Imagine flipping perfect, golden-brown pancakes or searing juicy burgers right on your stovetop. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it? Many home cooks dream of that restaurant-quality sizzle and consistent heat, but choosing the right stove top griddle can feel like navigating a maze.
There are so many choices out there! Some griddles are too small, others don’t heat evenly, and some are a pain to clean. You want a griddle that makes cooking fun and easy, not frustrating. You might be wondering which material is best, how to get that amazing sear, or even just how to keep your griddle in good shape for years to come.
Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about stove top griddles. We’ll explore different types, share tips for perfect cooking, and help you find the one that will transform your kitchen into a breakfast-and-burger paradise. Get ready to say goodbye to unevenly cooked food and hello to delicious, consistent results!
Our Top 5 Stove Top Griddle Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Stove Top Griddle Detailed Reviews
1. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle, your new best friend for all things cooking! This 9.5 x 16.75 inch cooking surface is pre-seasoned and ready for action. It has a flat side and a ribbed side, so you can cook almost anything. You can use it on your stove, grill, or even over a campfire. It’s made in the USA and built to last.
What We Like:
- This cookware is PFAS-free and non-toxic. It’s made with just iron and oil, so it’s safe for your family.
- The double-burner size means you have plenty of room to cook. You can make pancakes on one side and bacon on the other.
- It’s reversible! Use the grill side for juicy burgers or the griddle side for fluffy pancakes. It’s super versatile.
- You can use it anywhere! It works on your stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, and even over a campfire.
- It’s made in the USA by a family-owned business that’s been around since 1896. That means it’s high quality and built to last for generations.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron can be heavy, so it might be a bit challenging to move around.
- Proper seasoning and care are needed to keep cast iron in good condition. This takes a little extra effort.
This Lodge grill/griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. Its versatility and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for delicious meals, no matter where you’re cooking.
2. SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan for Stove Tops
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready to cook like a pro with the SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan! This 9.5-inch square grill pan is designed for all your indoor and outdoor cooking adventures. It’s perfect for making delicious meals with beautiful grill marks, no matter the weather.
What We Like:
- The nonstick coating is amazing! Food slides right off, making cooking and cleaning super easy. You just wipe it clean.
- It’s made of strong die-cast aluminum, so it won’t warp. The handle stays cool while you cook.
- This pan does it all: searing, sautéing, frying, and more. Cook steaks, chicken, or veggies with ease.
- It works on all stovetops, including gas, electric, induction, and glass. The base heats up evenly and fast.
- The raised ribs create awesome grill marks and keep grease away. Plus, the pour spouts make draining extra fats simple.
- It’s free from PFOA and PFOS, so you can cook with peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 9.5-inch size might be a bit small for cooking large meals for a family.
- While durable, the bakelite handle, though cool to the touch, might not be as heat-resistant as metal handles for very long, high-heat cooking.
This SENSARTE grill pan is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes healthy, flavorful cooking simple and enjoyable.
3. Lodge 20 x 10.44 Inch Pro-Grid Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – Double Burner Cookware
Rating: 9.0/10
The Lodge 20 x 10.44 Inch Pro-Grid Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is a real workhorse for your kitchen. This large, sturdy pan is perfect for cooking up a feast, whether you’re inside or out. It’s made from high-quality cast iron and comes pre-seasoned, meaning it’s ready to use right away.
What We Like:
- It’s completely PFAS-free and non-toxic, so you can cook with confidence.
- The reversible design gives you a grill on one side and a flat griddle on the other. This makes it super versatile for all sorts of meals.
- You can use it on any stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, or even over a campfire. It’s great for both indoor and outdoor adventures.
- It’s designed to cover two stovetop burners, giving you a lot of cooking space. You can cook different foods at the same time.
- Lodge has been making cookware for a long time, and this pan is proudly made in the USA. It’s built to last for many years.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cast iron can be heavy, so it might be a bit challenging to move around.
- It requires proper seasoning and care to maintain its non-stick surface and prevent rust.
This Lodge grill/griddle is a fantastic investment for anyone who loves to cook. Its durability and versatility make it a go-to item for countless meals.
4. GreenPan 18″ x 11″ Double Burner Griddle Pan
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready to cook up a storm with the GreenPan 18″ x 11″ Double Burner Griddle Pan. This tough and reliable griddle is designed to make your cooking easier and healthier. Its large surface area is perfect for feeding a crowd, and the nonstick coating means less scrubbing and more enjoying your delicious meals.
What We Like:
- Diamond-Infused Nonstick: The special coating is super strong and helps food cook evenly and slide right off.
- Toxin-Free Cooking: You can cook with confidence knowing there are no harmful chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium in the nonstick coating.
- Durable Build: This griddle is built to last with heavy-duty construction that heats up quickly and evenly.
- Spacious Cooking Area: The 18″ x 11″ size fits across two burners, giving you plenty of room for pancakes, bacon, or burgers for the whole family.
- Oven and Broiler Ready: You can easily move from the stovetop to the oven (up to 350°F) to finish cooking or keep food warm.
- Easy to Clean: It’s dishwasher safe, but most of the time, a simple wipe-down is all it takes to clean up messes.
- Comfortable Handles: The sturdy stainless steel handles give you a good grip while you’re cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not for Induction Cooktops: This griddle won’t work on induction stoves, so double-check your cooktop type.
This GreenPan griddle is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love to cook for a crowd. Its healthy nonstick surface and durable design make cooking and cleanup a breeze.
5. Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Rectangular Grill/Griddle
Rating: 9.3/10
The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Rectangular Grill/Griddle is a versatile cooking tool for your kitchen. Its large size, measuring 20 x 10.39 inches, gives you plenty of space to cook. This grill/griddle is made of cast iron, which is known for heating food evenly and keeping it warm for a long time. It comes already seasoned, so you can start cooking right away. You can flip it over to use either the grill side or the griddle side, giving you lots of cooking options.
What We Like:
- The grill and griddle sides offer great cooking flexibility.
- Cast iron heats food evenly and stays hot.
- It’s oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The handles are designed for easy and safe carrying.
- The large cooking surface is great for family meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Pre-seasoned cast iron does not mean it’s non-stick, so food might stick if not used carefully.
- It requires hand washing only, not dishwasher safe.
- You must always use hot-pads or oven mitts when handling it, as it gets very hot.
This grill/griddle is a sturdy and practical addition to any home chef’s collection. It’s a great way to enjoy grilling and griddling indoors or outdoors.
Your Guide to the Best Stove Top Griddle
Are you ready to bring diner-style cooking into your own kitchen? A stove top griddle is your secret weapon for perfectly seared steaks, fluffy pancakes, and crispy bacon. This guide will help you choose the right one.
1. Key Features to Look For
Size Matters
Think about how much food you usually cook. Griddles come in different sizes. Some are big enough to cook breakfast for a whole family. Others are smaller and fit on just one burner. Make sure the griddle you choose fits on your stove top and is big enough for your needs.
Even Heating
The best griddles heat up evenly. This means your food cooks the same all over. No more burnt edges and undercooked middles! Look for griddles that promise even heat distribution. Some have special designs to help with this.
Non-Stick Surface
A good non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning much easier. Food slides right off. This is especially helpful for delicate items like eggs or fish. Check reviews to see how well the non-stick coating holds up over time.
Drip Channels or Grease Traps
If you cook a lot of bacon or fatty meats, a drip channel is a lifesaver. It collects grease and keeps it away from your food. This means healthier meals and less mess on your stove.
Handles
Look for sturdy, comfortable handles. They should stay cool while you’re cooking so you don’t burn yourself. Some griddles have handles that attach, while others have them built-in.
2. Important Materials
Cast Iron
Cast iron is a classic choice. It heats up slowly but holds heat very well. This gives you a great sear. Cast iron griddles are very durable and can last a lifetime. They need to be seasoned and cared for properly to prevent rust.
Aluminum
Aluminum griddles are usually lighter and heat up faster than cast iron. Many aluminum griddles have a non-stick coating. They are a good option for everyday use.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel griddles are strong and don’t react with food. They can be a bit harder to clean if food sticks. Some have a non-stick coating to help with this.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Thickness
A thicker griddle will heat more evenly. Thin griddles can get hot spots and cook unevenly. Look for griddles with a good weight to them.
Construction
How the griddle is made matters. A well-constructed griddle will be flat and sturdy. Poor construction can lead to warping or uneven heating.
Coating Durability
If your griddle has a non-stick coating, check how durable it is. A coating that flakes off quickly will reduce the quality of your griddle and your cooking experience.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Easy Cleaning
A good griddle should be easy to clean. Non-stick surfaces and removable grease traps make this much simpler. Nobody wants to spend a long time scrubbing after a meal.
Versatility
You can cook so many things on a griddle! Pancakes, eggs, bacon, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and even stir-fries are possible. A good griddle is a versatile tool in the kitchen.
Even Cooking
The best user experience comes from a griddle that cooks food evenly. This leads to delicious results every time and makes cooking more enjoyable.
Durability
A quality griddle should last for years. Cast iron griddles are known for their longevity. Well-made aluminum or stainless steel griddles can also be very durable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best material for a stove top griddle?
A: Cast iron is often considered the best for its even heating and durability. Aluminum with a good non-stick coating is also a popular and practical choice.
Q: How do I clean a stove top griddle?
A: For non-stick griddles, gentle scrubbing with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water is usually best. For cast iron, avoid soap and use a stiff brush or scraper, then re-season it.
Q: Can I use a stove top griddle on any type of stove?
A: Most stove top griddles work on gas and electric stoves. Always check the product description to be sure, especially for induction cooktops.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking to my griddle?
A: Ensure the griddle is properly preheated. If it’s a non-stick griddle, avoid using metal utensils. For cast iron, make sure it’s well-seasoned.
Q: How big should my griddle be?
A: Consider how many people you usually cook for and the size of your burners. A griddle that covers two burners is common for family meals.
Q: What is the benefit of a drip channel?
A: A drip channel collects excess grease from cooking fatty foods, leading to healthier meals and less mess on your stove.
Q: Can I put my griddle in the dishwasher?
A: It’s generally not recommended to put most griddles, especially cast iron or those with non-stick coatings, in the dishwasher, as it can damage them.
Q: How do I season a cast iron griddle?
A: Seasoning involves coating the griddle with oil and heating it to create a non-stick layer. This process should be repeated a few times.
Q: Are griddles good for cooking pancakes?
A: Yes, griddles are excellent for pancakes because their large, flat surface allows you to cook many pancakes at once evenly.
Q: What’s the difference between a griddle and a frying pan?
A: A griddle has a large, flat surface, ideal for cooking multiple items at once. A frying pan has raised sides, better for flipping and containing foods.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!