Best Cast Iron Griddle Plates Ireland 2026

The Orphan Girl

Best Cast Iron Griddle Plates Ireland 2026: Complete Guide and Reviews

A cast iron griddle plate is one of the most versatile additions you can make to your outdoor cooking setup. Placed directly over a gas burner or charcoal grill, a cast iron griddle transforms your BBQ into a flat-top cooking surface — opening up a world of ingredients that a standard grill grate handles poorly: eggs, pancakes, delicate fish fillets, vegetables that fall through the bars, smash burgers, halloumi, and anything you want to cook with full surface contact rather than over open bars.

Cast iron has been the preferred material for griddle cooking for centuries, and for good reason. No synthetic coating matches its heat retention, its ability to develop a natural non-stick surface over time, or its sheer durability — a well-maintained cast iron griddle plate will outlast everything else in your outdoor kitchen.

This guide reviews four cast iron griddle plates across a range of sizes, prices, and use cases — from a €30 Weber-specific insert to a €76 pre-seasoned reversible plate designed for gas BBQs — plus a link to browse the full range available on Amazon.

Why Cast Iron? What Makes It the Right Material for a Griddle Plate

Unmatched heat retention — Cast iron absorbs and holds heat exceptionally well. Once at temperature (it takes longer to heat than thin steel), it maintains that temperature even when cold food is placed on it — preventing the temperature drop that causes food to steam rather than sear.

Natural non-stick surface — Cast iron develops a "seasoning" over time: layers of polymerised oil that build up with use and create a naturally non-stick cooking surface. A well-seasoned cast iron griddle is as non-stick as any synthetic coating, and gets better with age rather than worse.

Unrivalled sear marks — The ribbed side of a reversible cast iron griddle produces the most authentic, deep sear marks of any cooking surface. The combination of high heat retention and the raised ribs means food is cooking at a genuinely high temperature on the contact points.

True versatility — Most cast iron griddle plates work across gas BBQ, charcoal BBQ, gas hob, electric hob, ceramic hob, induction hob, and oven. One piece of equipment that works across every cooking surface in your home and garden.

Long-term investment — A quality cast iron griddle plate, properly cared for, lasts decades. It's one of the most durable cooking surfaces available.

Understanding Reversible Griddle Plates

Most of the griddle plates on this list are reversible — they have a ribbed (ridged) surface on one side and a smooth flat surface on the other. Understanding when to use each side:

Ribbed side:

Steaks, chicken breasts, lamb chops, pork chops — anything where you want visible grill marks
Fish fillets thick enough to handle the raised contact points
Corn on the cob, asparagus, courgette slices
Anything where you want to drain fat away from the food (it runs into the grooves between the ribs)

Smooth side:

Eggs, pancakes, French toast
Smash burgers (flat contact is essential for the crust to develop)
Delicate fish fillets and scallops
Vegetables and halloumi that would fall between ribs
Bacon and sausages where full surface contact gives better, more even browning
Anything with a batter or wet coating

The reversible format doubles the utility of a single piece of equipment — and is the reason to choose a reversible plate over a single-surface alternative in almost every use case.

Seasoning: What It Is and Why It Matters

Seasoning is the process of building up layers of baked-on oil on cast iron to create a naturally non-stick surface and protect against rust. Pre-seasoned plates (like the CLP in this guide) have had this process completed at the factory — you can cook on them immediately, though building up more seasoning over time continues to improve the surface.

Unseasoned plates require initial seasoning before first use: coat lightly with a neutral high-smoke-point oil (flaxseed, vegetable, or canola), place face-down in a 230°C oven for an hour, allow to cool, and repeat 2–3 times. This process sounds involved but takes minimal active time, and the resulting surface is better than any synthetic coating.

Care after cooking: While still warm, wipe clean with a paper towel. For stubborn residue, use hot water and a stiff brush — avoid soap, which strips the seasoning. Dry thoroughly (a brief return to low heat ensures complete drying), then apply a very light coat of oil before storing. Never leave cast iron wet.

The Reviews:

1. Denmay 30.9cm Round Cast Iron Grill Plate — Best for Weber 57cm Charcoal Grills

Price: c. €30 View on Amazon →

Important compatibility note: The Denmay is designed specifically to fit the Weber 57cm charcoal grill as part of the Weber Gourmet BBQ System. It replaces the centre section of the Weber cooking grate, dropping into the dedicated Gourmet BBQ System grate insert position. If you don't own a Weber 57cm kettle or a Weber Gourmet BBQ System compatible grill, this product won't fit your setup — refer to the other griddle plates on this list instead.

For Weber 57cm kettle owners, however, this is an excellent and affordable way to add griddle cooking capability to one of the best charcoal grills in the world. The round 30.9cm cast iron plate fits precisely into the grate insert position and sits at the ideal height above the charcoal for griddle cooking. The porcelain-enamel coating on the exterior protects against the outdoor environment, while the cooking surface itself is raw cast iron that develops a natural seasoning with use.

The compact round format means you're cooking on a smaller griddle surface than the rectangular alternatives on this list — but for a household of two to four, it's sufficient for cooking breakfast items, vegetables, fish, or a round of smash burgers directly on the Weber, without needing a separate flat-top setup.

Key specs:

Diameter: 30.9cm (fits Weber 57cm charcoal grill)
Compatible: Weber 57cm kettle, Weber Gourmet BBQ System
Coating: Porcelain-enamel exterior
Cooking surface: Cast iron
Price: c. €30
⚠️ Weber 57cm / Gourmet BBQ System compatible only

Pros:

Purpose-built for the Weber 57cm — fits precisely, no improvisation required
Adds griddle cooking to the Weber without a separate flat top grill
Most affordable cast iron griddle option on this list at €30
Porcelain-enamel exterior protects against the outdoor environment
Cast iron cooking surface develops natural non-stick seasoning with use
Enables the full Weber Gourmet BBQ System cooking experience

Cons:

Compatible with Weber 57cm / Gourmet BBQ System only — no use for other grill setups
Round 30.9cm surface is smaller than rectangular alternatives — limited to smaller quantities
Not reversible — single cooking surface
Requires seasoning and cast iron maintenance

Who it's for: Weber 57cm kettle owners who want to add griddle cooking capability without purchasing a separate flat-top grill. At €30, it's the most cost-effective way to get genuine cast iron griddle cooking on a Weber charcoal grill.

Verdict: The obvious choice for Weber 57cm owners. The precise fit, affordable price, and genuine cast iron performance make it a compelling addition to the Weber Gourmet BBQ System. Verify compatibility with your specific Weber model before purchasing, and pair with the Weber leather gloves (reviewed on our BBQ Gloves page) for proper heat protection when handling.

2. Nutrichef Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate, 18-inch — Best Budget Reversible Plate

Price: c. €37 View on Amazon →

The Nutrichef 18-inch is the most affordable reversible cast iron griddle plate on this list, and its compatibility across the widest range of cooking surfaces makes it the most versatile option. The 18-inch (approximately 46cm) flat cast iron construction with ribbed and smooth sides works across gas ranges, electric stovetops, ceramic hobs, and induction — meaning it's as useful indoors at the kitchen hob as it is on the gas BBQ outside.

The inclusion of a silicone oven mitt in the package is a practical touch — cast iron griddle plates get extremely hot, and the thick silicone mitt allows safe handling. At a purchase price of €37, having the mitt included saves an additional purchase and signals that Nutrichef has thought about the practical use experience.

The 18-inch format is a good all-round size — large enough to cook for four people simultaneously, small enough to fit most gas BBQ grill spaces and standard kitchen hobs. The flat square or rectangular profile sits across two hob burners for even heat distribution indoors.

Key specs:

Size: 18-inch (c. 46cm)
Material: Cast iron
Sides: Reversible (ribbed and smooth)
Compatible: Gas range, electric stovetop, ceramic, induction
Included: Silicone oven mitt
Price: c. €37

Pros:

Reversible ribbed/smooth — full griddle plate versatility in one piece
Widest compatibility range on this list: gas, electric, ceramic, and induction
Silicone oven mitt included — a practical addition at this price point
18-inch size suits both home BBQ and kitchen hob use comfortably
Most affordable reversible cast iron option on this list at €37
True cross-season utility — outdoor BBQ in summer, indoor hob use year-round

Cons:

Budget-tier cast iron may be slightly thinner than premium alternatives — check weight in listing
Requires seasoning before first use if not pre-seasoned — check listing for pre-seasoning status
Flat plate may not span all gas BBQ grates perfectly — measure your grill before purchasing
Heavy — cast iron at this size is substantial to handle, especially when hot

Who it's for: Home cooks who want the versatility of a reversible cast iron griddle for both outdoor BBQ and indoor hob cooking, at an accessible entry price. The induction compatibility makes it particularly valuable for households with induction hobs, where dedicated cast iron griddles are often the only way to achieve authentic sear marks.

Verdict: Excellent entry-level value for a reversible cast iron griddle plate. The cross-surface compatibility (including induction), included silicone mitt, and reversible ribbed/smooth design at €37 make this a genuinely versatile kitchen and BBQ investment. The right starting point for anyone new to cast iron griddle cooking.

3. Black Rock Grill Cast Iron Reversible Griddle Pan, 46cm x 23cm — Best All-Round Reversible Plate

Price: c. €40 View on Amazon →

The Black Rock Grill reversible griddle plate sits just €3 above the Nutrichef and earns that small premium through a brand that specialises specifically in BBQ and outdoor cooking — rather than being a general kitchen equipment line. Black Rock Grill's focus on outdoor cooking means the design, handle placement, and ribbed side pattern are optimised for BBQ use in a way that a general kitchen griddle may not be.

At 46cm x 23cm (18 x 9 inches), the dimensions are well-suited to spanning two gas burners on a standard trolley BBQ — wide enough to cook four to six items simultaneously, and long enough to provide genuine cooking real estate. The four-surface compatibility (gas BBQ, hob, oven, and induction) matches the Nutrichef's versatility, but the 46cm x 23cm format provides a longer, narrower profile that suits a BBQ grill space particularly well.

The reversible ribbed/smooth design provides the full range of griddle cooking options — from seared steaks with authentic grill marks on the ribbed side, to pancakes and eggs on the smooth side — without needing a second piece of equipment.

Key specs:

Dimensions: 46cm x 23cm (18 x 9 inches)
Material: Cast iron
Sides: Reversible (ribbed and smooth)
Compatible: Gas BBQ, hob, oven, induction
Price: c. €40

Pros:

BBQ-specialist brand — designed with outdoor cooking as the primary use case
46 x 23cm format spans BBQ grill space well — practical dimensions for gas grill cooking
Four-surface compatibility including induction and oven
Reversible ribbed/smooth gives full griddle versatility in one piece
Brand reputation in the outdoor cooking space supports quality expectations
Right size for 4–6 person cooking without being unwieldy

Cons:

£3/€3 more than the Nutrichef for similar core specification — brand premium
Requires seasoning maintenance like all cast iron — see care guide above
Narrower profile (23cm) than a square plate — may suit some BBQ setups better than others
Weight: cast iron at this size is heavy — handle with appropriate gloves

Who it's for: Regular outdoor cooks who want a BBQ-focused reversible cast iron griddle with a format that suits a gas BBQ grill space, from a brand with outdoor cooking credentials. At €40 the small step up from the Nutrichef is justified by the BBQ-specific design and brand focus.

Verdict: The best all-round reversible cast iron griddle on this list for outdoor cooking. The 46 x 23cm format, BBQ-specialist brand, and full-surface compatibility make it the default recommendation for households who primarily want a griddle for their gas BBQ with the flexibility to use it indoors too. A well-specified product at a fair price.

4. CLP Cast Iron 2-Side Griddle, Pre-Seasoned, for Gas BBQ — Best Premium Option

Price: c. €76 View on Amazon →

The CLP is the premium option on this list, and two factors justify the price premium over the more affordable alternatives: pre-seasoning and a construction specifically optimised for gas BBQ use. At €76 it's double the price of the Nutrichef, but for the buyer who wants to use their griddle immediately and expects gas BBQ-optimised performance, the difference is meaningful.

Pre-seasoned ("pre-burned") means the factory has completed the initial oil-and-bake seasoning process before the plate reaches you. You unbox it, clean it briefly, and cook on it immediately — no oven seasoning, no waiting, no first-cook disappointment. The cooking surface is ready. This matters particularly for outdoor use, where finding oven space and time to properly season a new griddle plate before the first BBQ of the season is a barrier that many buyers skip — often with poor results. CLP removes that barrier entirely.

The gas BBQ-specific design means the plate dimensions, handle positioning, and rib depth are optimised for placement over gas burners rather than designed as a generic hob insert. The two-sided (ribbed and smooth) reversible format is present here as with the other griddle plates, but the pre-seasoned surface on both sides means the smooth side is immediately ready for eggs and pancakes without the food-sticking frustration that an unseasoned smooth cast iron surface produces.

Key specs:

Sides: 2-sided reversible (ribbed and smooth)
Seasoning: Pre-seasoned (factory seasoned, ready to use)
Primary use: Gas BBQ
Material: Cast iron
Price: c. €76

Pros:

Pre-seasoned and ready to cook immediately — no initial seasoning process required
Both sides immediately functional — smooth side ready for delicate foods from first use
Designed specifically for gas BBQ use — optimised dimensions and construction
Cast iron quality at premium specification — likely thicker gauge than budget alternatives
A long-term investment that improves with every cook as seasoning builds further
Removes the most common cast iron barrier: the effort of initial seasoning

Cons:

€76 is double the cost of the mid-range alternatives on this list
Gas BBQ-optimised design may not be as well suited to induction or ceramic hob use as the Nutrichef or Black Rock
Heavy — cast iron at BBQ plate size requires appropriate handling
Still requires ongoing care and maintenance (though less initial effort than unseasoned alternatives)
Verify dimensions against your specific gas BBQ grill space before purchasing

Who it's for: Regular outdoor cooks who want a premium, immediately usable cast iron griddle plate without the barrier of initial seasoning, and who primarily intend to use it on a gas BBQ. The price premium over the mid-range alternatives is justified by the pre-seasoning and gas BBQ-optimised construction — and for a product that will be used regularly throughout the outdoor cooking season, the investment per use becomes very reasonable over time.

Verdict: The best cast iron griddle plate on this list for serious outdoor cooks who want the premium experience from day one. Pre-seasoning is a genuine and meaningful advantage, and gas BBQ-specific optimisation means it performs better in its primary application than a generic griddle insert. If €76 is within budget and you grill regularly on gas, this is the plate to own.

Browse the Full Range

The four plates reviewed above cover the most popular and well-specified options available, but the full Amazon cast iron griddle plate range includes additional sizes, shapes, brands, and price points — including options for specific BBQ models, larger format plates for catering, and specialist single-sided griddles.

Browse all cast iron griddle plates on Amazon →

When browsing the wider range, the key filters to apply:

Reversible vs single-sided — reversible is recommended for versatility
Pre-seasoned vs unseasoned — pre-seasoned is easier to use immediately
Compatibility — confirm the plate works with your specific cooking surface (gas BBQ, induction, etc.)
Dimensions — measure your grill or hob space before selecting a size

Selection of BBQ Cast Iron Griddle Plates

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to season a new cast iron griddle plate? If the plate is labelled "pre-seasoned" (like the CLP in this guide), no initial seasoning is required — it's ready to use. If it's not pre-seasoned, yes: coat lightly with a neutral oil (vegetable, flaxseed, or canola), place in a 230°C oven for an hour face-down, allow to cool, and repeat 2–3 times. Ongoing cooking with oil further builds the seasoning layer automatically.

Can I use a cast iron griddle plate on an induction hob? Yes — cast iron is magnetic and fully induction-compatible. The Nutrichef and Black Rock Grill plates in this guide are both induction-confirmed. The CLP is primarily designed for gas BBQ use — verify induction compatibility in the listing before purchasing for hob use. The Denmay Weber insert is not designed for induction.

How do I clean a cast iron griddle plate? While still warm, wipe with a paper towel to remove food residue. For stubborn bits, use hot water and a stiff brush or cast iron scraper. Avoid soap — it strips the seasoning. Never put cast iron in a dishwasher. After cleaning, dry thoroughly (return briefly to heat to ensure all moisture has evaporated) and apply a very light coat of oil before storing.

How long does it take a cast iron griddle to heat up? Cast iron heats more slowly than thin steel or aluminium, but retains heat far better. Allow 8–12 minutes over medium heat before cooking — it's ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately on contact with the surface. This longer preheat time is why cast iron performs so much better than thinner griddles: by the time food goes on, the surface is at a truly consistent, high temperature throughout.

What's the difference between a cast iron griddle plate and a cast iron skillet? A griddle plate is typically flat and spans multiple burners — it's designed for cooking multiple items across a large surface simultaneously. A cast iron skillet is a single-burner pan with raised sides. For BBQ use, a griddle plate is the right choice; for indoor stovetop cooking of single items (steaks, chicken breasts), a skillet may be more practical. Many households use both.

Why does food stick to my cast iron griddle? The three most common causes: insufficient preheating (add food before the surface is fully hot), insufficient seasoning (new or poorly maintained cast iron), or not using enough oil. Cast iron is not as immediately non-stick as synthetic coatings on a new surface — it earns its non-stick properties with use and proper care. Follow the seasoning guide above, preheat properly, and use a light coat of oil each time you cook.

Can I use metal utensils on a cast iron griddle plate? Yes — unlike non-stick synthetic coatings, cast iron is not damaged by metal spatulas, tongs, or scrapers. Metal utensils can actually help maintain the griddle surface by smoothing any rough areas. A flat metal spatula is the ideal tool for the smooth side of a reversible griddle.

Final Thoughts

A cast iron griddle plate is a genuinely transformative addition to an outdoor cooking setup — it's the tool that allows you to cook eggs at a morning BBQ, achieve a perfect smash burger crust, and handle delicate fish fillets without them falling apart on the grate.

For most households, the Black Rock Grill reversible plate at €40 is the default recommendation — BBQ-focused brand, right dimensions, full surface compatibility, and genuine cast iron quality at a fair price. Weber 57cm kettle owners should go straight to the Denmay insert. And for those who want the premium experience from day one, the CLP's pre-seasoning at €76 earns every cent for regular outdoor cooks.

All products are available through Amazon with delivery to Ireland. Links on this page are affiliate links — purchasing through them supports this site at no extra cost to you.

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