Le Creuset Cast Iron Outdoor Collection Rectangular Griddle 40cm Matte Black
Le Creuset Cast Iron Outdoor Collection Rectangular Griddle 40cm Matte Black
- Low stock - 4 items left
- Free Mainland UK delivery over £49 - No Quibble Returns
Le Creuset Cast Iron Outdoor Collection Rectangular Griddle 40cm Matte Black
A flat cast iron griddle does things a standard grill grate cannot. The solid surface retains a pool of butter or oil, allowing you to fry eggs, cook pancakes, and make smash burgers on an outdoor heat source. The 40cm rectangular format gives you a generous cooking area with distinct zones: a hotter area over the direct heat, and a cooler zone at the edges for resting cooked food or keeping things warm while you finish the rest of the meal.
The Le Creuset Outdoor Rectangular Griddle's Black Enamel Cast Iron handles unregulated outdoor heat to 450 degrees C, making it compatible with charcoal grills, gas BBQs, pizza ovens, and wood-fired ovens. The angled sides make it easy to use a spatula to stir, flip, and move food around without losing items over the edge. At 4.68kg it's substantial enough to sit stably on a grill grate and retains heat across the whole surface even when food is added, which is the key to a proper sear on smash burgers.
Key features:
- 40cm length: Large cooking area with natural hot and cooler zones for managing multiple items simultaneously.
- Flat solid surface: Retains butter and oil for frying, unlike a grill grate. Essential for eggs, pancakes, and smash burgers.
- Rated to 450 degrees C: Compatible with charcoal grills, gas BBQs, pizza ovens, wood-fired ovens, domestic ovens, and hobs.
- Angled sides: Easy access with spatulas and turners without food escaping over the edge.
- Black Enamel Cast Iron: No seasoning required, resists dulling and staining.
- Superior heat retention: Substantial cast iron mass maintains cooking temperature when food is added.
- Dishwasher safe: Practical for outdoor entertaining.
- Limited Lifetime Guarantee: Le Creuset's standard cast iron guarantee.
This griddle suits outdoor cooks who want to go beyond grilled meat, anyone hosting a BBQ breakfast, smash burger enthusiasts, and those who want a versatile flat cooking surface that handles the full range of outdoor heat sources.
What Customers Ask About the Le Creuset Outdoor Griddle
What can I cook on a flat griddle that I can't cook on a standard BBQ grill?
The flat solid surface opens up a whole category of food that can't be cooked directly on a grill grate: eggs (fried, scrambled, or omelettes), pancakes, smash burgers (where the meat is pressed onto a very hot flat surface), bacon rashers, sliced halloumi, flatbreads, and anything that needs a pool of oil or butter to cook in. It also gives you more control over delicate fish fillets and vegetables that would fall through or break up on grill bars.
How do you make proper smash burgers on this?
Preheat the griddle thoroughly, ideally for 15 minutes. Form loose balls of high-fat mince (about 80-90g each). Add a small amount of oil to the surface, place the balls down, and immediately press firmly with a burger press or the back of a heavy spatula. Hold the pressure for 15-20 seconds. Season, leave to cook until a crust forms (2-3 minutes), then flip once. The cast iron's heat retention and the flat surface are both essential to this technique.
Can I cook a full English breakfast on this outdoors?
Yes, and it's one of the best uses for this griddle. The 40cm surface gives you room for bacon, eggs, sausages, mushrooms, and tomatoes simultaneously. Use the hotter central zone for items that need more heat and the cooler edges to keep things warm. The flat surface with retaining sides keeps runny egg whites contained while they set.
Does it work on a standard gas BBQ side burner?
Yes, provided the side burner is large enough to heat the full 40cm length effectively. Some side burners are smaller, which may mean only the central area gets hot enough. On a standard BBQ grate over burners or charcoal it works very well, as the heat spreads across the cast iron mass evenly.
Is it hard to clean after cooking eggs and bacon?
The enamel coating is more forgiving than bare cast iron. Allow to cool fully, then deglaze with a little water while still warm (not hot) to loosen any residue. Wash in hot soapy water with a stiff non-metal brush. Dishwasher safe for convenience. The key is not leaving fatty residue to harden by cleaning promptly after the pan has cooled.
Specifications
Care & Use Instructions
Before first use: Wash in hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.
Preheating: Preheat the griddle for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking. Cast iron needs time to reach an even temperature across the full surface.
Adding fat: Add a small amount of oil or butter to the surface before adding food. The retaining sides keep it on the griddle. Use an oil with an appropriate smoke point for the temperatures involved.
Outdoor use: Place on a rack over grill grates. Never in direct contact with embers. Keep flames confined to the base. Use heat-resistant gloves for handling.
Cooling and cleaning: Allow to cool fully before cleaning. Optionally deglaze with a little water while warm to loosen residue. Wash in hot soapy water. Dishwasher safe. Avoid abrasive cleaners or metal scourers.
What to avoid: Do not use on induction hobs. Avoid sudden temperature changes. Do not leave fatty residue to harden, clean promptly after cooling.
Why Buy From Art of Living?
Founded in Reigate in 1972, we have spent over five decades helping customers select quality cookware, bakeware, and kitchen tools. We have been twice nominated for the Excellence in Housewares award for customer care. We stock the full Le Creuset Outdoor Collection because it brings quality cast iron performance to outdoor cooking properly.
Our Guarantees to You
- ✓ No Quibble Returns - Even Used Items
- ✓ Half-Price Accidental Damage Replacement (2 Years)
- ✓ Price Match Guarantee
Read our full guarantee policy →
Questions? Visit our contact page or call us on 01737 222996
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as a plancha?
Similar concept, different material. A plancha is typically a flat steel or stainless steel cooking surface used in Spanish and Basque cooking. This griddle achieves a similar result, a flat hot surface for searing and frying, but in cast iron, which retains heat more effectively and distributes it more evenly. Cast iron is also more suited to home outdoor cooking setups where precise temperature control isn't available.
What if I have used it and don't like it?
Return it anyway. Our no quibble guarantee covers used items. If it doesn't do what you wanted, we'll refund you.
How does the Half-Price Replacement guarantee work?
Valid for 2 years from purchase date. If you accidentally break or damage this item, we'll replace it at half the current retail price with proof of purchase and evidence of damage. Photos are acceptable.
How long does delivery take?
Standard delivery to mainland UK addresses can take up to 7 working days, but is usually 3-4, and is free for orders over £49. Next day delivery may be available for £9.95 on orders placed before 1pm Monday to Thursday, depending on your location and stock levels. You can also collect from our shops in Cobham or Reigate, or our warehouse in Redhill.
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“ Plan the perfect BBQ, from how to light it (first time everytime), what to serve and even a cocktail recipe or two.” Read more about my views on BBQ Essentials in my article BBQ FAQ – Everything You Need To Know For a Perfect BBQ  by Andi HealeyArt of Living - Web Manager |