7 Best Griddle Pans for True Cooking Variety

Made of hard anodized aluminum or cast iron, 11 to 12 inches in size with comfort grip handles - the best griddle pans.
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Daniel
Daniel
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Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 15, 2023
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Have you always been wondering what kitchen appliances cooks use when cooking American pancakes, Indian chapatis, Japanese Teriyaki, or French crepes? The answer is a griddle pan! To cook these dishes like a pro, all you need is the best griddle pan.

For your convenience, we’ve tested 19 products and after talking to the industry experts and chefs, we are confident that below are the 7 best griddle pans. We identified the GreenPan Chatham CC000124-001 Griddle Pan to be the Editor’s Choice. On the list, you’ll find griddle pans made of either hard anodized aluminum or cast iron. The former heats up and cools down faster, while the latter holds heat better. In terms of size, griddle pans on our list are either 11 or 12 inches in size, which should accommodate most home cooking needs. Plus, their handles are riveted on, providing extra strength and durability.

Quick Summary

Top 7 Griddle Pans Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7734 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
Features
  • Dimensions: 11 inches
  • Material: hard anodized aluminum
  • Guarantee: limited lifetime
  • Weight: 2.56 lbs

More features: oven safe up to 600 °F, dishwasher safe, ceramic non-stick coating, safely used with metal utensils, PFOA-free, stay-cool handle

The Chatham CC000124-001Griddle Pan from GreenPan is the perfect tool you need to transform your kitchen. Made from hard-anodized aluminum metal, this pan conducts heat evenly and with ease. It is the simply best griddle pan for pancakes. The wide 11” cooking surface helps you make all the pancakes you can think of. You should also use this pan when you want to prepare delicious steaks or bacon with a brown layer. The pan’s interior is made superior by the thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick surface that doesn’t chip. This feature helps you enjoy crispy and browning of your pancakes or meat. While it is recommended for handwash, GreenPan also minds your need for convenience, and the pan is made dishwashable. The pan’s design and materials make it safe to use alongside other utensils.

To make this pan stand out, GreenPan has manufactured it without including PFOA and PFAs. This means the pan doesn’t emit harmful gaseous substances when you are using it. Other potentially dangerous chemicals that the manufacturer has omitted while making the pan include lead and cadmium. The 2.56lbs weight of the pan makes it perfect for the hand and the stove. The stainless steel handle that is affixed firmly with two rivets enables you to enjoy firm grips. It will cook on ceramic, stove, electric and broiler. The non-drip edges of the pan help you avoid messy outcomes. With a limited lifetime warranty, this pan is designed to help you serve delicious meals for many years to come.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Nonstick surface
  • Pan is safe up to 600o F
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Handle stays cool
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Scratches on the outside
  • Pricey
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5965 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
Features
  • Dimensions: 11 inches
  • Material: hard-anodized aluminum
  • Guarantee: not specified
  • Weight: 3 lbs.

More features: nonstick, dual riveted stainless steel handles, silicone grips; oven safe to 400F

The Circulon Elementum griddle pan is the kind of pan that can outlive you. It is made to last, and it offers unmatched performance. The pan features a total nonstick system that consists of raised circles and triple-layer premium nonstick coating that is 15 times more durable than regular nonstick coating. Moreover, the pan is made with robust, hard-anodized aluminum that is twice as tough as stainless steel. The high-quality build material ensures even heat distribution suitable for different meals.

The nonstick coating on the griddle allows easy food release and cleanup. It is also meal-safe, thus giving you the confidence to cook any food. What’s more, the griddle features a dual riveted stainless steel handles with sleek silicone grips. The handles are just as comfortable as they are durable. You can comfortably flip the griddle as the silicone grips will give you a comfortable grasp. Plus, it can withstand heat up to 400 degrees F; thus, you can start meals at the cooktop and then finish in the oven.

The superior show-stopping oyster grey exterior of the pan can go well with any kind of kitchen décor. Best of all, the griddle is dish-washer friendly. However, the manufacturer recommends washing by hands for prolonged performance. Since it has a superior nonstick coating, you will breeze through the cleaning.

    Why is it special?
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable handle
  • Dishwasher-friendly
  • Easy to clean
  • Can withstand high heat
  • Attractive design
    What are the flaws?
  • The pan warps when used without preheating
  • Premium price point
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8714 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
Features
  • Dimensions: 11 inches
  • Material: aluminum
  • Guarantee: limited lifetime
  • Weight: 1.2 lbs

More features: PFOA-free, Thermolon ceramic non-stick coating, soft-grip handle, dishwasher-safe, oven safe to 350°F

The CC000605-001 Griddle Pan from GreenLife has been designed and made to deliver delicious bacon, eggs, pancakes, French toast and other delicacies. It is a versatile griddle pan that will satisfy your food cravings. This pan is made from reinforced aluminum, and its nonstick interior is of high-quality thermolon diamond reinforced ceramic. The interior of the pan does not chip or scratch hence making it safe to use for many years. It is the perfect addition to your kitchen not only because of its practical 11” cooking area but also because of its stylish square design. The matching handles of the pan offer a soft grip which is a necessary feature if you will be using the pan regularly. The absence of PFOA, PFAS, lead and cadmium serve to ensure that the pan is safe for your everyday use.

The CC000605-001 griddle pan offers functionality in your kitchen. Besides the pan helping you make the best pancakes, it is very easy to clean it. It is also safe to use a dishwasher. It is compatible with electric, gas, ceramic and stovetop fires. You can also use it on ovens and broilers. Temperatures of up to 350°F are safe with the pan. To make the pan optimally serve you for many years, cook using low and medium heat settings while using a few drops of high smoke point oil. Like any other griddle pan, use wooden or nylon utensils to avoid scratching and chipping of the interior. The manufacturer has backed it with a limited lifetime warranty.

    What stands out?
  • Nonstick
  • Unique square design
  • Study and durable
  • A solid comfortable handle
  • Cheap
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Handle too close to the cooking surface and flames
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5101 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
Features
  • Dimensions: 12 inches
  • Material: cast iron
  • Guarantee: lifetime customer support
  • Weight: 7.3 lbs

More features: pre-seasoned, grill and campfire safe, hand wash

The Lodge Pro-Logic Cast Iron Griddle offers a square design that is both practical and stylish. The griddle pan is from cast iron. The 12-inch pan weighs 7.3 lbs making it one of the heaviest in this market segment. Due to its heavy weight, the pan is ideal for browning and oven baking. It is a pan that will deliver hearty breakfasts consistently for years. The black-coloured pan can be seasoned with oil for that natural easy-release that will improve over time. The handle and the cooking area are one and the same hence making the pan sturdy. The smooth-edged handle features a thumb rest and this guarantees more comfortable handling. There is a secondary handle opposite the main handle that helps you handle the pan.

The obvious and beneficial feature that this Pro Logic pan affords you is the high heat retention capacity because of its weight and the material used to make it. This trait makes the pan ideal for stewing collards, baking beans, and cooking chicken. Because of its uneven heat distribution characteristic, it is not the best pan to cook pancakes with. However, by letting the skillet warm evenly, you can make perfect pancakes and burgers. It works perfectly on campfires and grills. Cleaning the pan is easily done by hand washing, drying, and rubbing it with cooking oil. When grime collects, you require a stiff brush to clean the pan. Because of its heaviness, and pre-seasoned advantage, the pan gives you delicious brown meals always.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Limited lifetime customer support
  • A versatile pan
  • Great heat retention
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Doesn’t heat evenly
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6448 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.2
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
5
Best for Scrambled Eggs

OXO Good Grips Griddle Pan

Features
  • Dimensions: 11 inches
  • Material: hard anodized aluminum
  • Guarantee: not specified
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs

More features: PFOA-free, non-stick coating, oven safe to 430°F, scratch-resistant, dishwasher safe

Do you love flipping pancakes in the morning? Well, the OXO Good Grips griddle pan is your answer. This 11-inch pan is excellent for scrambling your eggs, searing steaks and cooking your bacon. It is a pan that’s made of hard anodized aluminum that serves to make it sturdy and durable. It features a 3-layer nonstick interior that is free of PFOA, PFAS, lead, and other harmful substances. The nonstick surface of the pan makes it very easy to clean. By employing German-engineering, the pan heats evenly and enjoys superior retain heat. The edges of this griddle pan are rolled to give you drip-free pouring of your source. The pan’s handle is affixed using two strong, shiny rivets. The pan has been adorned with a flawless stainless steel smooth handle. The handle is also contoured to ensure that it remains cool while you are cooking.

This induction griddle pan has been designed for your everyday use. Washing it is easy and convenient. It is dishwashable. It will handle temperatures of up to 430°F or 220°C and is safe to it in an oven. For guaranteed durability, you should avoid washing it with scratching cloths or stirring using metal spoons. With a total weight of just 2.6 lbs it is easy to see why this pan is easy to handle. For that flavoured brown pancake or sausage, ensure that the pan is adequately preheated. For even better results, follow the detailed owner’s manual included by the seller.

    Why is it special?
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Handles remain cool
  • Owner’s manual included
  • Non-drip edges
    What are the flaws?
  • Cleaning where the rivets are fixed
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8761 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
6
Best Handle Design

Rachael Ray 87659 Cucina

Features
  • Dimensions: 11 inches
  • Material: hard anodized aluminum
  • Guarantee: limited lifetime
  • Weight: 1.9 lbs

More features: non-stick coating, dishwasher safe, oven safe to 400°F, dual-riveted handle

The Rachael Ray 87659 Cucina griddle pan has a swanky design that makes it attractive and practical. The 11” pan which is made using hard anodized aluminum offers you a 3-layer nonstick interior. The nonstick surface boasts of not having any PFOA and other harmful substances. The pan weighs 1.9 pounds and is a versatile tool to have in your kitchen. For all your favorite pancakes, eggs and sausages, this is the pan to help you make them. The tough material used to make the pan heats evenly hence eliminating any risk of burnt spots appearing on your food. It boasts of a smooth griddle surface that aids in the flipping and turning of meals as you cook them. The pan is non-drip which ensures that you don’t end up with a mess when pouring sauce. When it comes to the pan’s handle, two sturdy rivets attach it to the cooking surface. The stylish blue handle is made of stainless steel, but the grip is made of silicone hence making it easy and safe for you.

The Rachael Ray 87659 Cucina pan is made in Thailand. It is grey in color and is compatible with gas, electric coil and electric smooth tops. It can handle temperatures reaching 400oF. This makes it safe to use in an oven. Cleaning the pan is very easy since you can use the dishwasher for the task. The manufacturer has backed the pan with a limited lifetime warranty. The functionality and the stylishness of this pan ensure that your kitchen never fails to produce delicious meals.

    Why is it special?
  • Nonstick
  • Stylish
  • Study handle hence durable
  • Limited lifetime warranty
    What are the flaws?
  • Cleaning around the rivets
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2506 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Dimensions: 11 inches
  • Material: hard anodized aluminum
  • Guarantee: limited lifetime
  • Weight: 2 lbs

More features: hand-wash, non-stick coating, oven safe to 400°F, dual-riveted handle

If looking for a pan to make delicious breakfast eggs and easy pancakes, then Circulon 82452 Griddle Pan should be your answer. The pan is made from hard anodized aluminum hence making it highly efficient in heat conduction. It heats evenly, therefore, ensuring there are no spots on the pan than can burn the food. This versatile griddle pan weighs 2 pounds and its 11 inches hence making it practical in an ordinary home kitchen. The healthy flavour of pancakes or steak is guaranteed because it heats up to 400° F. The design of the pan and its black colour serve to make it more compatible with your kitchen. The pan’s stainless steel handle is dual riveted for extra strength. It is also rubberized to make it cool to the hand.

Meyer, the manufacturer, has been in the business of making quality pans for many years now. The company has invested time and effort to make the interior of this griddle pan safe and practical. The TOTAL Food Releases System feature helps eliminate surface abrasion, scratching and staining when you are sizzling your food. The manufacturer has omitted PFOA when making the interior of the pan. Its ability to produce astonishing savoury foods makes it the best nonstick griddle pan that you can own. You get to enjoy low-calorie foods because the pan doesn’t need extra oil while preparing food. Backed with a limited lifetime warranty, there is no reason why you shouldn’t try this amazing premium-priced griddle pan.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Nonstick interior
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Rubberized handle
    What is not ideal about it?
  • A bit pricey

Things to Consider

Buying the best griddle pan requires that you understand the different types of pans sold out there. Many features make griddle pans unique and a must-have in every kitchen. We wrote this griddle pan review after doing thorough research on the features that these pans carry. You will easily find your pan after reading the description of each as well as reading the many features that it should adorn.

What is griddle pan?

7 Best Griddle Pans for True Cooking VarietyA griddle pan is a type of pan that is commonly used to make a variety of meals, including pancakes, eggs, burgers, or steak. This pan has a flat cooking surface, unlike the grill pan, which has a ridged surface. This pan is normally made of hard anodized aluminum or cast iron. While the grill pan will make your steak have those traditional ‘grill lines,’ the griddle pan distributes heat evenly across the cooking surface, which then makes the food have a uniform appeal. The flavor that the griddle pan delivers is nothing but exquisite. The larger griddle pans come in handy when you want to make burgers for many people.

How to use griddle pan

A griddle pan requires some preparation before you can actually start cooking on it. For a pan that has a nonstick cooking surface, there is not much that one is needed to do. All you need to do is preheat the pan over medium heat for 5 minutes before you can cook on it. This preheating allows the entire surface of the pan to heat. Apply oil and salt on the steak you are making and not put them on the pan.

For the cast iron griddle pans, you will need to season the pan first. First, preheat the pan for a few minutes. When the end of the handle on the cooking surface is warm, put off the stove and apply a light coat of oil all around the pan using a piece of cotton cloth. Put the pan in the already hot (300°F) oven and bake it for an hour. You can let the pan cool and reapply the oil and re-bake it all over again two or three times. The pan will then be ready for use. Always remove all leftovers from the pan before storing it.

A well-seasoned griddle pan should produce exceptional results. In the case of steak, you should place the pan on the stove and let it heat as you apply some cooking oil and salt on the steak. Putting the oil on the pan can make the steak burn or stick on the pan. After turning the meat several times, you should add your spices, such as pepper on it. This allows the juices to absorb the spices deep into the meat. You should keep on turning until the entire piece is well done and brown. You can make your own chef standard savoury dinner by following this method:

Prices

To buy a griddle pan requires that you understand and appreciate your pans. While this pan can be used for several kitchen chores, it is, without a doubt, a pan than delivers exquisite results for certain recipes. For those who value their griddle pan, they can pay as much as $50 or as low as $10.

Features to consider while buying the best griddle pan

There are many types of foods that you can make using the griddle pan, such as seafood, chicken, and meat. This pan features a smooth cooking surface, which makes it ideal for cooking pancakes, bacon, eggs, French toast, and crepes. To enjoy the best results with this pan, here are some important features to consider;

Materials

Ordinarily, you will find griddle pans made of cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, or even chrome. Cast iron pans, which are nonstick, require some seasoning to give the ideal results that you desire. An excellent example of the nonstick pans is the Lodge Pro-Logic pan. There are hard anodized aluminum griddle pans that have a nonstick interior layer. Finally, there are aluminum pans that also have a nonstick surface.

Shape and dimensions

The good thing with griddle pans is that there is no standard shape or size that one should go with. There are rectangular, square, and even circular griddle pans, and they are of different dimensions. You can go for the 11-inch square GreenPan Chatham CC000124-001 or the 11-inch rectangular GreenLife CC000605-001 pan.

Handle

7 Best Griddle Pans for True Cooking VarietyThe handle of the pan you pick determines, to a great extent, the overall experience you get with your pan. Some pans such as the Circulon 82452 and Rachael Ray 87659 Cucina have their handles covered with rubber and silicone. This is to protect the user from getting burnt. Other manufacturers have used special materials and unique designs to ensure that the handles are strong and remain slow to heating.

Guarantees

The guarantee you get from the manufacturer of a griddle pan goes a long way to help you know whether to buy it or not. Many of the manufacturers back their pans with lifetime limited warranty.

Weight

The weight of the pan determines how versatile it is and how easily you can handle it. A pan as heavy as Lodge Pro-Logic Cast Iron Griddle (7.3 lbs) will do well in cooking some dishes while Rachael Ray 87659 Cucina (1.9 lbs) will prosper in other sections. The former is great with steak while the latter is suitable for pancakes and other light meals.

Cooking surfaces

The cooking surface of the griddle pan is ideally smooth. The griddle pan edges are rolled hence keeping the food within the pan. Flipping your pancakes is quite easy with this pan. Some pans are nonstick, while those of cast iron pans are a bit coarse. The griddle pan should heat evenly to ensure that the food doesn’t get black burnt spots.  Many experts prefer a pan that is compatible with grill and induction sources of energy. Look for a pan that will work best with your cooktop.

Non-stick coating

Nonstick cooking surfaces are trending today. Fewer cast iron griddle pans are made, and more of nonstick pans are in the market. Nonstick is easy to clean and doesn’t require seasoning. Moreover, maintaining a nonstick pan is easier and cheaper. These pans are free pf PFOA, PFAs, lead, and cadmium hence making them quite safe. However, these pans are not as durable as the cast iron pans because the surface tends to peel off or chip with usage.

Even heat

The even distribution of heat in the griddle pan and any other pan is of utmost importance. With an equal distribution of heat, the pan will give your pancakes a uniform brown color. Quality materials conduct heat fast and evenly, and this guarantees even cooking of your food.

Cleaning easiness

Ease of cleaning is something that you must consider before you hand over your hard-earned money. With nonstick pans, you will not have a lot to do when it comes to cleaning the pan. Many can be washed using the dishwasher. For the cast iron pans such as the Lodge Pro-Logic, washing should be done in accordance in a specific manner to avoid everyday seasoning.

Durability

The durability of the griddle pan is almost certain given that hardy materials are used to make them. Of course, there are those pans that are sturdier than the rest. In our durability check, we looked for pans that have strong joints between the handle and the cooking surface. A pan such as Lodge Pro-Logic easily passes the durability tests because the handle and the pan are the same. Still, consider checking the design and the materials used to make the pan.

FAQ

Do I need oil to cook on a griddle pan?

Yes. But use cooking oil suitable for high-heat sautéing. You can use avocado, peanut, grapeseed, or coconut oils for high-heat sautéing. For medium-heat cooking, use olive oil or butter.

Can I grill on a griddle pan?

Yes and No. A griddle pan and a grill pan are designed and made different and for different functions. Griddles are supposed to be in direct contact with the source of heat, while grill pans shouldn’t. The skillet operates at a lower temperature than a grill pan, hence a griddle for gill may not give the best results, but it still can amaze.

How to clean griddle pan?

You will need soapy water, rinse water, griddle scraper, clean dry cloth, abrasive pad, and high-temperature gloves. Start with scrapping heavy debris and then douse the skillet with hot water. You will then use the abrasive pad with rinse water as necessary.

Our verdict

After reviewing all the griddle pans, we do not doubt that the GreenPan Chatham CC000124-001 griddle pan deserves to be the editor’s choice. This pan exhibits excellent features, such as the ability to cook incredible pancakes. Weighing slightly over 2.5 pounds, this pan is dishwasher safe and is the perfect kitchen companion to own.

The Circulon 84566 Elementum Hard-Anodized Nonstick Griddle Pan scoops our second spot because of its superior build quality. Its rugged design offers the best durability and top performance. It has a unique nonstick system that lasts 15 times longer than the regular nonstick coatings. Besides durability, you get to enjoy easy cleanup.

The best griddle pan in return for value is undoubtedly the GreenLife CC000605-001 pan. This aluminum pan is light, yet it blows you away with its mouthwatering French toasts and pancakes. It is practical in every sense, and its price tag makes it ever more appealing for any griddle lover.

9,9
Total Score
GreenPan Chatham CC000124-001 Griddle Pan - Editor’s Choice
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