If you love cooking with high heat, you've probably heard of Baking Steel. Known for their pizza steels that deliver restaurant-quality crust at home, they've expanded their lineup with a versatile griddle. In this Baking Steel griddle review, we'll explore how it performs for pizza, pancakes, and a variety of other dishes, and whether it deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Baking Steel
The Baking Steel Griddle is a reversible griddle that can be used on stovetops and grills. It's designed to provide even heat distribution and excellent heat retention, just like the original Baking Steel. But how does it actually perform in real-world cooking? We put it to the test with pizza, pancakes, and more to give you an honest assessment.
The Baking Steel Griddle
Design and Build Quality
The Baking Steel Griddle is crafted from high-quality steel, similar to the original Baking Steel products. It features a smooth cooking surface on one side and a ridged surface on the other, making it a true reversible griddle. The steel is thick and heavy, which is essential for heat retention and even cooking.
The griddle measures 16 inches by 16 inches, providing ample cooking space for multiple items at once. It fits most standard stovetops, and the flat edges allow for easy flipping and sliding of food. The build quality is top-notch, as expected from Baking Steel, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring durability.
- Reversible design: smooth side for pancakes, ridged side for grill marks.
- Thick steel construction for superior heat retention.
- Large cooking surface fits most stovetops.
Performance for Pizza
When it comes to pizza, the Baking Steel Griddle performs admirably. We used it to make a classic Margherita pizza, and the results were impressive. The griddle heated up quickly and maintained a consistent temperature, allowing the crust to become crispy and golden brown on the bottom while remaining chewy inside.
The smooth side of the griddle is perfect for pizza, as it allows for easy sliding of the pizza on and off. We recommend preheating the griddle for at least 30 minutes to ensure it's fully heated. For best results, use a pizza peel to transfer the pizza, and consider using the Baking Steel Dough Cutter to slice it once cooked.
- Preheat for at least 30 minutes for optimal crust.
- Use the smooth side for pizza to prevent sticking.
- For a crispier bottom, place the griddle on the highest rack.
Performance for Pancakes and Breakfast
Pancakes are where the griddle truly shines. The smooth surface provides an even heat that cooks pancakes uniformly, giving them a beautiful golden-brown color without burning. We tested both classic buttermilk pancakes and blueberry pancakes, and both turned out perfectly fluffy and delicious.
The griddle's large surface allows you to cook multiple pancakes at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. It also works great for eggs, bacon, and French toast. The non-stick properties are decent, but we recommend using a little butter or oil to ensure easy flipping.
- Cook multiple pancakes at once to save time.
- Use a light coating of oil for best non-stick results.
- The ridged side is great for bacon and sausage, giving them grill marks.
Versatility: Beyond Pizza and Pancakes
The Baking Steel Griddle is not just for pizza and pancakes. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. We used it to sear steaks, grill vegetables, and even make quesadillas. The high heat retention ensures a perfect sear on meats, locking in juices and flavor.
The ridged side is perfect for creating grill marks on vegetables and meats, giving them a restaurant-quality appearance. The griddle can also be used on outdoor grills, making it a great tool for camping or backyard cooking. With the Baking Steel Carry All, you can easily transport it wherever you go.
- Sear steaks and chops with a perfect crust.
- Grill vegetables on the ridged side for attractive marks.
- Great for cooking multiple items at once, from eggs to grilled cheese.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Baking Steel Griddle is straightforward. After cooking, allow it to cool slightly, then use warm water and a mild detergent to clean. Avoid using harsh abrasives, as they can scratch the surface. For stubborn residue, a steel wool pad can be used, but it may remove the seasoning.
To maintain the griddle's non-stick properties, it's recommended to season it occasionally with a thin layer of oil. This helps prevent rust and keeps the surface smooth. With proper care, the griddle will last for years, just like other Baking Steel products.
- Clean with warm water and mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals.
- Season with a light oil after cleaning to prevent rust.
- Store in a dry place to avoid moisture buildup.
The Baking Steel Griddle is a versatile and high-performance cooking surface that excels at pizza, pancakes, and a wide range of other dishes. Its excellent heat retention, reversible design, and durable construction make it a worthy investment for any home cook. If you're looking to elevate your cooking, consider adding the Baking Steel Griddle to your kitchen arsenal. For more accessories and tools to complement your griddle, explore the Baking Steel Pro and other products from Baking Steel.
