How to Find the Best Cast Iron Griddle for Your Stove

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Griddles are great for a wide range of foods, from pancakes and grilled sandwiches to bacon and steak. Although you can find griddles in several materials, cast iron is ideal for griddles as it can withstand the high temperatures needed for griddling, grilling and searing. 

In this article I will help you find the best cast iron griddle for your stovetop.  To do so, I’ve reviewed the following cast iron griddle pans:

If you are in a hurry and just want to know what cast iron griddle I would pick, then it’s the Victoria GDL-196 Rectangular Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle. It has a large cooking surface and is a high-quality product.

If you want a single burner cast iron griddle, then check out the Lodge L9OG3ASHH41B Cast Iron Griddle(Amazon). You can also buy this same cast iron griddle from Kerekes Bake & Deco.

I strongly suggest you first measure your stovetop and find the one that fits!

Keep reading my reviews of the best cast-iron griddles to find the one that suits you.

What To Look For in the Best Cast Iron Griddles

Size

The first thing you want to think about is how big you want your new cast iron griddle pan to be.  Bigger cast iron pans may need to use more than one burner on the stove. When cooking for a family though, it can be a pain if it’s too small and you have to griddle twice. I’ve been there, done that. It’s tedious.

One solution is to use a cast iron skillet as a second makeshift griddle. That’s not ideal, but it could work in a pinch. For a family, a two-burner cast iron pan or griddle could be ideal. This might be about 18 X 10 inches (45 X 25cm).  It’s large enough to cook for the whole family, but you can also have something else on the stove.

Even with a family, I’ve always bought single-burner pans. These can be about 10 inches by 10 inches (25cm X 25cm) or 10 inches in diameter (25 cm wide).  There’s only so much room in my kitchen cabinets, and this is normally enough. My kids are still small though – when they are teenagers devouring everything I’ll need the double burner!  I’ve cast a net wide in this article looking at single and double-burner cast iron griddles to future proof my kitchen.

On top of the other considerations, every stove is a different size.  Whatever you do, measure your stove and work out whether the one you want will fit.  Envisage it on your stove – will it leave room for other pots and pans? This should be a bigger factor than whatever you read here. There’s no point in buying a new cast iron griddle pan you won’t use because it doesn’t fit.

Seasoning, Cleaning and Maintaining Cast Iron Griddles

Even the best cast iron griddles need to be seasoned.  However, these days it’s very common for cast iron pans to come pre-seasoned.

Just like a cast iron skillet, you still need to take care of a cast iron griddle, being careful how you clean it.  You should be ready to season it again if something goes wrong. I recommend seasoning your cast iron griddle when you first get it, even for pre-seasoned cast iron griddles. Manufacturers’ seasoning is often only a layer or two. It can’t hurt to add another layer.

None of this is very difficult. All it takes is a little patience and know-how. In this video, Martha Stewart explains how to clean and season a cast iron skillet.  (The same process would apply to a cast iron griddle):

All I would say is – are you prepared for this? Cast iron cookware is more work than non-stick, but you get something that can last lifetimes. Cast iron is something you can pass down to your children, so it’s worth the time to maintain. In fact, I’ve received a cast iron skillet from a family member, and it still works great.

Some griddles come with pre-seasoned cast iron. This is more convenient initially, but you still need to maintain the cast iron.

Ridges and Reversing

griddle vs grill pan. Griddle has flat surface and low sides; grill pan has ridges on surface  and high sides

Griddles normally have flat cooking surfaces with no ridges and low sides or lips.  They are great for cooking pancakes or searing meat. In some places, a griddle has ridges and valleys on its cooking surface, although this is often called a grill pan. The valleys help the fat drain away and give you those nice grilled, charred, stripes that you see on chicken, steak, and vegetables. I will look at both alternatives: cast iron griddles and grill pans.

In fact, some of the best cast-iron griddles come with their own alternative, as you can reverse them. On one side they have a flat cooking surface and on the other they have ridges. I will highlight the reversible cast iron griddle pans for you.

Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch, Black

If you are actually after a cast iron grill pan, then check out my guide to the best grill pan for gas stoves. Or see if one of the cast iron reversible griddle/grill pans below will do the trick.

Handles

You typically aren’t going to get an insulated handle you can touch with your bare hands. Cool-touch handles need to be separated from the body of the cast iron griddle pan in some way, and that becomes a failure point. If you want a cast iron griddle that lasts, any handles should be part of the same block as the rest of the pan. That means they should also be cast iron, which is definitely NOT cool-touch.

Yet there are different ways to approach this, and some brands manage this better than others. I’ll highlight this in the reviews. I will say at this point, though, that Lodge has implemented a great solution to this problem.

With cast iron reversible grill / griddle pans the handles can be a little tricky. One of the products below implements this quite well with wire handles, but beware that these handles won’t last as long as the pan.

Dishwasher Safe

I’ll tell you which cast iron griddles are dishwasher safe: None of them are! Seriously, I’m prone to throw things I shouldn’t in the dishwasher, but not bare cast iron! In fact, you should avoid using strong detergent with cast iron. Ideally, you shouldn’t use any detergent on cast iron. You need to protect the layer of seasoning.

If a child, or partner, does put your beautiful cast iron griddle in the dishwasher – don’t worry about it!  Simply follow the instructions above to reseason it.

If you need a way to get stuck-on bits off the cooking surface, sprinkle some salt on damp cast iron. Let it sit a minute and then scrub with a nylon brush or sponge. The salt works as an abrasive and will help release any stuck-on food while keeping the layer of seasoning intact.

Grill Press

Photo by David Disponett: https://www.pexels.com/photo/sandwich-on-electric-griddle-2161638/

You can use a cast iron grill press to keep thin food from curling due to the heat.  You want to avoid curling as it would mean only part of the food was cooked.  You would most likely use a cast iron grill press with something like bacon or strips of eggplant.

A grill press uses its own weight to hold down food, so cast iron is ideal for this.  Since the cast iron grill press needs to be lifted, it will often have a heat-resistant handle. As this sort of handle is a weak point, expect it to fail at some point.

These aren’t for everyone – I’ve never used a grill press and haven’t missed it.  I flip the food as I cook and it all works out. Here is an example of a grill press in action:

Some cast iron griddles come with a grill press and most don’t.  None of the ones I’ve reviewed do, though some have options that include a grill press. If you want a grill press and your cast iron griddle pan doesn’t come with one, you can always buy it separately. There are plenty of options. If you want a recommendation , this cast iron grill press is good quality and comes with a nice folding handle.  Expect the folding handle to fail at some point though.

My recommendation is that you don’t worry about the grill press.  Get the cast iron griddle, and if it turns out you do need a grill press, buy it later.

Best griddle pans

Griddle Pan Reviews

Victoria GDL-196 Rectangular Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle: Best Overall

This rectangular double burner cast iron griddle is just the right size for my stove at 18.5 X 10 inches ( 47cm X 25.4 cm).  It fits over two stovetop burners nicely, leaves room for other pans, and is big enough to cook loads of pancakes!

Victoria 18.5-by-10-Inch Rectangular Cast Iron Griddle, Preseasoned Reversible Griddle

Victoria offer a range of sizes, so pick the cast iron griddle that suits you.  Given the options, I would definitely suggest measuring your stove first – not all are the same size.

Victoria 20-by-14-Inch Rectangular Cast Iron Griddle, Preseasoned Reversible Griddle

What stands out here is the quality of the product.  This has the smoothest surface of all the cast iron griddles reviewed here. A cast iron surface is often slightly rough from the sand mold used in creating it, this makes me think Victoria may have done a bit of polishing.

It’s pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil which, I believe, is the best product to use when seasoning cast iron.  OK, opinions vary on this, but it is an expensive and quality oil. This shows the care Victoria are taking with their cast iron products.

Like many of the cast iron griddles here, it is reversible with a flat side for griddling and a ridge side for grilling.

Pros:

  • Smooth finish
  • Pre-seasoned cast iron using high quality flaxseed oil
  • Decent handles
  • High quality product
  • Easy-grip handles

Cons:

  • Pricy
  • Difficult to hold the handles while cooking
  • I can’t see this working on an induction stove due to the shape

Lodge LSRG3 Cast Iron Single-Burner Reversible Griddle: Runner-Up

Lodge are well known for quality cast iron cookware.  They don’t disappoint here with a quality product that you can expect to last.  Since this cast iron reversible griddle is for a single burner it should fit in most places. At 10.5 X 10.5 inches (26.7 X 26.7 cm) square there is plenty of room to cook something on.  Realistically though, if cooking for a family, you can only cook one thing at a time on this cast iron griddle pan.

Lodge LSRG3 Cast Iron Single-Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle, 10.5-inch

Lodge makes all bare cast iron pans in the USA, if that matters to you.

I like to have a cast iron pan that I can hold while cooking, and the handles on this reversible cast iron griddle don’t really lend themselves to that.  They do have holes in them which make it easy to store by hanging up.

If you like this pan but think it’s a bit small, here’s an idea – buy two!  This could be a better option than a large one as it is easier to store. As a bonus, you could use one with a flat surface and one with ridges at the same time.

I would say this cast iron pan is ideal for a couple with a small kitchen and a gas burner. 

Pros:

  • Reversible griddle / grill pan combo
  • Compact
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Durable and long lasting

Cons:

  • Quite small for a family
  • Doesn’t lay completely flat meaning grease can pool on one side
  • Small, integrated handles means it is harder to pick up
  • Lips on both sides make it difficult to use with electric or induction stoves
  • Heavy for its size

Lodge L9OG3ASHH41B Cast Iron Griddle and Hot Handle Holder

This Lodge cast iron griddle pan is like a cast iron skillet with low sides. I especially like the genuine cast iron handle. At 10.5 inches in diameter, this round griddle pan is useful anywhere you go.

Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 10.5-inch

Since the Lodge cast iron griddle isn’t reversible, the base is flat so you can easily use it on an induction or electric stove. This makes it versatile in it’s own way.

If you are actually looking for a cast iron grill pan (with ridges) then how about this alternative?  It’s a similar size, though square, and also comes with a handle cover.

Lodge L8SGP3ASHH41B Cast Iron Square Grill Pan with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch

Lodge cast iron products are made in the USA, if you are interested.

How to use Lodge Silicone handle cover

This may sound strange but I most love the handle and cover. I know it’s not for everyone, but if you use it right it works well.

The handle on this Lodge cast iron pan is part of the integrated cast iron block. This means that it should last as long as the pan. It also means that it will get as hot as the pan. Lodge supplies a silicone handle cover that you can use to cover the handle.  

Lodge Silicone Hot Handle Holder - Red Heat Protecting Silicone Handle for Lodge Cast Iron Skillets with Keyhole Handle 5-5/8" L x 2"

If you leave this cover on, it will get hot, not as hot as the handle, but too hot. The trick is to put the cover on the cast iron handle when you use it, then take it off. Does this seem like a lot of faff?  Not to me. There are no easy answers here, but Lodge has found a way to have a cast iron handle that lasts, and give you heat insulation.  This is the best I’ve seen.

Lodge ASHH31 Silicone Hot Handle Holder, Blue

Even better if you lose or damage the silicone handle, just buy a new one.  It doesn’t cost that much!

Pros:

  • Can use on gas, electric or induction
  • Even heat distribution
  • Cast iron handle integrated with rest of pan
  • Easy-grip handle
  • Nice silicone handle cover included
  • Sturdy and long lasting
  • Pre seasoned cast iron griddle – less work for you

Cons:

  • Heavy to handle
  • Not reversible – not for grilling

You can also buy the Lodge single burner cast iron griddle from Kerekes Bake and Deco.

AmazonBasics Cast Iron Reversible Griddle

This rectangular and reversible two burner griddle is a versatile and easy to use pan.  It’s two handles are the right shape for lifting the pan (with oven gloves on).

At 20 X 10.4 inches it is the right size for two burners.  This means you can cook with it, and still have room for something else on a four burner stove.  It also means you can fit a few things on it at the same time. This is especially useful when cooking for the family.

Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Rectangular Grill/Griddle, Black, 20 x 10.39 x 0.98 inch

Cast iron reversible grill griddles are in theory a good idea as they save space and money – two for one! Yet in practice they can be hard to use. The surface which is face down will have its seasoning damaged, and if it’s the grill side face down it can be wobbly.

When you have two children both demanding pancakes it’s very useful to be able to do two or three pancakes at once.  This cast iron griddle lets you do this comfortably.

It doesn’t have quite as good quality as a pricier product, but it should still last a long time.  This is a great value product, especially for a family on a budget.

Pros:

  • Great value and very affordable
  • Great size for cooking several pancakes or pieces of food
  • Pre-seasoned cast iron griddle
  • Easy-grip handles

Cons:

  • Griddle surface is a little rough
  • This is a heavy griddle
  • Shape and size mean it is unlikely you can use with induction stoves.
  • Low oven safe heat rating 204℃(400℉)

Victoria GDL-155 Round Cast Iron Griddle

This round 10 inch (25.4cm) cast iron reversible grill / griddle pan is a bit different.  It has nice detachable wire handles that should be cool to touch. I’d still be careful with them though.

In theory this pre-seasoned cast iron griddle should work on an induction stove.  Realistically the grill pan might work but I can’t see the griddle working.  The problem is that the bottom should be flat against the stove – the ridges on the grill pan stop this happening.  It may also struggle on an electric stove.

This griddle is ideal for camping, or barbecues.   The handles stick out in a way that lets you lift the pan off a hot surface.  It even has bigger sizes for bigger barbecues.

Victoria claim that this is a double burner griddle.  For the 10 inch one I’m sceptical – but measure your stove (or bbq, or pit).

Pros:

  • Reversible
  • Cool touch Handles are useful for putting on / removing from hot surfaces (like a BBQ)
  • Easy-grip Handles are detachable if they get in the way
  • Can use on electric,  induction and gas stoves (in theory)
  • Pre-seasoned cast iron griddle
  • Uses flaxseed oil for seasoning (my favourite)
  • Decent size options
  • Compact – easy to transport on a trip
  • Nice gutter to catch the grease on both sides

Cons:

  • Expect the handles to fall off at some point, meanwhile they might warp
  • Hard to see griddle working on induction stove with grill ridges on stove top
  • Surface is a bit rough, especially compared to other Victoria products

Cast Iron Griddle FAQs

What is a cast iron griddle used for?

A cast iron griddle is especially useful for any food that needs to be flipped over. The low walls of the griddle facilitate a turner or utensil getting under your food to flip it.

Pancakes are an excellent example of this, however many cooks prefer non-stick griddles for pancakes. Any food you are frying or searing, which involves a low amount of liquid, is great for cast iron griddles.

If your food is very liquidy, a griddle is likely to be unsuitable as the liquid will escape over the slightly raised edges.

I like to use my griddle for grilled cheese sandwiches. I grill one site then flip it over to do the other. Super easy!

A cast iron griddle also offers even even heat distribution, which is great for ensuring the whole pancake is cooked. Just make sure to warm the griddle thoroughly before using.

Do cast iron griddles need to be seasoned?

Just like cast iron skillets, your cast iron griddle needs to be seasoned. You must also maintain the seasoning. Some cast iron griddles come pre-seasoned–check if that is the case for yours.

I cover how to season cast iron griddle in my guide to seasoning cast iron cookware.

Do you oil a cast iron griddle?

Oiling a cast iron griddle, after cleaning it is a good idea to prevent moisture reaching. However, oiling is not the same as seasoning.

Oiling your griddle means coating it with a thin layer of food-safe oil. Any oil will do but make sure it is safe at room temperature and ideally has a long shelf life. The oil forms a temporary protective barrier.

Seasoning your cast iron griddle means repeatedly apply oil and then heating it on your stove until the oil smokes. In this case the oil reacts with the metal to form a semi-permanent barrier that protects the iron.

Can you use a cast iron griddle on glass top stove?

Yes you can, including induction stoves since cast iron is induction-compatible.

Yet a cast iron griddle has a slightly rough surface and could scratch your stove. I suggest at least using a piece of baking paper between the cast iron griddle and the stove.

However I think cast iron griddles are not really ideal for glass top stoves.

Can you ruin a cast iron pan?

You can ruin a cast iron pan but it is quite difficult to do so permanently.

The most common problem people have with cast iron skillets is when they leave them wet or damp and they rust. However you can strip the rust and reseason, thus restoring your cast iron skillet.

If you drop your cast iron skillet from very high onto a hard surface there is a chance it could crack. Cracked cast iron can’t be fixed at home with normal tools.

Cast iron that suffers extreme heat (much more than from normal kitchen use), can also be damaged beyond repair.

What’s the best way to clean a cast iron griddle?

Hand wash your cast iron griddle carefully. If you are too enthusiastic you will strip the seasoning.

You can use water, or a small amount of gentle dish soap, and a sponge. Avoid abrasive steel wool, but a stiff brush is fine.

Concentrate on cleaning the cooking surface–the most important part!

Once you’ve cleaned it, dry it immediately and thoroughly. Then warm it on the stove slightly to get rid of any moisture.

Finally I recommend coating your cast iron griddle in a thin layer of oil. This will help prevent any moisture reaching it, especially in damp climates.

Do you put oil on a cast iron griddle?

When cooking with cast iron you always need some oil. In the case of a griddle, you need to be careful you don’t add too much as you don’t want it to spill over the sides!

However the oil really helps prevent food from sticking to the cast iron griddle so it is important to add some. Unless searing at high temperatures, I recommend extra virgin olive oil.

Are cast iron pans healthy?

Cooking with cast iron pans is regarded by many as healthier than other cookware, like non-stick, as no chemicals are used on the surface.

The small amount of iron atoms that end up in your food are not unhealthy unless you have excess iron. (Children under 6 years old should be careful with their iron intake as should anyone with hemochromatosis.)

However cast iron pots and pans don’t possess any special health benefits, and you should always maintain a healthy diet.

What is the disadvantage of cast iron cookware?

Cast iron cookware though more durable than other cookware, does need a bit of babying. Season it, clean it properly and quickly, then store it in a dry place and you should be fine.

Cast iron cookware takes a long time to heat up. Since this means it also takes a long time to cool down this can be a great advantage, for example when searing steaks. Yet it’s a different style of cooking rather than a disadvantage.

Cast iron cookware does have more even heat distribution, as long as you wait for the pan to heat up.

My Favorite Cast Iron Griddle

Best Cast Iron Griddle

My favorite griddle pan is the Victoria GDL-196 Rectangular Cast Iron Double Burner Griddle.  This reversible grill griddle is the one I would use on my gas stove.  I love the range of sizes it comes in, as well as the smooth, quality finish.  Victoria pay attention to detail and the quality comes through even with the oil they use.

It’s a bit big for me now, yet as my children grow I’ll use it more and more.

It’s the griddle pan for gas stoves because the large size works so well with the flames of the gas stove, and the ridges on the grill side aren’t an issue. For electric a single burner might be better. A reversible grill griddle is unlikely to work on an induction stove.

Whatever happens, though, don’t just click the link and buy it!  It comes in 3 different sizes:

  • 13 X 8.3 inches
  • 18.5 X 10 inches
  • 20 X 14 inches

For me the second size is just the right size for my stove burners.  It fits nicely over two and is big enough to cook a feast for my family. It also fits well over my outdoor grill (check out my list of the best outdoor wok burners).

What size works best for you?

Runner Up and Best Single Burner Griddle

I’m tempted to get the Lodge L9OG3ASHH41B Cast Iron Griddle and Hot Handle Holder, just for the quality handle.  It’s a handle that will last as long as the pan, with a system to let you hold it with your bare hands. It’s a win-win.

The pan itself is a no-frill durable product. Bear in mind it’s not reversible if that’s what you are looking for.  I think there’s something about the simplicity of this product that makes it very attractive.

Want More Griddles?

I’ve written lots about griddles, check out my other guides: