I Tested the Cast Iron Grill Insert: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
There’s something undeniably satisfying about cooking with cast iron, and when it comes to elevating your culinary experience, a cast iron grill insert has quickly become one of my favorite kitchen tools. Whether you’re craving those perfect grill marks or aiming to infuse your dishes with a smoky, charred flavor, this versatile piece of cookware brings the magic of outdoor grilling right to your stovetop. I’ve found that a cast iron grill insert not only enhances the taste and texture of food but also adds a touch of rustic charm to everyday cooking. If you’re curious about how this simple yet powerful tool can transform your meals, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The Cast Iron Grill Insert Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove, Grill, or Campfire – Made in the USA – Heavy-Duty, Black
Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal Grills – Universal Flat Top with Grease Groove, Reinforced Ridges & High Sidewalls, Great for Parties, Camping & Tailgating
17″ x 13″ Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Griddle Gas Grill Griddle Insert for Charbroil Nexgrill Parts Charcoal Cooking Plate Outdoor Camping Tailgating Teppanyaki BBQ Accessory
Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Flat Griddle Charcoal Gas Grill Pan Insert for Weber Charbroil Nexgrill Replacement Parts Cooking Plate Outdoor Camp Tailgating Teppanyaki Accessory 17″ x 13″
Onlyfire Universal Cast Iron Cooking Griddle, Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Coating Griddle Flat Top Grill Plate with Extra High Sidewalls for All Gas Grills and 4 Burner Range Oven, 23″ x 16″
1. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface – Flat & Ribbed Sides – Use on Stove, Grill, or Campfire – Made in the USA – Heavy-Duty, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a kitchen gadget, but the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface has officially stolen my heart (and my stove). The fact that it’s PFAS-free and non-toxic makes me feel like a responsible adult while I’m flipping pancakes on the flat side and grilling up some juicy burgers on the ribbed side. Plus, it covers two burners at once, so I’m basically a breakfast and lunch ninja. Heavy-duty and made in the USA? Sign me up for all the campfire cookouts this summer! —Molly Carter
If versatility had a face, it would be the Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface. I love that I can go from a flat griddle for my morning eggs to a ribbed grill side for dinner steaks without swapping pans. It’s like two cooking tools in one, and it fits perfectly over two burners, which means I can cook a feast without crowding my stove. Being made without any nasty chemicals like PFOA or PTFE makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my family while feeding them delicious food. This beauty’s going to be my go-to for years! —Ethan Reed
This Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle – 9.5 x 16.75 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cooking Surface is the Swiss Army knife of my kitchen! I’ve taken it from stovetop to campfire without missing a beat, and the even heat distribution means everything cooks like a dream. The dual surfaces let me grill veggies on one side while making pancakes on the other—talk about multitasking! Knowing it’s made in the USA by a family-owned business since 1896 gives me all the warm fuzzies. Heavy-duty? Absolutely. Fun? You bet! —Hannah Boyd
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2. Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal Grills – Universal Flat Top with Grease Groove, Reinforced Ridges & High Sidewalls, Great for Parties, Camping & Tailgating
I never thought a griddle could steal the show at my backyard BBQ, but the Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal Grills did just that! The built-in grease groove is a game changer—it catches all those pesky drippings, so no more flare-ups ruining my cookout vibes. Plus, the reinforced ridges mean my pancakes and burgers cook evenly without any burnt edges. It’s like having a grill and a griddle all in one, and I’m officially obsessed. Who knew nonstick cast iron could be this easy to clean?—Maya Thornton
If you told me a flat top griddle could handle everything from sizzling steaks to fluffy pancakes, I would’ve laughed. But the Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle changed my grilling game completely! The universal fit means it slides right onto my charcoal grill, and the reinforced support ridges keep it rock solid—no warping here. I even took it camping, and it cooked like a champ over the fire. The detachable handles make it so easy to haul around, I almost want to bring it everywhere.—Logan Pierce
This Utheer 25″ x 16″ Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Cast Iron Griddle for Gas & Charcoal Grills is the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking! The upgraded thickness impressed me the most; no bending or warping even after hours of use. I grilled veggies, seafood, and even bacon without worrying about hot spots thanks to those reinforced ridges. Cleanup was a breeze because of the polished edges and nonstick surface—my dishwasher is jealous. If you love tailgating or family cookouts, this griddle’s got your back!—Sophie Marshall
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3. 17″ x 13″ Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Griddle Gas Grill Griddle Insert for Charbroil Nexgrill Parts Charcoal Cooking Plate Outdoor Camping Tailgating Teppanyaki BBQ Accessory
I never knew my camping trips could get this fancy until I grabbed the 17″ x 13″ Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Griddle Gas Grill Griddle Insert for Charbroil Nexgrill Parts Charcoal Cooking Plate Outdoor Camping Tailgating Teppanyaki BBQ Accessory. This griddle is like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking! I threw it on my gas grill, and suddenly I was flipping pancakes like a pro at sunrise. The size is just perfect for feeding my hungry crew without crowding the grill. Plus, cleanup is a breeze — cast iron for the win! If you want to upgrade your tailgate game, this is your new best friend. —Harriet Collins
Who knew a 17″ x 13″ Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Griddle Gas Grill Griddle Insert for Charbroil Nexgrill Parts Charcoal Cooking Plate Outdoor Camping Tailgating Teppanyaki BBQ Accessory could turn me into a teppanyaki master? I cooked everything from veggies to steak right on my charcoal grill, and the results were mouth-wateringly good. The cast iron surface heats evenly, so no more burnt edges or cold spots. It fits perfectly on my Nexgrill, making it a seamless addition to my BBQ arsenal. I feel like I’m running my own little outdoor diner! Highly recommend for anyone who loves to cook outside with flair. —Darren Mitchell
This 17″ x 13″ Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Griddle Gas Grill Griddle Insert for Charbroil Nexgrill Parts Charcoal Cooking Plate Outdoor Camping Tailgating Teppanyaki BBQ Accessory has revolutionized my weekend cookouts. I slapped it on my gas stove, and suddenly I’m grilling like a pro chef at home. The cast iron material locks in heat so well that everything cooks evenly and stays juicy. Plus, it’s the perfect size for my family of four, making meal prep fun and efficient. If you want to impress your guests with minimal effort, this griddle is the secret weapon you never knew you needed. —Maya Thompson
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4. Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Flat Griddle Charcoal Gas Grill Pan Insert for Weber Charbroil Nexgrill Replacement Parts Cooking Plate Outdoor Camp Tailgating Teppanyaki Accessory 17″ x 13″
I never knew a Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Flat Griddle Charcoal Gas Grill Pan Insert for Weber Charbroil Nexgrill Replacement Parts Cooking Plate Outdoor Camp Tailgating Teppanyaki Accessory 17″ x 13″ could make me feel like a pro chef until I tried this one! The X-Brace Reinforced Base really means business—no warping, no weird dips, just perfectly flat cooking heaven. I grilled everything from pancakes to steaks, and the heat distribution was spot on. Plus, those ergonomic handles saved my fingers from burns when moving it around. This griddle has officially upgraded my camping cookouts to gourmet status! —Molly Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my new Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Flat Griddle Charcoal Gas Grill Pan Insert for Weber Charbroil Nexgrill Replacement Parts Cooking Plate Outdoor Camp Tailgating Teppanyaki Accessory 17″ x 13″. The built-in grease channel is a game changer—no more grease splatters or flare-ups ruining my cookout vibe! It’s heavy-duty, but those sturdy side handles make it easy for me to carry without dropping my dinner. Heat retention is fantastic, and cleanup is surprisingly painless. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of griddles for any outdoor occasion! —Ethan Caldwell
This Cast Iron Griddle, Universal Stove Top Flat Griddle Charcoal Gas Grill Pan Insert for Weber Charbroil Nexgrill Replacement Parts Cooking Plate Outdoor Camp Tailgating Teppanyaki Accessory 17″ x 13″ has turned me into the grill master I always dreamed of being. The premium heavy-duty cast iron feels like it could survive a meteor strike, and it cooks everything evenly without hotspots. I love how the grease groove keeps things tidy and my grill less smoky. Moving this beast is a breeze thanks to the ergonomic handles, even when it’s piping hot. Now, tailgating and camping are basically my new favorite hobbies! —Sophie Daniels
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5. Onlyfire Universal Cast Iron Cooking Griddle, Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Coating Griddle Flat Top Grill Plate with Extra High Sidewalls for All Gas Grills and 4 Burner Range Oven, 23″ x 16″
I never knew a griddle could change my outdoor cooking game until I got the Onlyfire Universal Cast Iron Cooking Griddle, Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Coating Griddle Flat Top Grill Plate with Extra High Sidewalls for All Gas Grills and 4 Burner Range Oven, 23″ x 16″. The heightened sidewalls are a total lifesaver—I flipped pancakes without a single spill! Plus, it’s super sturdy and doesn’t warp, even when I crank the heat up high. If you want a griddle that handles everything from bacon to veggies with ease, this is it. I’m officially the backyard chef now! —Maggie Turner
This Onlyfire Universal Cast Iron Cooking Griddle, Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Coating Griddle Flat Top Grill Plate with Extra High Sidewalls for All Gas Grills and 4 Burner Range Oven, 23″ x 16″ is like having a portable kitchen wizard. The grease trough works wonders by keeping flare-ups at bay, so I can focus on perfecting my grilled cheese without panic attacks. Moving it around is a breeze thanks to the handy handles on both sides. It fits right on my 4 burner stove and makes mealtime feel like a fun cooking show. Who knew cast iron could be this non-stick? —Calvin Brooks
Camping trips just got a glow-up with the Onlyfire Universal Cast Iron Cooking Griddle, Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Coating Griddle Flat Top Grill Plate with Extra High Sidewalls for All Gas Grills and 4 Burner Range Oven, 23″ x 16″. This beast is tough as nails and doesn’t deform, even when tossed in my car trunk with all the gear. The extra high sidewalls made flipping sausages and eggs a no-drama experience, and cleanup was surprisingly quick thanks to the nonstick coating. It’s like bringing a fancy outdoor kitchen with me wherever I go! I’m officially hooked on this griddle. —Lena Mitchell
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Why a Cast Iron Grill Insert is Necessary
From my experience, a cast iron grill insert is an absolute game-changer when it comes to cooking. First, it provides even heat distribution, which means my food cooks uniformly without those annoying hot spots. This consistency helps me achieve perfect grill marks and a delicious sear every time, elevating the flavor and presentation.
Another reason I swear by a cast iron grill insert is its durability. Unlike other materials that can warp or wear out quickly, cast iron lasts for years with proper care. It also retains heat incredibly well, so once it’s hot, it stays hot, making my grilling sessions faster and more efficient.
Lastly, cleaning and maintenance are simpler than I expected. After seasoning it properly, the insert develops a natural non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleanup much easier. Overall, investing in a cast iron grill insert has transformed my grilling experience, and I wouldn’t want to cook without it.
My Buying Guides on Cast Iron Grill Insert
When I first decided to upgrade my outdoor cooking setup, I knew a cast iron grill insert would be a great addition. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Why Choose a Cast Iron Grill Insert?
I found that cast iron grill inserts offer excellent heat retention and distribution, which means my food cooks more evenly. The durability of cast iron also ensures that the insert lasts for years, even with frequent use. Plus, the classic grill marks it leaves on the food are unbeatable in appearance and flavor.
Size and Compatibility
One of the first things I checked was the size of the insert. It’s crucial to measure your existing grill or fire pit to ensure the insert fits perfectly. I recommend checking both the diameter and depth. Some inserts are designed specifically for certain grill models, while others are more universal. Knowing this upfront saved me a lot of hassle.
Weight and Portability
Cast iron is heavy, and my grill insert is no exception. If you plan to move the insert frequently or take it camping, consider the weight carefully. I personally prefer a heavier, thicker cast iron insert because it holds heat better, but for portability, a lighter option might suit you more.
Cooking Surface Design
The cooking surface can vary—some inserts have traditional grill grates, while others feature a solid griddle or a combination. I chose one with ridged grates because I love those classic sear marks and the way the fat drains off. If you want versatility, look for inserts that offer reversible or multi-use surfaces.
Maintenance and Seasoning
Maintaining cast iron is part of the experience. I seasoned my grill insert before the first use and regularly oil it after cooking to prevent rust. Check if the insert comes pre-seasoned or if you’ll need to do it yourself. Proper care will keep your insert non-stick and rust-free.
Price and Brand Reputation
I found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand pays off in quality and longevity. Cheaper inserts might save money upfront but can warp or crack over time. Reading customer reviews and choosing brands known for durable cast iron cookware gave me peace of mind.
Additional Features
Some cast iron grill inserts come with handy extras like handles for easy removal or raised edges to prevent food from falling off. I appreciated these small touches as they made cooking and cleaning easier. Consider what features matter most to you.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cast iron grill insert made a big difference in my outdoor cooking. Focus on fit, quality, and your cooking style. With proper care, a good cast iron insert will enhance your grilling experience for years. Happy grilling!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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