Cast Iron Skillet vs Griddle: Which Should You Own?

Quick answer

Choose a cast iron skillet if you want one versatile pan for searing, frying, and oven cooking. Choose a cast iron griddle if you regularly cook large batches of pancakes, eggs, or bacon and want a flat, wide surface. Both are valuable, but most home cooks benefit from a skillet first.

When you're outfitting your kitchen, the choice between a cast iron skillet and a cast iron griddle can be puzzling. Both are flat cooking surfaces, but they serve different purposes. Skillets have sloped sides that contain food and splatter, while griddles offer a completely flat surface ideal for flipping and sliding food around.

In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences, look at the trade-offs, and help you decide which one deserves a spot on your stovetop or grill.

Key Differences Between a Skillet and a Griddle

A cast iron skillet is defined by its sloped sides and a relatively deep cooking surface. That lip contains juices, makes tossing and flipping easier, and allows you to cook saucy dishes without spillover. It's a true multitasker: you can sear a steak, shallow-fry, bake cornbread, or braise in the oven.

A cast iron griddle, on the other hand, is flat with no or very low sides. This design maximizes surface area and makes it easy to slide a spatula under food. It's the classic choice for pancakes, French toast, eggs, and bacon—anything that needs to be flipped and moved around. The lack of sides also means you can use it as a griddle on a grill or over a campfire.

The main trade-off is versatility versus specialization. A skillet can do almost everything a griddle can, but it's less convenient for large batches of flat items. A griddle excels at breakfast foods but can't hold liquids or be used for braising.

• Consider what you cook most often. If breakfast is a daily event, a griddle might be worth it.
• If you're limited on storage, a skillet is more compact and versatile.

Cooking Performance: Pancakes, Eggs, and Bacon

For pancakes, a griddle's flat surface is unbeatable. You can fit multiple pancakes at once, and the lack of sides makes it easy to slide a spatula underneath without hitting a wall. The even heat distribution of cast iron ensures golden-brown results every time.

Eggs are another story. A skillet's sloped sides make it easier to flip an egg or scramble without pushing it over the edge. However, a griddle allows you to cook several eggs at once and move them around freely. If you often cook for a crowd, a griddle's space is a big advantage.

Bacon is a classic cast iron favorite. In a skillet, the sides contain the splatter, but you have less room. On a griddle, you can cook a whole pound at once, and the flat surface lets the fat render evenly. Just be prepared for more splatter on your stovetop.

• Use a griddle for large batches of pancakes or bacon.
• Use a skillet for fried eggs or when you need to contain splatter.

Versatility: What Else Can You Cook?

A skillet is a workhorse. You can use it for searing, sautéing, shallow-frying, baking, roasting, and even braising. Its sides allow you to make sauces, and it can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly. Many recipes call for a skillet, making it a more versatile investment.

A griddle is more limited. It's fantastic for flat foods, but you can't cook saucy dishes or anything with a liquid base. However, a griddle shines on outdoor grills and campfires, where its flat surface is perfect for cooking burgers, vegetables, and even quesadillas.

If you're looking for a single piece of cookware that can do it all, a skillet is the clear winner. If you're building a collection and have a specific love for breakfast foods or outdoor cooking, a griddle is a worthy addition.

• Skillets are more versatile and can replace a griddle in most cases.
• Griddles are excellent for outdoor cooking and large batches.

Size and Storage Considerations

Skillets come in various sizes, from small 8-inch pans to large 16-inch models. They store easily and can hang on a wall or fit in a cabinet. A griddle, however, is often larger and more cumbersome to store. Some griddles have two handles, making them heavier and harder to handle.

Field Company offers a range of skillets, including the No.8 Cast Iron Skillet, which is a bestseller. The No.16 Double-Handled Cast Iron Skillet is a massive pan that can double as a griddle on a grill. Consider your storage space and physical strength when choosing.

If you're short on space, a skillet is more practical. If you have room and love making big breakfasts, a griddle might be worth the storage hassle.

• Measure your storage space before buying a griddle.
• Consider the weight—larger pieces are heavier to handle.

The Trade-offs at a Glance

• Versatility vs. Specialization: A skillet handles a wider range of recipes, from searing to baking. A griddle excels at flat items but can't hold liquids. If you want one pan for everything, choose a skillet.
• Space for Large Batches: A griddle offers more cooking surface for pancakes, eggs, and bacon, but takes up more storage and can be heavier. If you often cook for a crowd, a griddle's space is a big plus.
• Ease of Flipping and Sliding: A griddle's flat surface makes it easier to slide a spatula under food and flip it. A skillet's sides can get in the way. For perfect pancakes and easy egg flipping, a griddle is superior.

Field Company Options to Consider

• No.8 Cast Iron Skillet: Our 10 1⁄4 inch bestselling pan that raised $1.6 million on Kickstarter. Smoother—Polished cooking surface that comes pre-seasoned and develops nonstick layers as you cook. Lighter—Thinner sidewalls and a balanced handle make it easy for everyday cooking. This skillet offers the versatility to cook eggs, sear meat, and bake cornbread, making it a great first purchase if you're choosing between a skillet and a griddle.
• No.16 Double-Handled Cast Iron Skillet: At 16 3⁄4" the Field No.16 is the largest pan for conventional ovens and backyard grills—but it's still lighter, smoother cast iron. Break out the No.16 for your most ambitious meals: use our vintage-style skillet as an oven roasting surface for holiday roasts and summer cookouts on all kinds of grills and live-fire set-ups. If you want the surface area of a griddle but also need the sides for roasting or braising, this large skillet can serve both purposes, especially on a grill.

Finding Your Fit

Best for

• Home cooks who want one versatile pan for everyday cooking, including searing, frying, and baking.
• Those who cook for one or two people and don't need a huge cooking surface.

Not for

• People who regularly cook large breakfasts for a crowd and want maximum surface area.
• Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who need a flat, portable griddle for campfires and grills.

In the end, the choice between a cast iron skillet and a griddle comes down to your cooking style. If you want a single, versatile pan that can do almost anything, a skillet is the way to go. If you're a breakfast lover who cooks for a crowd, a griddle might be worth the extra storage. Consider your needs, and you'll find the right cast iron for your kitchen.