The 5 Best Griddle Pans for Home Chefs
One of my most essential tools in the kitchen is the griddle pan. They have a huge surface area, which makes them ideal for flipping pancakes, searing steaks, and going into grilled cheese mass production during the lunch rush. I’ve assembled my favorite grill pans, best for all of these occasions.
Best for Searing - Lodge 20”x10” Reversible Skillet
This is the most versatile griddle out there. I place Lodge over the grates of my gas grill, let it get ripping hot, then sear everything from steaks, to salmon filets and zucchini. Weighing in at 13.5 LBS, the Lodge is made from heavy-duty cast iron which holds heat really well, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding the pan, and losing that perfect crust. After using this for over 10 years, I HIGHLY recommend this pan to anyone trying to break into the cast iron game
Best for Camping/ Cooking Over Fire - Made In 20”x10” Carbon Steel Griddle
Another favorite of mine is the Made in Carbon Steel Griddle. A signature of the up and coming, chef tested brand, the carbon steel shares similar properties to cast iron in it’s ability to withstand high-heat. It is also naturally non-stick when treated properly. One difference is the weight. It is just 10 LBS compared to the Lodge’s 13.5 LBS. This means that it is more portable, and heats up faster. I love to use my Made In when cooking over a fire. The raised handles make it easy to manuever when hot, and subtle lip keeps in oils. Plus, you can also buy a special stand and cover to make the ideal camp kitchen.
Best Non-Stick Griddle - Cuisinart 18”x10” Skillet
If you’re making pancakes, and worrying about stick-age, the Cuisinart non-stick skillet is the way to go. Made with a Triple Ply Construction, it features a core of pure aluminum and a brushed stainless exterior, meaning it will last a long time, and distribute heat very well. The one drawback of non-stick. If you plan to use this over high-heat, I’d opt for another material, but for cooking over medium heat, this will do the trick!
Best Electric Griddle -Presto Cool Touch Griddle
If you’re looking for an electric griddle, the Presto is a surefire bet. It is SUPER lightweight, heats up fast, and safe. This is a perfect option for pancake parties, teaching your kids to cook, or any time you need to whip up a whole lot of grilled cheese!
Best for Outdoor Hibachi - Blackstone 28” Gas Griddle
You’ve probably seen hibachi nights popping up all over social media. While they look cool, At over $100/person with mediocre food, why don’t you consider hosting your own? Try out the Blackstone. Constructed similar to a gas grill, the blackstone has a griddle where a traditional grill would have grates. This makes it perfect for fried rice, beef teriyaki and onion volcanoes. Also, this is a great option for slinging crispy smash burgers!
