I bought this pan to replace a big non-stick griddle...we use that every weekend for making breakfast, and wanted to find something better that wasn't made with toxic forever chemicals. I bought this one b/c it was the biggest I could find, and I did want to try out one of the premium cast iron pans. The pan has been excellent, and just what I was hoping for. I do realize that there are cast-iron griddles, but they don't work well with our cooktop (induction). This pan is a joy to use. The weight is pretty reasonable. It doesn't hold heat quite as well as a heavier pan, but I'm still happy with it