BBQ griddle plate Luciano – Cast iron perfection for your outdoor kitchen

The BBQ griddle plate Luciano by Boretti takes the culinary possibilities of your barbecue to the next level. This Dutch brand with its distinctive Italian design, known from The Great Garden Makeover, combines craftsmanship with functionality. The Luciano griddle plate is the ideal accessory for the discerning barbecue enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with different cooking methods and ingredients that would otherwise fall through the grill.

With dimensions of 45 by 22 centimetres, this rectangular griddle plate offers a generous cooking surface for preparing a range of dishes. The robust cast iron material guarantees unparalleled heat distribution and heat retention – properties that are essential for achieving restaurant-quality results in your own garden. The black finish and timeless design blend seamlessly with any Boretti barbecue and give your outdoor cooking setup a professional appearance.

Features & benefits of the Luciano griddle plate

Superior cast iron material for optimal heat distribution

Cast iron is rightly the material of choice for professional chefs and barbecue enthusiasts. The Luciano griddle plate makes optimal use of this material's unique properties: it absorbs heat slowly and evenly, then distributes it consistently to your ingredients. This means no cold spots or unevenly cooked dishes, but perfectly browned vegetables, tender fish fillets and crispy fried bacon. Cast iron also builds up a natural non-stick seasoning over time, meaning the griddle plate improves with every use.

Generous dimensions for versatile use

At 45 centimetres long and 22 centimetres wide, you have plenty of space to cook for the whole family or a group of friends at once. You can fry several burgers side by side, roast a complete mix of vegetables, or prepare a whole fish without it hanging over the edge. The 2 centimetre height provides a slight raised rim, ideal for containing moisture and preventing oil or marinades from running off the plate.

Versatile use on your barbecue

The Luciano griddle plate is designed to fit perfectly on the cast iron grates of Boretti barbecues, but is also compatible with virtually any other gas or charcoal barbecue with sufficient grill space. The rectangular format makes efficient use of available space and allows you to combine it with direct grilling on the adjacent grate if desired. This flexibility makes the griddle plate a versatile accessory that you'll appreciate season after season.

Durable with 2-year warranty

Boretti is renowned for the quality and durability of their products, and the Luciano griddle plate is no exception. The robust cast iron will last for generations with proper maintenance and only improves the more you use it. The manufacturer underscores this confidence with a solid 2-year warranty period, so you can invest in this premium barbecue accessory with peace of mind.

Uses

Perfect breakfast dishes on the barbecue

Start your weekend right with an extensive barbecue breakfast on the Luciano griddle plate. Fry bacon, eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes side by side whilst the coffee brews. The even heat distribution ensures everything is ready at the same time, without you having to constantly move or rotate items. Pancakes and French toast also work excellently on this surface, making the griddle plate an essential accessory for your Sunday morning brunch.

Delicate ingredients and small pieces

Fresh asparagus, sliced courgette, cherry tomatoes, prawns, or chopped onion – all ingredients that are difficult to grill directly on the grate. The Luciano griddle plate solves this problem elegantly by providing a closed surface where even the smallest ingredients find their place. Stir-fry dishes, fajita fillings and sliced vegetables for a warm salad: everything becomes possible without needing a special grill basket.

Fish and other delicate products

Cooking a delicate fish fillet or a whole fish on a traditional grate requires experience and courage – one wrong move and your meal falls apart. On the cast iron griddle plate you prepare fish with confidence: the non-stick seasoning prevents sticking, the closed surface fully supports the product, and the intense heat gives you that desired crispy skin whilst keeping the flesh succulent. The griddle plate is also the ideal choice for shellfish, squid and other seafood.

Assembly & use

The Luciano griddle plate is ready to use straight out of the box, although seasoning the cast iron is strongly recommended before you cook for the first time. This process is simple: thoroughly clean the griddle plate with warm water and mild washing-up liquid to remove any manufacturing residue, dry the surface completely, then rub it in with a high-heat vegetable oil such as sunflower or linseed oil. Heat the griddle plate on the barbecue until the oil smokes, let it cool and repeat this process two to three times. This non-stick seasoning protects the cast iron from rust and significantly improves the cooking properties.

During use, simply place the griddle plate on the preheated grate of your barbecue. Allow the plate a few minutes to warm up before adding ingredients – cast iron needs time to reach temperature, but then retains that heat excellently. For cleaning after use, let the griddle plate cool to hand-warm. Do not use aggressive abrasives or washing-up liquids that might damage the built-up seasoning. A spatula to loosen food residue and a rinse with hot water is usually sufficient. Always dry the griddle plate thoroughly and rub the surface with a thin layer of oil before storing.

For long-term storage outside the barbecue season, it is wise to keep the griddle plate in a dry place, preferably wrapped in kitchen paper or a cotton cloth that can absorb any moisture. Avoid plastic bags which can cause condensation. With proper maintenance, your Luciano griddle plate will remain in top condition for decades and the seasoning will only improve, much like a well-seasoned frying pan from your grandmother's kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

Is the griddle plate suitable for all types of barbecues?

The Luciano griddle plate is designed for use on both gas and charcoal barbecues. The only requirement is that your barbecue has a grill surface of at least 45 by 22 centimetres. The griddle plate fits perfectly on Boretti barbecues of course, but works excellently on virtually any brand. For electric table grills, this griddle plate is less suitable due to its weight and size.

Can I also use the griddle plate on my induction hob or gas cooker?

Although the Luciano griddle plate is primarily designed as a barbecue accessory, you can also use the cast iron surface without any problems on a gas hob or induction hob. Do note that the 45 centimetre dimensions mean the plate will span two hob rings. For indoor use, good ventilation is recommended, especially when preparing meat or fish at high temperature.

How do I prevent my cast iron griddle plate from rusting?

Prevent rust by thoroughly drying the griddle plate after each use and rubbing it with a thin layer of oil. Preferably use neutral, high-temperature oils. If rust does develop, it's not a problem: gently scrub the affected area with fine sandpaper or steel wool, and repeat the seasoning process. With regular use and proper maintenance, the cast iron will build up a protective patina that makes rusting virtually impossible.

Can the Luciano griddle plate go in the dishwasher?

Absolutely not. The dishwasher is the greatest enemy of cast iron cookware. The high temperatures, aggressive cleaning products and prolonged exposure to water remove the carefully built-up seasoning and cause rust. Always wash the griddle plate by hand, preferably only with hot water and a stiff brush or spatula. For stubborn residue, you can use coarse salt as a natural abrasive.

What other accessories do I need for optimal use?

For the best results with your Luciano griddle plate we recommend a heat-resistant metal spatula for turning and moving ingredients. A pair of heat-resistant gloves or barbecue gloves are essential, as cast iron gets extremely hot and retains that heat for a long time. For maintenance, a stiff brush made from natural