The Napoleon Cast Iron Kettle Griddle 57 cm is an ideal choice for those who want to expand the possibilities of their kettle barbecue. This versatile accessory allows you to cook a variety of foods with excellent heat distribution and ease of cleaning, thanks to its cast iron construction and porcelain coating.
Perfect fit for 57 cm diameter grills.
The griddle is designed specifically for 57cm diameter grills, ensuring a perfect fit. This bespoke design means that it fits seamlessly into the grill, providing a stable and even cooking surface. In addition, its shortened shape allows the barbecue’s hinged grill grate to operate smoothly, making it easy to access the coals without having to remove the griddle. This is especially useful when you need to add more charcoal or adjust the heat distribution while cooking.
Excellent Heat Distribution
Made of solid cast iron, the griddle ensures optimal heat conduction and storage. Cast iron is known for its ability to retain heat efficiently and distribute it evenly across the entire cooking surface. This results in even cooking of food, allowing for professional results with every use. You won’t have to worry about hot or cold spots on the griddle, which is crucial for cooking food to perfection.
Non-Stick and Easy to Clean Surface
The porcelain coating on the griddle surface prevents food from sticking and makes cleaning much easier. The non-stick surface is ideal for cooking delicate foods such as fish, seafood or vegetables, which tend to stick to conventional surfaces. In addition, the porcelain coating protects the cast iron from oxidation, prolonging the lifetime of the griddle. After cooking, you only need a damp cloth to wipe the surface, making maintenance simple and quick.
Dual Surface: Smooth and Grooved
The griddle can be used on both sides, offering two different cooking surfaces. One smooth side is ideal for cooking eggs, pancakes, and seafood, providing a continuous, uninterrupted surface. This is perfect for foods that require even cooking without marks. The ridged side, on the other hand, is ideal for marking meats, such as steaks and burgers, getting those characteristic grill marks and smoky flavours. This versatility significantly expands your preparation options, allowing you to experiment with different cooking techniques.
Integrated Drainage Holes
To prevent food from cooking in its own juices, the griddle includes drainage holes for fat. These holes allow excess fat and liquids to drain away, preventing food from cooking in a pool of its own juices. This not only improves the quality and taste of cooked food, but also facilitates healthier cooking by reducing the fat content of the food. In addition, these holes make cleaning easier, as excess fat does not accumulate on the cooking surface.
Versatility in the kitchen
In addition to its use in kettle barbecues, the griddle can be used in other cooking situations. It is ideal for preparing complete breakfasts, such as eggs, bacon, and pancakes, all on a single cooking surface. It is also perfect for grilling vegetables, which can be cooked evenly without the risk of falling through the grill grates. You can even use the griddle to cook burgers and fish for juicy, perfectly cooked results. Its robust design and high quality material allow it to be used also on conventional cookers, such as on cooker burners, making this griddle an extremely versatile cooking tool.
Maintenance and Recommended Uses for Napoleon's 57 cm Cast Iron Griddle
Proper care of your Napoleon griddle not only extends its life, but also ensures a superior cooking experience with every use. Made of solid cast iron with a porcelain cover, this griddle offers excellent thermal performance, but like any good quality kitchen utensil, it requires care. Proper maintenance will prevent residue build-up, protect its non-stick surface and maintain its ability to distribute heat evenly.
Whether you're cooking intensely seared meats, delicate seafood or tender vegetables, a clean and well-maintained griddle will allow you to get the most out of its performance. What's more, its versatility means it can be used beyond the barbecue: in indoor kitchens, on stovetops or even on induction hobs if handled with the appropriate precautions.
Steps to follow for optimal maintenance:
1. Gradual cooling before cleaning:
Avoid damaging the enamel coating of the griddle by allowing it to cool naturally. Never expose it to sudden changes in temperature (such as pouring cold water on it while it is hot), as this can cause invisible micro-fractures that compromise its durability. Wait until it is at room temperature before handling or washing it.
2. Clean with a damp cloth and mild products:
Once cool, remove food debris with a wooden or silicone spatula to avoid scratching the surface. Then use a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge with warm water. If necessary, you can apply a few drops of mild detergent. The use of metal scouring pads or aggressive cleaners is not recommended, as these can damage the protective enamel.
3. Immediate and thorough drying:
After cleaning, dry the griddle completely with a soft, absorbent cloth. Although the porcelain coating prevents direct oxidation of the cast iron, moisture build-up can affect less treated areas such as the edges. Thorough drying ensures that the non-stick properties are preserved and prevents odours or deterioration due to moisture.
4. Long-term maintenance and storage:
For those who do not use the griddle frequently, it is recommended to apply a light coat of vegetable oil (preferably with a high smoke point, such as canola oil) to both surfaces before storing. This provides an additional barrier against oxidation and keeps the coating nourished. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated place, preferably wrapped in absorbent paper or in its original box if you have it.
5. Additional uses beyond barbecuing:
One of the biggest advantages of this griddle is its extended functionality. It is not limited to use on 57 cm kettle barbecues: it can also be used on gas cookers, ceramic hobs (with caution to avoid scratches) and even in ovens. It is ideal for preparing full breakfasts, quickly searing meat indoors or cooking fish without the risk of it falling apart. This makes it an indispensable ally for those who want to cook with a griddle flavour without depending on the outdoors or the weather.
Recipe for Smoked-Flavoured Griddle Tacos
This recipe has been designed to get the most out of the
Napoleon 57 cm Cast Iron Griddle, allowing you to use both sides (ribbed and smooth) in the same preparation. Thanks to its excellent heat distribution and ability to sear and brown professionally, you can achieve restaurant-quality tacos, full of flavour and texture.
Whether for a meal with friends, a weekend dinner or a themed barbecue, these tacos combine practicality and creativity. What's more, the vegetarian version doesn't sacrifice flavour, making it an excellent option for all diners.
🌮 Classic Beef Tacos with Caramelised Vegetables
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 500 g beef fillet (preferably tenderloin or skirt steak), cut into thin strips
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
- 1 small courgette, cut into half-moons
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 8 corn or wheat tortillas (slightly moistened)
- Guacamole, fresh salsa verde or pickled onions to accompany
Detailed steps:
- Preheat the griddle:Place the griddle over the coals, using the ridged side. Let it reach a medium-high temperature (approx. 200-220°C) for at least 10 minutes. This will ensure clean grill marks and good caramelisation.
- Searing the meat: Season the beef strips with salt, pepper and cumin. Add a little oil to the ridged surface and place the meat on it without crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until seared and with visible marks. Set aside on a warm plate covered with aluminium foil.
- Sautéing the vegetables: Turn the griddle and use the smooth side. Add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the onion, pepper and courgette. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelised. Season to taste.
- Final assembly: Heat the tortillas directly on the griddle for about 20 seconds on each side. Place a portion of meat, sautéed vegetables and desired accompaniment on each tortilla. Serve hot.
Additional tip:
You can lightly smoke the meat during searing by adding a walnut or mesquite wood chip to the coals.
🥦 Vegetarian version of Portobello Tacos with Melted Cheese and Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients (for 4 servings):
- 3-4 large portobello mushrooms, cleaned and cut into thick strips
- 1 white onion, julienned
- 1 green pepper, cut into strips
- 150 g grated Oaxaca, mozzarella or Tex-Mex style cheese blend
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder to taste
- Homemade chipotle sauce or pico de gallo for serving
Detailed steps:
- Prepare the griddle: Use the smooth side, preheated to medium heat (around 180-200°C). Add a few drops of olive oil and spread with a spatula.
- Sauté mushrooms and vegetables: Cook the portobello mushrooms, onion and pepper for 8-10 minutes, stirring regularly. The portobello mushrooms should release their juices and reduce in size, becoming nicely seared. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste.
- Add the cheese: Gather the vegetables into small piles and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover with a metal lid (steamer dome type) so that the cheese melts in 1-2 minutes without burning.
- Assembling the tacos: Briefly heat the tortillas and assemble each taco with the melted contents. Add chipotle sauce, a few drops of lime juice or pico de gallo for freshness.
Final tip:
For a vegan version, replace the cheese with a mixture of cashew cream or grated vegan cheese.
