One of the biggest questions I get asked about pellet grills is whether they can sear steaks properly. Cast Iron is one of the key answers since this is probably the easiest way to turn any pellet grill into a searing machine!
Whether is a worn-out 20-year-old Traeger or a brand new GMG – if seared on all these models. Using cast iron or grill grates designed specifically for the pellet grill model.
I’ve tried many different techniques when it comes to trying to cook a steak on a pellet grill, cast iron is definitely one way.
Using a cast iron on a pellet grill is similar to using it on a traditional grill or stovetop. When you think about it, you are using the heat generated from the pellet grill smoker to heat up the cast iron.
Can You Use Cast Iron on a Pellet Grill?
A skillet, dutch oven, griddle, grill pan, or baking dish made of cast iron can be used on a pellet grill smoker.
Basically, a pellet grill is an outdoor oven that has heat created by thermostat-controlled wood pellets. Smoking is also produced, however, if baking bread or making dessert – the wood flavor doesn’t change the dish.
What Type of Cast Iron for a Pellet Grill
There are a few different types of cast iron that can be used on a pellet grill and any of these will provide the heat retention to make your pellet grill smoker a formidable griller.
Skillets: A cast iron skillet is a versatile option that can be used for a variety of foods, such as searing steaks, frying eggs, or making pancakes.
Dutch Ovens: Cast iron Dutch ovens can be used on a pellet grill to make stews, soups, and other slow-cooked dishes.
Griddles: A cast iron griddle is great for cooking pancakes, bacon, and other breakfast foods on a pellet grill.
Grill Pans: Cast iron grill pans can be used to grill vegetables, fruits, and fish on a pellet grill.
Baking Dishes: Cast iron baking dishes can be used on a pellet grill to make casseroles, breads, and desserts. Yes, you can make bread and desserts on a pellet grill.
Grill Grates: Get the measurements correct and you can replace the grill grates with a bespoke option, some pellet grills come with cast iron grills, but there are only a few.
Ultimately the best type of cast iron for a pellet grill is the one that fits your needs and the one that you are comfortable using.
It’s important to choose a cast iron that is the right size for your pellet grill.
Can you use a griddle on a pellet grill?
Yes, you can use a griddle on a pellet grill as mentioned.
A griddle is a flat cooking surface that can be used for a variety of foods, such as pancakes, bacon, and burgers. Griddles can be made from a variety of materials including cast iron, steel, and aluminum, choose cast iron.
A cast iron griddle is a great option because it can withstand high heat and will evenly distribute heat to the food.
When using a griddle on a pellet grill, you will need to place the griddle directly on the grill grates and preheat for at least 5 ideally 8-10 minutes.
It is important to monitor the temperature to ensure that the griddle doesn’t get too hot and cause damage to the grill.
This is the technique:
Here are a few steps to follow:
- Preheat the pellet grill to the maximum heat on the thermostat, regardless of what this is, wait at least 8 minutes.
- Season the cast iron pan by coating it with a thin layer of oil (neutral oil like vegetable or canola is good, grapeseed is best due to its high heat ability) and heating it on the grill for 5-8 minutes. Either one on top of the existing grill grates, or if it fits the same you can replace existing grill grates.
- Add steak or food to the cast iron pan.
- Cook the food for the appropriate amount of time, flipping it occasionally to ensure even cooking. For Sear marks don’t flip as over as much.
- Use a thick doubled or triple-folded drying towel or heat-proof oven mitts to remove the cast iron pan or just remove food with tongs/spatula
- After use once cooled, it is important to clean and dry the cast iron pan, then re-season it before storing it to prevent rusting.
It’s important to be careful when handling the cast iron as it will be hot, it’s also recommended to use an oven mitt or tongs to prevent burning yourself.
Foods You Should Not Cook on a Cast Iron Surface
- Acidic Foods – ie. tomatoes
- Vinegar Marinades
- Sticky Dough-based Foods
Another tip is to use oil, then a small amount of butter to create more of a non-stick effect.
The traditional way of creating a ‘patina’ layer of non-stick on a wok is to season it with oil and heat. Then before cooking to heat up, and put a teaspoon of oil in, tip it out safely.
Then re-oil again!
Maintenance after each cook is the key to making sure you’re caste iron cookwares lasts a long time on your pellet grill smoker!
Another related article I wrote on this is ‘can you sear on a pellet grill smoker’ – click here for more.