There's pretty much nothing you can't do with a large cast iron griddle – make pancakes, fry eggs, or assault an intruder. Whatever you find yourself needing a griddle for, you'll be in goods hands with Lodge. The century-old American company makes a seasoned cast iron griddle that's ready for the oven, stove, grill, and campfire. It's a favorite of professional chefs and home cooks alike, thanks to its incredibly durable and heat-capable nature.

Treat it right, and you'll have it for life since, unlike other pans, it'll never wear out. The trick is to rub it down with a few drops of oil after each use, and wash with a brush and warm water only – no soap, since that eats away at the oil coating. Each time you use it, that layer of seasoning gets better and better, giving your foods a down-home flavor.

• Use soap rarely and in moderation, stick with hot water, a scrubbing pad and dishcloth or sponge, then dry it immediately
• Rub with a light coat of vegetable oil after every wash to keep the iron “seasoned” and protected from moisture
• Dishwashers, strong detergents and metal scouring pads are not recommended, as they remove seasoning