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Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 10.5-inch
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Lodge |
Material | Cast Iron, Silicone |
Special Feature | Gas Stovetop Compatible |
Color | Black/Red |
Capacity | 2109.2 Grams |
About this item
- The Lodge Cast Iron Griddle delivers heavy-duty performance, with lower side walls and a wider cooking surface. Great for the stovetop, campfire or oven.
- SEASONED COOKWARE. A good seasoning makes all the difference. Lodge seasons its cookware with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use your iron, the better the seasoning will get.
- MADE IN THE USA. Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.
- Silicone handle holder protects hands from heat up to 450° F. Not intended for use in oven.
- Griddle is 15.87"L x 10.62"W x 1.56"H; lip is .687".Dishwasher safe
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This Item Lodge Cast Iron Round Griddle with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 10.5-inch | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $39.00$39.00 | $21.99$21.99 | $49.95$49.95 | -40% $23.99$23.99 List: $39.99 | $22.44$22.44 | $22.61$22.61 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Versatility | 4.4 | 3.9 | 5.0 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Easy to clean | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
Heat distribution | 4.5 | — | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
Durability | 4.5 | 4.2 | — | — | — | 4.7 |
Value for money | 4.4 | 4.1 | — | 4.2 | — | — |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Aramco Imports | Greater Goods™ | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
capacity | 2109.2 grams | 10 cubic inches | 2 quarts | 5 pounds | 5 quarts | 14 inches |
material | Cast Iron, Silicone | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
diameter | 10.5 inches inches | 10 inches inches | 10 inches inches | — | — | 14 inches inches |
has nonstick coating | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
dishwasher safe | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
oven safe | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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From the manufacturer
Lodge Cast Iron Griddle with Silicone Hot Handle Holder
The Lodge Cast Iron 10.5-inch Griddle is a multi-functional cookware that works wonders with all your favorite foods. This griddle is essential for big breakfasts, tortillas, comal, quesadillas, roasted vegetables and grilled sandwiches.
Cast iron loves a campfire, a stovetop, or an oven, and can slow-cook foods without scorching. It retains heat well so you can sear meat at higher temperatures and will keep your delicious meals warm for a long time. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, theses virtually indestructible cookware should last for generations.
Measures 10.5-inches diameter and .5-inches deep. Silicone handle holder protects hands from heat up to 450° F. Not intended for use in oven.
Benefits of Cast Iron
Made of cast iron, this griddle evenly distributes heat from the bottom through the sidewalls. Cast iron cookware is an excellent source of nutritional iron.
Cast Iron, like your grandmother used, still ranks as one of the best cooking utensils ever made. It gives you a nearly non-stick surface, without the possible harmful fumes generated by preheating chemically treated nonstick cookware.
Lodge Manufacturing
The American-based company, Lodge, has been fine-tuning its construction of rugged, cast-iron cookware for more than a century. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.
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Product information
Brand | Lodge |
---|---|
Material | Cast Iron, Silicone |
Special Feature | Gas Stovetop Compatible |
Color | Black/Red |
Capacity | 2109.2 Grams |
Compatible Devices | Gas |
Product Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
Maximum Temperature | 450 Degrees Fahrenheit |
Handle Material | Silicone |
Item Weight | 4.51 Pounds |
Number of Pieces | 1 |
Is Oven Safe | Yes |
Model Name | L9OG3ASHH41B |
Has Nonstick Coating | Yes |
Is Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Product Dimensions | 15.87 x 10.62 x 1.5 inches |
Item Weight | 4.51 pounds |
Manufacturer | Lodge |
ASIN | B07BZ2VSDC |
Country of Origin | USA |
Item model number | Lodge Cast Iron Rectangular Griddle |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #441 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #1 in Griddles |
Date First Available | April 5, 2018 |
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Product Description
The Lodge Cast Iron 10.5-inch Griddle is a multi-functional cookware that works wonders with all your favorite foods. This griddle is essential for big breakfasts, tortillas, quesadillas, roasted vegetables and grilled sandwiches. Cast iron loves a campfire, a stovetop, or an oven, and can slow-cook foods without scorching. It retains heat well so you can sear meat at higher temperatures and will keep your delicious meals warm for a long time. Whether used in a kitchen or camp, theses virtually indestructible cookware should last for generations. Made of cast iron, this griddle evenly distributes heat from the bottom through the sidewalls. Sporting a stylish black color, the cast iron cookware looks good in most kitchens and it doubles up as an excellent source of nutritional iron. Measures 10.5-inches diameter and .5-inches deep. Cast Iron, like your grandmother used, still ranks as one of the best cooking utensils ever made. It gives you a nearly non-stick surface, without the possible harmful fumes generated by preheating chemically treated nonstick cookware. The American-based company, Lodge, has been fine-tuning its construction of rugged, cast-iron cookware for more than a century. The black patina given to the cookware by the factory seasoning process is, in fact, vegetable oil that has been baked into a piece of cookware that has emerged from an individual sand mold. This coating of oil is a functional application and not a cosmetic application. The cookware is hanging as it rides through the electrostatic sprayer and commercial conveyor ovens at very high temperatures. This allows the oil to penetrate deeply into the pores of the iron which creates an easy release finish. As a result of this process, you may see a blister or bubble of oil at the southern-most point or at the end of the handle of the cookware piece. If visible, it will rub or flake off with your finger, leaving a brown spot. Don’t worry, it’s not rust but a seasoned spot that is brown, indicative of the varnish stage of seasoning. As a matter of fact, this is the color of home seasoned iron until it has been used several times. The brown spot will turn black with use. Item weighs 4.65 lbs.
Top Brand: Lodge
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Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, versatility, size and ease of cleaning of the saute fry pan. They mention that it does the job great, it serves the purpose for everything and that its an amazingly versatile piece of equipment. They are also satisfied with the value, quality, and heat. That said, opinions are mixed on the non stickiness.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the quality of the fry pan. They say it's a good pan to cook with, the quality is excellent, and it makes great pancakes, French toast, and pizzas. It heats evenly even if the burner doesn't, and is perfect for searing meat.
"...beautiful; durable, cooks beautifully; browns beautifully; makes food tastes much better, and the cost is near nothing for what it provides for you..." Read more
"...Peppers and onions can be sauteed quickly. Homemade bread rolls, biscuits, and dough wrapped sausages bake with an even crust color...." Read more
"...Don’t need too much. No kidding, you’ll get perfectly flat, crisp bacon. Just watch cooking time. It can burn easily...." Read more
"...of bacon although it looked already seasoned.That bacon turned. out nice and crispy. Made a couple of eggs. And grilled a muffin...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the fry pan. They mention it works well for them, does a wonderful job on pancakes, and is perfect for all surfaces, including induction cooktops. They also mention that the technique works for all types of surfaces, and that the pancakes don't run.
"...was a 12" skillet and with each new Lodge, I am more than satisfied with the performance and excited to explore new recipes and make old recipes..." Read more
"...It creates a self-contained uniform heat that produces wonderfully consistent results...." Read more
"...Tonight I put it to the ultimate test: I made crepes. Worked like a charm. The only drawback I can see is the weight of the pan...." Read more
"Great product! Lodge is the best when it comes to cast iron. It’s something you don’t throw away! You hand it down to the next generation." Read more
Customers like the heat of the saute fry pan. They say that the heat distribution is excellent, and the induction burners heat up super fast. They also mention that it is perfect for reheating leftovers, cooking or warming tortillas, and that it can go directly from heat source to table.
"...Using this griddle as a sheet pan in the oven is perfect for reheating leftovers. Bits of cheese didn't stick when making grilled cheese...." Read more
"...No sticking, even heat - waited too long to purchase this kitchen essential, so glad I finally did!..." Read more
"I like that it heats up evenly and it looks nice on my stove. I did have to buy the silicone handle for it because the handle does get hot...." Read more
"...That means it's slow to heat up; but that also means however; once it heats up; it won't cool quickly...." Read more
Customers like the ease of cleaning the saute fry pan. They say it's easy to use and maintain.
"...Cookie nearly popped up like a jack-in-the-box. Again, success and easy cleanup, much better than my old non-stick cookie sheets ever did...." Read more
"...I like it a lot will be nice for making a steak or hamburger and easy to clean and take care of. One thing don't let..." Read more
"...It is non stick although I still use pan spray. Wipes clean easily...." Read more
"This is the perfect size for biscuits. It cleans up good and is all the things you want wrought-iron to be" Read more
Customers like the versatility of the saute fry pan. They say it's perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread, and it'll also make great pancakes and crepes. Some customers also say it is a very specific pan for specific uses, but it'd be great for pancakes, crepe, and biscuits. Overall, customers are happy with the versatility and quality of the product.
"...This is also perfect for tortillas; which I do every morning...." Read more
"...They are of a solid build and versatile...." Read more
"...Easy to useDidn’t have to seasonIdeal for pancakes and crepes" Read more
"It was smaller than I expected but great for a camp stove." Read more
Customers appreciate the value of the saute fry pan. They mention that it's affordable and fills the bill.
"...The price and value in unbeatable, When you first buy this; and ONLY when it's new; I do encourage you to use hot soapy water and a stiff nylon..." Read more
"...for my mother and father they love it it is a great gift option it's not cheap made it is real cast iron. Great price. Cast iron is my favorite." Read more
"...The walls are shallow, and the pan isn't very expensive, so if you somehow ruin it (you won't), it's not that big of a loss...." Read more
"...The Pros:Its inexpensive!It will last a lifetime!Its versatile!Its American made and high qualityThe Cons:..." Read more
Customers like the size of the fry pan. They say it's perfect for 1 or 2 people, good for small pizzas and pancakes, and perfect for biscuit making. They also mention that it'd be good for a single person and big enough to cook a wide variety of items. Customers also appreciate the raised lip to contain messes, the large cooking area, and the round shape.
"...The griddles are the right size, they are made of quality cast iron, and they have a nice handle to pick up with (using a pot holder)...." Read more
"...Wipes clean easily. Makes 3 good sized pancakes which is just enough for my husband and I. I can see that I will be using it for other things..." Read more
"This is the perfect size for biscuits. It cleans up good and is all the things you want wrought-iron to be" Read more
"...The size is just right for my kitchen stove and also the burner on my outdoor grill." Read more
Customers are mixed about the non stickiness of the saute fry pan. Some mention that it's perfectly flat, nonstick, and has perfect heat distribution, while others say that everything was sticking at first. They use a wired scrubber to clean in hot water, and some say that tortillas stick to the pan.
"...The Background on why when done properly, cast iron is very non-stick..." Read more
"...It will build over time.At first eggs stuck, but only after a couple of weeks of my using a very small dollop of oil and the above..." Read more
"...Bits of cheese didn't stick when making grilled cheese. Peppers and onions can be sauteed quickly...." Read more
"...The food now begins bonding to the plastic. And any further cooking just enhances the bonding process...." Read more
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~~~~~~ Treatise on Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle ~~~~~~
1) The Background on why when done properly, cast iron is very non-stick
I make the blanket statement that if you are spending more than 30 seconds cleaning this griddle; you have screwed up. I literally spend less than 10 seconds cleaning this griddle; I use this and the 10.25" (L8SK3) Skillet so often that there is actually no place for them in my cupboard (on purpose), they live on the stove permanently.
Before we get to the cleaning; we need to get to the non-sticking. Let me explain how cast iron seasoning works, and why when done right it's more non-stick than teflon. Cast iron, as the name implies is "cast" into shape. They make a mold (usually out of sand) and then molten iron is poured into the cast. When it has cooled and formed; the mold is removed; and you have (in this case) your griddle. Because the iron is poured in liquid form; there are tiny bubbles and imperfections on the surface. Years ago; Lodge use to sandblast as a final stage to smooth out the surface; they do not do this anymore; but it does not make it any less non-stick. When you pour oil on the cast iron; as it is porous; some oil gets absorbed into the nooks and crannies of the cast iron surface. When you cook something with a fat in it; (or any hydro-carbon) and you overheat it; you essentially burn it. All the gunk burns off and what is left is near pure carbon (why a well seasoned cast iron is deep black). So when you season cast iron; that is what you are doing, you are putting some sort of fat onto it; letting it burn, and leaving only the carbon footprint on the surface. This black surface is called a Patina. Carbon bonds are pretty tough; and so a good Patina will essentially leave the surface of the cast iron with a very thin layer of pure carbon. In a horizontal lattice structure; the bond is strong horizontally; and forms a slippery surface. So before we begin even talking about cleaning; you have to have a good Patina on your griddle. Google "how to season cast iron" and you will come up with a thousand articles and a few thousand Youtube videos.
2) Making your griddle non-stick is the first part of easy cleaning
So you have done your homework; and you have seasoned your griddle. Good! Now here is the secret that nobody is going to tell you but me. Let's say you wanted to make pancakes on this griddle; here's what you do; and if you follow my instructions to the letter; I GUARANTEE you the most non-stick griddle you've ever used.
Let's talk oils:
You want something that can hold up to high heat. Extra Virgin Olive oil is a HORRIBLE choice. Do a search on "smoke point of oil" and take a look at the chart. If you are asking me for a recommendation as far as oil; it would go: Ghee (485F), Pig Lard (370F), Avocado Oil (520F). In that order. You want something that has no solids (so no butter, it burns) and something that has a high smokepoint. Most people use something like grapeseed oil, extra virgin olive oil etc.. and they all will gum up; making your griddle very sticky. Stick with the 3 oils I mentioned above; and you will be fine. (I personally use ghee if available when I cook meats; all other times I use Avocado Oil. If I'm deep frying though; I prefer Lard).
Now here's what you do (Seriously do EXACTLY as I say): You've decided you want pancakes; great. Take your oil or lard, and pour it on the COLD griddle. COLD. Take a paper towel, and rub it all around until its even; a thin light coating. Now go ahead and put the griddle on the stove; and fire it up; on low/medium low heat. With the back side of the same paper towel; as you start to see the griddle sweat oil (and it will) wipe it like you are buffing a car with car wax. Small circles; making sure there are no pools of oil anywhere. Once you think the griddle has stopped sweating; add a little bit of oil (I know, it sounds counter-intuitive as I just wiped oil off; but it's not) and cook your pancakes. They will be SUPER non-stick.
Here's why it works. Remember I said that the cast iron is porous? So when you rub oil on it COLD; the oil will not seep into the crevices. It will sit on top of those crevices. As the griddle gets heated however; the oil will become much lower in viscosity, and flow in and fill those porous surfaces. The excess is seen as "oil sweat". When the griddle is hot; and you've wiped it down well; what you don't see is a very thin layer oil on top of the surface, this is now your non-stick surface! When you add oil; it lubricates the griddle so when you pour pancake batter or something; it will be less likely to stick.
So you are wondering, how is this different than heating up the griddle then adding oil to it? You can answer this for yourself. Heat up a stainless steel pan if you have one. When it's hot; throw a few water drops on it; you will see the water drops dance around. Why? Because the pan is hot; and so when the water touches it; the bottom side vaporizes and causes a mini explosion, sending the droplet into the air. Now what if you had water in the pan and heated it? You'd see the water sizzle but not jump around.
When you heat the griddle; and then add oil; there is heat (and perhaps a little moisture) trapped in the porous surface; and trying to get oil into that surface will NOT happen. The nooks and crannies have hot air trapped in it; so oil can't penetrate into it. So you have a dry griddle with oil floating on top; and when you pour pancake mix; the oil actually PARTS and now you have pancake batter on a hot dry griddle. No wonder your pancakes stick! Doing it my way will super-non-stick your pan. Incidentally; you can do this to a stainless steel pan and get the same effect!
3) Stiff Nylon Brush and Hot water is your friend
If you have followed my instructions above; and have not turned the heat up so high or so long as to burn the griddle completely; and you are finished using it; then cleanup should be a 10 second affair, and not more. Because what you fail to realize until now; is that if you used the method above; you are SEASONING your griddle AS YOU ARE COOKING. So when you are done; the color will be a deeper black; and the griddle will be non-stick (more non-stick!). At this point; go ahead and get hot water running in the sink. When the water is hot; take your griddle over; and under hot running water; scrub vigorously with a stiff nylon brush for 10 seconds. You shouldn't use soap.. EVER! Soap will strip the Patina and possibly rust your pan! If you have done as I taught; your pan will be completely clean in 10 seconds. I know for a fact because I do this everyday. If there is a hard to clean spot; it means you haven't done as I said! Don't worry; pour a little bit of baking soda on that area; and scrub with the nylon brush. That's it! If you ran hot water while doing this; then turn off the water; shake the excess water off; and with a clean paper towel, wipe it dry. While the griddle is warm; go ahead and rub a little bit of oil ALL AROUND (that means bottoms and handles too!) making sure every surface is coated with a very thin layer of oil. Let it sit and rest. Next day; you can if you so choose; wipe off the excess oil as it too will sweat a little bit of oil.
That is it! We eat 20 meals a week at home, and this griddle is involved in at least 18 of them. Do you think I have time to scrub scrub scrub until my elbows creek? Of course not. If the food doesn't taste good cooked from it; then the pan is a fail; regardless of price. If it's not easy to clean; then the pan is a fail. If it doesn't last, it's a fail. If food from it is unhealthy; it's a fail. This pan scores and scores well in all these categories; but ESPECIALLY cleaning! People come over to eat; and see my cast iron skillets and they literally feel bad for me; thinking I'm going to be scrubbing until the cows come home; and are amazed that no pans I own take more than 10 seconds on my part to clean. Having owned cast iron; I can't imagine owning regular pans simply because of the cleaning involved!
4) Why Cast Iron
So we've talked about cleaning; but we haven't talked about why cast iron. If you take a google at the list of thermal conductivity, you will be surprised. Aluminium scores in the 200's, Copper scores a 385, Silver scores a 405, and stainless steel scores a 16. Granite scores a 2. Cast Iron scores a very low 55. So what we can conclude from this information is: There's a reason why a lot of chefs like copper bottom pans; it conducts thermal activity well. There is a reason why some of the stainless steel skillets add an aluminium sandwich core; to increase the thermal conductivity of the pan overall. With a score of 55 though; cast iron is not very thermally conductive. That means it's slow to heat up; but that also means however; once it heats up; it won't cool quickly. This is what you need essentially when you sear something, or if you want to gently heat something. (Tangent; from the chart; this is why a lot of people swear granite rock steak is the best on earth.)
Because cast iron heats slowly; you should really never use anything past a medium heat; heating it too quickly can cause it to crack. So low heat and more warm up time is the better way to go.
So what does all this mean if I'm cooking a steak? Well, it means if I throw a piece of cold meat (incidentally; you should NEVER put a piece of cold steak onto a hot grill or griddle; the meat should be room temp or slightly colder than room temp). It means that when you throw your piece of meat on the griddle; because of the ability of the cast iron the retain its heat; it will not "dump" all the heat into the steak quickly; and the pan itself get cold. This is also why if you cook a steak in an aluminum pan; it scorches. What happens is; when you heat an aluminum pan; and then put a piece of steak on it; with the great thermal conductivity of aluminum; all the heat leaves the pan quickly; so the pan is now cold. The fire underneath then is struggle to bring the pan back up to temp; and by it time it does; the steak has lost all it's moisture through evaporation and there is no searing or browning, you end up with a tough piece of dried steak.
Because cast iron does not dump all it's temp right away; when you put food on cast iron; the surface temperature does not drop dramatically. This means cast iron makes a great material for stir frying as well as deep frying pots. For our review of the griddle here; it means that when we pour cold pancake mix onto this griddle; the surface will not drop in temp dramatically; yielding you perfectly uniform pancakes. If you go to someone's house and they make you pancakes; and the center is very dark and the edges are very light; chances are they used a cheap pan. (My guess; an aluminum bottom with telfon top) This is because as the batter mix is poured into the pan; the pan "was" hot; when the batter touched; the pan dumped all its heat into the initial point of contact with the batter (in this case, batter runs outwards in a concentric circle) so by the time the batter spreads; the pan is already cold, so the flame will attempt to bring the pan back to temp; and thus burning the part that was hot already (the center) and leaving the edges undercooked. This is also why people think pancakes at pancake houses taste better than homemade; because they use a big griddle at the restaurant. Well, now you can do the same.
The other item two items that cast iron offers are something that has come in more of the limelight in the last few years than a few decades ago; and that's health. Cast Iron is made of 100% iron; and so if you have something leech into your food; it would be iron; an essential mineral. Granted it might color your food taste; as well as the actual color; but it is essentially healthy for you. The other item cast iron provides for you is the knowledge that it's a safe product. Compare that with some of the non-stick pans that will give you cancer when you eat it (hey buddy; those aren't pepper flakes, they are scraped up teflon!!) Or aluminum pots and pans; that will give you Alzheimer. No thank you!
5) Low and Slow
Because this griddle is round; and most heating (be it gas or electric) is round; you get very uniform heating. Couple that with the fact that cast iron is fairly uniform heating itself; and this makes for a good pan to heat something that you need heated evenly. I don't own a toaster; why would you if this makes toast that comes out much more uniform; and tastes 10x better? In most toasters; there are strips of wires (heating elements) that run horizontally. They get red hot; and that's is how your toast is toasted. You can see evidence of this by the burn streaks on your toast. When you heat your bread on this griddle however, you have uniform surface contact (assuming your bread is sliced uniformally) and thus you get very good crunch and very even crunch. Couple that with the fact that the bread is being heated on the entire surface all at once; instead of by a few red hot coils; and your toast actually toasts faster on this than in a toaster, and more uniform and more delicious. Put a little butter on it and sprinkle a little bit of garlic powder (or fresh garlic!) and you get garlic bread! Delicious!
This is also perfect for tortillas; which I do every morning. We usually freeze our tortillas; and so coupled with a meat press; I take a frozen tortilla out; put it on this griddle; and press it flat with the lodge meat press. I flip it over in a minute; and give it another minute; put some cheeze on it; a little avocado and whatever leftover meat from dinner; and presto! Taco breakfasts.
With the great even cooking surface; my wife likes to make egg tortillas; crack an egg and beat it; then pour into the skillet and then cover it with a piece of tortilla. The egg will stick to the tortilla and not the griddle! Flip it over; let it cook alittle bit; roll it up; breakfast egg rollers.
Reheating pizza is something I do often on this; I put the pizza on and then put a small piece of aluminum foil over it; have it on low heat; and let it heat low and slow. I cook hamburgers patties on this; and they always come out perfect.
Because of the shallow edges; it's not a good idea to cook anything that has a lot of "juiciness" to it; but anything bread related; this is it! Reheating bread is a cinch; as is heating sandwiches.
6) Accessories
I will recommend a few accessories that pairs quite well with this item. The first recommendation is the lodge meat press (LGP3). Like I said above; I use this to press everything from tortillas to hamburger patties. If you heat it first on the open stove top; you can then cook both sides together at once; like a panini without the grill marks. The second recommendation is a glass lid. I have 6 pots that are between 10.25~10.5" in diameter. I found a very nice glass lid at the thrift store for $1. I changed the knob on it from the plastic to a metal one. This lid fits on all 6 of my pots! The glass allows you to look into the food without lifting the lid, while the lid is quite useful on the 10.25" skillet; I use the lid on this griddle mainly to prevent slashes. My wife uses it when she reheats bread so the bread doesn't dry out so quickly. Remember, while you are heating up the griddle or skillet and you know you will be using the lid; then heat up the lid as well. My third recommendation is the silicone hot handle holders. They help.
7) Full Circle ~ Let us begin at the beginning
So we are back full circle; let me encourage you to buy this piece of kitchen equipment. The price and value in unbeatable, When you first buy this; and ONLY when it's new; I do encourage you to use hot soapy water and a stiff nylon brush to clean the pan thoroughly. It comes out of the factory with a thin film of wax so it doesn't rust, and so that requires a bit of soapy water to get off. Then go ahead and google and follow directions on how to season your pan properly; and season it; and you are ready for action! Most recommend your first official item cooked on this be bacon; and I agree! I do want to stress though what I said above; Ghee; Lard, or Avocado Oil as the three cooking oils of choice. Most vegetable based ones have a low flash point; meaning you will easily burn your oil which becomes carcinogenic, or else they will add a funky taste to your food. I have quite a few pieces of Lodge cookware and I fully intend to Will them to my grandkids. They are beautiful; durable, cooks beautifully; browns beautifully; makes food tastes much better, and the cost is near nothing for what it provides for you and your family. You owe it to yourself and your loved one; and your health and your loved one's health to buy one. If you do what I tell you to do above; you will have the nicest; most non-stick griddle in the world.
8) Bonus: How to save a rusty pan
So a lot of you for some reason have decided to put this in the item in the dishwasher... and now it's super rusty.. never fear, I'm here! How to save your rusty griddle. Go to Walmart; and buy a 2-Liter bottle of regular Coke. (not the sugar free or diet one; regular Coke). Plug your sink up; put the griddle in it; and pour and cover with coke. Set your timer for 5 minutes if it's kind of rusty; and 10 minutes if it's super rusty. When the timer beeps; grab your roll of aluminum foil; about 1 square foot. Now ball it up into a ball. Take your griddle out of the coke solution; 90% of the rust should be gone already. Dab and scrub with the aluminum foil until no more rust. Drain the sink; get the hot water running; and scrub with the stuff nylon brush under hot running water. Congrats, you now have a new griddle! Now season it as you would; and go about your life.
9) Super Bonus: When to clean your pan
There are 3 points in time when you should clean the pan:
1) Right after you cook; while the griddle is ridiculously hot. The food has not stuck onto the pan; and so it's a great time to clean. But ONLY if there is no food left on it.
2) If there are bits of food on the pan, I'd actually wait until the food is almost cool on the pan to scrape and wash the pan. The reason is this: Remember cast iron is low thermal conductivity? Well, when the food is stuck on there; ironically the cast iron continues to slowly cook the food even after you've turned off the heat. Because you aren't adding more heat; the air temp is now cooler than the temp of the pan; so as the moisture slowly leaves the food item because the cast iron is still heating it; the food will CURL UPWARDS because the air is cooler than the pan and that will be the direction of the shrinkage; as well as the pan is slowly burning the food's bottom. So when the food is almost cold; you will find that it isn't stuck so badly as it initially was; because it's dried a bit and now might "flake" a bit when you pick at it, so a hard plastic pan scraper will easily scrape it off. Scrape the large chunks off with the scraper; and then again; back to the stiff nylon brush under hot water.
3) The only time cast iron is super difficult to clean is if there was burn sugar involved. Three ways to attack this: while the griddle is hot; pour some warm water (not cold, you will crack the griddle) on it; let it bubble; and then scrape right away. Second way is to reheat the griddle; let it start almost burning again; and pour some warm water on it; let it bubble for a bit; and then scrape it right away. The Third method is a strange two-stage method. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush; under the hottest water you can. If the sugary parts scrape off; great! If not; don't fret. Stop scrubbing; and dry it with a paper towel. The pan should be warm to the touch still. Leave it on the stove top to cool off overnight; do not put it into a cupboard. The next morning; take a dry pot scraper; and scrape it. The sugary parts will flake and come off. When the pan was warm, it was again slowly drying out the sugars stuck on it. As the sugar dried; it hardened and so next morning; you can "crack" the sugar and remove it easily.
10) Notes, hints, and personals
I recall staying at a relative's house one time; and my wife usually has eggs for breakfast. So the only pan we could find was one of the wunderbrick non-sticks; and so she cooked an egg with it. It tasted so bad that she threw it out. While ingredients make obviously a big difference; a less obvious one is the pots and pans used to cook it. The ability to go from stove to oven without transferring the vessel used; is not to be looked upon lightly. The fact that it will outlast most other pots and pans should not be looked upon lightly either. Our health depends our ability to cook healthy foods and not eating out; and the right pots and pans is a big part of that. If it's difficult to use or produces inferior results; then you will not use it. We have become a people of instant gratification; instant this; instant that. But I have yet to eat at any restaurant; food equal to that which I cook at home. I have control over every aspect from procurement of ingredients to pots and pans used. A lot of people buy cookware because it looks pretty; that is their prerogative but the priority really should be, what does it do for your health? A piece of cookware that is pretty AND functional is great; but if not; I'll settle for functional over pretty any day. What's the point of having a pan that's pretty but burns all your food? What's the point of a pot that is easy clean up but gives you cancer?
Like I noted in the beginning; this was not a review; but a treatise. What we are talking about essentially isn't a piece of cookware; we are talking about quality of life. And a good quality of life begins with health. And health begins with healthy cooking. And healthy cooking begins with a piece of cookware that you are willing to use. One that will provide for you and your family delicious food day after day; week after week; month after month; year after year, generation after generation. I rarely give a product such a glowing endorsement; I have not been paid by anybody; and I bought mine with my hard earned money because I wanted the best for my family. Tortillas and farm fresh eggs for breakfast; this is the cookware we wake up to every morning. It has been an essential part of our lives and I couldn't imagine for the price of a few beers; a better way to build great health for you and your family.
I decided to start making crepes because I don't like the soggy floppiness of pancakes. But the non-stick electric crepe maker made me uncomfortable each time I took it out of the cupboard. I wanted to feel at ease with all my cookware, not just my cast iron, but that seemed very unlikely for making waffles.
I immediately washed the griddle with soap and water, rinsed thoroughly, and seasoned a couple times in my oven.
Before this griddle arrived, I researched a few recipes in preparation. So I made crepes for several days. Not a single crepe burned or stuck to the griddle. Every crepe slid off easily onto a waiting rack.
I have never made crepes on a griddle or skillet but it was easier than using the electric crepe maker. And I didn't have to shuffle zen garden tools around my small work area.
Making crepes wasn't my only interest for this new griddle. I have other Lodge cast iron, 12 at the time of this review. They are of a solid build and versatile.
Making crepes is just doing the same thing, same batter, same heat setting, same spatula again and again. You learn a lot more about your cooking abilities with using cast iron when you make different food.
No one wants leftover fried chicken or pizza that is soggy. Using this griddle as a sheet pan in the oven is perfect for reheating leftovers. Bits of cheese didn't stick when making grilled cheese. Peppers and onions can be sauteed quickly. Homemade bread rolls, biscuits, and dough wrapped sausages bake with an even crust color.
Using cast iron, you owe it to yourself to do some experimenting. Use stainless steel spatulas with your cast iron? Yes! If you are really heavy handed you might get a scratch or two. But repeatedly seasoning your griddle makes it so it's practically self-healing. Keep using the cast iron and those scratches disappear more quickly than you can guess - as you season. I cut food while still on the griddle regularly and I can't see a single scratch.
You can use a mild soap when cleaning the griddle. I usually only use soap before the first use. I have not had food stick to the point where I have to soak it in water. Run water, use a brush or scraper, and a little coarse if needed. Cleaning is done in about a minute, then dry and season. For me, doesn't matter if it's as soon as the griddle has cooled, or the next day. That's not heavy maintenance at all. Any one tells you cast iron is too much time and work to maintain is just lazy or not well informed.
The first Lodge cast iron I purchased for myself was a 12" skillet and with each new Lodge, I am more than satisfied with the performance and excited to explore new recipes and make old recipes more fun. Yesterday I made giant 10 inch cookies with this griddle. Rumors that sugar ruins cast iron seasoning are false. I make cookies, brownies, cobblers, hand pies, cheesecakes, pound cakes, scones, etc. often because I have a passion for baking. My giant cookies released from the griddle after using an angled spatula in one spot. Cookie nearly popped up like a jack-in-the-box. Again, success and easy cleanup, much better than my old non-stick cookie sheets ever did.
Am I pleased with this griddle? Yes, absolutely! Would I recommend it for crepes, pancakes, reheating food, making giant cookies? Yes, certainly! I know this griddle is a Lodge and as always reliable cast iron. I also know that I am looking forward to learning to make the most of it and learn to make food I have not tried, like dosa, corn tortillas and whatever recipes others want to share.
To season. What I got from researching this, and now own experience, Is that you, after initially washing the pan and wiping dry, heat it in oven 350 degrees, wait till hot then put a coat of grape seed oil on whole pan.. ( heat proof gloves or potholders needed for this) Do it a couple of times. Make sure it is a thin coat-wipe oil off for most part. Then use it to cook. Yes, after cooling down on the stove you can clean with soap, water, and a stiff brush. Wipe dry, return to stove, make sure to heat (handle will be hot and is good indicator it’s hot enough) -set on number 4 on electric for 10 minutes, before oiling. U done.. Always do oiling when hot not cool because it opens pores of pan up. Don’t go thick on oil either. Wipe it almost away before dosing with heat or it may get too sticky. It will build over time.
At first eggs stuck, but only after a couple of weeks of my using a very small dollop of oil and the above seasoning, even omelets don’t stick. I use Avacado or Seven Acres oil when actually cooking/ grape seed for the wipe down or seasoning. Loving this pan!
Also, since this griddle is so shallow, I’d not use it for bacon. Bacon is best cooked in the oven. Put strips on a parchment lined tray at 350 degrees. Toss some flour over it before putting in oven. Don’t need too much. No kidding, you’ll get perfectly flat, crisp bacon. Just watch cooking time. It can burn easily. And turn after several minutes in between cooking time. Don’t eat too much bacon, it’s a treat, but not high on the health food list!