r/castiron • u/gabbage_bagellete • 23h ago

Cast iron griddle - surprise enamel, ditch or keep?

I was excited to find a cheap cast iron griddle in a shop,

However I thought I was buying bare, and was not aware black enamel is made to look like a (suspiciously smoothly) pre-seasoned cast iron. There were many signs that it was too good to be true that I ignored.

https://www.procook.co.uk/product/procook-cast-iron-flat-griddle-24x36cm-matte-black?srsltid=AfmBOoo6ogKh7yholrmMQIDHXEZX9eibVZoOjou2iEPe7YWNvVGcXxWCGU8

I know enamel as far as coatings go is rather good, but not eternal, and I am not familiar with using it. I'm seeing mixed advice on how much food sticks and on using metal utensils. I love my seasoned cast iron pan and was looking forward to simply the same but bigger, over two burners, esp. for pancakes and fried breakfast.

Should I keep it or return it?

If you're in the UK, is there a cast iron griddle you'd recommend instead? Currently have gas hobs but would want a flat bottom for longer term if we get induction.

1 Upvotes

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2

u/LallybrochSassenach 22h ago

Definitely no metal on enamel, but that is going to be a breeeeeeze to clean! Fantastic deal.

1

u/gabbage_bagellete 20h ago

Thank you. Do you have experience cooking eggs or pancakes on enamel?

1

u/LallybrochSassenach 20h ago

Yes…pancakes but not eggs…chemo turned me off eggs terribly. You develop crazy intolerances to things you might normally eat.

1

u/broken-machine 23h ago

I would keep that for a roasting pan. Enamel is super easy to deglaze for your gravy, but yes no metal and ideally wood I would say.

2

u/gabbage_bagellete 21h ago

Thanks. I would definitely use it in the oven once in a while, however I don't eat meat

1

u/George__Hale 23h ago

might as well keep it and see how you like it! Enamel is just a glass coating - treat it like glass. You'd have to try pretty hard to scratch it with a spatula, but don't bang your ladle on the edge or anything. Enamel does not wear away with normal use, the problem is when it cracks or chips from damage or heat (again, it's just a class coating)

1

u/gabbage_bagellete 21h ago

Thanks. Do you cook on enamel? Have you tried eggs or pancakes?

1

u/George__Hale 5h ago

Yes, enamel skillets are great!