Best Grill Pan

Grill pans bring out the delicious natural taste of foods, they cook slowly and allow heat to deeply penetrate the meat steaks, seafood, and poultry. Conveniently sealing in the juices and absorbing spices and seasoning.

The best grill pans have a long handle to protect your fingers from getting into contact with the heat, and the body is usually made of durable cast iron because it helps retain heat when compared to anodized aluminum and stainless steel. The exterior of the cast iron grill pans are usually made of enamel, a feature that makes them especially easy to clean.

Most grill pans in the market are square thus offer more cooking surface area and allows users to cook the food in a single layer. The cooking surface of the cast iron grill pans comes in two types, the pre-seasoned and those that feature an enamel coating. Important to note is that not all grill pans are made of cast iron, and while the anodized aluminum or steel grill pans might prove tough to clean, there are tailored cleaning solutions that will ensure your grill pan retains its aesthetic quality.

Best Grill Pan- Comparison Table

Best Grill Pan	Material	Check on Amazon
TeChef - Stovetop Korean BBQ Non-Stick Grill Pan	Aluminum	Check Price Here
Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan	Stainless steel	Check Price Here
Staub Cast Iron 12-inch Square Grill Pan & Press Set	Cast iron	Check Price Here
Anolon 84062 Advanced Hard-Anodized Nonstick Square Griddle Pan/Grill	Hard anodized aluminum	Check Price Here
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles	Cast iron	Check Price Here
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill	Cast iron	Check Price Here
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Grill Pan With Assist Handle, 10.5 inch	Cast iron	Check Price Here
Ayesha Curry Home Collection Nonstick Square Grill Pan / Griddle Pan	Aluminum	Check Price Here
B1 Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Inch Flat Square Grille Pan	Aluminum	Check Price Here

TeChef – Stovetop Korean BBQ Non-Stick Grill Pan

TeChef is made with heavy gauge aluminum, it is a non-stick pan and features up to five Teflon print design coatings. The pan is characteristic of a swirl channel design that ensures oils from the food drain out slowly consequently giving the food more flavor. The pan is oven and dishwasher safe, and measures about 12 inches, which can cater to a small group of people. And the fat and grease drainage system ensures that users observe a low-fat diet.

The grill pan is versatile and can be used to grill different types of fish, meat, and vegetables. But a rather disappointing feature is that the handles of the grill are positioned closer to the grill pan thus chances of the user feeling some of the heat on their hands are very real.

Pros

• The pan drains out excess fats and oils
• The non-stick feature is effective
• The pan does not produce smoke
• It is easy to clean and lasts long

Cons

• The handles are too close to the grill
• Meat dries up because of the drained juices

 

View price on Amazon

 

Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan

Calphalon non-stick grill pan features a durable construction of non-stick layers. Each added layer enhances the durability of the pan while enabling superior non-stick performance. The grill pan features a rugged construction of the hard-anodized aluminum that ensures heat is spread evenly thus delivers deliciously cooked foods.

The handles of the pan are also long enough and will remain cool on the stovetop as you cook. The 3 layers non-stick feature on the inside, is metal utensil safe and will retain its structural integrity with every use. The grill pan can be washed in the dishwasher and can also be used to cook in the cooker. It is compatible with halogen stovetops, gas, and electric.

Pros

• Made with the durable hard-anodized aluminum
• Metal utensils can be used with the grill pan
• The grill pan is dishwasher safe
• And the long handle protects the hands from getting burnt

Cons

• The grill pan peels from the outside
• It is not convenient for the long term

 

View price on Amazon

 

Staub Cast Iron Square Grill Pan & Press Set

Staub measures approximately 12 inches, it is squarely designed and has incorporated a long handle that will help protect your hands from heat. The inside of the grill is made of a black matte enamel material, and the exterior of the grill pan is characteristic bright and colorful, sure to add a pop of color to your kitchen.

The grill pan is highly versatile and can, therefore, be used with different types of heat sources be it an induction unit, electric, or gas-powered. Even better is that it can be used inside an oven with temperatures up to 500F. The pan is durably built thus does not chip and can be washed in a dishwasher.

The incorporated press set comes in handy for individuals who wish to create restaurant-quality burgers, sandwiches, and Paninis. The construction of the press set we must say it is quite heavy thus you can be sure of the best sear marks and a reduced cooking time.

Pros

• The grill pan cleans easy
• The construction is solid
• The pan retains heat thus enables even grilling
• Versatile and can grill different types of food

Cons

• The grill pan is expensive

 

View price on Amazon

 

Anolon 84062 Advanced Hard-Anodized Nonstick Square Griddle Pan/Grill

Most grill pans come equipped with the three-layer PFOA non-stick material known to deliver restaurant-quality cooking performance. Anolon advanced hard anodized grill and griddle pan absorbs heat quickly and distributes it evenly on the cooking surface, and to achieve the perfect grill marks, the grill pan features built-in ridges.

Clean up and the effortless food release feature have been achieved by the incorporation of the non-stick surface. The grill pan has also incorporated a long handle with a sure grip feature that is not only comfortable to hold but also easy to control. And instead of a hole that will dry up your steak of juices, the Anolon grill pan has been constructed with some functional spouts that you can use to pour off the cooking juices.

The large grill pan offers up to 27% cooking surface and which is perfect for browning, and searing. The grill pan can also be used in the oven without compromising its structural integrity.

Pros

• The non-stick feature works perfectly well
• Cleans easy
• Can be used to grill different types of foods
• it is light in weight and leaves the perfect grill marks

Cons

• Works best with gas and electric stoves

 

View price on Amazon

 

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

Lodge cast iron grills are simple and straightforward to use, the grill pan is brutally tough and you can be sure of it becoming an heirloom. The pan comes already seasoned thus you can use it immediately, it additionally offers unwavering even heating and heat retention. And is not limited to the sources of heat that it can be exposed to, you can, therefore, use it on a stove, oven, or grill. You can also take it with you on road trips use it over a campfire.

The grill pan has also incorporated uniquely designed handles and to enhance its durability, users should be sure to wash it with their hands, they can use or fail to use soap. The grill pan must be laced with a layer of vegetable oil and when it is still warm and then stored. Vegetable oil application protects the grill pan from corrosion.

Pros

• The grill pans solid construction ensures durability
• The pan has a large capacity thus can serve many people
• Cleans easy and holds on to the heat for long
• Perfect griddle and grill combo

Cons

• Stays hot for a while when ejected from the source of heat
• Cast iron is maintenance intensive

 

View price on Amazon

 

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill

Le Creuset square skilled grill features a functional and durable construction, the inside of the pan is made with Le Creuset’s satin black finish known to minimize damage and wear. And even better is that with time the abrasive interior will slowly develop a natural patina making it a perfect pan for frying and searing.

The surface of the pan is ribbed and will, therefore, deliver a restaurant quality meal while the spouts on both sides of the pan are to be used for draining away excess fat. The use of the durable black enamel finish means that users won’t need to season the grill pan. Featuring a cast iron construction the grill pan will retain and evenly distribute heat.

The grill pan is sure to enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen thanks to the colorful exterior and will also remain resistant to chipping and cracking. The pan is additionally made with long and strong handles that provide a steady grip and minimizes the chances of accidentally exposing your fingers to heat.

Pros

• It is a heavy pan that conducts heat quickly
• Comes equipped with some durable coating
• The pan is versatile
• Perfect grill pan for indoor use

Cons

• Must be stored when oiled
• It is not a non-stick pan

 

View price on Amazon

 

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan with Assist Handle, 10.5 inch

The lodge pre-seasoned grill pan comes ready to use out of the box, the use of the cast iron material ensures that the pan offers a long-term service. And like the other reviewed cast iron pans, lodge pre-seasoned has superb heat retention capabilities thus offers even heating. Consistent heating ensures that all the foods have been evenly cooked.

The grill pan also retains heat for a long time, long after it was removed from the fire, and which means your food will remain hot long after the fire has been switched off. It is also the perfect grill pan to sautѐ, broil, bake, sear, and fry. The durable cast iron construction allows the grill pan to be used over a grill, on a stove, in the oven, or over a campfire.

Before storage, users should be sure to rub the grill pan with a layer of vegetable oil, when it is still warm to enhance durability.

Pros

• The grill pan can be used with metal utensils
• Chars the food without burning
• Cleaning the pan is a breeze
• The pan has a large capacity thus can cook a lot of food

Cons

• Needs special care
• Rusts easily

 

View price on Amazon

 

Ayesha Curry Nonstick Square Grill Pan / Griddle Pan

Ayesha curry home grill pan retails at a fairly cheap price, using the pan requires a lot of caution, you must, therefore, ensure that you use wood or nylon tools so that you don’t scratch the non-stick surface. The grill pan is dual riveted to offer users a long-lasting performance complete with an easy-to-hold grip. Ayesha non-stick grill pan can be used for cooking both in the oven and the stovetop.

And even though the grill pan hasn’t incorporated the spouts for removing excess grease or fat from the pan, it is made with ridges that collect flavorful juices thus makes the coveted steak house grill marks.

Pros

• The square shape enables more food to be cooked
• The grill pan is easy to clean and grill
• A great grill pan for making burgers
• Cooks food evenly

Cons

• The non-stick coating is not durable
• Parts of the pans handle become hot easily

 

View price on Amazon

 

B1 Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Inch Flat Square Grille Pan

The All-Clad B1 hard-anodized grille pan offers up to 25% surface area, thanks to its square design thus users can prepare meals for many people. And like other non-stick grill pans, the incorporated five bonded layers ensure that chef-quality food is prepared. The unit has additionally incorporated up to two aluminum layers, one that is used to conduct electricity and the other one for heat sustenance. The feature ensures that food is evenly cooked, while the non-stick feature ensures that food is easily released from the grill pan.

The incorporated stick handle has a finger guard that enables seamless balance and control, while the shapes of the rim enable dripless pouring.

Pros

• The square design provides more cooking capacity
• Features a durable magnetic stainless steel exterior
• Equipped with a sturdy and durable stay-cool stick handle
• The stainless steel core helps deliver consistent results

Cons

• The grill pan is maintenance intensive
• Cannot be used with an induction unit

 

View price on Amazon

 

Buying Guide for the Best Grill Pan

If you are in the market for a new grill pan then below are some pointers on what to look for?

The shape of the grill pan- the shape of a grill pan might seem irrelevant until you discover that the square grill pans have a larger capacity when compared to the round-shaped grill pans. The latter suffice for small families.

The Handle– A good grill pan will incorporate an ergonomic handle that is comfortable on the hands and easy to grip. Also, a longer handle offers a better service because the user’s hands and fingers are conveniently placed away from the heat source. However, you might experience some weight issues, because a longer handle adds to the overall weight of the grill pan.

Cooking surface – In the markets, you will get up two types of surfaces the cast iron surface that must always be oiled, failure to which you will render the grill pan useless. We then have the enamel-coated grill pans. The latter has an almost perfect non-stick finish that apart from allowing a quick release it is also easy to clean.

The exterior finish– An enamel exterior finish is what you should be looking out for because apart from the aesthetic qualities, it is easy to clean after direct exposure to heat.

Budget- the amount of money that you are willing to spend on a grill pan, will very much determine the type and quality of grill pan that you will get. Grills made of cast iron are relatively expensive, while grills made of anodized aluminum are cheap, but then again the pricing depends on the type of both the exterior and interior finish.

FAQ’s

What can I use in place of a grill pan?

If you don’t have a grill pan and want to make some juicy meat steaks, you can use a broiler, a griddle pan, or an electric countertop grill pan.

What is the main purpose of a grill pan?

Grill pans are used mainly because they don’t allow the cooked foods to lose their natural taste. Grill pans slowly cook foods while sealing in the natural juices. So, the main purpose of grill pans is to bring out the natural taste of foods.

Conclusion

The best grill pan should incorporate an ergonomic user-friendly handle, the surface finishing should be non-stick to allow users to easily flip their food. The grill pan should easily conduct heat and distribute it evenly and most importantly it should retain constant heat when cooking is in progress. Cast iron grills require special attention when compared to anodized aluminum grills, the grills must always be laced with vegetable oil so that they don’t rust. Failure to apply oil on the cast iron grills will have you throw the grill pan away.