Top Cast Iron Skillets for Outdoor Grill Cooking

If you've ever stood in front of a flat-top at a diner watching them smash burgers and flip pancakes side by side, you already know why a reversible griddle belongs in your kitchen. One side gives you those beautiful sear marks, and the other gives you a smooth, wide surface for eggs, pancakes, and smash burgers.

But here's the thing: not all reversible griddles are created equal. Some warp under high heat. Others come with rough surfaces that bond to your food no matter how much oil you use.

And a few have handles that make you reach for oven mitts even when you're just flipping a pancake.

We spent weeks digging through product specs, manufacturer datasheets, and verified buyer feedback across dozens of models. We compared heat distribution, cooking surface size, handle design, weight, and seasoning quality. Here are the five that actually hold up, plus the ones you should skip.

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What to Look for in a Reversible Grill/Griddle

Before we get to the picks, here's what actually matters when you're shopping.

Material and thickness. Cast iron holds heat like nothing else, but thin cast iron warps. Look for something around 0.25 inches thick or more if you want it to stay flat on electric coils and glass stovetops.

Surface size and burner coverage. A griddle that hangs off your burner by two inches on each side will give you cold spots. Measure your largest burner opening first.

Pre-seasoning quality. Factory seasoning varies a lot. Some brands ship with a flaky coating that washes right off. Others are genuinely ready to cook on.

Manufacturer specs and buyer reports tell the real story.

Weight. These things are heavy. A 16-inch cast iron griddle can weigh 8 to 12 pounds before food. Factor in your own strength and your stovetop's ability to handle the load.

Handle design. Look for looped or tab handles that stay cool enough to grip with a dry towel. Long, thin handles are a burn risk.

Ease of cleanup. Cast iron needs to be hand-washed and re-oiled. That's the trade-off for that nonstick-like performance. If you want dishwasher-safe, you're in the wrong aisle.

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How We Picked and Scored These

Every product below was evaluated using the same criteria. Here's the breakdown:

Scores come from comparing manufacturer datasheets across all finalists, analyzing verified buyer feedback patterns, and cross-checking against independent material-testing standards. Let's get into it.

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1. Lodge Pro-Logic Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.9×9.5'' (LDP3)

Lodge Pro-Logic Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.9×9.5'', Cast Iron, 20 lb

If there's one name that dominates the cast iron world, it's Lodge. And their Pro-Logic line is the one that serious home cooks usually land on after experimenting with cheaper alternatives.

This is a 16.9 x 9.5-inch griddle that weighs about 20 pounds, which tells you it's substantial. The flat side is completely smooth, and the grill side has ridges that run the length of the surface. What stands out in our research is how consistently this one heats.

Multiple verified buyer reports mention that it sits perfectly flat on both gas grates and electric coils. That's not a given with large cast iron griddles. The Pro-Logic design also includes a handle on each side with a hole for hanging, and they're positioned high enough that you can grip them without scorching your knuckles over a hot burner.

The pre-seasoning is the standard Lodge factory seasoning, which is soybean oil baked on at high heat. It's functional, but a lot of buyers report that the first few cooks benefit from an extra layer of oil. That's normal for cast iron and not a flaw specific to this unit.

Pros:

• Very thick, warp-resistant build
• Flat side is genuinely smooth and releases food well
• Looped handles are easy to grip and hang

Cons:

• Heavy, at around 20 pounds, which is tough to lift and clean
• Needs counter space for storage
• Factory seasoning is adequate but not exceptional

Best for: Home cooks who want a no-nonsense, durable griddle that'll last decades and don't mind the weight.

One thing to know: This griddle spans two burners on most standard stoves. On a narrow cooktop, you might need to rotate it to cover the flame properly. Measure your burner span first.

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2. Cuisinel Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 20'' with Silicone Handle (CUISINEL-4255)

Cuisinel Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 20'' with Silicone Handle

Cuisinel is the brand that popped up constantly in buyer feedback as a Lodge alternative with a few extra conveniences. The 20-inch model is bigger than most, and it's pre-seasoned with a flaxseed oil blend that a lot of reviewers report performs surprisingly well out of the box.

The standout feature here is the silicone handle cover. It's not just a gimmick. Verified buyers consistently mention being able to grip the handle without a mitt during short cooks, which is genuinely useful when you're moving the griddle from stovetop to oven.

Just know that the silicone stays attached, so you can't pop it off to wash. It's dishwasher-safe, but you're better off hand-washing anyway since it's cast iron.

This is a two-burner griddle through and through. At 20 inches long, it needs real estate. On a standard 30-inch cooktop, it'll cover two burners comfortably.

On a compact apartment range, you'll have overhang, and that's a problem for heat distribution since cast iron pulls heat away from exposed edges.

One pattern we noticed across buyer reviews: the surface can develop minor pitting if you crank the heat too high too fast. Cast iron handles thermal shock poorly. Start on medium, let it preheat for five or six minutes, then raise the temperature if you need it.

Pros:

• Large cooking surface, great for batch cooking
• Silicone handle cover really does stay cool
• Good out-of-the-box release with the flaxseed seasoning

Cons:

• Solid weight and size make it awkward for smaller kitchens
• Need to preheat gradually to avoid surface stress
• Silicone handle cover can't be removed for high-heat oven use

Best for: Big breakfast households, meal preppers, and anyone cooking for four or more regularly.

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3. Victoria Professional Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.9×8.7'' (GP-3006)

Victoria Professional Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.9×8.7'', Pre-Seasoned

Victoria is a Colombian foundry that's been making cast iron since 1939. Their professional line has a following among cooks who care about surface smoothness, and our research backs that up.

The 16.9 x 8.7-inch griddle is slightly narrower than some rivals but a touch thicker in critical areas. Verified buyer feedback consistently mentions how flat and smooth the cooking surface is, both on the griddle side and the grill side. Victoria pre-seasons with vegetable oil, and the finish is noticeably harder and glossier than what you get from some other brands at this price tier.

Here's a practical detail that stood out in our analysis: the ends are angled with handles that sit higher than the cooking surface. That means you can use a spatula to push food right up to the edge without scraping your knuckles on the griddle rim. Small thing, but it makes cleanup noticeably easier.

The trade-off is that this griddle is 8.7 inches wide, which is a bit narrower than the 9.5-inch-plus models. You can still fit two grilled cheese sandwiches side by side, but you won't have quite as much real estate for a full pancake spread.

Pros:

• Exceptionally smooth, polished cooking surface
• High-set handles keep knuckles clear
• Professional-grade seasoning out of the box

Cons:

• Narrower width than some competitors
• Slightly pricier per square inch of cooking area
• Not ideal for large batch cooking

Best for: Cooks who prioritize food release and a polished surface over maximum width.

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4. Grillaholics Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 16.9×9.5'' (GREG-G166)

Grillaholics Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle 16.9×9.5'', Pre-Seasoned

Grillaholics positions itself as the fun brand in cast iron, but the product is serious where it counts. This reversible griddle matches the Lodge dimensions at 16.9 x 9.5 inches, and it brings one extra feature that sets it apart: a grease channel on the griddle side that funnels drippings toward a corner spout.

If you cook bacon or smash burgers regularly, you'll appreciate this immediately. Instead of tilting the whole griddle to drain grease, you push it toward the channel with your spatula and it flows right to the spout. Verified buyer feedback consistently mentions this as the main reason they chose this model over others.

The pre-seasoning is a sunflower oil and beeswax blend, which is a little different from the standard vegetable oil treatment. Buyers report the initial release is good but not exceptional. A few rounds of cooking and seasoning will build it up into a slick surface.

One limitation we found: the griddle side has a flat surface with no built-in fit for the grease channel edge. That means food can catch on the channel border if you're aggressive with a spatula. It's a minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker.

Pros:

• Grease channel and corner spout genuinely work
• Good weight and thickness distribution
• Comfortable handle design with a hanging hole

Cons:

• Slightly rough surface from the factory seasoning
• Grease channel edge can catch spatula tips
• Not ideal for those looking for a 100% flat cook surface

Best for: Bacon lovers and anyone who cooks fatty meats on the regular and wants easier cleanup.

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5. EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.7×9.5'' Pre-Seasoned Cast

EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.7×9.5'' Pre-Seasoned Cast

EWFEN is the budget-friendly name that keeps showing up in recommendations and review threads. At a price point well under the established brands, it delivers a lot of what you want, with one or two compromises you should know about before buying.

The dimensions are nearly identical to the Lodge Pro-Logic: 16.7 x 9.5 inches, with a reversible design that gives you a flat griddle side and a ridged grill side. It's pre-seasoned and ready to cook on, and buyer feedback suggests the factory seasoning is actually decent, with most people reporting good egg release after a couple of coats of oil.

Where this one stands out in our research is the handle design. The handles are integrated loops, which is honestly better than some pricier brands that use thin tabs. You can get a solid grip with a mitt or a dry towel, and the weight distribution feels balanced when you carry it across the kitchen.

The trade-off is thickness. This griddle is on the thinner side compared to the Lodge and Victoria models. That means it heats up faster, but it also means it's more prone to warping if you drop it or subject it to a big temperature swing.

Verified buyers report that it stays flat under normal use, but you'll want to always preheat gradually and avoid cold water on a hot pan.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price tier
• Solid pre-seasoning from the factory
• Loop handles are well designed and grippy

Cons:

• Thinner metal heats up fast but is more warp-prone
• Doesn't hold heat quite as evenly as thicker models
• Not great for high-sear applications like steak

Best for: Beginners getting into cast iron cooking who want a reversible griddle without spending top dollar.

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Comparison Table: The 5 Picks Side by Side

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Common Questions, Answered

Will a reversible griddle work on a glass stovetop?

Yes, but carefully. Cast iron is heavy, and sliding it around on glass can cause scratches. Always lift it, never slide it.

Also, glass stovetops heat with radiant coils, so you need good pan-to-surface contact. If your griddle warps even slightly, you'll get uneven cooking. Look for thicker models like the Lodge if this is your setup.

How do I season a reversible griddle?

Clean it thoroughly, dry it completely, then rub a very thin layer of neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or grapeseed) over every surface. Put it upside down on the oven rack with a baking sheet underneath to catch drips. Bake at 450°F for one hour, then let it cool in the oven.

Repeat two to three times for a solid base layer.

Can I use metal utensils on it?

Yes. Cast iron is the one nonstick surface where metal spatulas are fine. That's part of the appeal.

Just avoid cutting directly on the surface with a knife.

Why does my food stick even though it's pre-seasoned?

Pre-seasoning is a starting point, not a finish line. The first several cooks should use extra oil or butter. Foods like eggs and pancakes need fat.

Also, make sure you're preheating the griddle on medium for at least five minutes. A properly preheated cast iron surface releases food much better than one that's barely warm.

How do I clean a reversible griddle without ruining the seasoning?

Scrape off food with a metal spatula or chainmail scrubber while the pan is still warm. Rinse with hot water, no soap needed for light residue. Dry thoroughly with a towel or over low heat.

Then apply a micro-thin layer of oil before storing. Soap is acceptable occasionally, but it will strip seasoning over time.

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The Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Here's the honest breakdown based on our research.

For most people, the Lodge Pro-Logic is the safest buy. It's thick, flat, proven, and backed by decades of manufacturing consistency. You won't be the person in the kitchen troubleshooting warps on a Tuesday night.

If you cook for a crowd, get the Cuisinel 20-inch. That extra four inches of length translates to two more pancakes per batch, and the silicone handle cover is a genuine convenience, not a marketing bullet point.

If you care about surface smoothness, the Victoria Professional is the pick. It has the most polished finish of the group, and food release is outstanding once you build up a few layers of seasoning.

If you live on bacon and burgers, the Grillaholics grease channel will change your life. Every time you cook fatty meat, you'll be glad you picked it.

If you're on a budget or new to cast iron, the EWFEN is a solid entry point. Just be gentle with temperature changes and you'll get reasonable performance without spending premium money.

Whichever you choose, remember the golden rules: preheat gradually, use enough fat, and never put a hot pan in cold water. Do that, and any of these griddles will serve you well for years.

Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan

Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle Pan, Best Dual-Surface Value

This is the pan that started the double-duty trend for backyard cooks who refuse to store two pans when one will do. The Lodge reversible grill/griddle measures 20 inches long by 10.5 inches wide, covering two burner eyes on most residential gas stoves with a 75,000-BTU output rating for outdoor use. One side carries deep, wide grill ridges for searing steaks and draining grease; flip it and you get a flat griddle surface for pancakes, eggs, and smash burgers.

Aggregate user reviews highlight the surface area as the main draw, with verified buyers noting they can cook a full breakfast for a family of four in one pass. The deep grease channel along the perimeter catches runoff and directs it toward the built-in handle spout, so cleanup stays contained. At roughly 17 pounds, it demands a sturdy stovetop grate or a dedicated outdoor burner.

Manufacturer specifications list it as pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, and the seasoning improves with each use if you follow the care instructions. The trade-off: the two handles get hot during long cooks, and the weight makes one-handed flipping impractical for most users. For the price, this delivers more cooking surface per dollar than almost anything in the category, and ASME-referenced casting standards ensure consistent wall thickness and heat distribution across the entire plate.

What makes it great: the reversible design solves the indoor/outdoor storage problem entirely. You buy one pan, you get two cooking surfaces that each perform at a level comparable to dedicated single-purpose cast iron. The 10.5-inch width accommodates standard burger patties and chicken breasts side by side, while the grill ridges leave photogenic sear marks that restaurant-style presentation demands.

Verified buyer feedback consistently praises the seasoning layer as robust out of the box, with many users reporting zero sticking issues on the griddle side within the first week.

Watch out for: the sheer weight. At 17 pounds, this is not a pan you toss around. Users with glass-top stoves report the surface area spans two burners fine, but the weight requires careful placement to avoid thermal shock.

The raised grill ridges are aggressive, which means delicate fish fillets can stick or break apart if you don't preheat properly. Some buyers note the pan develops a slight warp over years of high-heat use on gas burners, though this appears consistent with normal cast iron behavior under extreme thermal cycling.

Who it's for: the home cook who wants maximum versatility from a single pan, especially anyone who cooks breakfast and dinner on the same surface without wanting to wash two pans. It shines on outdoor propane burners, camping stoves, and large residential gas ranges.

Who should skip it: anyone with a small cooktop, weak cabinet hinges, or limited storage space. If you rarely cook for more than two people, the 20-inch length becomes unwieldy. And if you have wrist or shoulder issues, the weight becomes a genuine obstacle, not just a minor annoyance.

Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan

Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan, The Indoor Grill Champ

If you live in an apartment, a condo, or anywhere an outdoor grill is against the lease, this square pan becomes your steak pipeline. The Lodge Square Grill Pan measures 10.5 inches across, fits standard kitchen burners, and runs about 334 square inches of cooking surface. Its defining feature is the raised ridges that sit 3/8 of an inch high, which elevate meat above the pan floor so grease drips into the channels and away from the food.

Aggregate user reviews call it the best indoor steak pan under $50, with verified buyers noting that a properly preheated pan produces a crust comparable to outdoor grilling. The square shape maximizes contact with round burners, though the corners do run cooler than the center, a fact multiple reviewers confirm when cooking with multiple items at once. Lodge pre-seasons the pan at the factory, and the seasoning layer is thick enough that most users find eggs and vegetables release cleanly after just a few uses.

Manufacturer specifications state the pan is compatible with all cooktops including induction and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it workable for reverse-sear techniques that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven.

What makes it great: the combination of ridged surface, oven safety, and a compact footprint that works on any residential stovetop. You get genuine grill marks and fat rendering without setting foot outside. The 3/8-inch ridges are tall enough to keep meat from stewing in its own juices, which is the most common failure point for cheap indoor grill pans.

Verified buyer feedback shows the pan holds heat remarkably well, with users reporting consistent searing across multiple batches of burgers without the temperature dropping below sear threshold.

Watch out for: the smoke factor. This pan does its job, which means it produces serious smoke when you sear at high heat. Multiple buyers report setting off kitchen smoke detectors on the first cook, and the recommendation to run an exhaust fan is universal.

The square corners also trap food particles, and cleaning requires a brush and some elbow grease to clear the channels thoroughly. The pan weighs 9.5 pounds, so it's manageable but not light, and the handle design is basic compared to some premium competitors.

Who it's for: apartment dwellers, anyone with a small balcony, and cooks who want grill marks and smoke-ring flavor without the logistics of charcoal or propane. It's also a strong choice for grilling vegetables indoors year-round, regardless of weather.

Who should skip it: anyone with a glass-top electric stove who hates the risk of surface scratching, and cooks who prefer flat surfaces for eggs or pancakes. The ridges are the entire point here, and if you want a do-everything pan, the reversible option above serves better.

12 Inch Square Grill Pan Large

12 Inch Square Grill Pan Large, Bigger Surface, Bigger Batches

This is the pan for when a standard grill pan feels like a toy. The 12-inch square format pushes the cooking surface to roughly 144 square inches, which translates to four burger patties, two full chicken breasts, or a full pound of vegetables in a single layer. The manufacturer markets this as a large-capacity option, and verified buyer reviews confirm the extra surface area makes a real difference for batch cooking.

It's built with the same pre-seasoned cast iron construction you'd expect from mid-range grill pans, and the raised ridges run in one direction for consistent sear lines and natural grease drainage. Weight lands around 11.5 pounds, heavier than the 10.5-inch Lodge but still manageable on a standard burner. One caveat buyers frequently raise: the 12-inch width overhangs standard residential burners by a meaningful margin, which means the outer edges cook slower than the center.

This isn't a defect, just a physical reality of matching cookware to burner size. Industry data suggests the pan performs best on power burners above 15,000 BTU, where the heat spreads more evenly across the full surface.

What makes it great: the capacity, plain and simple. If you've ever tried to feed a family of five with a 10-inch grill pan, you know the pain of cooking in shifts and watching the first batch go cold while the second batch sears. This pan solves that problem.

The pre-seasoned surface performs well out of the box, and the square shape fits more food with less wasted space than a round pan of similar diameter. Multiple buyer reviews highlight the even heat distribution across the center of the pan, with consistent searing over the primary cooking zone.

Watch out for: the burner overhang issue. On standard home stoves, the pan edges stay noticeably cooler, which means you're spending effort rotating food to get even doneness. The pan also takes longer to preheat than smaller options, usually 5 to 7 minutes on medium-high.

Some users report the handle design gets hot during long cooks, and using a grill brush after each session is basically mandatory to keep the channels clear of carbonized residue.

Who it's for: large households, meal preppers, and anyone who cooks for crowds regularly. It's also a solid option for outdoor camp stoves where the extra width works with larger burner heads.

Who should skip it: single cooks and couples who rarely feed more than two people. The size becomes a storage problem in small kitchens, and the slower preheat time is a minor annoyance when you're just cooking one piece of fish or a single steak.

Lodge Round Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle

Lodge Round Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle, The Brunch Specialist

Here's the flat-surface contender, and it deserves serious consideration if your outdoor cooking leans toward breakfast. The Lodge Round Griddle measures 10.5 inches in diameter, and its completely flat cooking surface is purpose-built for pancakes, eggs, bacon, and anything that requires an even, unbroken heating plane. The genius of this design is the dual-loop handle that keeps both hands clear and makes it easy to drain grease over the side.

It's pre-seasoned at the factory, and aggregate user reviews report the surface becomes nearly nonstick with regular use and proper care. Manufacturer specifications list it as compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops, and it's also safe on outdoor grills, camp stoves, and open fire pits. At 6.5 pounds, it's the lightest option in this lineup, which makes it the best choice for camping trips and other situations where weight matters.

The shallow sidewalls, about 1/2 inch, mean you can slide a spatula under food from any angle, and flipping pancakes becomes effortless.

What makes it great: the flat surface is a revelation if you've been trying to cook eggs on a ridged grill pan. No more egg white dripping into channels, no more stuck-on residue in the grooves. The low profile also means food cooks faster because heat transfers directly and evenly across the full surface.

Verified buyer feedback consistently mentions how well this griddle handles high heat for searing burgers and vegetables, despite being marketed primarily as a breakfast tool. The weight-to-surface ratio is the best in this group for controlled cooking.

Watch out for: the size. At 10.5 inches, it's not a large-capacity option, and you'll cook in batches for more than two people. The low sidewalls also mean you can't cook anything with significant liquid without splashing, so this is not a pan for sauces or braising.

Some users report the handle loops get hot when cooking over open flame, and keeping the surface seasoned requires regular thin oil applications after cleaning.

Who it's for: campers, RV owners, and home cooks who prioritize eggs and pancakes over steak searing. It's also the easiest pan in this lineup to handle and store, which makes it a reasonable purchase for beginners getting into cast iron.

Who should skip it: anyone who wants a single pan that does everything. The flat surface means no grill marks, no grease channels, and no way to elevate meat above rendered fat. If your cooking style leans toward burger nights and ribeye Sundays, a ridged option or reversible pan serves you better.

EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.7×9.5'' Pre-Seasoned Cast

EWFEN Reversible Grill/Griddle 16.7×9.5'' Pre-Seasoned Cast, The Budget Two-in-One

This newer entry into the reversible grill/griddle category goes head-to-head with Lodge's dual-surface pan at a friendlier price point. The EWFEN measures 16.7 inches long by 9.5 inches wide, slightly shorter than the Lodge but with the same two-in-one design: a ridged grill side and a flat griddle side separated by flipping the pan. It ships pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, and manufacturer specifications indicate compatibility with gas, electric, induction, and outdoor camp burners.

Aggregate user reviews on early purchase data show solid performance for the price, with verified buyers noting the heat distribution is even across the cooking surface and the season layer holds up well through multiple cooks. The build quality is what you'd expect from mid-range cast iron, and the pan surfaces both perform their intended jobs without significant weakness. Where this pan earns its place in the lineup is value: you get the reversible functionality at nearly half the cost of the equivalent Lodge option.

What makes it great: the price-to-performance ratio is genuinely impressive. You're getting a functional reversible grill/griddle that handles steaks, burgers, pancakes, and eggs without a meaningful drop in quality versus premium brands. The 9.5-inch width fits snugly over standard burners, and the pan's lighter weight, around 10 pounds, makes it easier to flip and maneuver than the bulkier Lodge.

Early verified buyer feedback suggests the seasoning improves quickly with use, with many users reporting nonstick behavior on the griddle side within the first week.

Watch out for: the brand reputation factor. EWFEN isn't a century-old name in cast iron like Lodge, and some risk-averse buyers may prefer established heritage. A few early reviews mention cosmetic imperfections in the cast surface, which is common in budget cast iron and doesn't affect cooking performance.

The pan also runs thinner than premium competitors, which means slightly faster heating but also faster cooling when you add cold food to the surface. Long-term durability beyond a few years of heavy use remains an open question given how new this product is to the market.

Who it's for: anyone who wants the reversible two-in-one functionality without paying premium prices. First-time cast iron buyers who aren't sure if they'll use the pan regularly can also start here without a major investment.

Who should skip it: collectors and enthusiasts who prioritize brand heritage and documented long-term durability. If you plan to cook on this pan five days a week for a decade, the extra cost of a legacy brand is probably worth the peace of mind. The thinner walls also make it a less confident choice for high-heat searing over outdoor burners where thermal shock is a real risk.