Best Griddle Pan: From Pancakes to Fajitas

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I've tested several griddle pans to find out which one is the best. My top choice? The Lodge 10.5-Inch Round Cast Iron Griddle.

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The griddle is an unsung hero in the kitchen. Sure, it doesn’t have the flashiness of an appliance or the beauty of a Dutch oven, but the humble griddle can turn simple ingredients into deliciously melty and toasty grilled cheese sandwiches. I don’t know about you, but those are must-haves at our table.

So getting the right griddle pan is an important job. Luckily, the Lodge Cast Iron Griddle Pan has all the features you need to flip perfect pancakes.

But you might want a large griddle pan that covers multiple burners, or you might want another material. There are several factors that go into finding the right griddle pan. Fortunately, I’ve broken down the pros and cons of several pans to help you make the best decision.

Top Griddle
Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch
Best Non-Stick Griddle
Greenlife 11 Inch Ceramic Non-Stick Griddle
Best Double Burner
Anolon Advanced Non-stick Griddle Pan
$19.90
$37.71
$63.99
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch
GreenLife Soft Grip Diamond Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 11" Griddle Pan, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Black
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Griddle Pan/Flat Grill, 10-Inch, Gray
This Lodge griddle works for everything from pancakes to fajitas. Look after it and it will last forever, but it does need care.
Greenlife offers a healthy, ceramic non-stick griddle with a significant convenience factor. This easy-to-use griddle won't last forever.
Cooking breakfast with the family? Then this double burner griddle is extremely convenient. At a price of course!
Top Griddle
Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch
$19.90
Amazon Prime
Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch
This Lodge griddle works for everything from pancakes to fajitas. Look after it and it will last forever, but it does need care.
Best Non-Stick Griddle
Greenlife 11 Inch Ceramic Non-Stick Griddle
$37.71
Amazon Prime
GreenLife Soft Grip Diamond Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 11" Griddle Pan, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Black
Greenlife offers a healthy, ceramic non-stick griddle with a significant convenience factor. This easy-to-use griddle won't last forever.
Best Double Burner
Anolon Advanced Non-stick Griddle Pan
$63.99
Amazon Prime
Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Griddle Pan/Flat Grill, 10-Inch, Gray
Cooking breakfast with the family? Then this double burner griddle is extremely convenient. At a price of course!

Which griddle pan is right for you? Read on to learn more.

At a Glance

Here’s the list of pans I’m reviewing:

All About Griddle Pans

What is a Griddle Pan?

A griddle pan is a piece of cookware with a smooth, flat cooking surface that cooks over a stovetop.

A grill pan (sometimes the two are confused) has ridges instead of a flat surface, allowing you to get grill marks while cooking in a pan. Some griddles are reversible and have a griddle side and a grill side.

You can also use an electric griddle, which plugs into an outlet and can be used on the countertop. An electric griddle requires less energy and typically has a slide-out drip tray for easy cleanup. Some electric griddles even have removable cooking surfaces for the ultimate convenience.

But electric griddles are more expensive than stovetop burner griddles. Additionally, an electric griddle requires more counter space.

Griddle pans can be rectangular, square, or round shape. Some rectangular griddles are large enough to cover two stovetop burners, cutting down the total cooking time. Griddle pans offer even heat distribution and steady heating.

Is a Griddle Pan the Same Thing as a Frying Pan?

While a griddle pan might be confused for a regular frying pan, there is a difference. A griddle pan can be square, rectangular, or round-shaped, whereas a frying pan is always round.

Frying pans also have sloped sides, but a grill pan is flat with a small lip or none at all. Lastly, griddle pans are better for dry-heat cooking, but frying pans are better for frying food or searing meat.

What are Griddle Pans Used For?

A griddle pan’s flat surface makes it great for a variety of dishes. From cooking pancakes and french toast to crispy bacon, fried eggs, and sausage, a griddle pan can make an entire breakfast with ease.

Preparing fresh pancakes on the best double burner griddle.

But a griddle pan’s usefulness doesn’t stop at breakfast. Grilled cheese and paninis, hash browns, quesadillas, burgers, and pork chops all shine with a good griddle pan.

Do You Need Oil for a Griddle Pan?

Most griddles have a non-stick cooking surface, so oil is not necessary. If your pan does not have a nonstick surface, you can brush it with a thin layer of oil or butter. It’s best to choose an oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed or avocado oil.

Always preheat your griddle on medium-high heat for 5 minutes to help foods cook and release properly.

Is a Griddle Pan Healthy?

Using a griddle pan, especially a non-stick pan, will result in using less oil. The result? Delicious food with less fat and fewer calories. If you’re looking to cut out some fat, using a griddle pan is an effective way to do that.

Best Griddle Pans: Product Reviews

Best Griddle

Lodge Round Cast Iron Griddle 10.5 Inches: Best Overall Griddle Pan

Lodge has an unmatched reputation for pre-seasoned cast iron skillets, griddles, and more. This 10.5-inch (26.67 cm) round griddle pan is made from 100% foundry-seasoned cast iron. And like all of Lodge’s bare cast iron products, this pan is made in the U.S.A.

This Lodge Cast Iron Griddle was the top choice in my best comal pan roundup.

This Lodge griddle pan is versatile. You can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, or for outdoor cooking over the campfire. It’s also compatible with induction cooktops.

Also called a comal pan, this pan does not have a non-stick coating. It does, however, have excellent food release due to its seasoning. Some customers recommended seasoning the pan again before the first use. While this isn’t necessary, it may improve the pan’s performance.

Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch

As with all cast iron, this piece requires the proper cleaning and care. First, it’s important to hand wash only. The dishwasher will rust cast iron. The easiest way to clean it is to wipe out excess grease and rinse with water. Use salt to remove stuck-on food. Avoid dish soap as much as possible.

Next, periodically season the pan by coating it with a thin layer of oil and baking it upside down in the oven at 450°F (232°C) for one hour. Let the pan cool.

Finally, use only wooden or silicone cooking utensils. Metal utensils can scratch or remove the layer of seasoning. And don’t forget to use a hot pad or oven mitt when handling this pan. Some users had a bad run-in with a hot iron handle. Ouch!

By taking proper care of this Lodge griddle pan, it should last you for years to come. Most people find this inexpensive pan to carry loads of long-term value.

Pros

  • Large size
  • Highly durable
  • Pre-seasoned, ready to use
  • Induction compatible
  • Even heat distribution
  • Excellent heat retention
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Not dishwasher-safe
  • Handle gets hot

Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Double Burner, Reversible Griddle & Grill: Best Cast Iron Griddle (Reversible)

Founded in 1939 in Medellin, Colombia, Victoria specializes in cast iron cookware. This Victoria Cast Iron Griddle and Grill provides maximum versatility. Although this one measures 18.5 by 10 inches (47 by 25.4 cm), there are also other sizes available.

You may have seen the Victoria griddle already as top pick in my Best Cast Iron Griddle guide.

This cast iron pan features griddle plates on either side. The griddle side sports a totally flat surface, while the grill surface has ridges to get those signature grill marks.

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

It comes pre-seasoned with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil, so you can start cooking right away. And if you happen to have an induction cooktop? No problem. This pan is compatible with all stovetops.

Because this pan is heavy cast iron, it can be a beast to lift. But the easy-grip handles on the side make the job easier. The handles even have clearance for oven mitts.

Customers had success grilling burgers, making pancakes, frying eggs, and roasting vegetables with this pan. They especially liked using this pan on an outdoor grill.

One thing users didn’t love was the angled cooking surface of the smooth griddle side. The angle is nice for draining fat or grease, but it makes frying eggs or other runny foods a big challenge.

Overall, this is a solid mid-range two-burner griddle, depending on the size of the stovetop.

Pros

  • Large capacity
  • Reversible, versatile
  • Easy-grip handles
  • Durable construction
  • Induction compatible

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Angled cooking surface
  • A little pricey

Anolon Advanced Hard-Anodized Non-stick Griddle Pan: Best Double Burner Griddle

Anolon combines the durability of hard-anodized aluminum construction with a nonstick coating to create this Anolon Advanced Griddle Pan. This griddle measures 18 by 10 inches (45.72 by 25.4 cm), making it large enough to comfortably cover two burners.

In fact, I recommend Anonol in my Best Double Burner Griddle guide.

Watch Katie from Anolon explain a little more about the Anolon Double Burner Griddle:

The construction of this griddle has several benefits. For one, hard-anodized aluminum heats quickly and evenly. Furthermore, it’s non-reactive, extra durable, and corrosion-resistant.

The non-stick coating means you don’t have to worry about your pancakes sticking to the pan. It also makes for easy cleaning. Anolon claims this pan is safe for metal utensils, but I would err on the side of caution and use silicone or wooden utensils.

The pour spout on the corner allows the user to easily drain away fat or grease. And the Anolon silicone sure-grip handles are heat resistant, extra-comfortable, and dual-riveted for durability. This griddle pan is oven-safe up to 400°F (204°C), and the mini spatula is dishwasher-safe.

Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Griddle Pan/Flat Grill, 10-Inch, Gray

Customers had mixed reviews about the nonstick coating, which is par for the course when it comes to non-stick. Most were pleased, but multiple users warned against using metal cooking tools.

There were also some reports of warping. Honestly? Most of these reports could be attributed to using the pan at too high a heat. However, aluminum, even hard-anodized aluminum, is more susceptible to warping than other materials. Using low to medium heat will help prevent any warping.

This large pan has a lot of value, but it will cost you more than others on the list. Be prepared to spend more on this Anolon griddle.

Pros

  • Nonstick surface
  • Large surface area
  • Pour spout for easy draining
  • Easy-grip handles
  • Comes with miniature turner
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Pricier model
  • Reports of warping

You can also find this griddle on River Bend Home.

Cooks Standard Hard-Anodized Non-stick Square Griddle Pan: Best Pancake Griddle

This Cooks Standard Square Griddle is 11 inches (27.94 cm) on each side. This griddle topped my review of the best pancake griddles. It features a heavy-gauge aluminum core that distributes heat evenly and prevents hot spots.

The nonstick coating releases food and makes for easy cleaning. This pan is also dishwasher-safe, although the manufacturer recommends hand washing for optimal performance.

Cooks Standard Nonstick Square Griddle Pan 11 x 11-Inch, Hard Anodized Cookware Griddle Pan, Black

Cooks Standard made this griddle to be oven-safe to 500°F (260°C). It works with halogen, gas, ceramic, glass, and electric stoves. But it won’t work with induction cooktops.

The smaller size and square shape make this pan ideal for pancakes. You can easily fit enough pancake batter to cook four pancakes at a time. However, this griddle is not as suited for greasy foods like bacon. There is no drip tray or draining spout for the excess grease.

User reviews were highly positive about this griddle. They liked the thick cast aluminum and the heat control. They were about to get golden brown pork chops and fluffy pancakes with this pan. They also mentioned the stay-cool handles and the ease of cleaning.

Some would have liked a more durable non-stick coating, but they were still pleased with the value. Several people emphasized using only low or medium heat with this pan. Lower heat will prevent warping during the cooking process.

Considering the affordable price, this pan is excellent value.

Pros

  • Non-stick cooking surface
  • Hard-anodized aluminum core
  • Oven-safe to 500°F (260°C)
  • Dishwasher-safe (hand wash recommended)
  • Stay-cool handle
  • Great for pancakes

Cons

  • Not for induction stoves
  • No drip tray or pour spout

Cuisinart Double Burner Stainless Steel Griddle: Best Griddle for Glass Top Stoves

One of the more unique choices on the list, this Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle measures 10 by 18 inches (25.4 by 45.72 cm). This size is large enough to cover two burners and provide ample cooking space.

The tri-ply stainless steel construction is unusual for a griddle pan. It features a cast aluminum interior with a stainless steel exterior and a nonstick cooking surface. This construction means the pan is supposed to distribute heat evenly.

Cuisinart Griddle Skillet, Nonstick Double Burner, 10x18-Inch, MCP45-25NSP1

The rolled edges help contain grease and ensure drip-free draining, allowing you to grill bacon to crispy perfection.

The stay-cool handles are double-riveted for extra sturdiness. Although this pan is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is a snap with a non-stick surface.

This pan is great for glass cooktops because the stainless steel exterior won’t scratch or damage the cooktop. Even the best cast iron is notorious for scratching glass cooktops, so this Cuisinart griddle pan is a great alternative. See my best glass top stove griddle guide for more.

Customers raved about this pan’s compatibility with induction cooktops. People were pleased with their results. But there were several users who had issues with uneven heating. Others said the non-stick surface was easily scratched.

This pan is more of a mid-range price, but it has a lot of value. Just be sure to treat it gently.

Pros

  • Superb heat retention
  • Tri-ply stainless steel construction
  • Large capacity
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Optimized for induction cooktops

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Non-stick coating easily scratched
  • Reports of uneven heating

GreenLife Soft Grip Diamond Ceramic Non-stick 11-Inch Griddle Pan: Best Non-Stick Griddle Pan

GreenLife is known for its healthy ceramic non-stick cookware. This 11-inch (27.94 cm) square griddle pan features a ceramic coating and is perfect for grilled cheese, fried egg sandwiches, or sausage patties.

The stay-cool Bakelite handle has a comfortable, soft grip. The handle seems a little short. Still, it’s rivetless so food won’t get stuck in the crevices between the pan and the rivets. This isn’t normally an issue for griddle pans, but anything that makes cleaning easier is a good feature, in my book.

Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Griddle Pan/Flat Grill, 10-Inch, Gray

This pan features recycled aluminum construction and a wobble-free base for even heating. The aluminum heats up quickly and evenly, although it’s essential to use low or medium heat to avoid warping.

The ceramic nonstick coating is reinforced with diamonds for durability and scratch resistance, but customers definitely had mixed reviews regarding the non-stick cooking surface. Some had issues after only a few uses, while others were pleased with their pans even after months of use.

Nevertheless, the eco-friendly, Teflon-free, and healthy ceramic non-stick surface is one of the reasons I recommend this griddle as best non-stick griddle.

The big takeaways? Don’t use metal cooking tools, and treat this pan with extra care.

This pan is oven-safe up to 350°F (180°C) and is compatible with electric, gas, halogen, and ceramic cooktops. It’s not suitable for induction, however.

Cleaning this griddle is simple. It’s dishwasher-safe, but most messes wipe clean. And the best news? You don’t have to break the bank for this healthy ceramic non-stick griddle. This GreenLife pan is very affordable.

Users were overall very pleased with their GreenLife Griddles. As mentioned previously, there were some mixed reviews regarding the cooking surface. But several people had success with making french toast, pancakes, and more.

Pros

  • Non-stick ceramic coating
  • Heats quickly
  • Stay-cool soft-grip handle
  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Oven-safe to 350°F (180°C)
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Handle is short
  • Not compatible with induction
  • Complaints of non-stick peeling or scratching
Six best griddle pans

Best Griddle Pan: The Last Word

My favorite pan? The Lodge Round Cast Iron Griddle Pan is tough to beat in terms of value and long-lasting durability. It’s not flashy, but it will turn out excellent results, time and time again.

If you absolutely want a non-stick pan for low-maintenance cooking and easy cleanup, I would go with the Greenlife Ceramic Griddle. It has glowing reviews, uses healthy non-stick and gets you the best bang for your buck.

For more information on GreenLife products, check out my Greenlife Cookware Review.