There are so many different types of griddle pans, from size, shape to the different materials. In this guide I am going to share with you the best griddle pans, as well as what I look for when thinking about buying one.
- Material: Cast Iron
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 35.3 x 38.4 x 6.6
- Non-Stick: Yes
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 27cm
- Dimensions: 27 x 34 x 4.5 cm
- Non-Stick: Yes
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 29 x 50 x 4 centimetres
- Non-Stick: Yes
Best Griddle Pans
- Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Griddle Pan
- Jean-Patrique The Whatever Pan
- Savisto Non-Stick Griddle Pan
- Salter Non-Stick Griddle Pan
- Tefal Grill Pan
- Home Icon Granite Griddle Pan
I love a good steak, it is definitely one of my go to meals. When I first got into cooking, the only pan I really had was a frying pan. (I was pretty young at the time), The steak I made was okay, it tasted fine but it didn’t look great.
I wanted to be able to make that restaurant looking steak, with the grill marks that you often see.
I didn’t have a clue that these griddle pans were also healthier and locked in a lot of flavour in the meat.
After a bit of research, I went ahead and ordered my first griddle pan. After a few false starts and some overcooked meat, I have not looked back. Now ill use my grill pan to give my steaks that amazing look but also create a nice caramelized crust around the steak, yet keep it nice and rare in the centre. (It’s so tender and juicy!)
Since then I try to cook as much as possible on it, including mushroom, bacon, asparagus as well as some nice grilled cabbage.
When looking I did do a decent amount of research, there are so many things to consider.
The shape, size, depth and even the material. I wanted to put together this buyer’s guide to hopefully help you find the answers to the same questions I had. You will also find which ones I do feel ate the best griddle panda below.
Griddle Pan Reviews – What Are The Best Griddle Pans To Buy?
Le Creuset Signature Enamelled Cast Iron Griddle Pan
If you have been looking for any type of cookware, you will have heard of Le Creuset. They are known for producing hard wearing, classic, high quality products and this is no different. This cast iron griddle pan is built to last, in fact I very much doubt you will need another one.
It features a natural patina, so the more you use it the better the searing becomes. Simply start with a little oil and you will see it seal your meat within minutes and give it the most amazing flavour and texture. It can be used on all hob types which includes induction and since it can handle heats up to 250 degrees, you can also place it in the oven or even on top of your BBQ. I also like the fact that it is dishwasher safe, this sure makes keeping it clean nice and easy.
Since it is cast iron, it is pretty heavy. It does however have an additional handle on the other side to the main handle, this makes it much easier to carry around with you. This would have made the number 1 spot in this list of best griddle pans, it only missed it due to the price. Cast Iron cookware is typically more expensive however it is more than worth it.
- Material: Cast Iron
- Non-Stick: Yes
- Dimensions: 35.3 x 38.4 x 6.6
- Diameter: 28cm
Jean-Patrique The Whatever Pan
This griddle pan is a little unique when compared with the others as it is completely round and doesn't feature 1 long handle but two smaller ones on either side.
The pan itself is made by Jean-Patrique, who are known for producing excellent kitchen equipment.
The pan is made from high quality aluminum, which is die cast to give it that additional strength.
I really like the depth this pan is, at 4.5cm, you can cook your meat and/or vegetables with very little chance of spills or mess.
Now when it comes to cooking with the Jean-Patrique The Whatever Pan, it can be used on any hob type and this does include induction hobs.
I also love the fact that you can put it in the oven if you need to.
Unlike other griddle pans, this one does also include a lid.
This will help if you want to saute using the pan and/or trap in the moisture to add additional flavour and texture.
Price wise it is not the cheapest but not the most expensive, it also has nearly 5000 reviews so it must be pretty well recommended.
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 27cm
- Dimensions: 27 x 34 x 4.5 cm
- Non-Stick: Yes
Savisto Non-Stick Griddle Pan
If you are looking for the best griddle pan on the market, you cannot go wrong with the Savisto Non-Stick Griddle Pan.
It's going to be able to give your meat and vegetables a great sear, as well as help lock in the amazing flavours.
This pan is made from high quality aluminum, so it's fairly lightweight but durable.
The pan has a comfortable handle that can be removed and can even be put into the oven, allowing you to finish things off without having to use additional pots and pans.
I really like the fact that it can be used on most hobs such as gas, electric and even induction.
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 29 x 50 x 4 centimetres
- Non-Stick: Yes
Salter Non-Stick Griddle Pan
Salter makes some excellent kitchen equipment and this Griddle pan is no different, which is why it has been ranked as one of the best in this list.
It is made from Aluminum but also features a marble coating, this helps it to be non-stick but also aids in the cooking as it can retain the heat for longer and therefore give you a better sear on your meat and vegetables.
One of the things I like about this pan is that it can be used on most hob types, this includes the induction hob.
The cooking diameter is decent enough to fit a couple of decent sized steaks and is also dishwasher safe, so very easy to clean. Overall a pretty decent pan and good value for money.
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 47 x 28 x 6.1 centimetres
- Non-Stick: Yes
Tefal Grill Pan
This grill pan from Tefal is our third best griddle pan, it's low in price and is very good quality.
It's made from aluminum which is thick, this helps it to heat up quickly but also allows that heat to distribute around the pan so you have even cooking.
I like the fact that it can be used on all hob types, including induction. Unlike some it can also be placed in the oven.
At the centre there is a thermo-spot, this basically tells you when it is warm enough to start looking on.
I also really like the pouring spout it has, allowing you to remove any unwanted cooking juices for a healthier option. Well built, versatile and reasonable price, what more could you want.
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 26cm
- Dimensions: 43.3 x 26.8 x 6.7 cm
- Non-Stick: Yes
Skylight 28cm Non-Stick Griddle Pan
Next up is the Sky Light Griddle pan and this one is very versatile, it can be used on most hobs, in the oven, direct on the BBQ and you can even remove the handle and easily store it away. The pan itself is made from aluminum, this cast aluminum will help to retain the heat for much better cooking. This griddle pan should last you many years, as it is incredibly strong because of it being cast aluminium.
The handle is comfortable to hold and is made from metal but is also covered in a heat-resistant plastic. Meaning no matter how hot the pan gets, you will still be able to comfortably hold the handle and not get burnt. It’s mid range in price but excellent quality, great value for money.
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 42.8 x 24.5 x 7
- Non-Stick: Yes
Home Icon Granite Griddle Pan
Last but not least in this list of best griddle pans is from Home Icon, this one is slightly different as it is made from granite and copper. The combination means that it can be used on all hob types but also means it can withstand high heats, so you can place it in the oven.
I like that it does have two pour lips either side of the pan, so you can pour away any excess liquid. This does make cooking with this griddle pan even healthier than a normal frying pan. It does have a lot of good reviews, many of which claim that it is good value for money and that it's produced incredible ridge marks on the meat and helped to lock in the flavour.
- Material: Granite/Copper
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 29cm X 29cm X 4.5cm
- Non-Stick: Yes
What is a Griddle Pan
A griddle pan is a type of frying pan, with some key differences. The base is ribbed to help fats drain but also give the grill line effects onto the food you make. You will also find that griddle pans are a lot heavier than other pans, this is so they can retain heat. The thicker the pan, the more heat it can retain whilst cooking.
These pans are perfect for searing meat, for example when cooking steak on a cast iron griddle pan you can get a perfectly cooked centre but a nice crust on the outside of the meat. Believe me, as soon as you start cooking with these pans, no other pan will do.
Why use a Griddle Pan? (is it essential?)
Whether or not a griddle pan is essential, does depend on what you cook and how you cook it. A week doesn’t go by that I don’t use my griddle pan, whether I’m cooking meat on it or making some nice grilled vegetables.
If you are a passionate homecook then I would fully recommend getting a griddle pan, they can really take your dishes to the next level in terms of flavour and the look. You can cook meat in next to no time at all, it tastes even better and is actually healthier as you don’t need to use oil.
Don’t think that it is just for meat though, I will also use it for asparagus or even put on some halved carrots that have been parboiled. The seared marks you get on them look incredible, something straight out of a decent restaurant,
What material should my Griddle Pan Be?
Like most kitchen equipment, there are a number of materials that your griddle pan can be made from. Each having their own pros and cons, its worth knowing which one is best for your needs.
Cast Iron
Cast Iron ones are often more expensive but provide much better results and great tasting food. You find the sear is so much more flavoursome, this is because the pans ridges are wider. These pans retain their heat very well, although they do take a little longer to get to temperature. There are two types of Cast Iron Griddle Pans, enamel coated are non-stick whereas uncoated ones can rust over time. Its important to season uncoated pans and remember these should be hand washed only and are not suitable in a dishwasher.
Stainless Steel
More often than not you will find that it is not just stainless steel, the base will have copper or aluminum as this is needed to conduct the heat. With it being steel, you will find that it does heat up incredibly quickly and is often pretty simply to clean.
Titanium
Titanium is pretty expensive, however they tend to be long lasting as they are scratch-resistant. It is very similar to cast iron as it is quick to heat up, although it is also much lighter so often easier to use. You will find that the titanium is usually mixed with other materials such as ceramic, steel or even aluminium.
Carbon Steel
If you are on more of a budget then you might want to look at Carbon Steel, these are lightweight which makes them much easier to move around on your hob. They are a good alternative to cast iron griddle pans, although since they are thin they don’t keep the heat very well.
Ceramic
Low in cost and pretty easy to clean, although you would tend to replace ceramic pans fairly often. The non-stick coating does come off very easily and fairly quickly as well. Personally I would avoid these.
Aluminium
Lightweight and non-stick, these are often very easy to clean and are okay with heat retention. They will have an enamel coating, which helps to keep them in good condition as it makes them tougher and harder to scratch.
Hard Anodized
The final one is Hard anodized, these are easy to spot as they are often dark grey or black. They are lightweight and conduct the heat really well, so it doesn’t take long at all for them to heat up. These griddle pans are normally very durable as the hard finish will stop them from getting scratched or chipping.
What we looked at in our Best Griddle Pan list
There are certain things that I like to look for when picking a new Griddle Pan and these are things that I have considered when compiling this best list.
Heat Conduction and Retention
You want the pan to be able to get very hot in as short a time as possible, once it is hot its then important it’s able to retain this heat. You do not want a griddle pan that loses heat whilst you are cooking your food.
Non-Stick
With Griddle Pans you do not oil the pan but instead the food that is going onto the pan, this does help to prevent it from sticking. I would however recommend going for a pan that does have some form of non-stick coating, as this will help your pan last longer.
Base Ridges
One of the attractive things about using these pans is the grill marks on your food once cooked. You therefore want to make sure that the base does have ridges and that they are of a decent height.
Weight
When compiling the list of best griddle pans, I wanted to include a mixture of weights as not all of us can manage holding the heavy griddles. Therefore you will find some lightweight versions as well and these do often tend to be just as good.
Oven-Proof
We want cooking to be as simplistic as possible, being able to put your griddle into the oven as well as cook on the hob is a real benefit. It’s convenient but also saves a lot of washing up.
Top Tips On Using A Griddle Pan
Below are a couple of tips that I like to follow when using a griddle pan, these will hopefully help you.
- Do not use oil in the pan, as it drains down the ridges. You should instead make sure you oil the food that you plan on cooking on the pan first.
- You should avoid grilling food that has some form of marinade, this will simply burn when cooking at high temperatures and will either impact the flavour of our food or just ruin your griddle pan.
- Cook your meat at a high temperature and do not touch it until that side is nice and brown. If you do move the meat then it will stick, this is even more so the case with cast iron griddle pans. Allow it to cook on one side and then when it’s ready to turn, it will move easily and have great seared markings.
- Using one that is oven proof will make it much easier to cook the thicker meat, without having it burnt on the outside and raw in the middle. Instead you would give the meat a good sear and then place in the oven to get the temperature you are looking for. This is specifically useful when making a nice fillet of beef joint, as you will want to give it a very good sear to keep the blood and juices in the steak.
There you have it, the best griddle pans and how to find the right one for you. I really do hope that this guide has helped. If you do have any questions please do feel free to comment below or drop me an email.
- Material: Cast Iron
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 35.3 x 38.4 x 6.6
- Non-Stick: Yes
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 27cm
- Dimensions: 27 x 34 x 4.5 cm
- Non-Stick: Yes
- Material: Aluminum
- Diameter: 28cm
- Dimensions: 29 x 50 x 4 centimetres
- Non-Stick: Yes
