A stovetop griddle is one of the most versatile cooking tools to have in the kitchen. It has a flat surface that is ideal for eggs, pancakes, and burgers, among others. They are compact, multifunctional, and easy to store. If you are looking for the best stovetop griddles, read on and learn from some of our recommendations.
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Our Top 8 Picks for the Best Stovetop Griddles
Clueless about the stovetop griddle to buy? Here is a rundown of the top products to consider, as well as their pros and cons.
#1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.75 Inch x 9.5 Inch, Black
The brand name alone is already one of the most compelling reasons to choose this stovetop griddle. It lives up to the company’s reputation.
It stands out because of its cast iron construction. Some people might find it to be quite heavy. The added weight, however, is a good thing. It means that the griddle uses solid materials, which is also indicative of longevity.
The use of cast iron is beneficial not just for durability but also for heat retention and distribution. It heats quickly and efficiently. Even better, it distributes heat evenly, so you can cook your food consistently, minimizing the chances of having burnt parts.
Another thing that many people loved about this product is its reversible design, making it a multifunctional addition to any kitchen. You can use it both as a grill and griddle. One side has lines, which are useful for having sear or grill marks on whatever you are cooking.
It is also worth noting the design of the handles. There are handles on each side, making it easy to put them on and off your stove. Take note, however, that the handles get extremely hot, so make sure to not hold them directly.
When you receive the griddle, it comes pre-seasoned. This means that it is ready to use. It is seasoned with 1% vegetable oil. Nonetheless, some might not like how over the course of its lifetime, you will need regular re-seasoning. This is vital for maintaining its non-stick properties.
Pros:
- Made by a reputable company
- Tough construction for many years of use
- Excellent heat retention
Cons:
- Needs regular seasoning
#2. Lodge Carbon Steel Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, 18-inch , Black
If you need a griddle with ample cooking space to cook just about anything from pilaf to pancakes, then you can’t go wrong with this model. The Lodge Carbon Steel Griddle is one of the best stovetop griddles from this brand.
This unit is a perfect choice for people looking to use their griddle for camp, home or professional use. Crafted using cast iron, Lodge Carbon Steel Griddle is designed to serve your purpose for many years to come.
More so, it comes pre-seasoned with the manufacturer’s proprietary vegetable oil that guarantees easy food release and gets better with use. Its sturdy construction features a heavy 12 gauge carbon steel that makes this product versatile and highly effective cookware.
This product works well with a two-burner home stove, outdoor cooking pits, or camp stoves. Thanks to its well-thought design, this unit is easy to clean with hot water. Sadly, this product is not compatible with induction cooktops.
Pros:
- Easy to clean and maintain
- 12 gauge carbon steel
- Withstands extreme heat
- Quick heat up and impressive heat retention
Cons:
- Tends to warp
#3. Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle, 10″ x 18″, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle is another decent choice for people looking to entertain a large group of people or make breakfast for a big family. This griddle is suitable for preparing anything from fish filets to sauteed vegetables to stacks of pancakes.
This model features a Tri-ply construction with a brushed stainless exterior which guarantees the griddles is suitable for your induction stovetop. Also, the pure aluminium core provides you with quick heat up and better heat retention.
More importantly, it comes with the Heat Surround technology that offers a uniform heat distribution along the cookware’s sidewalls and bottom. Further, the Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle has Cool Grip handles riveted with stainless steel for safe and easy handling on the stovetop.
That’s not all: the griddle has a drip-free pouring rim that helps lock your food’s nutrients and moisture for more flavorful, healthier results.
Pros:
- Optimal heat conduction and retention
- Hard anodized exterior
- Dishwasher safe
- Ideal for use with induction cooktops
Cons:
- Heat distribution could be even
#4. Griddle-Q GQ230 Stainless Steel Griddle
The main material of this stovetop griddle is stainless steel. It is lighter compared to cast iron, which makes it a great alternative if you do not want a heavy griddle. Another good thing about the material is that it eliminates the need for seasoning while guaranteeing an exceptional performance.
It has many intelligent design features that make the stovetop grill user-friendly. For instance, it has a full-width well, which is responsible for catching grease and minimizing mess. There is also a generous sidewall. Plus, it comes with a cross-bracing, which is beneficial when it comes to even heat distribution.
The limited lifetime warranty that the manufacturer offers is another good reason to choose this stovetop griddle. The latter shows how confident they are of the overall quality and longevity of the product.
However, some people might not like its price. It is one of the most expensive on this list, so it isn’t for people on a budget. Nonetheless, the price is justifiable given the performance that you can expect from this product.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction eliminates the need for seasoning
- Has a well for catching grease when cooking
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
#5. Legend Cast Iron Griddle for Gas Stove
Many things make this a legendary griddle, including its versatility. It is a great investment because it replaces different things in the kitchen. With this griddle, you can bake, grill, sear, and fry, among other things. Plus, it also doubles as a serving tray.
This 20-inch griddle is made of cast iron, an impressive material that you will find in most of the griddles in the market. It is a bit heavy but tough. Plus, it comes with two handles on both sides, so handling the griddle is effortless despite its weight.
When you take the griddle out of the packaging, it is already 100% pre-seasoned. This means that it is ready to use with its vegetable seasoning. It does not use synthetic chemicals and coatings. The seasoning is also designed to be better the longer you use the griddle.
The smooth and scratch-resistant finish is also a plus. This makes it easier to keep the griddle looking good even after years of use.
Nonetheless, one of the most common complaints about this cast iron griddle is that it is difficult to clean. Pack a lot of patience, but make sure that you pay attention to its regular care and maintenance.
Pros:
- Versatile cooking functions
- Durable cast iron construction
- Arrives 100% pre-seasoned
Cons:
- Difficult to clean
#6. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Hard Anodized Non-stick Griddle
When it comes to kitchen equipment, Cuisinart is an unrivaled name. Unsurprisingly, their stovetop griddle makes it on our list. It has a hard anodized exterior, which the company believes to be tougher than stainless steel. No wonder, this griddle will withstand the test of time.
Another feature that we love in this griddle is the Quantanium non-stick exterior. It is an internally reinforced titanium, making sure that food will not stick on the surface as you cook. This will also simplify cleaning, since there are no hard deposits to deal with.
It is also well-loved because of the riveted handle. Made of stainless steel, they make it a breeze to get the griddle on and off the stove. Best of all, they stay cool to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about burning your hand. The ergonomic design is also a good thing.
Another great design feature is the tapered rim. This way, you can pour liquid out of the griddle without dripping. This is also a great way to keep the cooking area mess-free.
The biggest drawback of this griddle is that the surface can be prone to warping, especially if you often use it in high heat. This is quite frustrating as we have high expectations from Cuisinart products.
Pros:
- Tough hard anodized exterior
- Comes with an innovative non-stick coating
- Has ergonomic handles that stay cool to the touch
Cons:
- Prone to warping
#7. Viking Culinary Double Burner Anodized Nonstick Griddle
Wrapping up our list is another high-end product that can easily discourage many people because of its price. Nonetheless, we recommend that you pay attention to quality over cost, and for sure, you will have no regrets.
The griddle has a heavy-gauged aluminum construction, which makes it lightweight compared to those made of cast iron or stainless steel. Despite keeping the weight to a minimum, the longevity is never compromised. The material is also incredible because of its even heat distribution. This way, all portions of your food are cooked consistently. Plus, we love how you can use metal utensils on this griddle without worrying of scratches and damages.
With its triple-layer non-stick coating, you can cook food easily. Whatever it is that you are cooking, it won’t stick on the surface. This also means that it will be easy to clean. Plus, the coating does not contain PFOA. It is free of toxic chemicals that can get in your food and harm your health.
More so, it has cast steel handles that are designed for your comfort. It has a large opening, so you can grab it easily, even when you are wearing mitts. Plus, the design of the handle makes it easy to balance the griddle.
One more thing that we love in this stovetop griddle is the double-sided pouring nozzle. This will make it easy to pour oil and other liquids out of the griddle. Since it is lightweight and well-balanced, you will not have problems tilting the griddle.
Depending on personal preferences, some people like to have sear marks on their food, especially in steaks. However, this model does not have lines for that.
Pros:
- Made of lightweight but durable aluminum
- Comes with a triple-layer non-stick coating
- Has ergonomic cast steel handles
Cons:
- No sear marks
#8. Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle, Two Burner 14″ Cooking Accessory, Cooking Dimensions: 14 in. x 32 in
If you need a flat top griddle to make a quick breakfast for your big family or lunch for the hungriest of crowds, then the Camp Chef Professional Fry Griddle might be just what you need. This product sits right on two burners and features robust construction that guarantees even heat distribution that reduces hot spots when cooking.
This model features a convenient grease drain and restaurant-style high sides to make cooking and cleaning stress-free. It comes pre-seasoned with “True Seasoned Finish” that guarantees the griddle is ready to use.
Its extra-large cooking space is enough to handle cooking for a large crowd. It covers two burners and features heavy-duty steel construction for even heat distribution and excellent retention. More importantly, it has a convenient carry handle for a smooth transition.
Pros:
- Large cooking surface
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Convenient carry handle
- Built-in grease drain for a mess-free cooking experience
Cons:
- Food release performance could be more impressive
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Stovetop Griddle
With too many options for the best stovetop griddles, making the right choice can be a tricky decision. To help you out, below are some of the crucial considerations.
Material
The most important is perhaps the material that is used, which is indicative of the overall performance and quality. Aluminum, cast iron, carbon steel, and chrome steel are some of the most common materials that are available. Cast iron is perfect for those who are after longevity, but it can be heavy. If you are looking for a lightweight alternative, then you should go for anodized aluminum.
Coating
Aside from the main material, a non-stick coating is also a must. This will enhance the cooking area of the stovetop griddle, making sure that food will not stick on the surface. More so, this is also essential for making cleaning a breeze.
Handles
Putting the griddle on and off the stove should be easy and comfortable. With this, pay attention to the design of the handles. They should be large and ergonomic, making them effortless to hold.
Size
The right size depends on your needs. If you often cook for one or two people, then a small griddle will be more than enough. On the other hand, if you are a large household or if you often host parties at home, then you might want to grab a bigger one.
Versatility
While it is called a stovetop griddle, it does not mean that you can use it solely on a stove. For the best bang for the buck, look for one that is also oven-safe. Look at the maximum temperature that it can handle to determine compatibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about stovetop griddles? We’ll answer some of them below.
How Do You Clean a Stovetop Griddle?
The best way to clean a stovetop griddle is to use warm and soapy water. This will soften the dirt and food particles that accumulate on the surface. Use non-abrasive materials when scrubbing the griddle.
What Can I Cook in a Stovetop Griddle?
The sky’s the limit when it comes to what to cook in a stovetop griddle. Some of the best include burger patties, pancakes, eggs, steaks, bacon, veggies, hash browns, and sausages.
How Do You Use a Stovetop Griddle?
Using a stovetop griddle is pretty straightforward. Start by wiping the surface with a paper towel, making sure it is clean. Put it on the top of a stove and reposition for it to be flat and stable. Turn the heat on once you are ready. Once the surface is hot, you can start cooking.
Conclusion
Suppose you’re in the market for a large-sized stovetop griddle that can be used on your kitchen table or countertop.
In that case, you can’t go wrong with Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle. This product heats up quickly with excellent heat distribution. Also, it’s easy to clean and maintain.
But if you want a more stylish griddle, try the Cuisinart Double Burner Griddle. It has a nonstick finish and ample cooking space to handle serving a hungry crowd. Nonetheless, any of the products on our list will serve your purpose for many years to come.
[…] looks very much like a frying pan. It is usually round with a flat bottom and shallow sides. A griddle, on the other hand, is usually rectangular with more generous cooking space compared to a skillet. […]