Get Ready For Summer Indoors - Buy A Griddle Pan!

With the days finally beginning to warm up and the evenings getting longer, thoughts inevitably begin to turn to the summer and for many people up and down the country, that means BBQs. However, as the warm weather is yet to fully kick in, the chilly Northern European climate remains a little nippy for outdoor cooking, even for the hardiest chefs. So for those that still want the delicious taste of summer without the risk of hypothermia, a great alternative to BBQs is to invest in a griddle pan, giving you all of the flavour of the outdoors, without the grey clouds and drizzle.

What are griddle pans?

Griddle pans usually have a cast iron or monastic surface and in general are large, heavy pans, with horizontal, raised rows along their length. The heavy weight of the pans allows them to reach the same high temperatures that occur during outdoor cooking, allowing chefs to recreate the taste and smell of a delicious BBQ. The raised surface creates tantalising grill marks on any food cooked in the pan and helps to ensure that you get that classic char-grilled taste. The surface also allows any fat from the meat to drain away, giving you a healthier alternative to frying.

What can you cook on a griddle pan?

If you’re the kind of chef who likes to experiment in the kitchen, then a griddle pan will make the perfect investment as it allows for a variety of foods to be cooked in a range of ways. Anything from burgers, chicken breasts, whole fish and sausages to courgettes, aubergines, asparagus and halloumi cheese can be cooked on a griddle pan, giving you delicious results whether you’re cooking up a meat feast or a veggie bonanza.

Caring for your griddle pan

As griddle pans do get extremely hot when on the hob, food can burn onto the surface to it’s important to clean your pan as soon as possible after use. If you’ve invested in a cast iron griddle pan, follow standard cast iron care instructions to ensure your surface stays in great condition. Bringing the taste of summer straight into your kitchen, griddle pans are the ideal option for BBQ enthusiasts and keen chefs alike, allowing them to enjoy the taste of the outdoors no matter how bad the weather is outside.