Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle Is Versatile

We purchased the Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle so our reviewer could test it in her kitchen and backyard. Keep reading for our full product review.

Is there anything the Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle can’t do? Honestly, it would be pretty awful at baking a cake, but otherwise, it’s a very versatile piece that can go from stove (it’s a popular sandwich press alternative) to oven to outdoor grill to campfire with grace and ease. We took the grill pan for a tour of the kitchen and the backyard, cooking everything from breakfast to dinner. We found the size to be large enough for family cooking but small enough to store easily. But is this the grill you’re looking for? We have the details.

Performance: A kitchen workhorse that can go outside to play

Made from cast iron that’s conveniently pre-seasoned, this product works much like a very large cast iron frying pan. It heats evenly and retains the heat, so you’ll get consistent cooking and impressive searing or grill marks. At lower temperatures, our pancakes cooked through before they burned. While it took us a little time to figure out how to evenly heat the grill as it straddled two burners of different sizes, we discovered we could also take advantage of the different heat levels. With one burner on medium-high and another on medium-low, we were able to sear on one part of the grill and maintain a more gentle heat on the other.

Design: Fits everywhere

Designed to fit over two burners for maximum cooking space, this 20 x 10.5-inch grill pan has low sides that contain food; meanwhile, a channel on one long side collects juices so food can cook properly without steaming. Handles on the short sides gave us a good hold when we were positioning, cleaning, or storing the grill, but we needed mitts when it was hot.

Our first instinct was to use this grill/griddle combo to cook steaks on the stove when the weather was unpleasant. But it can be used for much, much more, like frying pancakes for a crowd. In the oven, it works well for baking bread and flatbread, and it fits two personal-sized pizzas with ease. It can also be in the oven for oven-grilled vegetables. But that’s not all. On our outdoor grill, this pan handled small foods that would’ve otherwise fallen through the grill grates—and even eggs to top our burgers. No matter what kind of stove, oven, or grill you have, you’ll be able to use this handy grill and griddle.

Material: Pre-seasoned cast iron

While this cast iron grill/griddle comes pre-seasoned, the nonstick qualities will improve with additional seasoning or with continued use, particularly if used for fatty foods. If you’re planning on cooking bacon, steaks, or burgers right away, the grill will accumulate seasoning naturally. If you plan on cooking pancakes and tortillas, it might be wise to give the grill just a little extra seasoning.

This product is nearly indestructible, so it’s possible you’ll even pass it down to your children. We’ve had a version of this grill in our kitchen for decades, and we expect it to last for decades more.

Heating Capacity: Heats slowly, retains heat for a long time

This grill and griddle takes a little time to heat up, and the heat spreads across the entire surface, so you won’t find hot spots. Once it’s warm, it stays that way, so if you drop a cold steak onto the grill, the grill won’t lose its temperature. Even after you turn the heat off, the pan will remain hot, which can help keep foods warm, but it’s a good idea to use mitts when you need to move it.

Cleaning: Cast iron care

This grill should be treated just like any other cast iron cookware. It should not be washed in the dishwasher or left to soak in water. It can be washed with hot water and salt to remove any bits of food without damaging the seasoning. While most people never wash cast iron with soap, it’s not actually forbidden, but it may require extra seasoning later. An occasional soapy wash to remove sticky sauces or excess grease won’t harm it.

Price: Truly a bargain

Sure, you can buy a cast iron frying pan for less, but this grill/griddle is much more versatile, and we found that it gave us so much more cooking space. Because it’s so slim, we were able to store in the same space as our cutting boards. It’s great for small kitchens where there’s no space for countertop appliances. And since it’s so affordable, we could envision buying a second one to turn our stove into a large flat-top griddle or use the griddle and grill sides next to each other.

Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle vs. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Square Grill Pan

We loved using the Lodge grill and griddle, but we also realize that not everyone loves the idea of caring for cast iron cookware or the weight that comes with it. That’s where the Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Square Grill Pan might come in handy. Made from aluminum, it’s lightweight and easy to move around. Meanwhile, the nonstick cooking surface is easy to keep clean and doesn’t require seasoning. At 11 x 11 inches, this is quite a bit smaller than the Lodge grill, but it only requires one burner. Our choice would be the Lodge, but the Calphalon pan is a good choice for folks who don’t like cast iron or who don’t need such a large size.