BBQ Half-moon Griddle Ceramica Medium – Versatile cast iron cooking surface for your kamado

The Boretti BBQ Half-moon Griddle Ceramica Medium is an essential addition for any kamado enthusiast looking to get more out of their outdoor kitchen. This cast iron cooking accessory by Boretti, the brand that became famous through The Great Garden Makeover and is praised for its combination of Dutch craftsmanship and Italian design, transforms your kamado into a complete outdoor kitchen. With this half-moon-shaped griddle, you can not only grill, but also bake, sear and even prepare pancakes on your ceramic barbecue.

The griddle is made from high-quality cast iron, the same durable material that Boretti also uses for its renowned cast iron grates. With dimensions of 40 by 20 centimetres and a height of 4 centimetres, this griddle offers a spacious cooking surface that fits perfectly on medium-sized kamados. The cast iron ensures exceptional heat distribution and heat retention, whilst the non-stick effect that develops over time guarantees perfect results. Weighing 3.6 kilograms, you have a robust product in your hands that will last for years.

Features & benefits of the Half-moon Griddle Ceramica

Cast iron for superior heat distribution and heat retention

Like the cast iron grates that Boretti has built its reputation on, this griddle is made from solid cast iron. This material has been known for centuries as the best choice for quality cookware. Cast iron distributes heat extremely evenly across the entire surface, preventing hotspots and allowing your dishes to cook perfectly and uniformly. Furthermore, cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, meaning that the temperature remains stable even when you place cold food on the plate. This results in professional cooking results that you would normally only encounter in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Half-moon shape for maximum flexibility

The clever half-moon design of this Boretti griddle offers you unparalleled flexibility during barbecuing. Because the plate covers only half of the grate, you can grill directly on the other half of the grate at the same time. This opens up a world of possibilities: for example, fry eggs and bacon on the griddle whilst grilling sausages on the other half, or keep sauces warm on the plate whilst searing steaks. You can even combine two half-moon griddles for a completely flat cooking surface, or combine one griddle with another half-moon accessory such as a wok or pizza stone.

Natural non-stick coating through seasoning

One of the greatest advantages of cast iron is its ability to develop a natural non-stick coating, also known as 'seasoning'. As you use the griddle more frequently and maintain it properly, a layer of polymerised oil builds up that works like a natural Teflon coating. This means that your dishes will increasingly resist sticking and you'll need less fat when cooking. Unlike synthetic non-stick coatings, this natural layer cannot peel off or become damaged, and actually becomes stronger the more you use the plate. It's culinary heritage that you build yourself.

Dishwasher safe and easy maintenance

Whilst traditional cast iron often needs to be cleaned by hand, this Boretti griddle is dishwasher safe. This makes maintenance considerably easier, especially after intensive cooking sessions where stubborn residue remains. For daily maintenance, it is sufficient to rinse the plate with warm water and, if necessary, lightly brush it. After cleaning, dry the plate thoroughly and rub it lightly with a neutral oil to prevent rust formation and maintain the seasoning layer.

Applications

Breakfast on the kamado

Start your weekend with a delicious breakfast prepared on your kamado. The griddle is ideal for preparing eggs (fried, scrambled or as an omelette), bacon, sausages, pancakes, French toast and even hash browns. The even heat distribution ensures that nothing burns and everything browns perfectly. Whilst you're cooking on the griddle, you can grill tomatoes and mushrooms on the other half of the grate for a complete English breakfast. All of this happens in the open air, keeping your kitchen clean and allowing you to make the most of your garden.

Wok dishes and stir-frying

The flat surface and excellent heat retention make this griddle perfect for Asian stir-fry dishes. Bring the plate to a high temperature and quickly cook your vegetables, meat and noodles whilst they retain their crispy texture. The cast iron reaches the high temperatures needed for authentic wok results, including the desired 'wok hei' – the lightly charred flavour characteristic of professionally prepared Asian dishes. From pad thai to fried rice, from teriyaki vegetables to Korean bulgogi – the possibilities are endless.

Fish and delicate dishes

Grilling fish can be tricky as it often falls apart or sticks to the grate. With the Boretti griddle, this problem is a thing of the past. Pour a little oil on the plate and cook your fish with perfectly crispy skin, whilst the flesh remains tender and juicy. Prawns, shellfish, and smaller vegetables such as sliced courgette or peppers that would normally fall through the grate are now easy to prepare. The griddle functions as a teppanyaki grill, allowing you to cook with precision and control.

Assembly & use

Getting your Boretti BBQ Half-moon Griddle into use is straightforward. Place the griddle on the grate of your medium kamado, with the straight side pointing towards the centre and the curved side following the contour of the barbecue. The plate fits perfectly and remains stable during cooking. For first use, it is recommended that you season the griddle: wash the plate with warm water and mild washing-up liquid to remove any manufacturing residue, dry thoroughly, and rub the plate with a thin layer of neutral oil (such as sunflower oil or grapeseed oil). Then heat your kamado to approximately 180°C and let the plate heat for an hour. This process ensures that the oil penetrates the cast iron and forms an initial protective layer.

During use, you will notice that the griddle heats up quickly and retains the temperature well. Depending on what you are preparing, you can use different temperatures: lower for pancakes and eggs (approximately 160-180°C), medium for vegetables and fish (200-230°C), and high for quickly searing meat (250°C and above). Due to its placement on only half of the grate, the other half remains available for direct grilling. Be aware that the handle of the plate can get hot – always use heat-resistant gloves or an oven cloth.

After use, allow the plate to cool to a temperature where you can handle it safely. Clean the plate with warm water and a brush or sponge, with stubborn residue being removed using coarse salt as a scouring agent. Avoid aggressive cleaning products that could damage the seasoning layer. After cleaning, always dry the plate thoroughly (you can even briefly heat it on the barbecue to allow all moisture to evaporate) and rub it with a thin layer of oil. Store the griddle in a dry place. Thanks to the robust cast iron construction and Boretti's 2-year warranty, you can be assured that this griddle will last many seasons with proper maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Is this griddle suitable for all kamados?

This griddle is specifically designed for medium-sized kamados with a diameter of approximately 15-16 inches (38-41 cm). The dimensions of 40 by 20 cm are calibrated to this size. Before purchasing, check whether your kamado has these dimensions. For smaller or larger kamados, there are other variants available in the Boretti range.

Can I also use the griddle on a regular charcoal barbecue?

Absolutely! Whilst the half-moon shape is perfectly designed for round kamados, you can use this griddle on any other type of barbecue where it fits, including charcoal and even gas barbecues. The cast iron construction is universally applicable and suitable for all heat sources, from charcoal to gas and even induction (if you wish to use it indoors).

How do I prevent my griddle from rusting?

You can prevent rust by thoroughly drying the griddle after each use and rubbing it with a thin layer of neutral oil. Store the plate in a dry place, preferably indoors or under a waterproof protective cover. Should surface rust develop, you can remove it with steel wool or sandpaper, after which you rub the pl