Cast Iron Griddles

Many of us have memories of waking up on a Saturday morning and mom was making pancakes, bacon and eggs on the old cast iron griddle. It is usually made of cast iron, stone brick or tablet. It is flat, usually having one or two handles. Some people will cook with their cast iron griddles with or without oil. It depends on the griddle as to how well seasoned it is. New ones might need a bit more oil than the old ones. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a favorite to be cooked on cast iron griddles.

There are new cast iron griddles that are electric, using moist heat to cook. Some chefs really like this, but some say no way will they ever use any thing other than an old fashioned cast iron griddle.

At home cast iron griddles can either be sitting on one burner or two burners. Be careful to not let grease build up on the griddle, it can start a fire. The older the cast iron griddles are the more grease build up it will have. Many recommend taking it to a sand blaster and they can blast all the caked on grease off and the griddle will be good as new.

If you are lucky enough to won a cast iron griddle, keep it out of the dishwasher and hot water. Cast iron rusts. Usually you just use a paper towel to clean off the left on food. Sometimes you might have to scrap it off, but it is quite easily done. Some of the modern day cast iron griddles have grease troughs; those should be cleaned out every time you use it. Be sure to season your griddle, many just use oil and a bit of salt to keep food from sticking. Many will invest a lot of money for special cleaners. There is no need for that really.

If properly taken care of cast iron griddles can last a lifetime or two, maybe three. Sadly sometimes they don’t last a life time. Things to look for that are harmful to the griddle are if it is cracked anywhere, and the plate itself is warped. Do not throw it out if it has a bit of rust on it that can be removed pretty easily.

Some will swear that the Wagner cast iron griddle is the best in the world and cooks great, it easy to clean and lasts a life time. Some will tout Lodge cast iron griddles are better. If you want to cook on either one of these griddles and are looking for the old ones, start with hitting garage sales. Then go to the flea markets. Many people do not understand the love of cooking with cast iron griddles, or any kind of cast iron pots or pans. They are not hard to cook with. Most of the time the food does not stick as some claim. Not unless you use too high a heat. Besides it is healthier for you as you some of the iron gets into your food and then into your body.