Amazon Basics Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Review
Introduction
Are you tired of uneven cooking surfaces that lead to frustratingly inconsistent results? Do you struggle with cookware that’s a pain to clean and maintain? Many home cooks face these challenges, especially when dealing with traditional grills and griddles. The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle aims to solve these issues, offering a robust and versatile cooking solution for both indoor and outdoor use.
This grill/griddle isn’t about high-tech bells and whistles. Instead, it focuses on the timeless benefits of cast iron – exceptional heat retention, even cooking, and unparalleled durability – while providing a user-friendly design for everyday cooking.
Overview
The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is a heavy-duty, reversible cooking surface designed for versatility and ease of use. Crafted from durable cast iron, it offers a robust cooking experience suitable for everything from morning pancakes to grilled steaks. The reversible design allows you to switch seamlessly between a flat griddle surface and a ribbed grill, catering to a wide range of recipes. This isn’t a complex appliance; it’s a return to simple, reliable cooking.
This piece is ideal for the home cook who appreciates the traditional benefits of cast iron but seeks a convenient and readily accessible option. It’s perfect for those with limited space, students, or anyone wanting a simple and effective grilling or griddling solution for both indoor and outdoor use. While not designed for searing at extreme temperatures, it’s a powerful tool for consistent and flavorful cooking.
Features
Oven Safe to 500°F: Its oven-safe design expands your cooking options. You can easily transfer it from the stovetop to the oven for finishing dishes or baking, adding another layer of culinary versatility.
Durable and Long-Lasting: Constructed from heavy-duty cast iron, this grill/griddle is built to withstand years of use. Cast iron is exceptionally durable and, with proper care, can become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.
Even Heat Distribution & Retention: Cast iron’s inherent thermal properties ensure incredibly even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface. This eliminates hot spots and cold spots, delivering consistently cooked food every time. The exceptional heat retention allows you to maintain cooking temperatures for longer, crucial for delicate dishes and precise searing.
Reversible Grill/Griddle Design: The reversible design maximizes versatility. One side offers a traditional flat griddle surface perfect for pancakes, eggs, and quesadillas, while the other features raised grill lines ideal for burgers, sausages, and grilled vegetables. This eliminates the need for separate grilling and griddling tools, saving space and simplifying your cooking routine.
user-friendly handles: The user-friendly handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, making the grill/griddle easy to maneuver and control while cooking.
heavy duty: The cast iron construction ensures the product is robust and capable of handling a range of cooking tasks without flexing or damage.
Pre-Seasoned Surface: The grill/griddle comes pre-seasoned, meaning it’s ready to use right out of the box. This pre-seasoning creates a natural, non-stick surface and provides a foundation for building even more seasoning over time, improving the cooking surface’s performance and longevity.
Benefits
Space-Saving Versatility: The reversible design replaces the need for separate grilling and griddling tools, freeing up valuable space in your kitchen or on your outdoor cooking area.
Ready to Cook Immediately: The pre-seasoned surface eliminates the hassle of initial seasoning, allowing you to start cooking delicious meals right away.
Consistent Cooking Results: Say goodbye to unevenly cooked food. The even heat distribution guarantees that every bite is perfectly cooked, whether you’re making pancakes or grilling burgers.
Increased Cooking Options: Its oven-safe design expands your repertoire of culinary creations, adding a new dimension to your cooking experience.
Long-Term Value: Cast iron is an investment that lasts for decades. With proper care, this grill/griddle will become a reliable and cherished part of your kitchen for years to come.
Usages
Quick Weeknight Dinners: Grilling salmon or shrimp quickly and easily for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Perfect for Breakfast: Crafting perfect pancakes, crispy bacon, and fluffy eggs is a breeze with the flat griddle surface.
Indoor Cooking Convenience: Ideal for apartments or during inclement weather, this grill/griddle brings outdoor grilling indoors.
Weekend Barbecues: Grill burgers, sausages, and vegetables with delicious grill marks, adding a smoky flavor to your weekend gatherings.
Campfire Cooking: Ideal to bring on camping trips or tailgating events, this grill provides a robust and easy-to-clean cooking experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- Reversible grill/griddle design
- Pre-seasoned surface for immediate use
- Versatile for both indoor and outdoor cooking
- Excellent heat retention and distribution
- Oven safe
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- Heavy and can be difficult to maneuver
- Requires regular seasoning to maintain non-stick properties
- Hand wash only – not dishwasher safe
- Not ideal for high-heat searing applications
- Can rust if not properly cared for after washing
FAQs
Is it non-stick?: While the pre-seasoned surface provides some non-stick qualities, it’s not as effective as a dedicated non-stick coating. Regular seasoning will enhance this effect.
How do I clean it?: Hand washing is recommended. Avoid harsh soaps and abrasive scrubbers. Dry thoroughly and lightly oil after each use to prevent rusting.
How long will it last?: With proper care and seasoning, this cast iron grill/griddle can last a lifetime.
Can it be used on an open flame?: While capable of withstanding high temperatures, avoid direct exposure to open flames to prevent damage and warping.
What kind of fuel can I use?: This grill/griddle is designed for stovetop use, so it’s compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. It can also be used on charcoal or over a campfire.
Product Specifications
| Grate Material | Cast Iron |
| Warranty | Typically 90-day limited warranty (check Amazon’s listing) |
| Cleaning Requirements | Hand wash, dry thoroughly, lightly oil |
| Oven Safe Temperature | 500°F |
| Dimensions | 20 x 10.63 x 0.98 inches |
| Material | Cast Iron |
| Cooking Area | Approximately 200 square inches (combined surfaces) |
| Weight | 11.5 pounds |
| Ignition System | None (Stovetop Compatible) |
Ratings
| Cooking Performance | 4.3 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
| Value for Money | 4.8 |
| Durability | 4.7 |
| Ease of Use | 4.6 |
| Versatility | 4.4 |
Recommendation
The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a simple, versatile, and durable cooking surface. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate the traditional benefits of cast iron and want a convenient option for both indoor and outdoor cooking.
If you’re a beginner looking to explore the world of cast iron cooking or a seasoned grill master wanting a compact and reliable griddle, this Amazon Basics model delivers exceptional value and performance. While it may not rival dedicated high-end grills in searing power, its versatility and long-term durability make it a worthwhile investment for countless cooking applications.
Conclusion
The Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill/Griddle offers a compelling blend of simplicity, versatility, and durability. Its cast iron construction ensures even heating and exceptional heat retention, while the reversible design adapts to a wide range of cooking needs.
While it requires a bit more care than non-stick cookware, the long-term benefits – both in terms of performance and longevity – far outweigh the effort. This grill/griddle is a reliable workhorse that will become a staple in your kitchen for years to come, offering countless opportunities for delicious and satisfying meals.
