Flat round griddles

[yvoxxxx]

I am looking to buy a good round cast iron griddle, mostly for making omelets and pancakes. Kids love them. But I'm noticing that the prices seem much higher now than they used to be. For example, I saw a couple of Griswold number eight and number nine griddles and not only were they expensive but they were also warped... which is frustrating.

Since I usually prefer Wagner pieces, I'm curious about how many sizes companies like Wagner typically produced in their round griddles. And is it just me, or are a lot of the vintage griddles out there slightly warped?

 

[m4cchiato]

If you are buying sight unseen, assume it's warped. The only way to guarantee flatness is to check it in person or look for sellers who explicitly show a level or straight edge resting on the cooking surface. For modern induction or glass cooktops, even a slight warp will cause sticking and uneven cooking

 

[BigBob75]

m4cchiato,
Good info! I didn't know about sticking and uneven cooking on a warped pan! Thank you. Bob

 

[yvoxxxx]

That makes sense, unless the seller provides clear proof with a straight edge. It is better to ask the seller for detailed images if you are hesitant about the physical condition of the cast iron iron griddle.

 

[Alan]

Hmm... I'd like to see someone show how they fixed a warped griddle.

 

[BigBob75]

Put the griddle in an end mill and take light cuts?

 

[KenH]

Put the griddle in an end mill and take light cuts?

That would work for sure - turn upside down to mill the bottom first? Then turn over using the fresh milled bottom as a guide and mill the inside to have both sides flat? Then season.

Of course, everybody has a milling machine in shop to do this work {G} Cost at a machine shop would be pretty expensive.

 

[BigBob75]

That would work for sure - turn upside down to mill the bottom first? Then turn over using the fresh milled bottom as a guide and mill the inside to have both sides flat? Then season.

Of course, everybody has a milling machine in shop to do this work {G} Cost at a machine shop would be pretty expensive.

NAH, just visit a machine shop that can do small jobs. Do you want to use the pan or just display it? God Bless. Bob

 

[KenH]

Display only and not use for cooking? No point worrying about warped griddle.

Milling the bottom to flat would most likely remove any ID'ing marks on bottom. I'm not real big on display stuff if it's not to be used. With that said, I do have several things displayed and not used.

 

[BigBob75]

The question was if you are set on using it, mill it, if you want to display it leave it alone. If it wobbles, it's not collectable so who cares about maker marks.