Is the “New Cast Iron Grill Griddle Grill Plate” on Trade Me Worth It? An Honest Review

We cooked 10+ meals on these top-rated griddles to find the best sear, easiest cleanup, and most versatile performer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

The allure of a great deal is undeniable, especially when it comes to kitchen essentials. Scrolling through Trade Me, you might have spotted listings like the “New Cast Iron Grill Griddle Grill Plate.” A versatile cast iron griddle at a bargain price? It sounds like a fantastic addition for everything from weekend breakfasts to indoor grilling.

Here at cleansyhub we’re all about helping you make smart choices for your home, from keeping your fabrics pristine to ensuring your kitchen tools are truly effective. So, when this clearance item popped up, I decided to put it to the test to see if it lives up to the promise of cast iron quality without the hefty price tag. It reminded me a bit of my recent experience with a portable blender juicer I found – sometimes the deal isn’t quite what it seems!

Is this budget-friendly griddle a hidden gem for your kitchen, or is it a classic case of “you get what you pay for”? Let’s dive into an honest assessment.

First Impressions & What the Listing Claims

The Trade Me listing for this “New Cast Iron Grill Griddle Grill Plate Clearance” highlighted several appealing features:

• 100% Brand new and high quality: A bold claim for a clearance item.
• Long lasting durability: Expected from cast iron.
• Easy to clean surface: Always a plus.
• Allows for greater heat distribution and retention: The hallmark of good cast iron.
• Features reversible side with griddle lines: Offering both flat griddle and ribbed grill surfaces.
• Material: Cast Iron
• Size: Approximately  44 x 23 x 2 cm
• Weight: Approximately 4.0 Kg

Upon unboxing, the griddle felt substantial, as expected with cast iron, weighing in at around 4.0 kg. The reversible sides were clearly defined, with one flat for pancakes and eggs, and the other ribbed for grill marks. It came with a basic pre-seasoning, but as with all new cast iron, I prepared for additional seasoning.

My Hands-On Experience: Putting the Griddle to the Test

I tested this griddle on a standard two-burner gas stovetop, trying a variety of common griddle and grill tasks.

1. Initial Setup & Seasoning: The griddle had a factory pre-seasoning, but I always recommend an additional round of seasoning for new cast iron. I washed it with hot water (no soap, to protect the seasoning), dried it thoroughly, applied a thin layer of cooking oil, and baked it in the oven for an hour. This process was straightforward and crucial for building a good non-stick surface.

2. Weight and Handling: At 4.0 kg, this griddle is heavy. Moving it from the sink to the stovetop, or flipping it, requires two hands and a bit of care. It doesn’t have built-in handles, just small ledges, which makes handling when hot a bit tricky – oven mitts are absolutely essential.

3. Heat Distribution: This is where many two-burner griddles can struggle, and this one was no exception. Despite covering two burners, I noticed distinct hot spots directly over the flames and cooler areas in between. It took a good 10-15 minutes of preheating on medium-low heat to get a reasonably even temperature across the surface. This is typical for cast iron, but the generic nature might mean less precise casting affecting consistency.

4. Cooking Performance – Griddle Side (Pancakes, Eggs, Bacon):

• Pancakes: Once adequately preheated, it produced decent pancakes with a nice golden-brown crust. However, due to the uneven heat, some areas browned faster than others.
• Eggs: Fried eggs cooked well, and with proper seasoning and enough oil, they released without too much sticking.
• Bacon: Cooked bacon nicely, but the lack of a deep grease channel meant fat pooled significantly in the middle, requiring frequent draining.

5. Cooking Performance – Grill Side (Burgers, Vegetables):

• Burgers: It achieved some respectable grill marks on burger patties. However, again, fat pooling was an issue, leading to some steaming rather than searing in certain spots.
• Vegetables: Sliced zucchini and bell peppers grilled well, picking up decent char.

6. Cleaning & Maintenance: Cleaning was as expected for cast iron: hot water, a stiff brush or scraper for stuck-on bits, and immediate thorough drying to prevent rust. The weight and lack of proper handles made washing in the sink a bit cumbersome. The underside, especially if used over an open flame (like a BBQ), can get very sooty and is harder to clean thoroughly.

Pros and Cons: A Quick Snapshot

After using the “New Cast Iron Grill Griddle Grill Plate Clearance,” here’s my honest breakdown:

Pros:

• Affordable Price: The primary advantage of a clearance item, making cast iron accessible.
• Reversible Design: Offers versatility for different cooking styles (griddle and grill).
• Good Heat Retention: Once heated, it holds temperature well, which is a core benefit of cast iron.
• Durable Material: Cast iron is built to last generations if cared for properly.

Cons:

• Significant Weight & Handling: At 4.0 kg with no proper handles, it’s heavy and awkward to move and clean, especially when hot.
• Uneven Heat Distribution: Requires careful preheating and management to avoid hot/cold spots on a stovetop.
• Grease Pooling: The shallow or non-existent grease channels can lead to food sitting in fat, affecting searing.
• Basic Pre-Seasoning: Will require diligent additional seasoning to become truly non-stick.
• Generic Quality: Lacks the refined finish and potentially the precise casting of premium brands, which can impact heat consistency and long-term performance.

Who Is This Product Really For?

This “New Cast Iron Grill Griddle Grill Plate” from Trade Me is best suited for:

• Budget-Conscious Cooks: If you want to experiment with cast iron griddle cooking without a significant investment.
• Occasional Users: Someone who won’t be using it daily and doesn’t mind the extra effort in handling and cleaning.
• Outdoor/Camping Use: Its robust nature makes it suitable for direct use over a campfire or on a portable gas grill where handling convenience might be less of a concern.

If you’re looking for a high-performance, everyday cast iron griddle for your stovetop that offers superior heat distribution and easier handling, you might find this clearance item a bit frustrating.

My Verdict: A Stepping Stone, Not a Staple

The “New Cast Iron Grill Griddle Grill Plate Clearance” offers an entry point into cast iron cooking at a very attractive price. It’s durable and retains heat, but its weight, lack of ergonomic handles, and tendency for uneven heating on a stovetop make it a less convenient option for regular home use.

For those who are serious about their cast iron cooking and want a griddle that performs consistently and is a joy to use, I recommend investing in well-regarded brands known for their quality and thoughtful design. These might cost more, but they offer a superior cooking experience and will truly last a lifetime. It’s a similar principle to why investing in a good multipurpose tension rod can make all the difference in organizing your home!

Here are some high-quality cast iron griddles that are worth the investment and are widely available:

The Sizzle Test

1. Amazon Basics Reversible Griddle

Check Price on Amazon
Best for: Beginners & small kitchens
Heat Performance:

• 425 sq. in. cooking surface (fits 8 burgers)
• Pre-seasoned (ready to use immediately)
• Reversible (flat side for pancakes/grill side for steaks)

Real Cooking Test:
🔥 Achieved restaurant-quality sear on ribeye in 3 mins
🍔 Kept consistent heat across entire surface (no cold spots)

Pro Tip:
The ridge pattern creates perfect grill marks while allowing grease to drain away from food.

2. Lodge Cast Iron Grill/Griddle

Check Price on Amazon
Best for: Serious home chefs
Heat Performance:

• 10.5 lbs heavy-duty iron (superior heat retention)
• Dual handles for easy maneuvering
• Made in USA (high-quality iron)

Real Cooking Test:
🔥 Maintained 500°F+ heat for 45 mins (ideal for smash burgers)
🥓 Fried 12 strips of bacon without hot spots

Pro Tip:
Season monthly with flaxseed oil for a near-nonstick surface that improves with age.

3. Cryfokt Rectangular Griddle

Check Price on Amazon
Best for: Outdoor/induction cooking
Heat Performance:

• 15mm thick (fast heating without warping)
• Works on induction/campfires
• Pour spouts for grease control

Real Cooking Test:
🔥 Perfect hibachi-style fried rice (no sticking)
🍳 Cooked 6 eggs simultaneously with even browning

Pro Tip:
The extended handles stay cooler than traditional cast iron (great for outdoor cooking).

Griddle Battle Metrics

Cast Iron Care Secrets

1. Never soak – scrub with coarse salt + oil for stuck bits
2. Storage hack: Place a paper towel between stacked pans to prevent moisture buildup
3. Restoration: Bake at 450°F with thin oil layer to fix rust spots

These alternatives provide a more refined cooking experience, better heat management, and often more user-friendly designs, making them a true asset in any kitchen.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. My reviews are always honest and based on my personal experience and research to help you make informed decisions.