Three Reasons Why You Should Add A Griddle Pan To Your Cookware Collection

Nordic Ware

June 20, 2025

Blog, Family Traditions, Recipes, Trends

There are certain pieces of cookware that get all the attention. Dutch ovens get Instagram posts. Cast iron skillets have devoted fan clubs. Air fryers seem to spawn overnight on kitchen counters across America.

Meet the griddle, a piece of cookware you may not have already, but would definitely be well-served investing in. A good griddle might be one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can own. Yes, it makes pancakes. It also makes smash burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, fajitas, hash browns, flatbreads, bacon, eggs, vegetables, and enough food to feed a crowd without turning your kitchen into a juggling act.

If you’ve never considered adding a griddle to your cookware collection, now might be the time. Here are three reasons this kitchen workhorse deserves a spot on your stovetop.

Table of Contents:

Griddles Are Great for Cooking for a Crowd
Food Gets Crispy and Flavorful
Griddles Are Versatile
How Do You Choose the Right Griddle?
Material Matters: Choosing the Right Griddle
Practical Tips for Maximizing Griddle Use
Griddles in Different Cuisines
Griddle Recipes to Try
Griddle Experts Since Our Earliest Years!
Expert Recommendations: What Griddle is Best For You
Frequently Asked Questions

Griddles are great for cooking for a crowd

Not just for pancakes, a griddle pan is a flat surface that is heated by the burners under it – one for a small griddle and two for a large one. Whether you’re trying to get breakfast done for a family of four, or hosting a large dinner party, a griddle can help tackle those larger meals with ease. Cook bacon and eggs together quickly, or grill up the perfect steak and veggies for dinner fajitas, and use the griddle to warm your tortillas, too! With a small lip to help keep drips under control, a griddle provides a large surface area, making cooking big batches no sweat at all.

Food gets crispy and flavorful

We admit, sometimes it’s hard to get those hash browns perfectly crisp at home. But with a griddle pan, that problem is solved and breakfast becomes the most important meal of the day again. The fact that our griddles are made of aluminum adds important ultra-even heating characteristics, giving a beautiful browning effect to any foods while leaving a flavorful sear as well. This means grilled cheese gets crunchier (and meltier!); Smash burgers get perfectly browned but stay moist in the middle; those hash browns are crispy to perfection and pancakes are: chef’s kiss! Griddles also collect those flavors and aromas you would miss in a different piece of cookware.

Griddles are versatile

Griddle pans can truly cook anything. Vegetables? Check. Meat? Check. Fish? Check. But it even tackles crêpes and galettes. Searing, frying and browning, a griddle pan can do it all due to its surface area and shallow sides. Having one piece of cookware that can become a workhorse is always lovely, but having one that can be the right tool for the job.

How do you choose the griddle you need?

Depending on your household size and main uses, our American-made nonstick griddle collection comes with a variety of sizes and features. Our top-rated Double Backsplash Griddle fits over two burners, has higher walls to keep grease and other messes contained as well as a sloped surface that ensures that grease and liquid drain away from your food towards a convenient collection well at the front of the griddle. Our Griddle King Collection comes in 3 different sizes depending on your family’s needs: mini, square and large two burner for affordable options. All of our griddles can transition from stovetop into the oven to finish a meal off or keep food warm until a meal is ready to be served which is ideal. Some of our pans even come with handles!

Not sure which size is right for your kitchen? Explore our Stove Top Griddle Guide: Single-Burner vs. Two-Burner to compare the benefits of each and find the best griddle for your cooking style.

Material Insights: Choosing the Right Griddle

Not all griddles are created equal. The material you choose affects performance, maintenance, and overall cooking experience.

Cast Iron Griddles

Cast iron griddles are known for exceptional heat retention and durability. Once heated, they stay hot for a long time, making them ideal for searing and browning. However, they require seasoning and regular maintenance to prevent rust.

Nonstick Griddles

Nonstick griddles offer easy food release and simple cleanup. They’re ideal for delicate foods such as eggs, pancakes, and fish. For busy households looking for convenience, nonstick surfaces are often the preferred option.

Electric Griddles

Electric griddles provide consistent temperature control and can be used almost anywhere with an outlet. They are a popular choice for large gatherings or buffet-style serving situations.

Eco-friendly Choices in Cookware

Choosing durable cookware is one of the simplest ways to reduce kitchen waste. Well-made cookware lasts longer, performs better, and reduces the need for frequent replacement.

Aluminum cookware also offers efficient heat conductivity, allowing food to cook quickly and evenly while using less energy compared to some heavier materials.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Griddle Use

Like any piece of cookware, a griddle performs best when properly maintained.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Allow the griddle to cool before cleaning.
For nonstick surfaces, use warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may damage the coating.
For cast iron griddles, follow proper seasoning and maintenance practices to preserve the cooking surface and prevent rust.
Cleaning after each use helps prevent grease buildup and keeps the cooking surface performing at its best.

Techniques for Even Cooking

To maximize cooking efficiency:

Preheat the griddle before adding food
Avoid overcrowding the surface
Use medium heat whenever possible
Allow food time to develop a crust before flipping

These simple techniques help improve browning while reducing sticking.

Griddles in Different Cuisines

The griddle isn’t just an American breakfast staple. Variations of griddle cooking appear in cuisines around the globe.

A Brief History of Griddle Cooking

Flat cooking surfaces have existed for centuries. Early versions appeared in cultures around the world as cooks discovered the benefits of cooking directly on heated stone, clay, or metal surfaces.

Over time, these cooking tools evolved into the griddles we know today.

International Dishes Made on a Griddle

Many beloved dishes rely on griddle cooking:

French crêpes
Indian dosas
Middle Eastern flatbreads
Latin American arepas
Mexican tortillas
Scottish oatcakes

The popularity of these foods demonstrates just how versatile a griddle can be.

Griddle Recipes to Try

A griddle is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in the kitchen, making everything from breakfast classics to weeknight dinners and even desserts. Looking for inspiration? Try one of these recipes:

Breakfast Favorites

Sourdough Pancakes

A delicious way to use up sourdough discard while creating light, fluffy pancakes with crisp golden edges.

Griddle French Toast

Thick slices of bread cook up with a perfectly crisp exterior and soft, custardy center, making breakfast for a crowd effortless.

Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes with Blueberry Compote

Bright citrus flavor meets sweet blueberry topping for a fresh breakfast or brunch.

Homemade Arepas (Breakfast Sandwiches)

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these cornmeal cakes are perfect for filling with eggs, cheese, or your favorite breakfast ingredients.

Southwestern Potato Pancakes

Crispy potato pancakes with bold Southwestern flavors make an excellent breakfast or savory side dish.

Zucchini Apple Fritters with Lemon Ricotta

A sweet-savory combination that’s perfectly browned on a hot griddle.

Lunch & Dinner Favorites

Simple Smash Burgers with Secret Sauce

The broad cooking surface helps create the crispy, caramelized crust that makes smash burgers so irresistible.

Balsamic Portobello Burgers

A flavorful vegetarian option featuring meaty portobello mushrooms with tangy balsamic flavor.

Grilled Steak and Romaine Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing

Sear steak and char romaine right on the griddle for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Sweet Treats

Grilled Peaches and Pound Cake with Yogurt Rosemary Glaze

Your griddle isn’t just for savory cooking. Grilled fruit and cake develop beautiful caramelization for an easy summer dessert that’s perfect for entertaining.

Griddle experts since our early years!

Fun fact: Did you know Nordic Ware has been producing griddles since our earliest years? They have become an integral part of our brand! Take a look at some early catalog images of this collection:

Expert Recommendations: What Griddle is Best For You

Griddle type	Best for	Main advantage	Watchout
Nonstick griddle	Pancakes, eggs, fish, grilled cheese	Easy release and simple cleanup	Avoid abrasive tools and high heat
Cast iron griddle	Burgers, steaks, hash browns, searing	Excellent heat retention and browning	Requires seasoning and more maintenance
Electric griddle	Big breakfasts, buffet-style serving, gatherings	Consistent temperature control and extra cooking space	Takes counter space and needs an outlet