Excellent cookware for any kitchen
Written: Sep 24 '02
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Pros: Delicious foods, wonderful when seasoned
Cons: Well, it's heavy, but that's just part of its charm.
The Bottom Line: It's a labor of love, but once you get the hang of it and taste its cooking, it's worth it!
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| jlatels's Full Review: Lodge 20 x 10.4-Inch Pro Cast Iron Reversible Gril... |
I absolutely love this griddle/grill. It fits over my two burners perfectly, as well as in my own and sink (beware if you have a small or double sink, though, it might not fit). I did a bit of research before using this pan, and found the best way to season it:
SEASONING: It's a natural process to make a pan nonstick by coating ("seasoning") it with fat.
Wash/rinse new pan in hot water. I used just a little bit of soap. Soap is generally not recommended because it will ruin the reasoning, but for a new pan I found this to be okay.
After towel drying, I put the griddle/grill in a 350 degree oven for about half an hour to completely dry it.
I took the griddle/grill out, and laid it on top of the stove, and waited until it cooled a bit. You want it to be a little hot, but not scorching, before applying seasoning.
I used Crisco vegetable shortening and a paper towel. Since the pan is still warm, the shortening melted right away.
I then laid a long sheet of paper towel across the burners and flipped the griddle/grill to season the other side. I might have been paranoid, but I didn't like the idea of shortening rubbing against my burners for fear of a grease fire.
I placed the pan in the oven (350 degree again) for two hours. After that is done, wait until pan is cool, wipe off excess with towel and store in dry place.
COOKING
1) My first experiment was with pancakes, which stuck but cooked pretty well.
2) My second experiment was with ribs in the oven on the stove top, which tasted so delicious (the fat did cause splatter, so watch out)! I had to use Orange Glo to remove the grease splatters.
3) My third experiment, pancakes again, worked beautifully because after each of the two previous uses I would apply a little shortening before storing. Turns out I didn't use enough seasoning the first time. The pancakes slid right off the pan.
4) My fourth experiment was a london broil, which again was delicious but a word of caution: cast iron cooks FAST, resulting unexpectedly in my overcooking the meat a little.
CLEANING
I used the OXO scrub (the one with bristles and a small container for soap on top), which turned out to be a little wimpy to scrub off BBQ sauce. Still, after a few attempts the food did come out. It helps if, when the griddle/grill is still warm, to wipe down with a paper towel.
This is a great tool in the kitchen. It's large and bullky but food cooked on it is delicious. Get it and take good care of it! I've already ordered a 12 inch cast iron skillet, I love cast iron cooking so much. And, it is CHEAP!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 20
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Epinions.com ID:
jlatels
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Reviews written: 8
Trusted by: 0 members
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