How To Use Cast Iron Griddle On A Gas Stove?

If you have been cooking for some time or started growing interest in this sector recently, you must have heard about cast iron griddles. 

Nowadays they are being immensely popular for their versatility. Besides, the utility of grilling right at your home is no joke for those who don’t prefer outdoor adventures. 

Most interestingly, you can readily use them over your gas stoves. So, if you are wondering how to use cast iron griddles on a gas stove- keep on reading till the end. 

We are pretty sure that after going through this discussion, you will add this super handy product to your kitchen right away! 

“Cooking on a cast iron griddle is not just about making food; it’s about crafting memories and savoring the timeless taste of tradition.”

Can You Use A Cast Iron Griddle On A Gas Stove?

Yes, you can indeed use a cast iron griddle on a gas stove. However, you need to pick the size of the griddle according to your stovetop. 

Cast iron takes a bit of time to heat up and hold on to that heat really well but the heat will need some time spread out through the entire surface area. So just let the griddle heat up even before you start cooking.

How To Use Cast Iron Griddle On Gas Stove – 5 Easy Steps

Before trying to cook something on your cast iron griddle, you must learn the proper steps using cast iron griddle. To get the exact extract of the dishes, follow the following steps.  

If you don’t miss out on any steps below, rest assured that even your first cooking experience will be worth remembering! 

• Step-1:  Set Up The Griddle On The Stove

The very first thing in the cooking procedure is to place the griddle on the top of the gas stove. Depending on the size, you have to place it over two, three, or more burners. Just make sure to place the cast iron pan properly without misplacing it. 

Never drag the pan for readjustment. If you cannot set it up correctly,  pick it up right away without stretching the bottom out as dragging will eventually damage the bottom forever. 

Also, place the pan over the closest burners so that even heat distribution is ensured. If you cannot set up the griddle properly in the beginning, don’t get disheartened. All you need is to keep trying. After a few tries, the issue will be resolved. 

• Step-2: Start The Fire

Now, it’s time to start the fire on the gas burners. After starting the flame, you need to wait a bit to reach the exact temperature you are looking for. 

Unlike steel, cast iron tends to be heated a bit slower. Besides, it can withstand high heat. So, the high flame would be okay for cast iron griddles on the gas stovetop.

• Step-3: Check The Temperature 

The next thing you need to do is to verify the temperature of the pan. But how will you do that, using your hands?  Definitely not, just kidding! 

There is a simple way called water testing. After leaving the griddle over the flame for some time, splash a few drops of water on it. If the water instantly evaporates, it’s probably too hot. 

You should lower the flame in that case. And if the water remains the same on the surface, the heat level must be upped. 

However, only dancing water over the pan indicates the exact heat you are looking for. So, a water test is a crucial step if you want to infuse the flavorful originality of your hard-cooked meal!

• Step-4: Grease The Griddle

Before you place the food for cooking,  make sure you slick the surface with sufficient fat/oil.  This process is called greasing. 

Well, in terms of nonstick pans, you can skip it. But most cast iron griddles need to be lubricated not to ruin your food flavor by sticking them to the surface. 

But don’t worry about the expense. You only need a few drops of oil to grease the griddle’s surface.  In fact, a thin layer of coating over the bottom is okay.

• Step-5: Start Cooking

Finally, it’s time to cook the meal. As a versatile cooking utensil, a cast iron griddle allows you to cook a plethora of new dishes. Of course, each dish needs a different cooking time according to the recipes. 

Nevertheless, once you cook on a pan made of cast iron, you will get to know the differences. The heat is spread on a level that while cooking, you literally need not do anything. The griddle will take care of everything. 

Just make sure the food doesn’t stick. Also, adjust the flames based on the food you are preparing. 

By using cast iron griddles, you can cook steaks, roasts, pancakes, waffles, and whatnot. Do not worry if you find some smoke emitting from the food. It’s quite natural when you’re cooking over gas stoves.  

Apart from cooking, these griddles are also quite handy in reheating foods. In fact, they are all in one tool to make your cooking journey much easier.

Also Read: How To Make A Cast Iron Skillet Non Stick (Easy 5 Steps)

Are There Any Extra Tips For Using Built-In Griddle On A Gas Stove

Some gas stoves are compatible with built-in griddles. Following a few tricky tips, the built-in griddles can help you cook much faster than you expect.

Usually, built-in griddles come with wider surfaces. So, use the appropriate amount of oil, fat, butter, etc., and do not let the food get fixed to the bottom. 

But that doesn’t mean you will waste lubricants. In that case, we suggest using a plastic squeeze bottle to spray oil easily and precisely. 

Furthermore, using a proper size spatula would be of much help. When you are cooking on griddles, chances are you are making larger sandwiches, pancakes, burgers, etc. 

So, an oversized spatula is a must to avoid burning both the food and your hands.

Most importantly, you can create separate cooking points based on the burner’s heat level, from hot to warm. This advantage will let you cook several items at a time. 

Moreover, one dish will not get cold staying in the warm area while the other is still being prepared in the hotter zone.

Also Read: The 5 Best Steel Wool For Your Cast Iron Accessories

3 Things You Must Know Before Using Cast Iron Griddle On Gas Stove

Undoubtedly, cast iron griddles are the best product when it comes to thorough cooking with high heat production. You can grill anything you want over the flat surface. 

But before investing in this extremely expedient kitchen accessory,  you should focus on a few things. 

Follow the discussion below to learn more in this regard!

• Select a Perfect Cast Iron Griddle

The first thing you need to do is to choose the right cast iron griddle out of countless options in the market. 

As you know, griddles are highly demanding these days. The manufacturers are taking this advantage and making some efficient griddles using aluminum, steel, cast iron, etc. 

But why will you go for cast iron over other elements?  The answer is pretty simple, to make the best use of the appliance. Unlike steel or aluminum, a cast iron griddle retains heat for the longest. 

So, grilling, barbecuing, roasting,  or other stellar recipes that need a longer cooking period can be prepared easily in your kitchen. Moreover, cast iron spreads the heat evenly all over its base to make the food tastier. 

To get the best one focus on the firmness of the product. It must be pretty well built with a thick surface. Also, the surface should be wide enough to cook meat, fish, veggies, or anything you want.

• Prepare Your Griddle

Right after you buy a cast iron pan, spare some time to prepare it for cooking. Otherwise, you will end up having sticky and undercooked food. Also, your favorite griddle will be damaged quickly. 

To prepare the pan, the very first step is to clean it properly. For that, use water and a soft cloth or sponge. Please remember that anything harsh would affect the smooth surface of the griddle. So, clean it softly without putting much pressure to expand its longevity. 

• Season The Griddle

Next comes seasoning the surface with any cooking oil or fat. Although oils with mild flavor like vegetable oil or canola oil are recommended by the experts. 

If you want your newly bought cast iron griddle to sustain a long time, you must season it with oil to avoid scratches and rusts. Besides, it will also let you enjoy non-sticky food by creating a non-stick layer on the even base of the pan.

However, in the case of cast iron griddles, clean the pan properly using hot water and a sponge. Then dry the griddle thoroughly. You need to place the dried pan over the gas stove, pouring some oil on the surface. 

One thing you should remember is that the oil should be evenly spread on the flat surface for coating the pan entirely. Now, start the fire and let the griddle heat thoroughly. The maximum temperature is 350-400° F. 

After a while, you will notice that the oil starts evaporating. Once most of the oil evanishes, remove the pan from the burner. Once it is cooled down, wipe out the remaining oil from the pan using a paper towel.

Thus, your cast iron griddle is fully prepared to cook your favorite food on a gas burner.

A Few Safety Tips You Must Know 

Although cast iron is quite safe to make a sustainable griddle, there are some concerns when you’re using it with your gas stoves. 

You must be cautious enough to avoid mishaps in the kitchen. That’s why follow the safety precautions below when there is a cast iron griddle on your gas stovetop. 

You already know that cast iron pans create no hot spots to char your food. But as they get hot slower, they can overcook your food unless you closely monitor the flame. 

As cast iron can retain high heat, the surface can be as hot as the burner itself. So, be sure not to come in contact with the griddle. To protect your hands, use hand gloves or mittens to move the pan. 

While greasing, you must not overdo it. Because these griddles have almost no sidewalls. So, the flat surface cannot hold the overflowed greases. 

As a result, they could turn into serious issues, particularly when they are over the fiery gas stoves.

After Using, What Should You Do With It

Once you are done with the griddle, now it’s time to clean it properly. Don’t leave it uncleaned. It will only damage the surface. So, proper clean-up is mandatory after every use before you store them for the next use. 

Whether you use the griddle pan frequently or occasionally, clean it up after every single use to prolong its lifespan. Then store it in a cool, dry, and safe place. 

How Do You Clean A Cast Iron Griddle

You can clean the pan easily with a soft damp cloth. Before that, don’t forget to rub off any food residue. Otherwise, they will create hurdles for further use. 

Even though it’s safer to remove the excess food grits when the pan is cool, some items will be stickier by that time. So, it’s better to use mitts and scrape the griddle right away after cooking. 

If a wet piece of cloth cannot take off the sticky foods, pour some warm water and then rinse it off with a paper towel.

Once the cleaning is done, apply some oil over the griddle and wipe it out with a dry rag. In this way, it will be rust and corrosion-free no matter how long you store it inside.

How Do You Store Your Griddle After Using

As already said, always pick a cool and dry place to store your griddle. For storing cast iron griddles, the temperature is very important. 

You should not store them over wet surfaces. This will make them rusty over time. Also, avoid warmer places not to affect the propane tank.

Most importantly,  you must use a canvas cover to hide the griddle from dust and rust. And for figuring out the suitable place to store your griddle, prioritize how often you use it.

If you need it weekly or monthly, you should keep it in a place where it will be easy to pull out. 

On the other hand, if you are an early guy who griddles once in a while, store it somewhere safer and not easily accessible. 

What Can You Cook On A Gas Stove Cast Iron Griddle?

Cast iron cookware is incredibly versatile and can be used for not just breakfast items but almost anything that needs a lush sear. 

If you are specifically using a cast iron griddle on a gas stove, some dishes might take a bit more learning than others but your options are almost endless. For example:

• Steak
• Salmon
• Burgers 
• Pancakes
• Pork chops
• French toast
• Grilled veggies
• Flour or corn tortillas
• Grilled chicken or other poultry
• Grilled pineapple or watermelon
• Grilled cheese or any other sandwich

What You Should Not Cook In Cast Iron Griddle?

A slight disadvantage of cast iron is that it has a memory of its own. Seriously, any cast iron is prone to keeping the lingering aroma of anything you cook. 

It might not seem like an issue for things like steaks or pancakes (as they are not really “smelly” by any means), but you’ll probably be better off with a non-stick for these types of food:

• Soft fish like trout
• Garlic heavy dishes
• Acidic food like tomatoes, citrus, or berries
• French or Japanese style Omelets or Scrambled eggs
• Any other food that can be classified as having a strong smell

There are a few other types of food that will not fare well on an un-seasoned cast iron griddle like fried eggs, or fried rice, but with time and a proper seasoning layer, you can cook these things just fine. 

Why Do People Still Use Cast Iron Griddle?

For those without much kitchen know-how, cast iron might seem like relics of ancient times. Regardless, it is still a staple in kitchens around the world due to its incredible versatility. 

You can cook or bake just about anything in cast iron. It will also give you a sear unmatched by any other type of pot or pan. 

Other than that, cast iron is very inexpensive while being almost invincible. You will need to be really rough to ever destroy a quality cast iron. 

The fantastic heat retention is another reason why chefs and amateur cooks alike swear by their cast iron.

How Do You Clean A Rusted Cast Iron Griddle?

Rust is the archnemesis of anything cast iron and there is no shame in forgetting your griddle in a sink full of water. 

As long as you put in the effort to restore and clean it of course. Fortunately, while it may seem daunting, cleaning rusted cast iron is actually pretty easy, can be done with household items, and does not require longer than an hour’s worth of active work.

Here is how to do it:

• Wash your cast iron with light dish soap and dry it completely.
• Create a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 water. Make enough to fill a container big enough to hold your pan.
• Submerge the pan fully in the solution and let it sit for around two hours (more or less depending on the amount of rust).
• Take a piece of steel wool and start scrubbing the surfaces of the pan. Scrub with intention and you will see the rust coming out.
• You can sprinkle some baking soda on the pan to make the scrubbing process even easier.
• Take the griddle out of your solution and wash it rigorously.
• The acid from the vinegar will leave a lot of residue so we repeat, wash your pan properly until there is no vinegar smell left.
• Dry using a paper towel and it is now only a matter of reapplying the seasoning.
• Take a high-temperature neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed) and put a very thin even layer of oil all around the griddle. Handles and bottoms must also be coated.
• Leave the pan in an oven or BBQ set to 450 degrees for one to two hours.
• Let the griddle cool completely and check the seasoning.
• If needed repeat the seasoning process.

Et voilà! Your rusty griddle is as good as new.

Can You Use A Cast Iron Skillet As A Griddle?

A griddle and a cast iron skillet are similar in many ways, although they differ in terms of size and shape. While cast iron griddle pans are grooved, rectangular, and have shallower sides, skillets are typically smaller, deeper, round, and have flat bases.

But Yes, you can use a skillet as a griddle depending on the size of the pan you have. 

However, you might need to cook in more batches and you will not get the signature griddle grill marks and instead have an even sear on whatever it is you are cooking.

Can You Put Butter In A Cast Iron Skillet?

Yes, you can absolutely use butter in your cast iron skillet. Regardless, it is important to remember butter burns a lot easier than other oils or fats and cast iron is notorious for getting incredibly hot. Just keep the heat low and slow while using butter on cast iron and you’ll be golden.

Can You Use Pam On Cast Iron?

Cooking sprays like pam have a lot of additives in them and for that reason, you should not use Pam on cast iron. 

Technically there is nothing wrong with giving the pan a light spray of pam before frying eggs, but anything more serious than that, and the pam may eat up your cast iron. Your health might also be in danger due to the pam and skillet reacting may release toxic fumes.

Can You Wash Cast Iron With Soap?

Yes, you can use soap on your cast iron but the important thing to note here is the amount. A very small amount of dish soap to clean the food residue should be used. More soap than necessary will eat away at the seasoning of your pan. 

Conclusion

Even though all types of griddle pans are getting popular nowadays, when someone says cast iron griddle, we hear reliability. They are versatile, sustainable, and the smoothest cooking equipment to let you cook whatever and however, you want.

But cooking with cast iron pans over the gas stoves needs your careful attention. Yes, they spread the heat evenly without creating any hot spots. Still, you must follow the basic steps of cleaning, seasoning, and maintaining them accurately so that they last the distance. 

In this extensive analysis of this amazing cooking tool, all we have discussed is how to use cast iron griddle on gas stoves. On that note, we can guarantee that you won’t ever regret your purchase if you follow the exact steps stated above.