Can You Use a Cast Iron Skillet on a Blackstone Griddle?

Cast iron skillets are a kitchen staple known for their versatility and durability, and they are commonly used on a variety of cooking surfaces such as stoves and ovens.

Many people are turning to flat-top grills or griddles for their cooking needs as outdoor cooking is becoming more popular. Can a cast iron skillet, however, be used on a Blackstone griddle?

That’s a question that many are asking and the answer is: yes.

Cast iron skillets work well on Blackstone Griddles because they have a flat bottom, retain heat well, and can be used on a variety of cooking surfaces. The large cooking surface of a Blackstone griddle accommodates a cast iron skillet, allowing for the cooking of various foods such as steaks, eggs, and pancakes.

Let’s explore the advantages and best practices of using a cast iron skillet on a Blackstone griddle, as well as any safety precautions to take.

Table of Contents

• Can You Really Put a Cast Iron Pan on a Blackstone Griddle?
• Why Would You Want To Use a Cast Iron Skillet on a Griddle?
• What Are the Downsides to Using a Cast Iron Skillet on a Griddle?
• Is It Safe to Use Cast Iron Skillets on a Blackstone Griddle?
• What Type of Cast Iron Skillet Should You Use?
• Griddle Temperature When Using a Cast Iron Pan
• Why Are Cast Iron Skillets so Popular?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Can You Really Put a Cast Iron Pan on a Blackstone Griddle?

Yes, there’s nothing wrong with putting a cast iron pan on a griddle with a steel top. You can treat it like one big stovetop.

You are not even limited to cast iron. Most metal pots can be used on a flat-top grill. Cast iron, stainless steel, and even aluminum can be used safely as long as you keep the temperature at bay.

This gives you the opportunity to make all sorts of delicious dishes, from soups to stir-fries. You can make just about anything you could make on a stovetop with the added bonus of being able to cook outside.

Why Would You Want To Use a Cast Iron Skillet on a Griddle?

Cast iron skillets are especially useful when cooking food that requires high heat such as when you are searing a steak. However, you can already get a perfect sear directly on the griddle. So what’s the deal here? Why should you even think about putting a skillet on the griddle?

The truth is, there are not that many reasons why you’d want to do that.

The number one reason is to use the skillet for cooking dishes that are not easily prepared directly on the griddle. This includes dishes that are on the runny side such as various sauces or gravies.

Another good reason is to simply separate certain ingredients when you don’t want cross-contamination to happen. Rib-eye-steak-flavored sweet crepes with bacon and garlic sauce, anyone?

You can also boil water in the skillet and use it to cook side dishes such as pasta or perhaps boiled potatoes right on the griddle. A deeper pot such as a dutch oven would be a good choice for that.

Deep frying is also an option that’s not possible to do directly on the griddle unless you’ve got one with a side burner/deep fryer combo or one with an air fryer. And air frying is not exactly the same experience.

What to cook in a cast iron skillet on a Blackstone griddle

Gravies

Cooking gravy directly on the griddle is a lesson in frustration due to the large surface area and heat, which can easily burn the gravy. It is much easier to put a smaller pan on the griddle and make the gravy in that.

Sauteed Vegetables

When sauteeing you are supposed to toss the cooked food in the pan frequently. Not gonna happen on a griddle, is it?

French fries

Fill the skillet with cooking oil, let it heat up, and toss in frozen french fries. In no time you will have delicious French fries.

Tater tots

Similar to french fries, tater tots can be deep-fried in the skillet on the griddle.

Shrimp and other seafood

The skillet can be used to prepare a variety of seafood separately from other food. This is a great way to avoid the sea flavor and smell from permeating the entire meal.

What Are the Downsides to Using a Cast Iron Skillet on a Griddle?

While a cast iron skillet can be a useful tool for cooking on a griddle, there are some downsides to consider. These include:

• Inefficiency: If the griddle is only heated to cook in a skillet, it can be a terribly inefficient way of cooking. A side burner would be better suited for cooking in a skillet.

• Surface area loss: Using a skillet on a griddle can result in losing a lot of cooking surface area on the griddle, especially on smaller models.

• Messiness: Cooking in a skillet on a griddle can sometimes be messy, as food and oil on the griddle can end up on the skillet’s sides.

• Slow Heating: Cast iron skillets can take quite a bit longer to heat up on a griddle compared to a stove, which can be frustrating for those who are in a hurry to cook their food.

In conclusion, while cast iron cookware can be useful for cooking on a griddle, it’s important to also consider these downsides before deciding to use one.

Is It Safe to Use Cast Iron Skillets on a Blackstone Griddle?

When it comes to cooking with skillets on an outdoor griddle, there are some safety considerations to keep in mind.

• Cooking safety: Overall, cooking on a griddle with a cast iron skillet is almost as safe as cooking on a stovetop.
• Hot handle: One thing to be aware of is that the skillet handle can get very hot if it’s above the hot griddle surface. Use oven mitts or a silicone heat-resistant handle when handling the skillet.
• Oil splatter: Especially when deep-frying, hot oil can splatter and cause burns, so be careful.

Can cast iron skillets damage the surface of a Blackstone griddle?

If you are concerned about damaging the surface of the griddle, here’s what you need to know:

• Gas griddles: Damage is not likely to occur on gas griddles, as the steel surface is durable and can withstand the use of cast iron skillets. The seasoning layer should also survive unharmed. At least I never had a problem.
• E-Series griddles: It is important to avoid using cast iron skillets on the E-series griddles, as the surface is not designed to accept metal pots and utensils. The skillet may damage the surface coating.

In conclusion, as long as you take the necessary precautions nothing is preventing you from enjoying a safe and enjoyable experience.

What Type of Cast Iron Skillet Should You Use?

For optimal performance when cooking on a griddle with a cast iron skillet, it is essential to select the appropriate type of skillet. Take into account the following key points:

• Size matters: The skillet must fit on the griddle. Simple as that. If you’ve got multiple options to choose from, then decide based on what you are going to cook.

• Flat bottom: The skillet must be flat. A warped pan won’t work very well on a griddle. It will rock and take longer to heat up.

• Heat ring: It’s better to choose a skillet that has no heat ring. It will be faster to heat up due to most of the bottom being in direct contact with the griddle top. Heat rings cause the pan to sit slightly above the surface. Not a huge deal though, so no need to rush to buy a new pan just because of that.

• Pour spout: A spout can be useful for pouring liquids, such as sauces, without making a mess.

Griddle Temperature When Using a Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron cookware can handle very high temperatures so it’s not necessary to worry about the griddle running too hot. In fact, will most likely need to run the burners on high for a while before the skillet gets hot enough. After that, it’s OK to turn the burners down a bit because cast iron is excellent when it comes to heat retention.

As for the exact temperatures, it will depend solely on what you are cooking. Searing steaks require very high temperatures. On the other hand, sauteing veggies will not need as much heat. Use the skillet as you would on a stove and you’ll be fine.

From the deep-frying standpoint, it’s important to fry in smaller batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much.

How long does it take for a cast iron skillet to heat up on a Blackstone?

Several factors can affect the speed with which a cast iron skillet heats up on a griddle. However, in general, it will take longer than heating a skillet on the stovetop.

The main factor is the heat source, as griddles don’t offer direct concentrated heat as stovetop does. As such, first, the griddle top must get hot and the heat must transfer to the skillet.

With the burner on high, it may take about 10 minutes for the skillet to heat up enough to boil water. Several more minutes will be needed to reach very high temperatures.

Why Are Cast Iron Skillets so Popular?

Cast iron skillets have been a staple in kitchens for centuries, and for a good reason. Here are some of the key factors that have contributed to their popularity:

• Heat retention: Cast iron skillets are known for their excellent heat retention, which makes them ideal for cooking a variety of dishes, from searing steaks to baking cornbread.
• Durability: Cast iron skillets are incredibly durable and can last for generations with proper care and maintenance.
• Easy maintenance: Despite their durability, cast iron skillets are relatively easy to maintain and can be seasoned quickly and easily.
• Affordability: Compared to other types of cookware, cast iron skillets are relatively inexpensive, making them an excellent investment for anyone who loves to cook.

Conclusion

This brings us to the end of the discussion about cast iron skillets and griddles.

A skillet could be a useful addition for griddling adventures and provide more flexibility when it comes to the cooking surface. Cast iron is a great material that offers superior heat retention and durability, all at an affordable price.

However, if cooking with a skillet is something you’d like to do often, then consider investing in a griddle that is designed to accommodate the skillet. That is one with a side burner. This will ensure that the skillet can heat up much quicker and you won’t be wasting so much propane to do so.

If a new griddle is out of the question, then a simple camping gas burner or perhaps an induction plate could do the job.

FAQ