The 8 Best Cast Iron Griddles
There are few kitchen appliances as versatile as a griddle. You can use it for cooking outside in your backyard, inside the house on the stove, or in the oven to cook a huge range of meals. Cast iron is especially durable and great for grilling!
We’ve tested the best iron griddles on the market this year. Let’s check them out!
Our Top List
# | Preview | Product | Our Rating | Link |
1 |  | Legend Cast Iron Griddle for Stovetops | ||
2 |  | Lodge Cast Iron 10.5-inch Square Grill Pan | ||
3 |  | Lodge Seasoned 10.5-inch Flat Cast Iron Pan | ||
4 |  | Cuisinart Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Wok | ||
5 |  | Brighttalk Reversible 12-Inch Cast Iron Stovetop Griddle | ||
6 |  | Pit Boss 6qt Cast Iron Roaster and Griddle Lid | ||
7 |  | Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle | ||
8 |  | Zormy Cast Iron Reversible Grill Griddle |
1. Legend Cast Iron Griddle
Legend is a brand that is very well-known for offering excellent versatility and durability with all of their products, and this cast iron griddle comes made out of premium solid steel and iron that gives you excellent heat distribution to create a nice sear. The smooth surface has a scratch-free coating on it that comes designed to fit over two burners with easy-grip handles that you can use in multiple heat sources from live campfire coals to the highest flame on the oven without worrying about them getting too warm.
One of the best features of this cast iron pan is that it performs better the more you use it, and it can last for years with heavy use without showing any wear and tear. You can build on the 100% vegetable oil base seasoning with one of your own, and this is a 20-inch griddle that allows you to cook multiple items at one time without running out of space or having to make a ton of different batches. You get a lifetime warranty to protect against wear, tear, scratches, dents, and other issues that could crop up with this product; this helps protect your investment to give you a great kitchen tool. This is the best cast iron griddle this year and we love using it!
Key Features:
- Key Features:Brand: Legend Cast Iron
- Size: 20-inches by 10-inches
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Can use on several heat sources
- 100% vegetable oil base
- Larger size to fit over two burners
- Gives even heat distribution
- Sturdy handles
Cons
- No pre-seasoning but that’s no biggie.
2. Lodge Cast Iron 10.5-inch Square Grill Pan
This square cast iron pan comes outfitted with a red silicone holder on the handle to ensure you can always pick it up without searing your hand, and this is a multi-functional piece of cookware that works for slow-cooking dishes to get a gorgeous sear. You’ll get a pre-seasoned cast iron pan when you order it that works great straight out of the box, and it offers superior heat retention that radiates throughout the pan to give you an even cooking surface. This 10.5-inch pan allows you to effortlessly stir fry, bake, sear, saute, fry, and more, and you can easily use it inside or outside over the campfire without worrying about damaging any part of the pan.
There are two handles on this pan that allow you to lift heavier loads without worrying about spilling it or losing your grip, and the company uses a multi-seasoning process to season each inch of the pan’s interior to prevent anything from sticking when you cook it. You should spray a light coating of vegetable oil on the pan before you use it to continue to layer on the seasoning each time you cook, and the unique square design fits in virtually any size oven while giving you enough room to maneuver it when it cooks by the handles. This is the second best cast iron griddle in our list and is going to have a place in our kitchen for a long time to come.
Key Features:
- Key Features:Brand: Lodge
- Size: 10.5-inches
- Warranty: Five years
Pros
- Comes with silicone handle holders
- Can put it over a campfire without any damage
- Comes seasoned
- Easy to reach customer support
- Excellent heat retention
Cons
-
A bit challenging to clean
3. Lodge Seasoned 10.5 Inch Flat Cast Iron Pan
Lodge is a company that has been around and producing cast iron products since 1896, and this cast iron griddle is 10.5-inches across with a nice rounded design to give you a broad cooking surface. The leaned and lowered side walls give you more cooking space to sear, and you can easily use this product to cook in the kitchen in or on your stove or outside on the campfire or grill without having to worry about damage. The pan gives you optimum heat absorption that ensures the pan stays hot all of the way around for long enough to cook your food adequately.
This pan will heat up within minutes of putting it on the stove, in the oven, or on the grill or campfire to allow you to get cooking much quicker, and it’s durable enough that you don’t have to worry about damage, bending, or denting because the company has more than 100 years of experience behind creating these products. Since the walls are slightly lower on this pan, it makes it relatively easy to store between uses, and you can even stack it right in your cupboard with the other pans without worrying about it toppling the stack or sitting oddly.
Key Features:
- Key Features:Brand: Lodge Cast Iron
- Size: 10.5-inch round
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Pros
- Slightly lower side walls
- Rounded design
- Excellent heat retention
- Heats within minutes
- Over 100 years of experience
Cons
- Surface is textured
4. Cuisinart Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Wok
Seasoning helps to improve your cast iron pans as it ages to make it better to use, and this pan comes pre-seasoned with a thin layer to give you a nice starting point when you use the pan the first time out of the box. This is a 10-inch wok that allows you to saute, sear, and fry your favorite dishes on the stove, grill, or campfire, and you can cook on lower temperatures with this product to help lock in the flavor and juices of your meat or other dishes, and you can cook everything from scallops, shrimp, and clams to beef or fish, vegetables, and fried rice or noodles.
There is an easy-grip handle on this product that gives you a secure area to grab and lift when you use it without worrying about burning yourself; the unique shape of this product lets you cook your items in the juices or fats without worrying about accidentally spilling them and making a mess. You can choose from the griddle or the wok when you purchase this item to pick the one that is going to fit into your lifestyle the best, and you get dual handles to make it easy to move around or pick up when you use it.
Key Features:
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Size: 10-inches
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Pros
- Easy-grip handles
- 10-inch size
- Allows you to cook at lower temperatures
- Comes in two designs
- Backed by a reputable brand
Cons
-
Has a coarse texture to it
5. Brighttalk Reversible 12-Inch Cast Iron Stovetop Griddle
Brighttalk’s cast iron reversible grill and griddle comes with a double-sided design that adds versatility to the product to allow you to do more with it, and you can use the flat side for eggs, pancakes, or crispy pizza while the ribbed side works well for steaks, meats, and broil. You can use it indoors or outdoors without a problem, and the handles on the size make it very easy to grip onto when you want to lift it up or move it around without losing your grip. This product will heat up in a few minutes when you introduce it to the heat source to help you cook faster, and it will distribute the heat evenly to allow you to cook more in one go.
You can use this product on an electric stove, gas stove, or over the campfire without damaging the pan, and it’s easy to clean between uses by washing it with hot water, drying it lightly with a towel, and adding cooking oil before wiping it in. It is also a pre-seasoned cast iron pan right out of the box, but the company recommends that you season it before you use it the first time to ensure nothing sticks. The sides are an inch tall, and this makes them easy to stack and store between uses.
Key Features:
- Brand: Brighttalk
- Size: 12-inches
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Pros
- Get a griddle and a grill in one order
- Easy to store
- Slightly shorter sides
- Dual durable handles
- For use indoors or outdoors
Cons
-
Have to season it before you use it
6. Pit Boss 6qt Cast Iron Roaster and Griddle Lid
This product offers a cast iron roaster pan that comes equipped with a griddle lid, and the all-in-one pan holds up to six quarts in one go while the lid doubles as a portable griddle. The 100% cast iron material offers excellent cooking performance for a huge range of meals, and it works to distribute heat evenly while excelling at maintaining extremely high temperatures. The heavy-duty build on this pan and griddle allows you to use it heavily for years without showing any wear and tear, and it has a non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.
You can braise, bake, make stews, roast, griddle, and much more in this single pan to allow you to use it every day without an issue, and it comes pre-seasoned cast iron griddle and ready to use straight out of the box. You can use it in the oven or on a campfire, and you can use it on wood pellet grills, charcoal, or gas appliances without a problem. There are two sturdy handles on this pan that allow you to manipulate it or lift it up without worrying about dumping it out or spilling anything.
Key Features:
- Brand: Pit Boss
- Size: Six quarts
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- 100% cast iron
- Lid doubles as a griddle
- Holds up to six quarts
- Has two durable handles
- From a reputable brand
Cons
-
Seasoning layer is thin
7. Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle
No matter if you’re at a tailgate party or a family reunion, you will most likely have to cook a large amount of food in a short period to feed everyone, and this large flat top griddle is a professional-grade tool you can use. You get a large 16-inch by 38-inch cooking surface to work with, and you can easily spread it across three different burners when you cook to get even heat distribution. There are heat diffuser plates on this product to ensure you get an even heat distribution to reduce hot spots and make sure everything cooks at the same pace.
The high sides on this griddle make it easy to cook without spilling anything or having grease run over the sides, and there is a grease drain to make cleanup a quick and easy process. It comes made out of durable alloy steel that won’t rust, corrode, or scratch with heavy use in different environments, and you get two durable handles that fold down when they’re not in use to make it easy to carry from point A to point B. It fits over several different burner models, especially ones from the Camp Chef brand.
Key Features:
- Brand: Camp Chef
- Size: 16-inches by 38-inches
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Grease drain
- One-inch raised sides
- Heat plates for even heat distribution
- Foldable handles
- Fits over three burners
Cons
-
Doesn’t fit over every cooking surface
8. Zormy Cast Iron Reversible Grill Griddle
The final cast iron griddle on our list measures 20-inches by 9.5-inches, and it works on all heat sources to make it very versatile, including over the highest flames on your stove, in the oven at medium heat, or on live campfire coals without showing any wear or tear or having unheating distribution. It comes created from premium-grade, pure iron and steel to help give you a perfect sear on your food, and there are two easy-grip handles that make it very easy to flip or lift it when you use it, and you can also use them to hang your griddle up on the wall between uses to keep it out of the way.
You’ll get a non-stick, premium coating on this griddle that makes it very easy and quick to clean up after you use it, and you won’t ever have to soak this pan to get stubborn food debris off. You can cook large meals on either side of this griddle and grill because it has a reversible design, and the ribbed side works well to cook chicken, steaks, or other grilled food, while the flat griddle side works well for eggs, bacon, and pancakes. It also heats up quickly once you get it on the heat source to ensure you can start cooking faster. It may be last on our list and thus not the best cast iron pan out there, don’t worry about getting it. Our top lists only feature good products or they wouldn’t even be on here!
Key Features:
- Brand: Zormy
- Size: 20-inches by 9.5-inches
- Warranty: Lifetime
Pros
- Non-stick coating
- Reversible griddle and grill design
- Larger cooking surface
- Two easy-grip handles
- Easy to store between uses
Cons
- Can discolor
Verdict & Review
Legend Cast Iron Griddle
Pros
- Can use on several heat sources
- 100% vegetable oil base
- Larger size to fit over two burners
- Gives even heat distribution
- Sturdy handles
Cons
- Have to season it before using it the first time
Our pick for the best cast iron griddle is the one by Legend. The company is well-known for having great durability and versatility, and you get an excellent heat distribution ratio to give you a nice sear on your food. The smooth surface comes with a scratch-free coating on it that helps extend how long it lasts with heavy use, and you can fit it over two burners. This product lets you put it over a range of heat sources from the highest setting on the stove to live campfire coals to cook in a variety of different environments.
We also liked that it came with a 100% vegetable oil base already applied to it when you get it out of the box, and it can last for years. Finally, it has a 20-inch cooking surface that lets you cook several different items at one time without running out of room, and you get a lifetime warranty on this product from the date of purchase to protect your investment.
Buying Guide
Now that you know a the best cast iron griddles on the market, you might still want to know more about them in general or how to pick one independently of our list. Consider the points below so you can make a selection with confidence the next time you start shopping.
Picking the Type of Cast Iron Griddle
One of the first things you have to do when you start shopping for a cast iron griddle is decide on the type you want. Generally speaking, you can break them up into three broad categories, including:
Griddles
The most versatile model is a griddle, and they let you prepare a huge range of meals. They’re very popular for their breakfast-making capabilities because the flat surface goes right onto the heating mechanism to give you a large area to cook your food items. They work well for foods that solidify when you cook them like pancakes and eggs, and you can use them to cook vegetables, meats, and dough-based foods.
Grills
A few griddles come with an additional grilling attribute, and you can use the reversible grill-to-griddle plate for cooking different types of foods. The grill portion of the product works well when you prepare juicer vegetables or fatty meats because the other side has dents that the fat and juice can fall into. These types of products aren’t usually more expensive than other types of appliances. You can use it as an indoor grill.
Skillets
A skillet is usually bigger than a traditional cast iron pan, and you can use it to prepare food that you can stir a decent amount as it cooks. Skillets can be slightly more limited when you think about what types of foods you can make, but they have protectively raised edges to help stop clogs or spills. You can use them to create everything from tender foods to omelets and stews.
Seasoning
Seasoning is a process of fixing the skillet, grill, or griddle to coat it with a layer of oil to protect the pan, and the film works to retain the aftertaste of anything you cook in it and it also works to keep the cookware free of rust. So, you won’t have to worry about accidentally ingesting part of the damaged or rusted material if it flakes off during the cooking process.
Seasoning is also good to recover old or damaged pans, but this process usually takes around an hour from start to finish. You have to add a thin layer of vegetable oil and pop it into a hot oven to allow the vegetable oil to bake into the pan. We think the best cast iron griddles are nearly always pre-seasoned.
Portability
Cast iron tends to be heftier and weigh more than aluminum ceramic griddles, and this thicker design makes them sturdier and less resistant to damage due to rust or corrosion just like carbon steel pans. Most of these pans weigh in around 10 to 12-pounds, and this means that they have to have very durable handles on them to make it easy to pick up and move around both empty and full. If you get the correct handles, they can also double as a place to hang the griddle between uses to keep them out of the way.
Protection and Heat Source
You should think about how you plan to use even the best cast iron griddle. For example, do you plan to use it exclusively indoors in the oven or on the stove, or do you plan to use it outside over the live campfire coals? This will help dictate which model will work best for you.
Glass Stovetop
You shouldn’t use your griddle on a glass stovetop. Even though the glass can be extremely hard, cast iron is usually more robust and heavier to crack or shatter the glass surface on your stove. You should always double-check before you put your griddle on a glass stovetop to see if it’s rated to withstand it.
Open Flame
Open flame is one way to cook if you put your cast iron on grills or campfires, and most of them are durable enough to withstand it without ending up damaged or scratched. You should also ensure that any product you pick out will cover one, two, or three spaces. More compact griddles and skillets always cover at least one area, and this can be efficient enough for your needs.
Ovens
You can utilize cast iron griddles as baking trays or cast iron pan, and you can make biscuits, cakes, or any sort of dish that fits nicely in the griddle plate without falling off. Ovens evenly disperse the heat, but griddles usually don’t come with quick-cooling handles on them. This means that you can easily burn yourself if you attempt to reach in and grab it when it finishes cooking.
Standard Gas Stovetop
A standard gas stovetop is one of the most popular heat sources for a griddle, and the flame under the griddle will immediately disperse heat throughout the surface. Some manufacturers create griddles that fit exactly like a puzzle piece to your gas stovetop, and this gives you an excellent griddle cooking experience from start to finish.
Standard Electric Stovetop
Even though you can easily use your typical electric stove with a cast iron griddle without a problem, you won’t get as efficient heat coverage with it as you would with other heating methods. You’ll have to wait for the griddles to heat up longer, and you won’t be able to use the borders of the griddle because they’re colder than the center of the pan.
Cast Iron Pan – FAQ
It’s common to have questions about cast iron pans / griddles, especially if you’ve never bought one or if it’s been years. Here are the three questions we get asked most often.
1. Can you clean cast iron griddles with cold water?
You can clean it with cold water, but most people will encourage you not to do so. If the iron gets too cold, it can soothe micro-perforations from the plate, damage the pan’s surface, and cause pitting.
2. Is it important to season your griddle?
Yes, seasoning your griddle will help a protective layer form that seals in tastes while protecting you from getting metal or rusted flakes in your food. You should season the pan each time you use it.
3. Is cast iron cookware heavy?
Generally speaking, cast iron cookware is much heavier than traditional pots and pans. It can easily weigh in at 10 to 12-pounds per piece, and this is much more than you’ll get when you lift a traditional pan or pot.