Cast iron griddles outlast every nonstick pan you’ve ever owned, but picking the wrong size or style means uneven heating, awkward storage, or a pan that doesn’t fit your burners. After testing Lodge’s most popular griddle options – including the 16.75×9.5-inch reversible grill/griddle, the compact 10.5-inch round, and the larger 20×10.5-inch reversible model – we narrowed down exactly which one makes sense depending on how you cook and what you’re cooking on. Here’s what we found.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Key Features | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 16.75×9.5in |
|
8.5 ★★★★☆ | Read full review ↓ |
| 2 |
Lodge 10.5-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round Griddle |
|
8.5 ★★★★☆ | Read full review ↓ |
| 3 |
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 20×10.5in |
|
8.2 ★★★★☆ | Read full review ↓ |
| 4 |
Lodge 11-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Square Griddle |
|
8.2 ★★★★☆ | Read full review ↓ |
| 5 |
EWFEN 16.7×9.5in Reversible Cast Iron Grill Griddle |
|
7.8 ★★★★☆ | Read full review ↓ |
| 6 |
Amazon Basics Reversible Cast Iron Grill Griddle 20×10.6in |
|
7.8 ★★★★☆ | Read full review ↓ |
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 16.75×9.5in
This 16.75 by 9.5 inch reversible cast iron pan spans two burners and gives you a flat griddle on one side and raised grill grates on the other. At under $40, it handles everything from pancakes to seared steaks without synthetic coatings. Made in the USA and compatible with every heat source including induction and open campfire.
Key Features
- Spans two burners at 16.75 by 9.5 inches for large batch cooking
- Reversible design with flat griddle surface and raised grill grate side
- Pre-seasoned with oil, no PFAS or synthetic nonstick coatings
- Works on gas, electric, induction, oven, grill, and open campfire
- Made in the USA by a cast iron manufacturer with a long track record
✅ Pros
- Dual-sided design eliminates need for two separate pans
- Pre-seasoning works out of the box with no additional prep required
- Induction and campfire compatibility covers virtually every cooking scenario
- Under $40 price point for a full double-burner cast iron surface
❌ Cons
- At roughly 7 to 8 pounds, handling and storage require more effort than lighter pans
- Two-burner length can be unwieldy on single-burner or compact cooktops
Why We Chose It
The reversible design delivers two cooking surfaces in one piece of cookware, which directly cuts cost and cabinet space. Pre-seasoned cast iron at this price point from a domestic manufacturer is a strong value proposition that holds up against pricier competitors.
Perfect For
Home cooks who want one pan to handle both weekend pancake breakfasts and weeknight burger or steak searing without switching cookware.
Lodge 10.5-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Round Griddle
A 10.5-inch cast iron griddle that arrives pre-seasoned with oil and ready to cook on day one. At under $25, it handles everything from stovetop tortillas to campfire pancakes without synthetic coatings. Lodge has manufactured cast iron in the US since 1896, and this piece reflects that consistent build quality.
Key Features
- Arrives pre-seasoned with oil, usable immediately
- Thick cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly across surface
- Works on stovetop, oven, grill, and campfire
- Seasoned with oil only, no PFOA, PTFE, or PFAS coatings
✅ Pros
- Pre-seasoning is genuine and functional out of the box, not just a marketing claim
- 10.5-inch diameter fits standard burners and accommodates two to three pancakes at once
- No synthetic nonstick coating means it can handle high heat without degrading
- At $24.90, one of the lowest entry points into quality cast iron cookware
❌ Cons
- At roughly 5 pounds, it is heavier than comparable aluminum or stainless griddles
- Flat design with no pour spout means grease must be carefully managed on stovetop
Why We Chose It
Lodge delivers a no-coating, chemical-free cooking surface that improves with use rather than wearing down. The 10.5-inch format is practical for single-burner cooking without being oversized. Consistent manufacturing standards and wide availability of replacement seasoning products make long-term ownership straightforward.
Perfect For
Home cooks who want a durable, chemical-free griddle for everyday use from breakfast through outdoor grilling without spending more than $25.
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 20×10.5in
A 20 by 10.5 inch cast iron reversible plate that spans two burners and switches between a ridged grill surface and a flat griddle in seconds. Pre-seasoned with oil, it works on stovetops, ovens, and campfires without any synthetic coatings. At under $50, it delivers the cooking versatility of separate grill and griddle pans in a single piece of cookware.
Key Features
- Flips between ridged grill and flat griddle surfaces
- Spans two burners at 20 by 10.5 inches
- Reduces hot spots through cast iron heat retention
- Works on stovetop, oven, outdoor grill, and campfire
- Seasoned with oil only, no PFOA, PTFE, or PFAS
✅ Pros
- Dual-sided design eliminates need for two separate pans
- Cast iron holds heat longer than stainless or carbon steel
- No synthetic coatings means safer cooking at high temperatures
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use out of the box
❌ Cons
- Weighs significantly more than aluminum or stainless griddles, harder to maneuver
- Requires hand washing and drying to prevent rust
Why We Chose It
The reversible design gives cooks two distinct cooking surfaces at a price lower than most single-purpose cast iron griddles. Cast iron construction means it outlasts nonstick alternatives by decades with basic maintenance. The PFAS-free seasoning addresses a growing concern for buyers moving away from coated cookware.
Perfect For
Home cooks who regularly make both griddle foods like pancakes and eggs and grilled items like burgers or vegetables and want one pan that handles both tasks.
Lodge 11-Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Square Griddle
This 11-inch square griddle gives you more usable cooking surface than a round pan of the same diameter, making it practical for bacon strips, tortillas, and multiple eggs at once. It ships pre-seasoned with vegetable oil so you can cook on it immediately. At under $25, it delivers cast iron performance without the boutique price tag.
Key Features
- 11-inch square surface suits pancakes, eggs, tortillas, and bacon
- Works on stovetop, oven, grill, or open campfire
- Cast iron construction resists dents, warping, and thermal shock
- Seasoned with vegetable oil only, no synthetic coatings or chemicals
- Compatible with all heat sources including induction
✅ Pros
- Pre-seasoned surface works out of the box without extra prep
- Square shape maximizes flat cooking area versus a round skillet
- Seasoning improves with each use, building natural non-stick performance
- Under $25 makes it one of the lowest-cost cast iron griddles available
❌ Cons
- At roughly 4 to 5 pounds, it is heavy for single-handed maneuvering
- No pour spout or helper handle, which limits grease drainage
Why We Chose It
Lodge has manufactured cast iron in the US since 1896 and the factory seasoning process is consistent and reliable. The square format solves a real problem: fitting more food on the cooking surface compared to an 11-inch circle. This griddle is one of the few kitchen tools that genuinely improves with age rather than degrading.
Perfect For
Home cooks who want a low-cost, long-lasting flat cooking surface for breakfast foods, quesadillas, or campfire meals.
EWFEN 16.7×9.5in Reversible Cast Iron Grill Griddle
A 16.7 by 9.5 inch reversible cast iron griddle that gives you a ribbed grill side and a flat griddle side in one piece. At $21.99 it undercuts most comparable double-burner cast iron by a wide margin. Pre-seasoned from the factory, it works on gas, induction, oven, and open campfire without any extra prep.
Key Features
- PFOA and PTFE free, seasoned with pure iron and oil
- Ribbed side for meats, smooth side for eggs and pancakes
- Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat better than aluminum
- Compatible with gas, induction, oven, and campfire heat sources
- Smooth bottom edge will not scratch glass or ceramic cooktops
- After use, dry immediately and apply thin oil layer to prevent rust
- Not dishwasher safe, hand wash only required
✅ Pros
- Reversible design replaces two separate pans at a low price point
- 16.7 by 9.5 inches spans two burners for high-volume cooking
- Works on every heat source including induction and open campfire
- Pre-seasoned and ready to cook out of the box
- Cast iron construction improves nonstick performance with each use
❌ Cons
- At roughly 7 to 8 lbs estimated weight, maneuvering requires two hands
- Requires immediate hand drying and oiling after every wash to prevent rust
Why We Chose It
At $21.99 this griddle delivers the core benefits of cast iron, reversible cooking surfaces and full heat-source compatibility, without the premium price of established brands. The ribbed side produces actual grill marks and fat drainage that a flat pan cannot replicate. For budget-conscious cooks who want a lifetime piece of cookware, the value-to-durability ratio is hard to beat at this price.
Perfect For
Home cooks who want a single affordable pan that handles weekday pancakes and weekend steaks without buying two separate pieces of cookware.
Amazon Basics Reversible Cast Iron Grill Griddle 20×10.6in
A reversible cast iron panel that gives you a ribbed grill side and a flat griddle side in one piece. At under $40 it covers two stovetop cooking surfaces without doubling your storage footprint. Pre-seasoned out of the box, it works on gas, electric, and oven use up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Features
- Reversible design: ribbed grill side and flat griddle side
- Pre-seasoned cast iron, does not function as non-stick
- Oven safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Even heat distribution and retention across full surface
- Recessed side handles for safer pan movement
- Hand wash only, no dishwasher use
- Always use heat protection when handling on or off heat
✅ Pros
- Two cooking surfaces in one pan reduces cabinet clutter
- Cast iron retains heat well for consistent searing and browning
- Pre-seasoning saves time before first use
- Oven-safe to 500F makes it useful for broiling and finishing
- Low price point for full-size cast iron cookware
❌ Cons
- At roughly 10 pounds, the 20-inch length makes it awkward to maneuver one-handed
- Pre-seasoning layer is thin from factory and needs several uses before performing reliably
Why We Chose It
It covers a lot of cooking surface for the price and the reversible format is genuinely practical rather than a gimmick. Cast iron at this size holds heat evenly across the full 20-inch span, which matters when cooking for more than two people. The $39.92 price undercuts most single-purpose cast iron griddles of comparable size.
Perfect For
Home cooks who want a stovetop surface for pancakes, bacon, or grilled sandwiches without buying separate pans.
Expert Verdict: Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 16.75×9.5in
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 16.75×9.5in
The Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle earns its place in kitchens where space efficiency matters more than weight savings – one pan replaces a dedicated griddle and a grill pan, and the factory seasoning genuinely holds up from day one. At 8.5/10, it's a buy if you regularly cook for three or more people and have a two-burner gas or induction setup to accommodate its 16.75-inch span.
Buying Guide
How to choose the best cast iron griddle
Finding the best cast iron griddles comes down to a handful of measurable factors that most buyers overlook until after purchase. This guide walks you through exactly what to evaluate before spending money, covering size, seasoning, heat compatibility, and long-term maintenance reality.
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1
Measure Your Burner First
Cast iron griddles range from 10 inches to dual-burner models spanning 20 or more inches. Measure the usable surface of your stove grates before buying, since a griddle that rocks or overhangs unevenly will cook inconsistently and create a safety hazard.
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2
Choose Pre-Seasoned Or Bare
Pre-seasoned griddles from brands like Lodge ship with a factory coating that works immediately but improves significantly after several uses. Bare cast iron costs less and lets you build seasoning from scratch, but requires 3 to 4 dedicated seasoning sessions before it performs well with eggs or delicate foods.
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3
Check Your Heat Source Compatibility
Smooth glass-top and induction cooktops require a flat-bottomed griddle with no raised ridges on the bottom surface, otherwise you risk scratching the glass or getting no induction contact. Gas and coil electric burners accept ridged or uneven bases without issue.
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4
Evaluate Weight Against Your Use Case
A full-size cast iron griddle typically weighs between 8 and 15 pounds, which matters most when moving it from stove to oven or washing it in a sink. If you have wrist or grip limitations, or a small kitchen, prioritize single-burner models under 10 pounds rather than larger restaurant-style slabs.
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5
Plan Your Maintenance Routine
Cast iron requires drying immediately after washing and applying a thin layer of oil after every use to prevent rust, which most buyers underestimate as a time commitment. If you want a lower-maintenance option, look for enameled cast iron griddles from brands like Le Creuset or Lodge, which skip the oiling step but add significant cost.
How We Tested
We cooked pancakes, bacon, and seared steaks on each of the five cast iron griddles across gas, electric, and induction cooktops, tracking preheat times, surface temperature distribution with an infrared thermometer, and food release performance over 20 cooking sessions per unit.
- Preheat time and edge-to-center temperature variance
- Food release on seasoned surface without added fat
- Handle grip and stability when fully loaded
- Weight and maneuverability on multiple cooktop types
- Cleanup time and seasoning durability after repeated use
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Preseasoned griddles let you cook immediately but often have a thinner, less durable seasoning layer that benefits from additional coats before heavy use. Bare cast iron requires you to build seasoning from scratch using flaxseed or vegetable oil, but gives you full control over the finish and typically produces a more consistent nonstick surface over time. For most home cooks who want convenience, preseasoned is the practical starting point, but the long-term performance gap disappears once either type is well-seasoned.
Reversible griddles cost roughly 15 – 30% more and add a ridged side useful for searing grill marks into steaks and vegetables without an outdoor grill. However, the ridged surface is harder to clean thoroughly, and the added weight – often 12 – 16 lbs versus 8 – 10 lbs for flat models – makes flipping and handling more awkward on a standard stovetop. If you regularly cook both pancakes and proteins, the versatility justifies the price; if you primarily cook flatbreads or eggs, the single-surface model is the better buy.
Two-burner griddles, typically 18 – 20 inches long, distribute heat across two gas or electric elements and offer more cooking surface, but they develop hot spots if your burners are unequally sized or spaced differently than the pan's length. Single-burner griddles measuring 10 – 12 inches heat more evenly and are easier to store, season, and maneuver, making them the better choice for most households cooking for one to three people. Only move to a two-burner format if you regularly cook for four or more and have verified that your stovetop burner spacing matches the griddle's footprint.
Surface texture in cast iron is determined by the casting and finishing process, not price tier – some budget griddles use a machined or milled finish that produces a smoother surface than pricier rough-cast alternatives. Rough texture doesn't prevent nonstick performance long-term, but it does require more seasoning cycles to fill the pores, and it creates more drag on delicate foods like eggs early on. Always check whether a griddle is described as machined or smooth-finished if low-friction cooking out of the box is a priority for you.
Cast iron is magnetic and works on induction cooktops, but the griddle's base must be flat – any warping or a pronounced concave bottom will reduce contact with the induction coil and cause inefficient, uneven heating. For two-burner griddles on induction, this is rarely practical because most induction cooktops have a single active zone per burner, so only one section of the griddle heats at a time. Check that the griddle's bottom diameter or length closely matches your induction burner zone, which is typically 6 – 8 inches in diameter, to get efficient heat transfer.
A well-maintained seasoning layer can last decades; the cast iron itself is essentially indestructible under normal use, with no meaningful lifespan ceiling. Seasoning degrades fastest when the griddle is soaked in water, washed with dish soap repeatedly, or stored with moisture on the surface, all of which cause rust that strips the polymerized oil coating. After each use, wipe it dry while still warm, apply a thin layer of oil – flaxseed, vegetable, or canola – and store it in a dry place to maintain the surface indefinitely.
