What it is
A Lodge cast iron griddle has a flat surface and low edges that help contain oil and batter. It differs from a skillet in the lower height of its sides.
When to use it
The low edges of a Lodge griddle let a spatula slide in to flip pancakes, eggs or sandwiches. Its smooth surface serves these uses without a ridged grill surface.
How to use it
Camp Chef specifies preheating its griddles over medium or medium-low heat. Raise heat slowly and keep burners at equal settings when the equipment uses several.
How to choose it
Check material and equipment type. The de Buyer griddle range describes enamelled cast iron plates for electric or gas equipment; these differ from Lodge seasoned cast iron.
Cleaning and storage
For Lodge seasoned cast iron, wash, dry and rub with oil. Vaello specifies hot water and soap, drying and oiling before storage for its polished steel; keep the materials distinct.
Alternatives for each use
A skillet has higher sides; a Lodge griddle has low edges. The enamelled plate described by de Buyer offers another material with its own instructions.
Common mistakes
Do not automatically apply seasoned-iron care to an enamelled plate. Camp Chef excludes dishwashers for its griddles and advises against high heat.
Safe use
For Camp Chef equipment, raise heat gradually and keep burner output even to prevent warping. Do not transfer this setting to every model.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as a skillet?
Lodge identifies side height as the difference: a griddle has low edges and a skillet has higher walls.
How do I care for seasoned cast iron?
For Lodge cookware of this material, wash, dry and rub with oil after cleaning.
Can it go in the dishwasher?
Camp Chef excludes dishwashers for its griddles. Always check the material and your particular model’s documentation.
Sources and review
Sources consulted for this utensil’s documented uses, care and characteristics.
- Cuidados y usos — Vaello Campos vaellocampos.com/cuidados-y-usos/
- Cast Iron Griddles 101 www.lodgecastiron.com/pages/griddles-101
- Seasoned Cast Iron Cleaning & Care www.lodgecastiron.com/pages/discover-cleaning-and-care-cast-iron
- Camp Chef — Griddles campchef.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/19616789428365-GRIDDLES
- Griddles — de Buyer www.debuyer.com/en/441-griddles
