If you have one do you use it a lot?? I am wanting one, the kind like you use on a burner on the stove, with the grill marks. I see lots of chefs and Paula using it on the Food Network. Just wandering before I invest.
I have a couple of cast iron grill pans and the only downfall I’ve found is that they have a tendency to smoke from meat juices hitting the bottom of the pan. Not a big deal if you have a good range hood that is vented to the outdoors.
I don’t know about the nonstick grill pans that are on the market, but I assume they are probably the same. Anybody else have any experience?
I have the griddle pan and we use it quite often, especially in the winter when we don’t want to freeze outside by the grill! It does leave the wonderful “grill marks” on any meat you are preparing. We have also found that if you are using Paula’s cast iron griddle, which we use often too, that putting a light covering of sea salt on the bottom before cooking makes it much easier to clean.
I don’t have a cast iron griddle pan - mine is a regular, nonstick. I love using it. I feel like it’s somewhat of a healthier way to cook because the meat isn’t swimming in the grease.
I use both, non-stick and cast iron, and yes, the cast iron can get greasy!, Maybe if the slots were deeper the food would be less greasy! The non-stick is easier to clean too!
I really wanted a cast iron grill pan so I ordered one from HSN. I have to confess, I have never once used it. It looks like an awesome pan, it is square and has the heavy cast iron lid you can set on top of sandwiches etc like a panini press. Probably the main reason I never use it is because I can hardly lift it. The thing weighs so much its just totally impractical for me. Another thing, it needs “seasoned” even though the outside is enamel coated and I just have never gotten around to doing it. It is one pan I probably would have sent back if it wouldnt have been nearly impossible for me to lift! (ok, so maybe I’m a wimp)
I have an electric non-stick griddle. It is one of my favorite things to use. I use it for making breakfast ( omlettes, french toast, crepes), lunches ( grilled sandwiches) and dinner (grilled chicken, hamburger, potatoes, steak). My electric griddle is wonderful for sooo many of my needs. However, there are no pretty grill markings.
i use mine on a glass top stove. as long as you are careful not to drop it, like any heavy pan, it should be ok. remove when done using it, let it cool off the stove top. best to read your owners manual on your stove.
