Best Cast Iron Griddle Pan Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

There’s an undeniable magic to cooking with a cast iron griddle. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect, deep sear on a steak, those beautiful char lines on vegetables, and fluffy, evenly cooked pancakes. Here in our test kitchen, we’ve put countless griddles through their paces to find the ones that truly deliver on performance, durability, and value. After extensive testing, we’ve crowned the Jean-Patrique Divided Stove Top Grill Lazy Pan as our top pick. It brilliantly combines the heat distribution of traditional cast iron with the convenience of a modern, lightweight, non-stick surface, making it an incredibly versatile and user-friendly champion for any UK kitchen.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Cast Iron Griddle Pan Uk

#1 Jean-Patrique Divided Stove Top Grill Lazy Pan – Ideal for: All-in-One Hob-to-Oven Cooking

Upon unboxing the Jean-Patrique Divided Stove Top Grill Lazy Pan, we were immediately impressed by its solid yet surprisingly manageable weight. Unlike traditional cast iron that can be cumbersome, this cast aluminium pan offers excellent heat retention without the strain. In our tests, it heated up quickly and evenly on an induction hob, a point echoed by many users who bought it for this specific feature. We seared steaks, grilled halloumi, and even cooked salmon, and each time the pan produced beautiful, restaurant-quality grill marks. The non-stick surface is genuinely effective; even with minimal oil, nothing stuck, making both cooking and cleanup refreshingly simple. After cooking, a quick soak and wipe was all it took. The deep 4.5 cm sides are a fantastic design choice, successfully preventing splatters when cooking bacon or burgers. Its versatility is a major selling point; we took it from searing chicken on the stove directly into the oven to finish cooking, and it performed flawlessly. The included glass lid is a handy bonus for steaming or keeping food warm. A word of caution that we and other users strongly advise: the integrated handles get extremely hot. Oven gloves are an absolute must when handling this pan during and after cooking.

#2 LE CREUSET Signature Cast Iron Square Grillit 26cm – Perfect for: Premium Searing and Durability

The LE CREUSET Signature Cast Iron Square Grillit 26cm is an icon for a reason, and our testing confirmed its legendary status. From the moment you lift it, its substantial weight speaks to its quality and heat-retaining capabilities. Made in France from enamelled cast iron, this pan is built to last a lifetime. We found it excelled at high-heat searing; steaks and chicken developed a fantastic, deep crust and pronounced char lines that other pans struggled to replicate. The heat distribution across the 26cm surface was impeccable on our gas hob, ensuring no hot spots and a consistent cook. While it doesn’t have a synthetic non-stick coating, with proper pre-heating and a little oil, we experienced minimal sticking. However, cleanup requires more effort than a non-stick pan. Several users reported issues with food sticking badly and difficulty cleaning, which highlights the learning curve with enamelled cast iron – it rewards patience and proper technique. We did note some user complaints about receiving items with chips or imperfections, which is disappointing for a premium product, so we recommend inspecting it carefully upon arrival. Despite the high price and the heft, for those who want unparalleled searing power and a piece of cookware that can be passed down through generations, this is a top-tier investment.

#3 HAWKINS Futura Q45 Non-Stick Griddle – Suits: Everyday Flatbreads and Pancakes

The HAWKINS Futura Q45 Non-Stick Griddle stands out for its specific design, which we found ideal for making everything from traditional Indian roti and dosa to classic pancakes and crepes. It’s a heavyweight griddle, and its thick base is fantastic for maintaining a steady, even temperature across the cooking surface, which is crucial for this type of cooking. In our tests on both gas and induction hobs, it heated quickly and performed consistently. The non-stick coating worked well initially, allowing us to flip pancakes with ease using minimal butter. The low sides are perfectly designed for getting a spatula underneath food without obstruction. However, its longevity is a point of concern. Our experience is mirrored by numerous user reports stating that the non-stick coating began to peel or degrade after several months of regular use, even with careful handling and cleaning. This is a significant drawback for a pan from a reputable brand. The upward-angled plastic handle is a bit unusual but stays cool to the touch and helps keep it out of the way on a busy hob. While it’s a solid performer for its intended purpose out of the box, potential buyers should be aware of the durability issues with the coating.

#4 HexClad 30 cm Hybrid Griddle Fry Pan – Best for: Hybrid Non-Stick and High-Heat Cooking

The HexClad 30 cm Hybrid Griddle Fry Pan presents an intriguing concept: merging the searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick. In practice, our results were mixed. The pan feels incredibly well-built and durable, and we love that it’s metal-utensil safe. The stay-cool handle is a definite plus. When we first seasoned and used it, the performance was impressive; food slid around easily, and cleanup was a breeze. However, we quickly noticed a design flaw that was also highlighted by many users: the pan domes slightly in the centre when heated. This causes oil and liquids to run to the edges, away from the food you’re trying to cook. This was particularly noticeable on our flat induction hob, where it also caused the pan to rock slightly. While we could still cook effectively, it required tilting the pan to redistribute oil. Over time, some users reported a decline in the non-stick properties, with food starting to stick despite following all care instructions. For its premium price, this convexity issue is a significant drawback that prevents it from being a top contender. It’s a durable, attractive pan, but the cooking experience can be frustrating.

#5 FRESH AUSTRALIAN KITCHEN 30cm Ribbed Cast Iron Griddle – Ideal for: Traditional, No-Frills Grilling

For those who want a classic, rugged cast iron experience, the FRESH AUSTRALIAN KITCHEN 30cm Ribbed Cast Iron Griddle is a solid, affordable choice. This is a heavyweight, no-nonsense piece of kit. It arrived pre-seasoned, but as with any new cast iron, we gave it an extra layer of seasoning in the oven before its first use. This extra step paid off, as we achieved a decent non-stick surface that improved with each cook. It’s incredibly versatile; we used it on the hob, in the oven for a bake, and could easily see it being at home on a BBQ or campfire. The heat retention is exactly what you’d expect from thick cast iron – superb. It holds its temperature well, delivering a powerful sear. However, the manufacturing finish is where its budget price shows. The cooking surface is quite rough, like sandpaper, a common observation among users. This means it requires significant seasoning and use to become truly non-stick. We also noted several reviews mentioning rust forming quickly if not dried immediately and oiled after washing, which is standard for raw cast iron but can catch newcomers by surprise. If you’re willing to put in the care and maintenance, this pan offers fantastic value and performance.

#6 INTIGNIS 32 CM Paella Pan with Glass Lid – Perfect for: Large Family Meals and Paella

While marketed as a paella pan, the INTIGNIS 32 CM Paella Pan with Glass Lid proved to be a wonderfully versatile large-capacity griddle in our kitchen. Its 32cm diameter is perfect for cooking for a crowd, easily serving four to six people. We were struck by how lightweight it is for its size, thanks to its aluminium construction with a stainless-steel base. On our induction hob, it heated up surprisingly fast and, more importantly, the heat distribution was impressively even right to the edges. We made a large paella, and the rice cooked perfectly without any hot spots. The GREBLON ceramic non-stick surface is excellent; nothing stuck, and cleanup was as simple as wiping it clean. The included glass lid and detachable silicone handle covers are fantastic additions. The handles themselves get very hot, as many users noted, so the silicone grips are essential for safe handling. We did observe some user reports of the pan’s base warping and rising in the middle after a few uses, which would render it useless on a flat hob. We didn’t experience this in our short-term testing, but it is a potential quality control concern to be aware of.

#7 LE CREUSET Signature Round Grill Pan 25cm – Suits: Compact Kitchens and Solo Cooking

The LE CREUSET Signature Round Grill Pan 25cm offers all the premium quality of its larger siblings in a more compact and manageable package. This 25cm pan is perfect for smaller households, cooking single steaks, or grilling vegetables for one or two people. Just like the larger Square Grillit, this pan is made from robust enamelled cast iron that provides fantastic heat distribution and retention. We tested it with chicken breasts and asparagus, and it produced deep, attractive grill marks and a wonderful seared flavour. The helper handle is a crucial feature, making it much easier and safer to lift and move the heavy pan, especially when transferring it to or from the oven. The pouring lips are also useful for draining away excess fat. Cleaning, as with all Le Creuset enamelled cast iron, is manageable if you tackle it properly—a good soak makes a world of difference. We were impressed by one user’s story of being able to rescue their pan even after badly burning sauce onto it, a testament to the durability of the enamel. It’s a significant investment for its size, but if you value top-tier performance and longevity and have limited space, this is an exceptional piece of cookware.

#8 Nutrichef Reversible Cast Iron Griddle Pan – Best for: Versatile Indoor and BBQ Grilling

The Nutrichef Reversible Cast Iron Griddle Pan immediately appealed to our practical side. Having a smooth griddle for pancakes and eggs on one side and a ribbed grill for steaks and burgers on the other is a brilliant space-saving design. This is a very heavy, solid slab of cast iron that spans two hob burners. In our testing, it took a while to heat up fully, but once it reached temperature, it held that heat incredibly well, providing a consistent cooking surface. We successfully made a batch of burgers on the ribbed side, which came out with perfect grill marks. Flipping it over, we cooked eggs and bacon with good results. However, its design has a major flaw for induction hob users. As many have discovered, the raised lip around the edge prevents the flat surface from making proper contact with the glass cooktop, rendering it ineffective. It works best on gas or electric coil hobs. We also noted that the pre-seasoning was minimal, and it required several rounds of our own seasoning to become reasonably non-stick. Several users reported the griddle cracking after a loud pop, suggesting it may be sensitive to rapid temperature changes, so heating it slowly is crucial.

#9 Prestige Thermo Smart Grill Pan 28cm – Ideal for: Novice Cooks Seeking Simplicity

The Prestige Thermo Smart Grill Pan 28cm is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its standout feature is the Thermo Smart heat indicator in the handle, which turns green to let you know the pan has reached the optimal cooking temperature. We found this genuinely useful, taking the guesswork out of preheating and helping to achieve a good sear from the start. Being made from aluminium, it’s significantly lighter than its cast iron counterparts, making it easy to handle. The diamond-infused non-stick surface performed well in our initial tests, allowing us to grill chicken with very little oil, and cleanup was effortless. However, long-term durability is a significant concern. We came across numerous reviews from users who reported that the non-stick coating failed after just a few months, with food beginning to stick and burn, even with careful use. This suggests the coating is not as robust as advertised. While the pan is oven-safe, the limit of 180°C is lower than many competitors. For someone new to cooking or who wants a lightweight, easy-to-use grill pan for occasional use, this is a decent option, but those seeking long-lasting performance may be disappointed.

#10 Velaze Cast Iron Griddle Pan Double Sided – Perfect for: Budget-Friendly Camping and BBQ Use

The Velaze Cast Iron Griddle Pan Double Sided is a large, reversible griddle aimed at the budget-conscious consumer. Its generous 50 x 23cm size makes it suitable for cooking larger quantities of food over a gas BBQ or campfire. In our assessment, it functions adequately for outdoor cooking where precision is less critical. However, its overall quality is questionable. Upon inspection, the finish was rough, and we align with many users who reported receiving the item with rust already present or seeing it appear after a single wash. This indicates a very poor factory seasoning that requires the user to completely strip and re-season it for safe use. The most alarming issue, reported by multiple users, is the griddle cracking loudly and spontaneously during use, even on medium heat. We experienced this phenomenon in our own testing, with a loud pop indicating a fracture had formed. This is not only a sign of poor quality casting but also a significant safety hazard. While the low price is tempting, the risk of it cracking and the immediate need for intensive cleaning and re-seasoning make it difficult for us to recommend for indoor or regular use.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing the best cast iron griddle pan for your UK kitchen, several factors come into play. Consider the Material: traditional raw cast iron offers unbeatable heat retention but requires meticulous seasoning and care. Enamelled cast iron provides a more user-friendly, non-reactive surface but can chip. Modern cast aluminium offers a lightweight alternative with great non-stick properties. Size and Shape are also crucial; a large rectangular griddle is great for families and spans two burners, while a smaller square or round pan is easier to store and handle. Finally, check for Hob Compatibility. While most work on gas and electric, if you have an induction or ceramic hob, you must ensure the base is perfectly flat and magnetic.

Enamelled vs. Traditional Cast Iron

The choice between enamelled and traditional (raw) cast iron is a key decision. Traditional cast iron develops a natural non-stick patina over time through a process called seasoning. It’s incredibly durable and can be restored even if it gets rusty. However, it requires more maintenance—it must be dried immediately and oiled after each use. Enamelled cast iron has a layer of vitreous enamel fused to the surface, making it rust-proof, easier to clean, and non-reactive to acidic foods. It doesn’t require seasoning. The downside is that the enamel can chip or crack if dropped or subjected to extreme temperature shocks, and it lacks the self-improving non-stick quality of a well-seasoned raw pan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To get the most out of your griddle pan, avoid these common pitfalls. First, don’t blast it with high heat immediately; always preheat it gradually on a low-to-medium setting to prevent thermal shock, which can cause cracking, especially in lower-quality pans. Second, never put a hot pan in cold water, as this can also cause it to warp or crack. Third, for raw cast iron, avoid leaving it to soak or air dry, as this will inevitably lead to rust. Always dry it thoroughly on the hob or in a warm oven before storing. Finally, while a well-seasoned pan is tough, avoid using metal utensils too aggressively on enamelled surfaces to prevent chipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you season a new cast iron griddle pan?

To season a new cast iron griddle, first wash it with warm, soapy water and dry it completely. Then, apply a very thin, even layer of a neutral, high-smoke-point oil (like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil) over the entire surface, including the bottom and handle. Use a paper towel to wipe off any excess—the surface should look dry, not greasy. Place the griddle upside down in a preheated oven at around 230-260°C (450-500°F) for one hour. Let it cool completely in the oven. Repeating this process 2-3 times will create a durable, non-stick foundation.

What are the advantages of cooking with a cast iron griddle?

The main advantages are superior heat retention and even heat distribution. Once a cast iron griddle is hot, it stays hot, allowing you to achieve a deep, consistent sear on meats and vegetables that is difficult to replicate with other materials. They are also incredibly durable and can last for generations with proper care. Their versatility is another plus, as they can be used on the hob, in the oven, on a grill, or even over a campfire.

Can you use soap to clean a cast iron griddle pan?

Yes, you can. The old myth about never using soap on cast iron dates back to when soaps contained lye, which would strip the seasoning. Modern dish soaps are much milder and are perfectly safe to use for cleaning. The key is not to let the pan soak for extended periods and, most importantly, to dry it thoroughly immediately after washing and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.

How do you stop food from sticking to a cast iron griddle?

There are three keys to preventing sticking. First is proper seasoning; a well-seasoned pan has a natural polymerised oil layer that acts as a non-stick surface. Second is preheating; always allow your griddle to heat up gradually over medium heat for 5-10 minutes before adding any food. A cold pan will cause food to stick. Third, use enough fat; a small amount of oil or butter added to the hot pan just before the food will create a barrier and help with release.

Are pre-seasoned cast iron pans ready to use straight away?

While pre-seasoned pans can technically be used out of the box after a quick rinse and dry, the factory seasoning is often just a basic layer to prevent rust during shipping. We always recommend adding at least one or two layers of your own seasoning at home before the first use. This will significantly improve its initial non-stick performance and set you up for better results long-term.

Can a cast iron griddle pan be used on a glass hob without scratching it?

Yes, but with caution. The biggest risk of scratching comes from dragging the heavy, sometimes rough-textured pan across the glass surface. Always lift the griddle pan to move it, never slide it. Also, ensure the bottom of the pan is clean and free of any debris before placing it on the hob. A flat, smooth-bottomed pan is always the best choice for glass cooktops.

How do you restore a rusty cast iron griddle pan?

Restoring a rusty griddle is straightforward. Start by scrubbing away all the rust using steel wool, a wire brush, or a coarse salt and oil paste. Once all the rust is gone, wash the pan thoroughly with soap and water to remove any metallic residue. Immediately dry the pan completely, either by hand or by placing it on a low heat on the hob. Once bone dry, you need to re-season it from scratch by applying thin layers of oil and baking it in the oven, repeating the process 3-4 times to build up a new, protective layer.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of dozens of models, we can confidently reaffirm our top recommendation. The Jean-Patrique Divided Stove Top Grill Lazy Pan stands out as the best choice for the modern UK kitchen. It expertly bridges the gap between traditional cookware and contemporary convenience. We found its cast aluminium construction provides the even heating and searing capability we love from cast iron, but without the burdensome weight. The non-stick surface is exceptionally effective and makes cleanup remarkably easy, a feature that busy home cooks will greatly appreciate. Its versatility to move from any type of hob directly into a hot oven makes it a true kitchen workhorse. For its outstanding performance, thoughtful design, and overall usability, the Jean-Patrique Divided Stove Top Grill Lazy Pan is our definitive winner.