super tiny kitch in nyc apt., no ventilation--disgusting cooking smell. without having to spray perfume, febreeze or anything else, how can i

Farberware makes an amazing splatter screen that has charcoal imbedded it it. Not only does it keep your stovetop clean, it also sucks up about 80% of the odors from cooking. I love mine as I also have no ventilation

I feel your pain. I have a monster range that gets away from me sometimes and an extractor that is just about industrial and I often have the same problem. Only with the griddle pan, and not the flat cast iron pans. I concluded that it is oil or residue that didn't get cleaned off, which as you aren't supposed to really clean them becomes a chicken and egg. I suggest doing the salt and lemon clean, watching your oil, and (most important) putting a small fan to blow across and out the window. You need to move the air not just invite fresh air in.

A chef once gave me the tip to throw some herbs on to the pan when frying stake when the smell would NOT be so bad

Have you heard of, or tried, a lampe bergere? Whether you buy an entry level, or opt for a fancier one they work exactly the same way - and I think they're terrific for removing cooking odors. Fuels are plain & fancy too- from neutral to fragrances as beautiful as expensive French perfume.

The next time you use the griddle (or cook anything else you think might be smelly), try propping a box fan inside the closest window to your stove, facing out (so it sucks air from your apartment to the outside). I've found this to be pretty effective, much more so than simply placing a fan near the window.
I would put my vote with others who suggested that the smell was caused by burning oil. Whether extra virgin or not, olive oil will start to smoke at a lower temperature than you might often want to use your griddle. If you want to have the flavor of olive oil, try cooking in a minimum of a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, and then brushing or drizzling with olive oil afterwards.

I recently tried Fresh Wave Crystal Gel natural odor eliminator and it seems pretty nice. Others have reported it works well in a closed space like a basement so maybe that will work. It's a little expensive.

I find that vigorously zesting a lemon, holding the lemon up in the air, and doing a bit in one place, then moving your bowl to different surfaces in your kitchen or dining area or even living room if it smells there, or up onto a shelf temporarily, etc. can make a big difference. You might need to go through three or four lemons. Leave bits of freshly grated zest on saucers in various places for a day or two. ;o)

Thanks for all of these helpful tips. Honestly, I think I did use olive oil, but not extra virgin. Also, I'm possibly the wrong person to use a cast iron pan. I have been cleaning it with a small brush and a little bit of dish soap, as the thought of cooking on it w/out being clean is a bit scary to me. I also lightly oil it with canola after drying, but even when wiping it on, black stuff comes off on the paper towel. Is there a "best brush" for cleaning cast iron?

After reading quite a few of the suggestions, I'm also thinking your pan is not properly seasoned.
As well, what were you cooking, and how high was the heat under that pan that you used olive oil in? Olive oil does not have a very high smoke point. Not sure why one would use that for grilling steak. Peanut oil has a very high smoke point, or safflower oil - which is neutral in flavor..

Fabreeze also makes an unscented spray...it does help

I live in an apt with a horrible vent hood. I set my cast iron pan outside on my deck before I even sit down to eat. I don't know if that's possible for you, but it really helps.

Make this : https://food52.com/blog/14479-save-your-apple-peels-and-cores-for-tea , with some extra water and let it simmer for longer on the stove, and all will be well again.

Lots of candles- scented or non, your choice; simmer cinnamon sticks and orange or lemon peels; bake something aromatic; spray vinegar on stinky spots. When I cook with cast iron it doesn't smell bad- did you burn something or is the griddle seasoned with rancid oil? You may want to use kosher salt & hot water to clean the griddle and remove any baked-in odors

You could also try those odor-absorbing sponges you can buy at the hardware store--a friend used them around his apartment after a small fire to get rid of the smoke smell and he said they did the trick.

You could try putting bowls of baking soda around the kitchen and rest of the apartment, that will absorb some smells. You could also put a cup with a tablespoon or two of vanilla extract in the oven at 300 for an hour. Or make cookies. This is a good time of year for mulled cider, that will make the kitchen smell good as well. I think you can make a DIY fabreeze with some water, alcohol or witch hazel, and some essential oils - it won't smell as chemically as febreeze. Also, have fans pointed at the open windows to increase air flow. You can wash down the walls and sprinkle baking soda on carpets and vacuum it up as well.