Recently, I came across ProCook on Twitter and had a look at their website. The ProCook brand was founded in 1996 and has grown to become the UK’s leading specialist cookware multi-channel retailer. They are currently trading via 21 stores across the UK, regular mail order catalogues and a fully transactional and secure website. They offer fantastic value for money with 30 – 50 % off high street prices.
I love to cook and have recently tried to cook some authentic Chinese foods. They must have known that I love to cook as they sent me this ProCook Cast Iron Griddle for review. The delivery service was most impressive, arriving the next day!
I have always known that cast iron is heavy but this is so much heavier than I expected. With its width of 29.5cm at its max and 50cm length including handle, it is understandable that it is very heavy. It comes with enamelled handles and we have the cream coloured one. Besides cream colour, it is also available in glossy black, aubergine or graduated red with an amazing price tag of £24! What great value!
The griddle measures 26×26cm. The pouring lips on both sides make it suitable for both left and right handed cooks. The long handle has an integral hanging loop and on the opposite side of the handle, there is an extra helper handle. The lovely ridged interior base gives food that stripy finish! It comes with a 25 year guarantee.
This cast iron griddle does not come pre seasoned. So when you received your griddle, you are provided care guidelines. Brush oil (vegetable oil, bacon grease or lard) on it and heat for 30 – 60 minutes in the oven at 260°C. Allow it to cool naturally and repeat this method several times to create a strong seasoning bond. I had only done it twice. It does take a long time to season it and my house smelt of burnt vegetable oil for a few days. So I would suggest to do it when you can open your windows to allow the smell to go away!
After the seasoning, I am ready to cook up a few dishes with it! As I mentioned before, it is very heavy, but this means that it is very stable when I flip the meat around. The meat didn’t stick on the griddle. It perfectly seared all the meat beautifully.
What is the benefit of buying Cast Iron?
Cast iron withstand and retains heat at very high cooking temperatures which makes it a common choice for searing or frying. They also have health benefit. They are able to leach significant amounts of dietary iron into food.
How to look after it?
Do not use soap or detergent when cleaning. I know it is hard! Especially all the yellow grease and gravy! Wash with hot water and a stiff bristled brush. Then wipe it with a damp sponge and dry with a paper towel to prevent it from getting rust.
It is suitable for use on gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, induction and Aga stoves but not for microwave, freezer or dishwasher.
Overall, this is a good quality cast iron griddle at an amazing price!
Disclosure: We received the sample for the purposes of writing this review, however, all thoughts and opinions remain our own