Reversible Grill Griddles for Stovetop and Outdoor Use
The Lodge LPGI3 cast iron pan is the sturdiest all-around pick, built to hold heat evenly on either side. The Nordic Ware Two Burner model suits cooking for a crowd across two stovetop burners at once. For easy cleanup without seasoning, the Calphalon Contemporary nonstick version is the simpler daily choice.
The Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid cast iron pan takes the top spot because cast iron holds and radiates heat more evenly than thinner aluminum, which matters on both the ridged grill side and the flat griddle side. It suits anyone willing to season and dry the pan properly, though that upkeep is more involved than wiping down a nonstick coating. Cooks who want a two-burner span for feeding a crowd should look at the Nordic Ware model instead.
A single pan that flips between ridged grill lines and a flat surface has to balance two different cooking jobs, so material and thickness matter more here than on a dedicated pan. We compared base material, overall size and burner span, nonstick versus bare cast iron surfaces, and handle design, before narrowing the field to these seven.
The shortlist, ranked
Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
Lodge ships this LPGI3 pre-seasoned, so it is ready to cook on without the initial seasoning step raw cast iron needs. Ridged grooves on one face sear with visible grill lines, while the flat reverse side handles eggs, pancakes and smash burgers. Cast iron construction retains heat well after removal from a burner, which keeps food warm during serving.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use out of the box
- Holds heat for serving straight from the pan
- Works on a stovetop, in an oven or over an outdoor grill
Cons
- Heavier than aluminum alternatives to lift and flip
- Needs periodic re-seasoning to prevent rust
Nordic Ware Two Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle
Nordic Ware sizes this griddle to rest across two stovetop burners, roughly doubling the cooking surface compared to a single-burner pan. Cast aluminum construction heats faster than cast iron and weighs noticeably less when flipping the pan over. A drip channel on the griddle side directs grease away from food toward a collection point.
Pros
- Covers two burners for larger breakfast or cookout batches
- Lighter to lift and flip than cast iron
- Drip channel keeps grease away from cooking food
Cons
- Does not retain heat as long as cast iron once off the burner
- Takes up more storage space due to its length
Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Reversible Grill/Griddle
Calphalon coats this Contemporary griddle with a hard-anodized nonstick surface, which wipes clean without the seasoning or oiling routine cast iron requires. Hard-anodized aluminum underneath distributes heat more evenly than thin stamped aluminum. A dual riveted handle design keeps the pan steady when lifting it full of food.
Pros
- No seasoning or special drying routine required
- Even heat distribution from hard-anodized construction
- Easier cleanup than bare cast iron
Cons
- Nonstick coating wears over years of metal utensil use
- Does not tolerate outdoor grill heat like cast iron does
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Reversible Grill/Griddle
Cuisinart builds this Chef’s Classic griddle from hard-anodized aluminum, a material chosen for consistent heat spread across the ridged side when searing steaks or vegetables. The nonstick coating on both faces simplifies cleanup compared to bare cast iron. A single centered handle design differs from the dual-handle layout common on larger griddles.
Pros
- Even heat spread reduces hot spots when searing
- Nonstick coating on both the grill and flat sides
- Lighter than a comparable cast iron pan
Cons
- Single handle feels less balanced when the pan is full
- Not rated for outdoor grill use like cast iron options
Granitestone Reversible Grill and Griddle Pan
Granitestone applies a mineral-infused nonstick coating to this reversible pan, positioned as a lower-cost alternative to premium hard-anodized lines. Aluminum construction keeps the overall weight down for easier handling when flipping between the grill and griddle sides. The coating is advertised as metal utensil tolerant, though gentler utensils still extend its lifespan.
Pros
- Lower price than premium nonstick or cast iron options
- Light enough for easy one-hand flipping
- Coating resists sticking on eggs and pancakes
Cons
- Coating durability trails premium hard-anodized lines
- Not designed for outdoor grill heat
All-Clad Specialty Nonstick Reversible Grill and Griddle
All-Clad uses a heavier gauge aluminum core in this Specialty griddle than most nonstick competitors, aimed at buyers who want a longer-lasting pan rather than the lowest price. Nonstick coating covers both the ridged and flat sides for consistent release on eggs, pancakes and seared vegetables. Riveted stainless handles stay cooler than some all-aluminum handle designs.
Pros
- Heavier gauge construction resists warping over time
- Stainless handles stay cooler than some aluminum handles
- Backed by All-Clad’s long-standing cookware warranty support
Cons
- Costs more than Calphalon or Granitestone alternatives
- Heavier than the Granitestone or Cuisinart options
Victoria Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
Victoria pre-seasons this cast iron griddle with flaxseed oil and rates it for use directly on an outdoor grill grate or over a campfire, not just an indoor stovetop. The reversible design matches the Lodge pan’s layout, with a ridged grill side and a flat griddle side for camp breakfasts. Cast iron construction tolerates the uneven heat of open flame better than a nonstick coated pan.
Pros
- Rated for direct outdoor grill grate and campfire use
- Pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil before shipping
- Durable enough for repeated high-heat outdoor cooking
Cons
- Heavy to carry on a camping trip
- Needs re-oiling after exposure to open flame and rain
Side by side
| # | Model | Material | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle | Pre-seasoned cast iron | Best overall | 9.3 | Check price |
| 2 | Nordic Ware Two Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle | Cast aluminum | Best for covering two stovetop burners at once | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Reversible Grill/Griddle | Hard-anodized aluminum, nonstick coating | Best nonstick for easy cleanup | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Reversible Grill/Griddle | Hard-anodized aluminum | Best even heating for searing | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Granitestone Reversible Grill and Griddle Pan | Aluminum with mineral-infused coating | Best budget nonstick | 8.3 | Check price |
| 6 | All-Clad Specialty Nonstick Reversible Grill and Griddle | Heavy gauge aluminum core, nonstick coating | Best premium construction | 9.1 | Check price |
| 7 | Victoria Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle | Pre-seasoned cast iron, flaxseed oil | Best for outdoor grill and campfire use | 8.7 | Check price |
How to choose
What to look for in a reversible grill griddle Material drives most of the real differences here. Cast iron, like the Lodge and Victoria pans, holds heat the longest and tolerates the highest temperatures, while hard-anodized or coated aluminum heats faster and weighs less. Size matters too: a single-burner pan suits a couple, while a two-burner span like the Nordic Ware model fits a bigger batch of pancakes or burgers without a second round.
Cast iron versus nonstick aluminum coatings Cast iron needs seasoning, a thin layer of baked-on oil that builds a natural nonstick surface over time, and benefits from drying immediately after washing to avoid rust. Nonstick aluminum pans like the Calphalon or All-Clad skip that routine entirely, wiping clean with a sponge, but the coating itself wears down faster under metal utensils and high heat than cast iron’s surface does.
Best for stovetop cooking versus outdoor grill and campfire use Most nonstick reversible pans are built for an indoor stovetop or oven and are not rated for direct flame contact on an outdoor grill. Cast iron options like the Lodge LPGI3 and Victoria griddle tolerate that higher, less even heat, making them the better choice for cooking directly on a grill grate or over a campfire during a camping trip.
Seasoning, cleaning and long-term care A cast iron pan should be washed with minimal soap, dried fully, and wiped with a thin layer of oil before storage to prevent rust. Nonstick pans tolerate dish soap and a soft sponge but should avoid metal scouring pads and extended dishwasher cycles, which shorten coating life. Either type benefits from a dry storage spot rather than a damp cabinet near a sink.
Frequently asked questions
Is cast iron or nonstick better for a reversible grill griddle?
Cast iron holds and retains heat better and handles higher temperatures, including outdoor grill use, while nonstick aluminum heats faster, weighs less and cleans up without a seasoning routine.
How do you season a cast iron reversible griddle?
Coat the clean, dry pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening, then heat it in an oven or over a burner until the oil bonds to the surface, repeating a few times before regular use.
Can a reversible grill griddle go in the oven?
Cast iron versions like the Lodge LPGI3 are generally oven safe at high temperatures, while nonstick coated pans usually carry a lower maximum oven temperature listed by the manufacturer.
Does a reversible griddle work on a glass top stove?
Cast iron pans are heavy and can scratch a glass cooktop if dragged rather than lifted, so sliding should be avoided regardless of which side is facing up.
How do you clean the ridged grill side without scrubbing forever?
A stiff brush or chainmail scrubber while the pan is still warm lifts grease from the ridges more easily than scrubbing once it cools, especially on cast iron.
Can you use metal utensils on a nonstick reversible griddle?
Most nonstick coatings tolerate occasional metal contact but last longer with silicone, wood or nylon utensils, since repeated metal scraping gradually wears the coating thin.
Is a two burner reversible griddle worth it over a single burner size?
A two-burner model like the Nordic Ware suits larger households or regular entertaining, while a single-burner pan is easier to store and lift for a smaller kitchen.
Can a cast iron reversible griddle go on a campfire?
Yes, cast iron tolerates the uneven heat of an open flame well, which is why the Victoria griddle is specifically rated for grill grates and campfire cooking, unlike most nonstick pans.
What is the difference between a griddle pan and a grill pan?
A grill pan has raised ridges that create sear marks and let fat drain away, while a flat griddle surface cooks evenly across the whole area, which is why a reversible pan offers both in one piece of cookware.
How do you store a reversible grill griddle?
Store it fully dry in a spot with airflow rather than stacked tightly against other pans while damp, since trapped moisture is the main cause of rust on cast iron versions.
Our pick
The Lodge LPGI3 is the right default for most kitchens, since pre-seasoned cast iron handles both the sear marks and the flat griddle side without a steep learning curve. Anyone cooking for a crowd or regularly making big breakfast batches should size up to the Nordic Ware two-burner model instead. Cooks who want to skip seasoning entirely and prioritize easy cleanup are better served by the Calphalon Contemporary nonstick version.
Dana Whitfield
Dana spent eight years buying and merchandising for a regional kitchenware retailer before moving into editorial work. She has handled thousands of SKUs across cookware, small appliances and kitchen organization, and focuses on the practical differences that matter once a product is actually in daily use.
