5 Best Square Griddles of 2023: Our Top Picks
Home cooking offers a wide variety of options. No matter what taste, texture, spice level, or spiciness you’re craving, you can create it. Cast-iron cookware has almost endless applications. There has been a recent uptick in the sale of cast-iron griddles because every chef worth their salt needs one.
These provide a novel platform for cooking that will add a touch of class to any meal. They hold up well at high temperatures, may be flavored with a small quantity of vegetable oil, and are a breeze to clean. A simple paper towel wipe-down is usually sufficient for cleaning them. Since a good one might last for generations, it could become a prized possession.
If you want to cook gourmet food at home or delicious burgers over a campfire, the Best Square Griddles is your way. Read on to find out which types of cast-iron grills are now the best on the market.
All-Clad HA1 Square Griddle
The All-Clad HA1 Square Griddle, one of the Best Square Griddles, is a modern, one-burner non-stick grill with a sleek appearance. When comparing square and circular models, we found that the latter made better use of the available space. This is a very good format for bacon. In particular, creating pancakes with no added oil was a breeze because of the non-stick coating. This model also has the best heat dispersion throughout its whole surface.
The All-Clad HA1’s lack of a grease management system means that foods like bacon will be cooked in fat until you remove them. While scrambled eggs were released easily from the non-stick coating, we were still left with a flaky component. Despite its flaws, we liked that this model was simple to maintain and even oven-safe. To sum up, the HA1 is a trustworthy appliance that effectively serves its purpose in most kitchens.
Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle
Does it add to the meal’s enjoyment if you sit on the grass with your bare feet while you eat? Is it easier to relax when you eat while listening to the sounds of nature around you? If you have a passion for spending time in nature and have several camping trips scheduled for this year, we have the perfect griddle for you to bring along with you.
The Camp Chef Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle is the ideal companion for people who enjoy spending time outdoors and eating delicious food. Its straightforward design and solid build make it ideal for a wide range of applications, but it comes into its own when used in conjunction with one of Camp Chef’s specialized outdoor stoves. It is ready to use, does not require any assembly, can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and consistently distributes heat.
OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro 11" Square
The OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Pro Mini Frying Pan, one of the Top Square Griddles of 2022, may be used for various purposes. It can be heated to temperatures of up to 439 degrees Fahrenheit and its square shape makes it ideal for heating bacon or thinly sliced veggies. Compared to the other models we looked at, the OXO is much simpler to clean since it has fewer gaps in which grease or other food waste may accumulate, and its electrical components are not exposed to the outside.
The OXO has numerous benefits but has several major limitations due to its minimalist design. One is that bacon and sausage frying oil cannot be effectively removed from the meal. Moreover, the food release properties were insufficient, even if there were signs of long-term durability with the three-ply non-stick coating. We can’t say for sure, but it could improve with usage due to seasoning. This design has certain flaws, but it serves its intended purpose and is suitable for most kitchens.
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Square Grill
Le Creuset made several intelligent choices while designing their now-iconic cast-iron barbecue. It comes in a dozen colors, and its simple square design is quite aesthetically pleasing. It has a porcelain enamel finish for further protection against adhesion.
Pre-seasoned and ready to use, the Le Creuset Signature Square Grill requires no assembly. Due to its exceptional heat retention and even heat dispersion, it is ideal for grilling foods such as steaks, hamburgers, shrimp, and vegetables. The ribbed grill’s shape also creates attractive sear marks on your food, providing the illusion that you are using a professional grill in your own kitchen.
In contrast to its competitors, the Le Creuset Signature Square Grill is supposedly dishwasher safe; nonetheless, we recommend hand washing and drying the grill after each usage.
Presto Tilt 'n Drain
What the Presto Tilt ‘n Drain does is described by its name. The handles on this model may be pulled apart to create a drainage slant in the cooking surface, and the whole surface can be tilted forward for easy cleaning. In addition, the Drain works effectively, making it a good appliance for cooking large amounts of foods that produce a lot of oil. Due to the high quality of heat conduction across its surface, food is cooked evenly every time.
We see the value of this design for feeding big groups. However, we needed help to get it clean after use. The oil makes its way to the removable catch through a filthy and hard to clean path. On top of that, we have observed better results from alternative models, even if the heat dispersion throughout the surface is pretty decent. However, you can cook a massive amount of pancakes, eggs, or bacon in it thanks to the potent non-stick coating.
Cleaning Cast-Iron Griddle Tops
- Simple but crucial. Never put your cast-iron griddle in the dishwasher. Please do the following after you have mastered it.
- Only try to clean your cast-iron griddle once it has completely cooled down. Then, pick up the stray scraps of food that haven’t been eaten. Alternatively, use a paper towel or a plastic scraper to do this. Use a soft sponge, warm water, and a drop or two of dish soap to clean the griddle of any lingering food or oil.
- Once you’ve wiped off the whole surface, rinse it with hot water and dry it off immediately. At last, add seasonings to taste. Cast-iron griddle tops are very low maintenance and easy to clean. If you maintain your griddle properly, you may keep it from rusting and use it for many more years.
Seasoning Instructions for Cast-Iron Griddles
To use, almost all cast-iron griddle tops need seasoning. Get the oven ready at 500 degrees. While the griddle heats up, oil it lightly with a paper towel. Then, put the griddle in the oven and bake it for an hour. Make careful to put a pan underneath the cast iron to catch any leaking oil.
Avoiding Rust on Cast-Iron Griddle Tops
Even though cast-iron griddles are prone to rust if they aren’t maintained, rust doesn’t have to be the end of your griddle.
Use a non-metallic scraper or a nylon brush with firm bristles to remove as much loose rust as possible. Next, concoct a rust remover solution and use it on corroded areas. This is a standard recipe for it:
- A single teaspoon of fresh lemon juice
- One cup of baking soda
Hold this on your griddle for at least a day or until all the rust has gone. Remove it using a soft-bristled brush, wash it with hot water and dry it well.
Learn the basics of using a griddle to make delicious meals.
A griddle is a versatile cooking appliance that can prepare everything from meat to vegetables to seafood. Use it for cooking fluffy pancakes, savory breakfast bacon and eggs, succulent burgers, and succulent sausages.
- Our go-to griddle is a cast-iron two-burner model. Pans like the twin burner griddle allow you to griddle over a stovetop, and their dual surfaces also allow you to begin grilling simultaneously. There’s a tonne of variety, but whether you’re using a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick griddle, certain universal rules should be adhered to.
- All griddle pans should be pre-seasoned before being used for cooking meals. To prepare the pan for seasoning, add a little oil and let it heat very gently. As a result, the griddle’s surface becomes less likely to cause food to cling or burn. Seasoning your griddle also protects it against corrosion for the long haul.
- As a place to get the stove going: When the griddle is ready, you may start cooking by slapping your meat or vegetables. On a griddle, food cooks rapidly and only has to be flipped once or twice before it’s done.
- After using the griddle, it must be cleaned promptly. To clean, use a spoon to scrape off any burnt food, then wash the spoon with hot water and dry it with a towel.
- Season your griddle pan again after washing it, so it’s ready to use the next time you cook. Heat the griddle and cover the bottom using a small quantity of oil. This protects the griddle against corrosion while it’s not in use.
Food that tastes well when cooked on a griddle
You can make all sorts of tasty treats on a griddle. A griddle may be used for all three meals throughout the day.
Almost all vegetables, especially bell peppers and grilled onions, work well on a griddle, as do a variety of red meats. Whatever you would grill works well on a griddle, and vice versa. Below are some of our favorite dishes for you to get started cooking in your Top Square Griddles of 2022.
Pancakes: To kick off your day, have some delicious pancakes. The griddle should be preheated once the pancake batter has been mixed together. Pancake moulds can be hung if you’re worried about batter splatter.
Eggs: Eggs cooked on a hot griddle come out perfectly every time. Look at how the eggs fry in the oil. You can also make omelettes on a griddle, but scrambled eggs turn out less nicely.
Hash Browns: Rather than eating only fried eggs in the morning, why not make some hash browns? And while we’re at it, grilling just about any form of morning food results in fantastic results. Pick your choice: smoked sausage, ripe tomatoes, or mushy mushrooms.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: If you need time and need a quick meal or snack, nothing beats a grilled cheese sandwich made on a griddled sandwich. Grill the bread with cheese in between the pieces.
Burgers: We agree that griddles are the ideal cooking surfaces for burgers. When you take your first taste of a luscious, juicy burger cooked on a gridiron, you’ll know why we love them so much.
FAQS
- Is a griddle suitable for grilling steaks?
Yes! A griddle will do the trick for the perfect steak. Grilling or frying them brings out the same tender, flavorful meat. It just needs a short amount of time in the oven. Waiting a little bit can help you get properly cooked meat. This is a great way to cook steaks on a griddle.
- Is a griddle safe for cooking chicken?
Indeed, you can. Chicken tastes best when cooked on a griddle. The chicken should be cooked through so that there are no pink parts in the middle. You may achieve this goal more effectively by cooking the chicken at a lower temperature than you would if you were roasting meat or charring vegetables.
- When it comes to cooking, is it okay to use a griddle?
Using a griddle to prepare food is beneficial to one’s health. It’s easy to confuse frying with griddle cooking, although the two methods are quite different. You don’t need a lot of oil for a griddle to cook food evenly. Thus the grease is minimal. For even less saturated fat absorption, use a healthy oil like avocado or olive while cooking on the griddle. When using oils, a griddle will bake the food on the pan’s surface, which isn’t awful. It depends on what you’re making, but a griddle is only useful if you use it to make stacked pancakes or a fancy triple-patty burger.
Final Verdict
What is the best food to make on a griddle? It’s incredible what a griddle can do for food preparation. We hope these Best Square Griddle reviews helped you. You may grill food in many different ways and try tasty new dishes. Also, it’s healthier than you would think! Anything from burgers and sausages to waffles and cheese sandwiches. Bookmark this website when you need some inspiration for your next griddle meal!
