A cast iron griddle should be considered an essential feature in any kitchen. Cast iron is unmatched in its heating properties, so it can provide a fantastic sear and char on any dishes. However, a great griddle can also be used for pancakes, vegetables and other dishes.
We had our team review over 30 pairs of cast iron griddles to assess how they handle heavy use in the kitchen. We’ve compiled a list of the best cast iron long griddles that can handle the rigors of home cooking your favorite dishes. Our editor’s choice of the Legend 2 in 1 reversible cast iron griddle offers superb versatility with a large enough cooking surface to prepare family breakfasts or delicious dinners. However, we’ve also ranked smaller griddles and models that are better suited to beginning grillers, to provide a top pick for everyone.
Our team has completed extensive research on the cast iron griddles on the market. Our researchers looked at features including size, weight, the surfaces where it can be used and other features in addition to user feedback and manufacturer information to determine the best cast iron griddles. Using this data, we have compiled in depth reviews, product tables and a handy buying guide to help you make your purchase decision.
Other features: reversible, a smooth, scratch-free finish, easy-grip handles
Legend is well regarded for offering exceptional durability and great versatility. The Cast Iron griddle is made from premium grade, solid steel and iron for optimum heat distribution to create that perfect sear. The scratch free, smooth surface is designed to fit over two burners with easy grip handles and can be used on all heat sources from the highest flame on your stove to medium oven heat or even live campfire coals.
One of the most attractive features of the Legend grill is that the more you use it, the better it will perform. It is tough enough to last for years and you can build on the 100% vegetable oil easy release seasoning to create your own seasoning. This means that you can enjoy a lifetime of use, with nothing beating this cast iron durability. These features combine to make this our pick as one of the best cast iron smooth griddles on the market.
Other features: reversible, foundry seasoned, grease trap on each side, oven safe, a lifetime limited warranty against defects
The Lodge LPG13 is well deserving of a place on the list of the best cast iron grill griddles as it is designed to be the perfect griddle to two burners or gas grills. With a cooking surface of 19 x 8 inches, it is the perfect size for cooking several pancakes, steaks or eggs. However, what makes it a standout feature is that it is reversible. This provides a smooth side for pancakes or eggs and a ridged side for steaks, hamburgers or other meats.
This reversible feature also makes it a great camping griddle. Cleaning is easy as you can remove any stubborn residue with a little salt on a damp paper towel. The built-in grease traps run on both sides of the griddle to make it easier for searing meats without creating a mess. You can also place the griddle in your oven to finish cooking or bake.
Other features: 3/4 – inch deep sides, a natural, easy-release finish
The Lodge Pro Logic is a great way to get professional style grilled steaks. This pre-seasoned square griddle pan provides a wide cooking space with enough space to prepare everything. The heat is evenly distributed across the whole surface to make it easier to perfectly cook every meal.
Unlike many cooking surfaces, the pre-seasoned cast iron of the Pro Logic makes it easy to maintain the non-stick abilities, so you can continue to use this skillet for life. You can retain the original look of this griddle pan with regular seasoning with vegetable oil for even heating and superb cooking performance.
The Pro Logic can heat up to 500 degrees, so it can be used on gas or electric cooktops, ovens or even campfires.
Other features: reversible, oven safe, foundry seasoned
The Lodge LSRG3 is our pick as the best model of square cast iron griddles. At 10.5 inches by 10.5 inches, this griddle has been made to cover a single electric stove unit or single stove burner. The plate is reversible with a smooth side for breakfast foods and a ridged side for meats or juicy vegetables.
The Lodge company has been around for decades and this griddle is handmade for excellent cooking performance. The cast iron is already seasoned, so you can start cooking immediately and the compact design makes it ideal for using in the oven to bake pizzas or other delicious dishes. There are two handles mounted on diagonal sides to make it easier to handle, particularly when hot.
Other features: reversible, seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, fits over two burners for indoor gas range stove tops, 30-day money back guarantee
The Crucible Cookware Cast Iron Griddle provides a cooking surface of 17 x 8 inches, which is ideal for baking, broiling, grilling or searing on your stove, in the oven, on the grill or even over a campfire. The Crucible griddle has been designed to fit over two burners and is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil with no synthetic or chemical coatings. The reversible griddle provides a flat side and a ribbed side that are both easy to maintain by handwashing, thoroughly drying and rubbing with vegetable oil. The griddle is designed to last for years, making it a perfect gift and it is even supplied in a gift box with full instructions and a link for a cast iron cooking e-book. The Crucible is also supplied with a 30-day money back guarantee.
Other features: reversible, pre-seasoned, wide handles for a balanced and secure grip, evenly sear food, oven safe
Unlike many cast iron products, the Bruntmor griddle is lightweight, yet provides a cooking surface of approximately 200 square inches. This makes it easy to use for those with mobility issues, particularly with the two wide handles to provide a secure and balanced grip. This griddle can even be used on an induction oven to further increase flexibility.
Like many of the models on our list of the best seasoning cast iron griddles, the Bruntmor has a reversible design with a smooth side and ridged griddle side on the other. This provides excellent heat distribution as heat is successfully trapped for a great sear and even cooking.
Other features: porcelain enamel finish, fits 22-1/2-inch Weber charcoal grills, for use with The Gourmet BBQ System Hinged Cooking Grate, 2-year warranty
We consider the Weber 742 to be one of the very best cast iron round griddles. It has a porcelain finish to create a non-stick surface that soaks in very little oil. Unlike regular cast iron, the griddle is easier to clean, but you cannot use metallic utensils that can scratch the coating. The porcelain also allows the griddle to heat up very quickly, so you can lock in the flavor of your dish.
The Weber 742 measures approximately 15 inches, yet weighs less than eight pounds, making it easy to use on stovetops, grills, ovens or campfires. The rounded shape and weight allow you to sear dishes on the stovetop before finishing in the oven for cooking perfection.
Other features: reversible, enamel coated, grease slope on both sides
Unlike many cast iron griddles, the Prime reversible griddle is enamel coated. This eliminates the need for seasoning or taking care of rust that can be a problem with pre-seasoned pans. The Prime griddle is more than a basic rectangular shape and has a design that looks like a cat with its tail rolled up. This means that you can grill a cat shape on your food with the ribbed side of the grill. The two sides of the grill feature slopes on both sides to reduce grease for healthier, delicious meals.
The 21 x 10-inch shape is designed to fit over two burners and can be used on electric and radiant cooktops, campfires and gas stoves. It is also possible to use on an induction, but only the ribbed side can be used to make contact. However, some users have reported issues that the griddle does not make full contact, so it will not heat up on their induction cooktop.
A good cast iron griddle can be a fantastic tool in the kitchen, transforming how you sear meats and make delicious dishes. To ensure that your purchase meets your needs, we’ve put together this buying guide. This will explore all the features to consider for your cast iron griddle and some answers to questions you may have.
While you may think that all cast iron griddles are the same, there is a big difference between a great grill and one that will end up lingering unused in the back of a cabinet. Here you’ll find the features to consider before you make your purchase decision and some answers to questions you may have.
Cast iron is a heavy material, so cast iron griddles can be a problem to move around your kitchen. When you need to transfer your griddle from stovetop to sink or from you sink to your cabinet, you need to be able to comfortably lift and carry your griddle. However, this weight does provide a rugged character that means that your griddle is basically indestructible.
If you are concerned about a heavy griddle, you may wish to consider a lightweight model like the Weber 7421. This griddle weighs less than eight pounds and has two handles for easy movement.
You also need to consider the size of your griddle. Many models are designed to fit over two burners, but if you have limited space and don’t see yourself cooking up a full breakfast for the whole family, a smaller griddle may be more appropriate. Smaller griddles are also more flexible for putting into standard ovens.
One of the virtues of cast iron griddles is that you can use them on practically any surface. Most griddles can be used on gas burners, electric stovetops, ovens or campfires.
However, it is important to note that not all griddles can be used on induction stoves. Induction requires contact to activate the magnets and create heat. So, when griddles have ridged outer edges or other design issues, it can interrupt this contact.
There are other features to look at when you’re considering cast iron griddles. As we’ve mentioned above, cast iron can be very heavy, so it is a good idea to choose one with easy grip handles that will make it easier to move, particularly when hot.
Another important feature is durability. Cast iron is rugged, so a good griddle can not only provide a lifetime of use, but can be handed down like a family heirloom. So, it is well worth investing a little more in a great quality griddle that will give you years of cooking enjoyment.
While cast iron is particularly durable, there are some maintenance considerations to ensure it has a long lifespan. This includes not leaving acidic foods on your cast iron griddle for too long. While you can cook them on your griddle, they can cause damage, if they are left for too long. You should also use a low or medium heat and clean the griddle right after you finish cooking.
Cleaning is a crucial part of cast iron griddle ownership. Good cleaning practices can mean the difference between a beautifully seasoned grill that sears to perfection and one that has rust spots and lingers unused in your cabinet. Your griddle should be cleaned as soon you have finished cooking. Remove it from the heat safely and use warm water or running water to clean it.
Just be aware that using cold water on a hot griddle can cause cracking issues or warping on some griddles.
Seasoning is also a vital part of your griddle maintenance routine. Once your griddle has dried after cleaning, put a little vegetable oil on a paper towel and rub it over the griddle until the surface is smooth and shiny. You can also use sunflower oil, soybean, flax seed or any other type of vegetable oil. Once it is covered, place the griddle on a low heat for approximately two minutes to seal the seasoning completely. Over time, several layers of seasoning will form on your griddle to make it resistant to rust and non-stick.
Once your griddle is cleaned and seasoned, it can be stored in any low moisture environment. If you have concerns about damp issues in your kitchen, you can place a paper towel on your griddle during storage to protect it against moisture. Paper towels can also be used to protect the surface from scratches if you need to stack your griddle.
We’ve reviewed some fantastic cast iron grills, but there are several stand out models that can offer great durability and excellent cooking performance. Lodge is a superb manufacturer with such great quality products, that they have three listings in our review. The Pro Logic and Pro Grid are both offered with impressive guarantees and can be used on practically any surface. However, the stand out model and our pick as the best cast iron griddles is the Legend 2 in 1. This griddle features a scratch free finish with easy grip handles and premium grade materials to offer superb searing and even heating for many years to come.
