In-depth review
Lodge LDP3 Double Play Review (2026)
Lodge LDP3 reversible grill/griddle review: cast iron sear quality, campfire use, weight, and maintenance. Research-based verdict.
Lodge LDP3 Double Play Reversible Grill/Griddle
Cast iron for the stove, oven, or campfire: grill on one side, griddle on the other.
Our verdict
The Lodge LDP3 is the highest-value griddle here by a wide margin: pre-seasoned cast iron, reversible grill and griddle sides, and compatibility with every heat source from induction to campfire, for the price of a takeout dinner. The trade-off is scale and weight: 20 x 10.5 inches across two burners, and over 11 pounds of iron. It will not replace a Blackstone for a crowd, but for a cook who wants better searing on the stove they already own, it is nearly impossible to beat.
What we like
- Reversible: ribbed grill side and smooth griddle side in one piece of iron
- Pre-seasoned cast iron sears at heat levels nonstick cannot survive
- Works on gas, electric, induction, in the oven, on the grill, and over a campfire
What to watch out for
- Heavy at roughly 11 pounds; not a one-hand pan
- Smaller surface than any dedicated outdoor griddle
- Needs drying and light oiling after washing to prevent rust
Who it is for
Best for home cooks who want cast-iron searing and griddle versatility without buying a new appliance.
Cooking performance
Cast iron's advantage is thermal mass: once the LDP3 is hot, a cold steak or a batch of smash burgers barely dents the temperature, so searing stays aggressive. The smooth griddle side handles pancakes, eggs, and grilled cheese; flip it for the ribbed grill side and you get char marks on vegetables and meat. Lodge's factory pre-seasoning is a genuine head start, though most owners report the surface improves markedly over the first dozen cooks.
Versatility
Few pans work on gas, electric, induction, in the oven, on a grill, and directly over a campfire. The LDP3 does all of it, which makes it the only griddle here you can take camping. The two loop handles stay cooler than the cooking surface and give a secure two-hand grip, which matters at 11.28 pounds.
How it stacks up
Against the Blackstone 36, the Lodge wins on price, portability, and heat-source freedom, but gives up roughly three-quarters of the cooking surface and any notion of heat zones. Against the Cuisinart Griddler, the Lodge sears harder and lasts decades rather than years, while the Cuisinart offers push-button convenience and dishwasher-safe plates. The Lodge is the cook's tool; the Cuisinart is the convenient one.
Limitations
Eleven pounds is heavy enough to discourage daily use for some cooks, and spanning two burners means the center can run cooler than the edges on smaller stoves. Cast iron maintenance is non-negotiable: dry it on heat after washing, oil it lightly, and never soak it. The ribbed grill side is harder to clean than the smooth side.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Spans two burners for big breakfasts
- Reversible grill and griddle sides
- Cast iron that lasts for decades
Common complaints
- Heats unevenly, with hot spots to learn
- Needs seasoning to stop sticking
- Heavy to lift and clean
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Overall size
- 20 x 10.5 in.
- Material
- Pre-seasoned cast iron
- Weight
- 11.28 lb
- Handles
- Two loop handles
- Compatibility
- Stovetop / oven / grill / campfire
Also consider
Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler
Five machines in one: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half-and-half.
- Cooking surface: 180 sq. in.
- Power: 1500 watts
Blackstone 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
The backyard flat-top standard: 720 square inches, four burners, restaurant-style cooking at home.
- Cooking surface: 720 sq. in.
- Total output: 60,000 BTU across 4 burners
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Is the Lodge LDP3 pre-seasoned?
Yes. Lodge seasons all its cast iron at the foundry with vegetable oil baked onto the surface. It is ready to cook out of the box, though the seasoning deepens and improves with regular cooking and proper care.
Can the Lodge LDP3 go in the oven?
Yes, cast iron is oven-safe at any home-oven temperature. The LDP3 works as a broiler pan, a pizza steel substitute, and a roasting surface. Just remember both loop handles get screaming hot.
How do you clean the Lodge LDP3?
While warm, scrape with a stiff spatula, rinse with hot water, and scrub with a brush; avoid soap on a regular basis as it strips seasoning. Dry it on the burner, then wipe a thin layer of cooking oil over the surface before storing.