The Best Griddle Pans

The Best Griddle Pans

Griddle pans are designed to cook a large amount of food at one time. Because of this, they are typically wide and flat. By default, they are similar to a frying pan. The main difference? The intended use. Because griddle pans are used to cook for a larger group of people, they can often withstand higher heat, are made to fit a lot of food, and are sometimes dual-sided and can even take up entire stove tops. Depending on your needs, they can be made from cast iron, nonstick, or stainless steel, with each one having their own benefits. We've outlined a number of styles for you here, below.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle

Lasts a Lifetime

This cast iron griddle pan will last a lifetime.
Best Overall

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For ages now, Lodge has been an iconic company when it comes to American-made cast iron cookware. Dependable, incredibly durable, and fully seasoned, these cast iron pans quickly become family heirlooms and are often passed from one generation to the next. This griddle pan is another successful design in a long line of successful designs. At just over 10 inches, this is the ideal pan for cooking for one or loading it up and cooking for more. A small lip makes it ideal for eggs, pancakes, bacon, and plenty of other foods, while the long handle keeps your hand safely away from higher temperatures. Overall, it’s a durable pan that’ll definitely see you through a lot of meals.

Pros:

  • Pre-seasoned pan can be used over fires, grills, and all other cooking surfaces
  • Oven-safe; can withstand extremely high temperatures
  • Incredible value at a lower price point

Cons:

  • If you’ve never cooked on a cast iron before, they do take a bit of trial and error before mastering
  • Best to not clean using soap

Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Griddle Pan

Non-Stick Pan, Non-Slip Handle

The combination of a non-stick pan and a non-slip handle make this griddle a real winner.
Best Grip

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It’s hard to look at this pan without thinking sunny-side up.  With the high-quality nonstick surface, comfortable grip handle, and low edges, it’s the best egg pan we’ve seen in a while. Eggs aside, its nonstick surface is useful for effortlessly cooking a variety of foods. Thanks to its large size, you can really cook a lot of foods, too. And because griddle pans are meant for cooking on high heat, we really appreciate the handle on this one. With a tough silicone grip that won’t slip, you’ll have maximum control of this pan while you cook away to your heart’s content.

Pros:

  • Comfortable, sure grip
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup
  • Hard-anodized construction for even heat distribution with fewer hotspots

Cons:

  • Heats quickly and retains temperature
  • Do not use with cooking spray, as hard anodized aluminum and cooking spray do not mix

Gotham Steel Nonstick Pan

The Classic Griddle Pan

We love this classic griddle pan, made with functionality and durability in mind.
Best Classic

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In need of a classic style nonstick griddle pan? Look no further. Made with an ultra-durable aluminum that heats evenly, this pan has actually won awards for its nonstick properties. In fact, it is manufactured so carefully, there’s no need for oil or butter — the nonstick works that well. Although griddle pans are meant for cooking on high heat, this stainless steel handle is designed to stay cool to the touch, making cooking as pain-free as possible. And just as cooking on this pan is virtually effortless, so is cleaning. Simply wipe clean and rinse, or toss it in the dishwasher.

Pros:

  • Handy 10.5-inch classic size griddle pan
  • Easy to clean
  • Fine to use with metal cookware

Cons:

  • Make sure not to stack this pan in storage, as it can scratch the nonstick surface
  • Holds heat quickly, so there is a bit of a learning curve with this pan

Lodge Cast Iron Reversible Tray Griddle with Handles

Versatile and Oversized

This versatile griddle top is oversized for cooking generous amounts of grub.
Best Double-Sided

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Whether cooking for one, two, or twenty, this reversible griddle tray is a definite must-have for the home chef. Made with Lodge’s dependable craftsmanship, this handy cooker features one smooth side for cooking multiple batches of eggs, french toast, home fries, or a mix up of all three. Flip it over, however, to reveal a grill-side griddle that’ll make yummy burgers, hotdogs, and more. It’s the versatility that wins us over with this one.

Pros:

  • Pre-seasoned cast iron construction
  • Oven, fire, and all other cooking surface safe
  • Large capacity dual-use griddle pan
  • Handles make it easy to maneuver despite the weight

Cons:

  • This griddle is fairly bulky
  • You may want to season a few time to achieve its full non-stick potential

Ezjob Pancake Pan Griddle

Flapjack Approved

This fun griddle pan makes some pretty darn adorable pancakes.
Best for Pancakes

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While you could technically cook your pancakes on just any ol’ griddle, why would you when something this cute actually exists? With seven small circular spots, each etched with their own design, this griddle pan makes the most adorable pancakes. Plus, the nonstick properties on this pan are excellent, so they’ll come out fluffy and perfectly formed. In fact, the kiddos in your life will be so enthralled with their breakfast, it might even be possible to get away with hiding blended spinach, hemp, and other nutritious secrets in the batter. Now that’s a parenting hack we could sign off on.

Pros:

  • Safe for use with induction stoves, as well as virtually all other stove types
  • Includes a nonstick cooking spatula specifically for use with this pan
  • Can be used with other foods as well, not just pancakes

Cons:

  • Molds work better with a bit of butter or oil
  • Pancake mold size is a bit on the smaller side

Frequently Asked Questions

What are griddle pans used for?

Made to use exactly like a frying pan, griddle pans are best used for cooking breakfast foods like eggs, pancakes, and the like. However, they’re also ideal for making grilled sandwiches, large quesadillas, and virtually anything else you need a flat, smooth pan for. Some are dual-sided, with one flat and smooth side and the other like a grill. In these instances, they’re lovely for making meat patties and the like.

What’s the most useful size griddle pan?

Although everyone has their preferences, griddle pans are popular generally because of their ability to cook a large amount of food at once. Because of this, the larger the better. Just because it’s large doesn’t mean you need to fill it with food every time, whereas if it ends up being too small, you’ll have to cook in batches. So when it comes to a griddle pan, in our opinion, you go big or you go home.