Cast Iron Skillet VS. Cast Iron Griddle

Cast iron skillets and griddles are both popular cookware options that offer a number of benefits, but also come with a few drawbacks. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your next cast iron cookware.

Pros of a Cast Iron Skillet:

• Durable: Cast iron skillets are extremely durable and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.
• Even heating: Cast iron skillets heat evenly and retain heat well, making them ideal for a wide range of cooking techniques, including searing, frying, and baking.
• Versatile: Cast iron skillets can be used on a variety of cooking surfaces, including the stovetop, oven, and grill.
• Natural non-stick surface: with proper seasoning and care, cast iron skillet can develop a natural non-stick surface that cooks food evenly and prevents sticking.
• Adds Iron to Food: Cast iron skillet can add iron to food, which can be beneficial for those with iron deficiencies.
• Can be used as an oven-safe form for casseroles and baking.

Cons of a Cast Iron Skillet:

• Heavy: Cast iron skillets can be quite heavy, making them difficult to handle for some people.
• Requires seasoning and maintenance: Cast iron skillets need to be seasoned and maintained properly to prevent rust and ensure optimal performance.
• Not safe for dishwasher: Cast iron skillets are not safe for use in the dishwasher and need to be washed by hand.
• Not suitable for acidic food: Cast iron skillets should not be used for acidic food as it can affect the taste of food and it sometimes strip the layer of seasoning (although it's easy to re-season).

Pros of a Cast Iron Griddle:

• Large cooking surface: A cast iron griddle offers a large cooking surface, making it ideal for cooking large batches of food.
• If it's a reversible griddle there is a grill pan included in the price.
• Even heating: Like a cast iron skillet, a cast iron griddle heats evenly and retains heat well, making it perfect for cooking pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast items.
• Versatile: Cast iron griddles can be used on a variety of cooking surfaces, including the stovetop, oven, and grill.
• Natural non-stick surface: with proper seasoning and care, cast iron griddle can develop a natural non-stick surface that cooks food evenly and prevents sticking.
• Adds Iron to Food: Cast iron griddle can add iron to food, which can be beneficial for those with iron deficiencies.

Cons of a Cast Iron Griddle:

• Heavy: Cast iron griddles can be quite heavy, making them difficult to handle for some people.
• Requires seasoning and maintenance: Cast iron griddles need to be seasoned and maintained properly to prevent rust and ensure optimal performance.
• Not safe for dishwasher: Cast iron griddles are not safe for use in the dishwasher and need to be washed by hand.
• Not suitable for acidic food: Cast iron griddles should not be used for acidic food as it can affect the taste of food and it sometimes strip the layer of seasoning (although it's easy to re-season).
• Only suitable for food that can be cooked on a flat surface.

In conclusion, cast iron skillets and griddles offer a number of benefits, including durability, even heating, and versatility. They also develop a natural non-stick surface and add iron to food. However, they are heavy, require proper seasoning and maintenance, and are not safe for use in the dishwasher. They also should not be used for acidic food. Ultimately, whether a cast iron skillet or griddle is the right choice for you will depend on your specific cooking needs and preferences.