Why Cook With a Cast Iron Griddle?

Cast iron grills and griddles provide even heat.

You can feed the whole crowd with a cast iron griddle. Cook pancakes on the smooth side, flip the grill over to cook vegetables, steaks, chicken or fish. Cast iron, one of the oldest cookware materials, is a popular choice for griddles.

Conductivity Advantages

Cast iron is among the top conductors of heat. For griddles, this is an advantage as foods like pancakes and bacon require constant, even heat to properly cook. Cookware made of aluminum or stainless steel frequently has hot and cold spots that prevent uniform cooking.

Cooking Surface Benefits

Long before the invention of applied nonstick cooking surfaces, cast iron provided this advantage. Properly cured and maintained, cast iron griddles provide years of cooking on a surface that easily withstands metal utensils and cooking tools.

Maintenance & Storage

Cast iron griddles require curing before use. Rub the surface with vegetable oil and place in a moderately heated oven for a short period of time. This process creates a smooth, nonstick surface and protects the iron from rust and discoloration. If possible, avoid cleaning with soap; just rinse with hot water. Thoroughly dry and store the griddle in a cool, dry place. Re-cure the griddle if soap is used.

References

• MotherEarthNews: The Care and Feeding of Cast Iron