to store a cast iron griddle pan?

Always store your cast iron cookware in a dry place like a roomy kitchen cabinet. Excess moisture quickly turns to rust in a hurry on highly reactive cast iron. Make sure you’re drying your skillets thoroughly after rinsing them part of your cast-iron cleaning routine.