Best Grill Pans
The best grill pans are a great investment if you don’t have access to a grill or just want to recreate your favorite grilled meals in the winter. These pans have ridges along the bottom that create char marks similar to the ones you’d get on a grill, and they also let fat and moisture drain away from your food, creating a beautifully cooked exterior. You can use them to cook hamburgers, hot dogs, and steaks, as well as grilled vegetables and even paninis. If you’re in the market for new cookware, I’ve put together a list of the best grill pans to add to your kitchen. I’ve included the pan that I use, as well as several other top-rated models that get the seal of approval from cooking pros.
Our Top Picks
Reviews of The Best Grill Pans
1. What’s in My Kitchen: OXO Good Grips Square Grill Pan
When the weather stops me from firing up the outdoor grill, I reach for the OXO Good Grips Grill Pan in my kitchen. One of my favorite kitchen tools for healthy eating, this pan has a spacious 11-inch square cooking surface that can easily fit a few chicken breasts or several slices of Grilled Zucchini. The ridges on the bottom of the pan are high enough that your food isn’t sitting in juices, and unlike many other grill pans, this one’s handle has a stay-cool silicone grip that won’t get hot to the touch. I also love how easy this grill pan is to clean. It has a nonstick surface that wipes clean with soap and water—just be sure to only use silicone or plastic utensils in it to avoid scratching the surface.
The Specs:
Material: Hard-anodized aluminum, silicone handle Diameter: 11 inches Oven-Safe: Up to 390°F Dishwasher-Safe: No
The Pros:
Nonstick finish Ergonomic, stay-cool handle Deep ridges Spacious cooking surface 10-year warranty
The Cons:
Hand wash only Metal utensils may scratch finish
Buy the OXO Good Grips Square Grill Pan:
2. Best Splurge: Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill
If you think your grill pan will get a lot of use, it’s worth splurging on this heavy-duty model from Le Creuset. The 10-inch pan comes in the brand’s signature rainbow of colors, and while it is a bit heavy, its durable cast iron construction will deliver unbeatable heat retention and distribution. Because it has an enamel-coated finish, the pan doesn’t require seasoning and can even be put in the dishwasher. I also love that it has spouts on both sides for pouring off liquid and a small loop handle on the front of the pan, making it easy to move the cookware on and off the stove.
The Specs:
Material: Enameled cast iron Diameter: 10.25 inches Oven-Safe: Up to 500°F Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, but hand-wash recommended
The Pros:
Available in several colors No seasoning required Superior heat retention Spout for pouring off liquid Dual handles for carrying
The Cons:
Very expensive Heavier than aluminum pans
Buy the Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill:
3. Best Value: Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
Lodge is a great brand for budget-friendly cast iron cookware, and its square grill pan is perfect for any cast iron purists out there. The pan has a 10.5-inch diameter, providing plenty of room for several pieces of meat, and it can be used on any cooking surface, including induction cooktops and even campfires. Thanks to its heavy-duty construction, it’s also oven-safe at any temperature. Remember that this is classic cast iron, so it may need occasional seasoning and should be washed and dried carefully to prevent rusting.
The Specs:
Material: Cast iron Diameter: 10.5 inches Oven-Safe: Yes Dishwasher-Safe: No
The Pros:
Affordable price point Good heat retention Safe to use on any cooking surface Oven-safe at any temperature
The Cons:
May require seasoning Hand wash only
Buy the Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan:
4. Best Nonstick: All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan
If easy cleaning is your top priority, you can’t go wrong with this nonstick pan from All-Clad. It’s made from durable aluminum and coated in a nonstick finish that stops food from sticking, making it easy to wipe clean after cooking. It’s also oven-safe up to 500 degrees F, which is surprising for a nonstick pan, and it can be put in the dishwasher, too. I also love that this pan has higher-than-average walls, which helps to minimize splatter when you’re cooking fatty ingredients.
The Specs:
Material: Hard anodized aluminum Diameter: 11 inches Oven-Safe: Up to 500°F Dishwasher-Safe: Yes, but hand-wash recommended
The Pros:
Deep walls to minimize splatter Easy-to-clean nonstick finish Oven safe at high temperatures
The Cons:
Metal utensils may scratch coating Uncomfortable handle
Buy the All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan:
5. Best Round: Staub Cast Iron Pure Grill
Square grill pans give you more cooking area to work with, but the corners typically hang off the sides of stove burners, which can lead to cold spots. If you want nice even heat all around your pan, this round option from Staub will fit nicely on most burners. It’s made from enameled cast iron that maintains heat evenly (and doesn’t need seasoning), and the interior is slightly textured, which helps brown meat. The round grill pan can be put in the oven at temperatures up to 500 degrees F, but its handles do get hot while cooking, so be sure to use pot holders when moving it.
The Specs:
Material: Enameled cast iron Diameter: 10 inches Oven-Safe: Up to 500°F Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
The Pros:
Fits on round burners Heats evenly Textured for better browning No seasoning required
The Cons:
Smaller cooking area Handles get hot while cooking
What Others are Saying: The Staub Cast Iron Pure Grill was named the best cast iron grill pan by Food Network. Buy the Staub Cast Iron Pure Grill:
Other Grill Pans to Consider
This high-end grill pan is made from pre-seasoned cast iron. The pan has two looped side handles that make it easy to carry, and its 12-inch diameter gives you plenty of space to cook multiple pieces of meat. However, it weighs a hefty 11 pounds, and you’ll need to take proper care of the cast iron to ensure it lasts for years to come. The Smithey No.12 Grill Pan is available at Smithey for $220.
About Me
I’m the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste, which features hundreds of family-friendly healthy recipes. My goal is to create healthier versions of your and your family’s favorite foods, including plenty of lightened-up recipes for the grill. I love grilling myself, and I don’t think it should be limited to summertime, which is why a grill pan is a must-have in my kitchen.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Grill Pan
What is a Grill Pan?
Grill pans are a type of frying pan, but instead of a flat cooking surface, they have raised ridges that mimic the look of grill grates. These ridges help create char marks on your food, and they provide elevation, allowing fat and liquids to drain away. Grill pans are handy when you don’t have access to a grill, though they won’t deliver the same smoky flavor as traditional grilled food because of the lack of charcoal or contact to direct flames.
What to Consider Before Buying a Grill Pan
Grill pans come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, so you’ll want to think about the following factors to find the right one for your kitchen: Material: Grill pans are commonly made from either cast iron or aluminum, both of which have their benefits. Cast iron is great for even heat distribution and retention, and it will create well-defined grill marks on your food. Aluminum, on the other hand, is lightweight and affordable, and it often has a nonstick finish that’s easy to clean. Shape and Size: You can choose between round or square grill pans—round options fit better onto stove burners, but square pans give you more room to cook. You’ll also want to think about the diameter of the pan, as well as the height of its walls. Oven-Safe: Some recipes need to be finished in the oven, so you may want to look for a grill pan that can go from the stovetop into the oven as needed. In these cases, be sure to check the maximum temperature that the pan can be exposed to.
How Do You Use a Grill Pan?
The beauty of grill pans is that you use them the same way as a regular frying pan. To get the best results in your grill pan, I recommend letting it heat up for several minutes before cooking. This will get the ridges nice and hot, providing those beautiful char marks on your food. It’s also a good idea to oil your pan before use, which will help prevent food from sticking.
How Do You Clean a Cast Iron Grill Pan?
If you have an enameled cast iron grill pan, you can simply wash it with soap and water, wiping out the grooves with a sponge. Easy! Bare cast iron requires a little more care, but it’s still simple to do. Wipe out any remaining food particles, then use a gentle sponge and a small amount of soap and water to wash the pan. Immediately after washing, dry the pan thoroughly to prevent rust, then spread a light layer of cooking oil over the surface to keep it nicely seasoned.
How Do You Make Grilled Cheese in a Pan?
Grill pans can be used to make toasted sandwiches such as grilled cheese, and they’ll create crunchy grill marks on your bread. The key to making grilled cheese in a grill pan is to keep the temperature on medium-low. You want to give the cheese plenty of time to melt without burning your bread, so it’s important to be patient and let it cook for several minutes on each side.
The Best Grill Recipes
Grill pans are a great way to enjoy your favorite grilled foods all year round, and you can use this specialty cookware to prepare a wide range of recipes. From classic hamburgers and steaks to grilled vegetables, fish, and even kebabs, there’s no shortage of healthy and family-friendly meals that you can make in your grill pan. Here are some of my favorites to try:
Grilled Tuna over Arugula with Lemon Vinaigrette Grilled Pineapple Blackened Grilled Salmon Skewers Grilled Chicken Panini Grilled Salmon Bruschetta
Prices were accurate at time of publication.
