Imagine the perfect sizzle of bacon, the golden crust on a burger, or the fluffy texture of pancakes all cooked on one amazing surface. That’s the magic of a griddle! But when it comes to choosing the right steel for your griddle, it can feel like a puzzle. So many types exist, and each one promises the best cooking experience. It’s easy to get confused about which steel will give you the tastiest results and last the longest.
Picking the wrong steel can lead to sticky food, uneven cooking, and a griddle that doesn’t heat up properly. You want a surface that’s easy to clean and makes your food taste incredible. This guide is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore the different types of steel used for griddles and explain what makes each one special.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand the key differences and know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the pros and cons so you can confidently choose the best steel for your griddle and start cooking up a storm. Let’s get started on finding your perfect cooking companion!
Our Top 5 Steel For Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Steel For Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Lodge CRSGR18 Carbon Steel Griddle
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the Lodge CRSGR18 Carbon Steel Griddle! This big, 18-inch griddle is built tough and ready for anything you can cook up. It’s perfect for making breakfast for the whole family, searing steaks, or even cooking over a campfire.
What We Like:
- It gets super hot, which is awesome for getting a perfect brown and sear on your food.
- The thick carbon steel heats up fast and stays hot, so your food cooks evenly.
- This griddle is built to last for many, many years.
- You can use it almost anywhere – in the oven, on your stove, on the grill, or even outside over a campfire.
- It comes already seasoned with oil, giving you a natural surface that makes food release easily and gets even better with more use.
- It’s made right here in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be hand-washed and dried right away, then rubbed with oil to keep it in good shape.
- It’s a bit heavy, so it might not be the best for carrying long distances.
This Lodge griddle is a workhorse that will help you create delicious meals for years to come. It’s a fantastic addition to any kitchen or outdoor cooking setup.
2. LITTLE GRIDDLE Sizzle-Q SQ180 100% Stainless Steel Universal Griddle with Even Heating Cross Bracing for Charcoal/Gas Grills
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to transform your grilling game with the LITTLE GRIDDLE Sizzle-Q SQ180! This awesome 100% stainless steel griddle is like a portable kitchen for your grill. It’s perfect for making everything from pancakes and bacon to veggies and burgers, no matter where you are. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just having a party in your backyard, the Sizzle-Q makes grilling easy and fun.
What We Like:
- It’s made of super strong, 100% restaurant-grade stainless steel, so it will last a long time.
- The special grease trough stops messy flare-ups and keeps your food cooking cleanly.
- Raised side walls stop food from falling off or splattering, making cleanup a breeze.
- It heats up evenly, so your food cooks perfectly all over, saving you time.
- It fits almost any gas grill, making it super versatile for all your adventures.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it fits most gas grills, double-checking your grill’s dimensions is a good idea before buying.
- The size, while generous, might be a bit large for very small portable grills.
The Little Griddle Sizzle-Q SQ180 is a fantastic addition to any griller’s toolkit. It’s durable, easy to use, and makes cooking outside a joy.
3. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle! This sturdy, black cast iron cooktop is designed to make your cooking easier and more delicious. It’s built tough and ready for any meal, whether you’re whipping up breakfast or grilling dinner.
What We Like:
- It’s safe to use because it’s PFAS-free and non-toxic.
- You can cook a lot at once because it’s big enough for two burners.
- It’s super versatile with a flat griddle side and a ribbed grill side.
- You can use it on your stove, in the oven, on a grill, or even over a campfire.
- It’s made in the USA by a family business that’s been around since 1896.
- It gets hot and stays hot, giving you great cooking results.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron can be heavy, so moving it might be a workout.
- It needs proper care to prevent rust and keep it seasoned.
This Lodge grill/griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering great performance and durability for all your cooking adventures.
4. Made In Cookware – Carbon Steel Griddle + Grill Press – (Like Cast Iron
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready to level up your cooking with the Made In Cookware Carbon Steel Griddle and Grill Press. This set is like the best of both worlds, combining the great heat-holding power of cast iron with the quick heating and lighter feel of stainless steel. It’s built tough and can handle super high heat, so it’s made to last for many years. You can use it anywhere – on your stove, the grill, or even over an open fire. Plus, it works on induction stoves! Chefs everywhere love it because it gives meats and veggies a fantastic sear and gets better with use, becoming naturally non-stick.
What We Like:
- It’s a fantastic hybrid, offering cast iron’s heat retention and stainless steel’s responsiveness.
- Super durable, it can handle extreme heat and will last for a very long time.
- Versatile for use on stovetops, grills, open flames, and induction cooktops.
- It creates amazing sears and develops a natural non-stick surface with proper care.
- Professionally crafted in Sweden with high-quality materials.
- The grill press is perfect for getting those great grill marks and ensuring even cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires seasoning to achieve its best non-stick properties, which takes a little effort.
- While lighter than cast iron, it’s still a substantial piece of cookware.
This Made In set is an excellent investment for anyone who loves to cook and wants professional results at home. It’s a versatile and durable addition to any kitchen.
5. Large Carbon Steel Griddle for Outdoor Gas Grill
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to become a culinary master with this Large Carbon Steel Griddle! It’s designed to work on almost any heat source, from your outdoor gas grill to your kitchen stove and even the oven. Plus, it comes with a handy grill press to help you cook your food perfectly every time.
What We Like:
- Super versatile: Use it on gas grills, induction cooktops, electric stoves, ovens, and even campfires!
- Durable and strong: Made from high-quality carbon steel that can handle super high heat.
- Heats evenly: Carbon steel conducts heat better than cast iron, so your food cooks consistently.
- Comes with a grill press: This helps you get a great sear on your meats and cook them faster.
- Large cooking surface: The 19.6″ x 10.5″ size lets you cook lots of food at once.
- Safe cooking surface: The nitride coating is safe even at high temperatures and gets better with use and care.
- Long-lasting: With proper care and seasoning, this griddle can last for many years.
- 12-month warranty: Offers peace of mind if you have any issues.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires care: Carbon steel needs to be dried and seasoned regularly to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface.
This griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen or outdoor cooking setup. It’s built to last and offers amazing cooking flexibility.
Choosing the Best Steel for Your Griddle
Griddle cooking is a fantastic way to whip up delicious meals, from breakfast favorites to savory dinners. The heart of any great griddle is its cooking surface, and the steel used makes a big difference. This guide will help you pick the perfect steel for your griddle.
Key Features to Look For
1. Thickness Matters
Thicker steel heats more evenly. It also holds heat better. This means fewer hot spots and more consistent cooking. Look for steel that is at least 1/4 inch thick. Thinner steel can warp with heat. It can also lead to unevenly cooked food.
2. Surface Finish
A smooth surface is easier to clean. It also helps prevent food from sticking. Some griddles have a polished finish. Others might have a brushed finish. Both can work well, but a really smooth surface is often preferred.
3. Durability and Longevity
You want steel that will last. Good quality steel resists rust and corrosion. It should also be strong enough to withstand high heat. This ensures your griddle stays in great shape for years.
Important Materials
1. Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a popular choice for griddles. It heats up quickly and gets very hot. It also develops a natural non-stick coating called seasoning over time. This seasoning improves with use. Carbon steel is strong and durable.
2. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is known for its rust resistance. It’s also easy to clean. However, stainless steel doesn’t always heat as evenly as carbon steel. It can also be more prone to sticking if not properly seasoned or oiled.
3. Cast Iron
Cast iron is another excellent material for griddles. It heats very evenly and retains heat well. Like carbon steel, it needs to be seasoned. Cast iron is very heavy. It can also be prone to rust if not cared for properly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Steel Better:
- Thick Gauge: As mentioned, thicker steel is better for even heating.
- Proper Seasoning: A well-seasoned surface is key for non-stick cooking.
- High-Quality Steel Grade: Certain grades of steel are more resistant to warping and rust.
What Makes Steel Worse:
- Thin Gauge: Leads to hot spots and uneven cooking.
- Poor or No Seasoning: Causes food to stick and makes cleaning difficult.
- Low-Quality Steel: More likely to rust, warp, or pit over time.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Use
A good griddle steel makes cooking enjoyable. It should heat up quickly and evenly. Cleaning should also be straightforward. A well-seasoned surface makes flipping burgers or pancakes a breeze.
Versatility
Steel griddles are incredibly versatile. You can cook almost anything on them. Breakfast items like eggs and bacon are perfect. Smash burgers, stir-fries, and even grilled cheese sandwiches cook up beautifully. They are great for outdoor cooking and camping.
Maintenance
Different steels require different care. Carbon steel and cast iron need regular seasoning. They also need to be dried thoroughly to prevent rust. Stainless steel is generally easier to maintain but still benefits from proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of steel for a griddle?
A: Carbon steel is often considered the best. It heats evenly and develops a great non-stick surface with seasoning.
Q: How thick should griddle steel be?
A: Aim for at least 1/4 inch thickness for good heat distribution.
Q: Does stainless steel rust on a griddle?
A: High-quality stainless steel is rust-resistant. However, it can still rust if not properly cared for, especially in damp conditions.
Q: How do I season my steel griddle?
A: You typically apply a thin layer of cooking oil and heat the griddle. Repeat this process several times to build up a non-stick layer.
Q: Will my griddle steel warp?
A: Thinner steel is more likely to warp. Thicker, good-quality steel is more resistant to warping.
Q: Is cast iron better than carbon steel for griddles?
A: Both are excellent. Cast iron holds heat exceptionally well. Carbon steel heats up a bit faster and is often lighter.
Q: Can I cook acidic foods on a steel griddle?
A: It’s best to avoid cooking highly acidic foods for long periods on unseasoned carbon steel or cast iron. They can strip away the seasoning.
Q: How do I clean my steel griddle after cooking?
A: While the griddle is still warm, scrape off food bits. You can use a scraper or stiff brush. Avoid soap on seasoned surfaces, as it can remove the seasoning.
Q: What is seasoning?
A: Seasoning is a layer of polymerized oil that builds up on the cooking surface. It makes the griddle non-stick and protects it from rust.
Q: How often should I re-season my griddle?
A: You should re-season your griddle if you notice sticking or rust. Regular cooking with oil will help maintain the seasoning.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!