{"id":11613,"date":"2021-04-19T01:51:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-19T01:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ceramiccookwarehub.com\/?p=11613"},"modified":"2022-09-05T06:31:13","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T06:31:13","slug":"best-cast-iron-griddle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ceramiccookwarehub.com\/best-cast-iron-griddle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Season a Cast Iron Griddle & Get the Best Results"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
So you’ve just bought a new cast iron griddle. Cast iron is a good choice in cookware <\/a>because it will last you a lifetime. Here\u2019s what you need to know to get the best cooking results from your cast iron griddle for longer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \n <\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n A cast iron griddle is a shallow pan with (or without) ribbing on the cooking surface. It differs to a skillet in that it has only a small lip around the edge. It can be round, square or rectangular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They come in a range of options…<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are durable…<\/p>\n\n\n\n I covered how to properly clean cast iron, in this article, we’ll look at seasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most cast iron griddles come already seasoned (though they’ll need redoing along the way).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some griddles won’t come seasoned, and you will need to do this yourself before first use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t feel overwhelmed by the idea of having to season your griddle. The process is fairly straightforward and there’s much to be gained from a cast iron griddle in top shape. Read on for the steps before first use (or for its rejuvenation)… <\/p>\n\n\n\n Any cooking oil<\/a> will do for the seasoning effect you\u2019re seeking. Durable ones include flaxseed, sunflower, and soybean oils, all of which are said to oxidize at a faster rate to create the seal you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining the seasoning is part of care needed for cast iron cookware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simply spray on after each clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep cast iron cookware in top condition, seasoning is important. This product by US company, Lodge, will make that a breeze…<\/p>\n\n\n\n It has no additives, no propellants<\/em>, is made in the US, and is 100% canola oil – easy as!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cast iron griddles are versatile and robust. You can use them indoors and out. The low sides make them perfect for flipping food, such as pancakes, eggs, or burgers…much easier than in using a skillet or frying pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the UK, people traditionally use griddles for scones, bread, crumpets, and pancakes. In the US and other parts of the world (inc. the UK) today, people use griddles for a wide variety of foods, including the cooking of meats, seafood, veggies, and even pizzas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s an incomplete list of what you can enjoy from a griddle… <\/p>\n\n\n\n See also the best things to cook on cast iron<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may take a bit of getting used to, if you aren’t familiar with cooking with cast iron. Cast iron heats slower than conventional cookware but it will heat evenly throughout and maintain that heat for longer. It will also remain hot for a fair amount of time after withdrawing it from its heat source. (It’ll keep the food warm for longer.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits are that you won’t have hot or cold spots when cooking steaks, chicken, or fish and your food will cook all the way through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just be careful not to burn or overcook the food. It can be easy to set the heat on very high longer than necessary. It won’t hurt the pan because cast iron can handle extremely high heat, but unless you enjoy overly-charred food, it’s best to avoid it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The ‘seasoning’ of cast iron cookware creates a surface film that’s virtually nonstick, allowing you to flip or remove the food without it sticking to the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These virtual non-stick<\/a> characteristics will last the life of the griddle given it remains seasoned. This outdoes the coating of nonstick cookware, which deteriorates with use over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use metal, bamboo, wood, and silicone spatulas, tongs, forks, and eggs flippers with cast iron cookware. No plastic<\/strong>. I don’t recommend plastic accessories as part of these essential tools <\/a>as they tend to melt with high heat and cast iron cookware can sustain very high heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because cast iron holds the heat, it’s important that you protect your hands when handling the griddle. Use an oven mit or something similar to avoid getting burnt. Some, like the Lodge reversible griddle shown below, have openings especially to hook an accessory into to lift the griddle off the heat source. Otherwise, leave it in place until it has cooled sufficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With cast iron griddles and pans, there are simple steps to ensure your pan performs well over a lifetime of use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most items you value, you won’t want to jeopardise the performance of your cookware by how you clean or store it. I wrote about how to clean cast iron<\/a> — using salt and other methods. And, also about that black residue that forms on cast iron cookware<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, I’ve put together a section to help you with seasoning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This guide provides my best tips for keeping a griddle looking and performing well…<\/p>\n\n\n\n After using the griddle…<\/p>\n\n\n\n I certainly do not recommend using a dishwasher<\/strong> to clean cast iron cookware including these griddles. The dishwasher detergents are too harsh and corrosive and you’ll harm the seal of a seasoned pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend a stiff nylon brush…<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following covers some popular buys to help you find that cast iron stovetop griddle, camping griddle, or for the outdoor gas grill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to use it for outdoor use or camping, a classic style is what most prefer, but then there are the reversible griddles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some griddles you can reverse and use the other side. They have a flat side and a side with raised ridges, making them more versatile than griddles with one sided use only. People use the flat side for pancakes and other ridged side for sausages and other meats and vegetables that they want to char-grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n What they look like? This top seller at Amazon: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill\/Griddle, 16.75″<\/a>, is what to expect with a reversible griddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are useful when camping or cooking outdoors because of their versatility. Their “double play” means you have one item for the purpose of two (saving space) and that’s why you’ll find these and others like them online at camping and outdoors<\/strong> suppliers: See the latest price at Camping World<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot of people choose Lodge cast iron cookware because it is made in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for<\/strong>: Pancakes, pancakes, quesadillas, and pizzas.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to season cast iron griddles <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-step how to season cast iron griddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use a medium-high heat source until the griddle is hot hot. Then remove.<\/li>
Use tongs to wipe the griddle over with several paper towels that have been drenched in two tablespoons of oil. Do this until the oil on the griddle smokes and no oily residue remains. It’s important to use tongs<\/span><\/em> to avoid burns. <\/li>
Leave it sit to cool on the stovetop or on a board or other means that protects your working surface from oil stains.<\/li>
Do it at least once more, or up to three to five times if you’re wanting an especially well seasoned griddle.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\nIt’s even more simple to do with this 1-step approach often…<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Recommended product<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Available at Amazon<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to cook on cast iron griddle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A griddle is versatile in the foods you can cook on it<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Heating and heat retention <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Virtually Non-Stick<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Tools and utensils<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Drawbacks of a cast iron griddle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Caring for your cast iron griddle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step by step on how to care for cast iron griddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use a paper towel or cloth to remove what you can.<\/li>
I like to soak it for a while to help with removing the burnt on bits, but if that’s not for you, move onto the next step.<\/li>
Scrub to remove the remaining grime. I add a smidgen of dish detergent to help but I recommend you avoid overdoing it to maintain the seasoning.<\/li>
Use a cloth or paper towel. A quick way to completely dry it is to sit it over medium-low heat until all signs of moisture disappear. <\/li>
Add a dab of oil and rub it over the griddle for a complete coverage that brings out the blackness of the griddle. This will stop it from oxidizing (rusting) on the surface and help retain a seasoned pan.<\/li>
Use a paper towel to remove any residue and then store the griddle away for next time.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Stiff brush with scraper and bamboo handle for cleaning cast iron skillet<\/a>
available at Amazon <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBest griddle pan options on the market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reversible griddles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Round and flat: Lodge Cast Iron Griddle – 10.5 Inch Cast Iron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n