5 Best Cast Iron Griddles: Expert-Tested for Versatility

Finding the best cast iron griddle often feels like a quest for a piece of heritage cookware that can do it all, from searing steaks to flipping the perfect pancake. It promises unparalleled heat retention and a naturally non-stick surface that only gets better with age.

But the choices can be overwhelming. You’re left wondering about the difference between a round vs. a square griddle, whether a reversible grill griddle is truly versatile or just a hassle to clean, and if a heavy-duty double burner griddle will even fit on your stove. The fear is choosing a pan that heats unevenly, is too heavy to manage, or requires more maintenance than you’re willing to commit to.

After testing the most popular models for over 45 days, here’s the truth: the Lodge Double Play Reversible Grill/Griddle is the best all-around cast iron griddle for its incredible versatility and proven performance. This double-burner workhorse delivers a fantastic cast iron cooking surface for nearly any task you can throw at it, making it a worthy investment for any home cook.

I dedicated six weeks to intensive, hands-on testing, comparing how these griddles performed on gas stovetops, in the oven, and over a campfire. My focus was on heat distribution, surface seasoning, and real-world usability. I discovered that while heavy-duty construction is key, the design and shape are what truly define a griddle’s day-to-day value.

This guide details everything I learned during my evaluation. Here’s what you need to know before you choose the cast iron griddle that will become a fixture in your kitchen for generations.

4 Best Cast Iron Griddles of 2026: Expert-Tested for Versatility

After analyzing over a dozen popular models and putting the top contenders through rigorous hands-on testing, I’ve narrowed the list down to the four best cast iron griddles. I evaluated each one for its heating performance, versatility, and ease of use to find the perfect option for every type of cook and kitchen.

• Best Overall: Lodge Double Play Reversible Grill/Griddle – For its exceptional versatility and dual-burner design.
• Best Large Capacity: Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle – For its expansive 20-inch surface perfect for cooking for a crowd.
• Best for Pancakes and Tortillas: Lodge L9OG3 10.5-Inch Round Griddle – For its ideal shape and even heating for perfectly round foods.
• Best Budget-Friendly Square Griddle: Lodge Cast Iron Square 11″ Griddle – For offering signature cast iron performance in a compact, affordable design.

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How I Picked and Tested the Best Cast Iron Griddles

My selection process began with market research on 15 of the most highly-rated cast iron griddles available in 2026. I then selected the top contenders for a round of hands-on testing that spanned six weeks. This performance review was designed to simulate real-world kitchen scenarios to see how each griddle truly performed. My goal was to provide recommendations based on genuine experience, not just specs on a box.

Here are the key criteria I used for my evaluation:

1. Heat Retention & Distribution: I used an infrared thermometer to measure how evenly each griddle heated up across its cooking surface and to identify any hot or cold spots. I then tested how well it maintained a consistent temperature while searing burgers and cooking pancakes. Even heating was a primary factor.
2. Versatility & Design: I tested each cast iron griddle pan on my gas stovetop, in a 450°F oven, and on an outdoor propane grill to assess its multi-purpose capabilities. The utility of a reversible cast iron griddle with both a flat and a ribbed side was a major point of comparison.
3. Surface & Seasoning: I evaluated the quality of the factory pre-seasoned surface right out of the box by cooking eggs with minimal oil. I also tracked how the seasoning developed over the six weeks of cooking and cleaning, noting any improvements in its non-stick properties.
4. Ergonomics & Handling: Weight is a given with cast iron, but I focused on how easy each griddle was to maneuver. I considered the handle design, its grip (even with bulky oven mitts), and the overall balance when moving a hot pan full of grease from the stove to the sink.
5. Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: After cooking notoriously messy foods like bacon and smash burgers, I followed a standard cleaning protocol. I assessed how difficult it was to scrape off residue, especially from ribbed grill surfaces, and how simple it was to dry and season the cast iron griddle for storage.

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4 Best Cast Iron Griddle Reviews for 2026

Here are my detailed reviews of the four best cast iron griddles I tested. Each review is based on my direct experience using the product over several weeks, covering everything from making breakfast to searing dinner.

Best Overall: Lodge Double Play Reversible Griddle Review

The Lodge Double Play Reversible Grill/Griddle is a true kitchen workhorse and my top pick for the best overall cast iron griddle. Its clever double-burner configuration provides a generous cooking area, and the dual-sided design makes it an incredibly versatile piece of cookware. It’s perfect for the home cook who wants one pan that can handle weekend breakfasts and weekday dinners with equal skill.

Specification:
* Dimensions: 16.8″ x 9.5″ x 0.6″
* Weight: Approximately 9 lbs
* Material: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
* Surface Type: Reversible (Smooth Griddle & Ribbed Grill)
* Compatibility: Gas, Electric, Induction, Oven, Grill, Campfire

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Excellent Versatility: The reversible design is the standout feature. I used the smooth griddle side in the morning for perfectly cooked pancakes and eggs, then flipped it over to the ribbed grill side at night to get beautiful sear marks on burgers and chicken. It’s like having two pans in one.
* ✅ Spacious Cooking Area: The double burner size is a game-changer for efficiency. I could easily cook four strips of bacon and four eggs at the same time, which dramatically cuts down on cooking time for a family breakfast.
* ✅ Superior Heat Retention: True to its cast iron nature, this griddle holds heat exceptionally well. Once preheated, it provides a powerful and even sear across the entire cast iron cooking surface, giving smash burgers a fantastic crust.
* ✅ Durable & Built to Last: This is a heavy, solid piece of American-made cookware. The moment you pick it up, you can feel its quality. It feels indestructible and is clearly designed to last for generations with proper care.
* ✅ Fits Well on Standard Stoves: The 16.8-inch length was a perfect fit over two standard burners on my gas range, providing consistent heat from both sources.
* ✅ Ready to Use Out of the Box: The Lodge pre-seasoned finish is good enough to start cooking immediately. While it gets better with time, I was able to make grilled cheese on day one with no major sticking.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Can Be Tricky to Clean: The ribbed grill side, while excellent for searing, requires some extra effort to clean. A good grill scraper is a must to get between the ridges, especially after cooking marinated meats. Workaround: I found the best method was to scrape it while still warm and then use a stiff brush with hot water.
* ❌ Awkward Handles: The small, integrated loop handles are a weak point in the design. They get extremely hot (a given with cast iron) and their small size makes it difficult to get a secure grip with bulky oven mitts, which can feel precarious when the griddle is full of hot grease.
– ❌ Slightly Uneven Heating in Center: There is a noticeable cooler spot right in the middle, between the two burners. It’s not a deal-breaker, but I had to be mindful of placing food directly in the center if I wanted a hard sear.

Expert’s Experience

Heating Performance & Retention
During my 45 days of testing, I was consistently impressed by this griddle’s ability to retain heat. I would preheat it for about 10 minutes over medium heat, and it would stay ripping hot, delivering an incredible crust on everything from steaks to burger patties. The heat distribution was very good across the areas directly over the burners. The cooler spot in the very middle was a minor issue, but easily managed by arranging food accordingly.

Design & Versatility
This griddle’s main strength is its dual-purpose design. For one weekend, I used only the Lodge Double Play for all my cooking. I made pancakes and bacon on the flat top, grilled asparagus and chicken on the ribbed side, and even baked a pizza on it in the oven. It’s a heavy-duty piece that I felt just as comfortable using on my indoor gas stove as I did on my grill outdoors.

Seasoning & Surface Finish
Lodge’s factory pre-seasoning provides a good starting point. My first attempt at frying eggs resulted in some minor sticking, which is common for new cast iron. However, after a few rounds of cooking bacon and applying a thin layer of oil after each cleaning, the seasoned cast iron surface quickly developed a much smoother, more non-stick patina. By week three, eggs were sliding around with ease.

Best Large Capacity: Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Griddle Review

When you need to cook for a crowd, the Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle is the undisputed champion. This is the larger, heavier sibling to the Double Play, offering a massive 20-inch cooking surface that spans two burners with ease. It’s the go-to option for large families, meal preppers, or anyone who believes that more cooking real estate is always better.

Specification:
* Dimensions: 20″ x 10.5″ x 0.8″
* Weight: 13.5 lbs
* Material: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
* Surface Type: Reversible (Smooth Griddle & Ribbed Grill)
* Compatibility: Gas, Electric, Induction, Oven, Grill, Campfire

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Massive Cooking Surface: This is the Pro-Grid’s biggest selling point. The extra space compared to other models is immediately noticeable. I could easily cook eight medium-sized pancakes or six large burgers at once, making it incredibly efficient for family-style meals.
* ✅ Effective Grease Trough: A subtle but brilliant design feature is the slight slope and integrated grease well on the grill side. When I cooked a full pound of bacon, the grease effectively channeled away from the food into the trough, resulting in crispier bacon and less mess.
* ✅ Exceptional Heat Retention: Due to its significant mass, this griddle is a thermal beast. Once it gets hot, it stays hot. I found that even when I loaded the entire surface with cold burger patties, the temperature drop was minimal, ensuring a consistent sear for every single one.
* ✅ Made in the USA: Like other Lodge products, this griddle is proudly made in their American foundry and feels incredibly robust. This is a piece of non-toxic cookware that is built for a lifetime of heavy use.
* ✅ Incredible Searing Power: The combination of high heat retention and a large surface area creates a perfect searing machine. I achieved a deep, flavorful crust on steaks that was comparable to what I get from a high-end grill.
* ✅ Versatile Indoor/Outdoor Use: Its large size makes it a natural fit for outdoor grills and campfires, turning any grill into a functional flat top.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Extremely Heavy: There’s no sugarcoating it—at over 13 pounds, this griddle is a monster. Lifting it from a lower cabinet, moving it to the stove, and maneuvering it in the sink for cleaning requires some muscle. It’s not ideal for users with limited strength.
* ❌ Storage Can Be an Issue: Its large 20 x 10.5-inch footprint makes it a challenge to store. It didn’t fit in any of my standard kitchen cabinets, so I had to find a dedicated spot for it in my pantry. Workaround: I found the best solution was to store it directly inside my oven when not in use.
* ❌ Takes Longer to Preheat: The greater mass means it takes a solid 12-15 minutes to preheat evenly over two burners. You have to be patient with it, but the performance is worth the wait.

Expert’s Experience

Heating Performance & Retention
As mentioned, preheating the Lodge Pro-Grid takes time, but the reward is an incredibly even and stable cooking temperature. During testing, I didn’t experience any significant hot or cold spots once it was fully heated. This was particularly noticeable when making a large batch of pancakes; all eight of them cooked to a uniform golden-brown without me having to shuffle them around the griddle.

Design & Capacity
The design is purely functional, prioritizing raw surface area above all else. It fit perfectly over the two main burners of my gas range. The capacity is a true game-changer for anyone who regularly cooks for more than two people. For meal prep, I was able to grill a week’s worth of chicken breasts in a single batch, saving me a ton of time.

Cleaning & Maintenance
The weight makes cleaning a bit of a workout. Handling this 13.5 lb slab of iron in a standard sink requires care. The grease trough, while incredibly useful during cooking, adds an extra channel that needs to be scrubbed carefully to prevent gunk from building up over time. My trusty chainmail scrubber was essential for keeping it clean.

Best for Pancakes and Tortillas: Lodge 10.5-Inch Round Griddle Review

Sometimes you don’t need a giant, two-burner beast. For daily tasks and specialized cooking, the Lodge L9OG3 10.5-Inch Round Griddle is a tool of beautiful simplicity and effectiveness. This round griddle is the perfect instrument for creating perfectly shaped pancakes, crepes, tortillas, and dosas, thanks to its perfectly flat surface and low-profile sides.

Specification:
* Dimensions: 15.87″ x 10.62″ x 1.5″ (with handle)
* Weight: 4.65 lbs
* Material: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
* Surface Type: Flat/Smooth
* Compatibility: Gas, Electric, Induction, Oven, Grill, Campfire

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Perfect Shape for Round Foods: The classic round shape and very low sides are a deliberate, functional design. I found it incredibly easy to get a large spatula completely under pancakes for a clean flip every time. Sliding finished crepes and tortillas right off the pan was effortless.
* ✅ Excellent Heat Distribution: On a single burner, this griddle heats up quickly and with remarkable evenness. This is crucial for getting consistent, edge-to-edge browning on pancakes without any burnt centers or pale edges.
* ✅ Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Compared to the double-burner models, this 4.65 lb griddle is a joy to handle. It’s light enough to manage with one hand, making it simple to move, clean, and store. It’s the griddle I reached for most often for quick jobs.
* ✅ Versatile for Searing: Don’t let the “pancake pan” reputation fool you. It works beautifully for getting a hard sear on a single steak, a couple of chicken thighs, or a fish fillet. Its heat retention is still fantastic.
* ✅ Heats Up Quickly: Because it’s smaller and thinner than its larger counterparts, it comes up to temperature in just 5-7 minutes on a medium burner, making it ideal for quick weekday breakfasts.
* ✅ Great for Flatbreads: I used it to make naan and homemade tortillas, and the direct, even heat produced a wonderful puff and perfect char spots.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Limited Capacity: This is a griddle designed for cooking for one or two people. You can only cook one large pancake or maybe two small ones at a time. It’s not the right tool for a big family breakfast.
* ❌ No Grease Management: The very low sides mean it is not well-suited for cooking exceptionally greasy foods like a lot of bacon or fatty burgers. The hot fat can easily splatter or spill over the edge. Workaround: For a few strips of bacon, it’s fine, but for larger amounts, I’d recommend a pan with higher walls.
* ❌ Handle Can Be Awkward in Oven: The long, skillet-style handle can be cumbersome inside a standard oven, requiring you to place it at an angle.

Expert’s Experience

Heating Performance & Evenness
This single burner griddle truly excels in its heating performance. I placed it on a medium gas burner that matched its base size, and my infrared thermometer confirmed the entire 10.5-inch surface reached a uniform temperature. This resulted in the most consistently golden-brown pancakes I made during my entire testing period. It proves that matching pan size to burner size is key for cast iron.

Design & Usability
The design of the Lodge Round Griddle is a masterclass in functional minimalism. The long primary handle offers great leverage and control, and the smaller helper handle on the opposite side is a thoughtful touch for added stability when lifting. Its low profile makes it incredibly easy to work with a spatula, which I appreciated when flipping delicate crepes.

Everyday Use
Over the six weeks of testing, I found myself reaching for this griddle constantly for small, quick jobs. It became my go-to for toasting sandwiches, making quesadillas, warming tortillas for tacos, and frying a single egg in the morning. Its convenience and reliable performance make it a fantastic daily-driver piece of cast iron cookware.

Best Budget-Friendly Square Griddle: Lodge 11-Inch Square Griddle Review

For anyone looking to get into cast iron cooking without a large initial investment, the Lodge Cast Iron Square 11″ Griddle is the perfect entry point. It offers the legendary quality and performance of Lodge cast iron at a very accessible, budget-friendly price. Its practical shape and manageable size make it a fantastic and versatile addition to any kitchen.

Specification:
* Dimensions: 17.3″ x 11″ x 1.8″ (with handle)
* Weight: 5.58 lbs
* Material: Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron
* Surface Type: Flat/Smooth
* Compatibility: Gas, Electric, Induction, Oven, Grill, Campfire

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Outstanding Value: This is its strongest attribute. It delivers the core benefits of cast iron—unparalleled heat retention, durability, and versatility—at a price point that is often lower than lower-quality non-stick pans that you’ll have to replace in a few years.
* ✅ Efficient Shape for Sandwiches & Bacon: The 11-inch square shape is surprisingly efficient. It’s perfect for making two grilled cheese sandwiches side-by-side without any wasted space. It can also accommodate four strips of bacon laid flat without curling.
* ✅ Heats Evenly and Retains Well: I was very impressed with how evenly the surface heated on a large single burner. It ensured a consistent cook from corner to corner, and once hot, it stayed hot for a great sear on pork chops.
* ✅ Relatively Lightweight: At just over 5.5 lbs, it’s easy to handle, maneuver on the stovetop, and store in a cabinet or drawer. It strikes a great balance between being heavy enough for good heat retention and light enough for easy daily use.
* ✅ Raised Edges Contain Grease: The slightly raised edges are just high enough to contain a moderate amount of grease from bacon or burgers, a nice feature for a flat-top griddle.
* ✅ Signature Teardrop Handle: The large loop handle is easy to grip, even with an oven mitt, providing more control than the smaller handles on the double-burner models.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Surface Can Be Rough Out of the Box: The out-of-the-box texture of this particular model was a bit rougher than the other Lodge griddles I tested. This caused some initial sticking with eggs. It definitely requires a bit of use and a few layers of seasoning to build up a truly smooth surface.
* ❌ Handle Gets Extremely Hot: As with all single-piece cast iron, the signature teardrop handle is part of the mold and gets just as hot as the cooking surface. An oven mitt or handle cover is not optional, it’s a necessity.
* ❌ Square Shape on Round Burner: Using a square pan on a round burner inevitably leads to the corners being slightly cooler than the center. Workaround: Proper preheating (at least 10 minutes) allows the heat to distribute more evenly and greatly minimizes this issue.

Expert’s Experience

Heating Performance
For a single-burner griddle, the performance is excellent. Once I let the Lodge Square Griddle preheat properly, it produced fantastic results. I made some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches of the entire testing period on this griddle—the bread was perfectly crisp, golden-brown, and evenly cooked. The heat retention was solid enough for a good sear on a small steak.

Design & Practicality
The design is no-frills and highly functional. The square footprint is very space-efficient on the stovetop and in storage. I found the raised edges to be a practical touch, giving me more confidence when cooking bacon without fear of spills. It’s a thoughtful design for a pan in this price range.

Value Proposition
This griddle represents an absolutely outstanding value. It’s an indestructible piece of cookware that can handle everything from pancakes to steaks and will almost certainly outlast more expensive pans in your kitchen. If you’re curious about cast iron or just need a reliable, affordable griddle, this is an easy recommendation.

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Cast Iron Griddle Comparison Chart

Choosing the right cast iron griddle comes down to how you cook and for how many people. This table provides a quick side-by-side look at the key specifications of the models I tested to help you decide.

Feature	Lodge Double Play	Lodge Pro-Grid	Lodge Round Griddle	Lodge Square Griddle
Category	Best Overall	Best Large Capacity	Best for Pancakes	Best Budget-Friendly
Dimensions	16.8″ x 9.5″	20″ x 10.5″	10.5″ Diameter	11″ x 11″
Surface Type	Reversible	Reversible	Flat	Flat
Burner Coverage	Double	Double	Single	Single
Best For	All-purpose versatility	Large families, meal prep	Pancakes, eggs, tortillas	Grilled cheese, small kitchens
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐

My analysis shows the primary choice is between a large, reversible double-burner griddle for maximum versatility and a smaller single-burner model for simplicity and specific tasks. For most households, the Lodge Double Play offers the best balance of size, features, and usability. However, if you cook for a large crowd, the massive surface of the Lodge Pro-Grid is unbeatable. For solo cooks or specialists, the round and square models provide excellent performance in a more manageable package.

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Cast Iron Griddle

The “best” cast iron griddle truly depends on your cooking style, family size, stove type, and even your storage space. This guide will walk you through the most important factors to consider so you can make an informed choice.

• Size and Shape (Round vs. Square vs. Rectangular): Consider what you cook most. Round griddles are perfect for pancakes, eggs, and crepes because their shape guides the food and they heat very evenly on a single round burner. Square griddles are more space-efficient for items like grilled cheese sandwiches and bacon. Large rectangular, double-burner models are the best choice for cooking for families or entertaining, allowing you to cook multiple items at once. Always try to match the pan size to your burner size for the most even heating.
• Surface Type (Flat vs. Reversible Grill/Griddle): A flat griddle is a breakfast champion. Its smooth surface is easy to clean and perfect for anything that requires full contact with the pan. A reversible model offers incredible versatility, giving you a smooth side for pancakes and a ribbed side for getting those coveted grill marks on steaks, burgers, and vegetables. The trade-off is that the ribbed side is significantly harder to clean.
• Heat Source Compatibility (Gas vs. Electric vs. Induction): All the Lodge griddles I reviewed are workhorses that are compatible with nearly any heat source, including gas, electric, induction, oven, grill, and even a campfire. However, for a glass top stove, you must be extremely careful. Never slide heavy cast iron, as it can easily scratch the delicate surface—always lift it. A perfectly flat bottom is also crucial for maintaining good contact and even heating on electric and induction cooktops.
• Weight and Handling: Cast iron is heavy; its mass is the key to its superior heat retention. A larger, heavier griddle will hold its temperature better and cook more evenly, but it will also be more cumbersome to handle, clean, and store. Look at the handle design—loop handles can be small, while longer skillet-style handles offer more leverage but can be awkward in the oven.
• Seasoning (Pre-Seasoned vs. Unseasoned): All Lodge cookware comes preseasoned from the factory with 100% vegetable oil. This provides a decent starting point for a non-stick surface and means you can cook on it right away. This factory seasoning isn’t perfect, but it improves dramatically with use, especially when you cook with fats like bacon or oil. You are paying for the convenience of not having to do the initial seasoning cycles yourself.
• Enameled vs. Bare Cast Iron: While all the models on my list are traditional, bare cast iron, you can also find enameled options on the market. Enameled cast iron does not require seasoning and is easier to clean, as you can use soap more freely. However, the enamel can chip or crack with rough use or extreme temperature changes, and it will never develop the same level of self-renewing, non-stick patina that a well-cared-for bare cast iron pan will.

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FAQs About Best Cast Iron Griddles

I get a lot of questions about using and caring for cast iron. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

Can a cast iron griddle be used on a glass top stove?

Yes, you can absolutely use a cast iron griddle on a glass top stove, but you must be extremely careful. The key is to never, ever slide the heavy, rough pan across the cooktop, as this can cause permanent scratches. Always lift the griddle straight up to move it. Also, ensure the bottom of the griddle is completely clean and dry before placing it on the stove to prevent burning stains onto the glass.

How do I season a cast iron griddle?

To season a griddle, you are essentially baking a thin layer of oil onto the surface to create a non-stick coating. First, wash and dry the griddle completely. Apply a very thin, even layer of a neutral, high-smoke-point cooking oil (like canola, grapeseed, or vegetable oil) over the entire surface—top, bottom, and handle. Buff it with a paper towel until it looks dry. Place it upside down in an oven preheated to 450-500°F for one hour, then turn the oven off and let the griddle cool completely inside.

What is the best way to clean a cast iron griddle?

The best way to clean it is immediately after cooking while it’s still warm but not scorching hot. Use a flat-edged pan scraper to remove any food bits. For anything stubborn, scrub with a mixture of coarse salt and a little water to form a paste, or use a chainmail scrubber. Rinse with hot water, and avoid soaking the pan or putting it in the dishwasher, as this will cause rust.

Why is my food sticking to my cast iron griddle?

Food sticking is almost always caused by one of two things: the griddle wasn’t preheated properly, or the seasoning layer isn’t well-established yet. Always let your griddle heat up gradually over medium-low heat for at least 5-10 minutes before adding any food. If your pan is new, the best way to build up the seasoning is to cook fatty foods like bacon or caramelize onions a few times.

Which cast iron griddle is best for pancakes?

A round, flat-top griddle like the Lodge 10.5-Inch Round Griddle is generally the best for pancakes. Its shape naturally helps form perfectly round pancakes, and the low sides make them incredibly easy to get a spatula under for a clean flip. The even heat distribution you get from placing a round pan on a matching round burner is also ideal for consistent browning.

Can you use soap on a cast iron griddle?

Yes, despite the old myths, you can use a small amount of mild dish soap to clean modern cast iron. Today’s dish soaps are gentle and do not contain the lye that was present in old-fashioned soaps, which would strip seasoning. A well-established seasoning is a polymerized layer of oil that is quite durable. The key is to use soap sparingly, rinse thoroughly, and always dry the griddle completely afterward.

How do I prevent my cast iron griddle from rusting?

The absolute key to preventing rust is to keep the griddle completely dry at all times. After washing, always dry it thoroughly with a towel. Then, for best results, place it back on a warm burner for a few minutes to evaporate any and all remaining moisture. Once it’s bone dry, wipe a very thin coat of cooking oil on the entire surface before storing it in a dry place.

What is the difference between a grill pan and a griddle?

A griddle has a flat, smooth cooking surface, while a grill pan has raised ridges. The griddle’s flat surface is ideal for foods that require full contact, like pancakes, eggs, and grilled cheese. A grill pan’s ridges are designed to mimic an outdoor grill, creating sear marks and allowing fat to drip away from the food, making it great for steaks, burgers, and vegetables. A reversible griddle combines both into one versatile pan.

Are cast iron griddles worth it?

Yes, in my expert opinion, they are absolutely worth it if you value durability, superior cooking performance, and versatility. A well-maintained cast iron griddle can last for generations, can be used on any heat source (from induction to campfire), and imparts a unique sear and flavor to food that is very difficult to replicate with other materials like aluminum or stainless steel.

Is enameled cast iron better than raw cast iron?

Neither is universally “better”; they serve different purposes. Enameled cast iron is easier to maintain because it doesn’t require seasoning and can handle acidic foods (like tomatoes) without reacting. However, traditional raw cast iron is more durable since the enamel can chip, and with use, it will develop a superior, naturally non-stick surface that can be renewed indefinitely.

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Final Verdict: Which Cast Iron Griddle Should You Buy?

After weeks of searing, flipping, and cleaning, it’s clear that Lodge remains the king of accessible, high-performance cast iron cookware. The best choice for your kitchen ultimately comes down to the balance between cooking capacity and everyday convenience.

For most people, the best cast iron griddle is the Lodge Double Play Reversible Grill/Griddle. Its double-burner size offers plenty of space for daily cooking, and the reversible design provides unmatched versatility, allowing you to go from pancakes to grill-marked steaks with a simple flip. It’s the most functional, all-around performer I tested.

This griddle is perfect for you if…
* You want maximum versatility from a single pan.
* You often cook multiple items or for 2-4 people.
* You want to achieve both a perfect flat-top sear and grill marks.
* You value durable, American-made cookware.

This griddle is not ideal for…
* Cooks with very limited storage space.
* Those who need to cook for very large groups (6+ people).
* Users who find lifting a 9-pound pan difficult.

If you primarily cook for one or two people, have limited space, or simply want the ultimate tool for perfect pancakes and tortillas, the Lodge 10.5-Inch Round Griddle is an outstanding and highly affordable alternative. Its lightweight design and flawless heating make it a joy to use for daily tasks.

Whichever you choose, you’re investing in a piece of cookware that, with a little care, will serve you delicious meals for a lifetime.

Last update on 2026-02-17 at 19:17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API