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In our modern society, less and less happens outside. Most people live in high-rise buildings or basements. Grilling outdoors isn’t easy to do for most people. That’s why a grill pan can be an excellent addition to your cooking repertoire. With any of the products we list below, you get the grilling experience without the stress or smoke. Each one can be an ideal replacement for your large grill.
Since grill pans give you perfectly grilled food and don’t need as much space, they’re ideal for various reasons. Check out some of the grill pans we list below. You get the same ‘full flavor’ experience of the grill without the mess.
Comparison Table
The grill pan looks similar to a frying pan, but there are grill lines in the interior. These lines are raised slightly so that the oil and fat can drip away from the food. These grill pans are designed to mimic the outdoor grill. Typically, grilling uses dry heat applied to the surface of the food for more taste because the flavors get absorbed easily. There aren’t any mediums (oil or water) between the heat source and the food.
In the past, such a cooking process was only achieved from a regular grill. There were steel or aluminum wires over the heat source, and you used an open fire or charcoal to cook.
However, with the grill pan, you don’t need any of those setups to get the same results. Plus, it is easy to use and compact. A griddle pan, as it’s often called, transfers the heat more evenly so that your heat source doesn’t have to be regulated constantly. You can cook chicken, steak, veggies, and anything else.
Many reviews only provide you with the 8 best pans, but we wanted to give you the 10 best grill pans so that you have more options. Let’s get started!
back to menu ↑Check Out the Top Three if You’re Short on Time
Le Creuset Square Skillet Grill Pan Best overall
All-Clad Hard-Anodized Square Grill Pan Best Values
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Griddle/Grill Best budget
Buyer’s Guide
When searching for the best pan that works for grilling and cooking, you need to know how to pick one. This buyer’s guide is sure to help you buy the right one. Check out our list to find more information about what to buy.
Material
- Stainless steel – Heats up quickly, is dishwasher-safe, but doesn’t conduct heat well
- Hard-anodized aluminum – Electrochemically treated to produce hard finishes that can resistant peeling or chipping without reacting to acidic foods
- Cast-iron – Wide ridges for better markings but slow to heat while retaining the warmth well
Ridges
The pan you choose should have ridges spaced evenly and raised enough to cook meat without grease or oil touching it. Typically, the best pans are those that allow the drips to collect in the ridges.
Often, the best pans feature more depressions and a drain to the side to help remove the oils.
Heat Distribution
The best pan you can buy is one that offers even heat distribution. That way, you don’t have hot or cold spots that might ruin the meal. Parts of the food could be undercooked while others are overdone, and this isn’t pleasant!
Pan Shape
There are many shapes available, but most people prefer a pan with a square or circular shape. Square versions are best because you have more cooking area and room to move the food around.
Versatility
You want to buy a pan that goes in the oven and dishwasher. That way, it’s more versatile. These are often the best pans available, but they also need to have a non-stick coating, long and comfortable handles that are cool to the touch, and all without harmful chemicals.
back to menu ↑The 10 Best Grill Pan Options: Detailed Reviews
1. Le Creuset Cast-Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill – Best for a Splurge
The Le Creuset brand offers a 10.25-inch grill pan. You can choose from eight different colors, making it fun to use every day to cook your food. Aside from its looks, though, it also packs a punch. It’s made of materials that allow it to heat up fast and provide even cooking of your food. There aren’t any hot or cold spots, so you get a suitable grill each time you use it.
The ridges built inside the BBQ grill pan make excellent grill marks. This could be one of the 10 best grill pans on the market right now because of those ridges. You don’t have to use a lot of oil, and the non-stick coating ensures that you can have beautiful-looking food prepared easily and quickly.
You get a cast-iron handle with an opposite helping handle to make it easier to transport. Plus, you don’t have to worry about cracks or chips happening while you are using it. The square pan is heavy-duty and can cook various things in the kitchen, such as grilled cheese. We don’t think you are going to be able to find one as good as this, even when using it on high heat. Check it out right now and buy it or wait to learn about the other options. We like that the black satin finish looks great. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe.
2. All-Clad E7954064 HA 1 Nonstick Square Grill Pan – Best Overall
The All-Clad 11-inch Non-stick grill pan fuses functionality and safety together. It uses hard-anodized aluminum that withstands higher heat levels and doesn’t warp. Still, it’s lightweight enough to use it all the time.
We like its square shape because it fits fish, steak, and vegetables. The ridges at the bottom give it that non-stick coating that everyone desires. This product is ideal for the kitchen and has a wide surface area to help you cook anything. Plus, the ridges allow you to use less oil, which is then moved away from the food you cook.
The best part here is the tall rims, meaning you don’t have to worry about spatter. We also like the stay-cool handle, which adds to the safety of the product.
This grill pan is chemical-free, so you can cook with it and be safe and healthy. We like that this 11-inch grill pan is oven-safe, meaning you can go right from the stovetop to your oven with ease. There’s no need to transfer the food to another container. You also get induction cookers, flexibility, convenience, and a dishwasher-safe product.
3. Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible Grill and Griddle Pan – Best Versatile Product
The Lodge brand is a popular option for grill pans because it is so durable and well-known. Lodge was founded in 1896 and has consistently made products that meet all of your needs. The best grill pans come from this one, and you’re sure to like it.
With the LPGI3 version, Lodge has outdone itself. This cast-iron reversible grill from Lodge is pre-seasoned, so it’s easy to clean. It comes with two parts, including the griddle and the grill pan. Therefore, it can be used to make various foods that you are sure to love.
There are two handles here to give you more control. Plus, it’s fully free of chemicals, so you can feel good using it in your kitchen. The structure absorbs more seasoning to release it back into your food. We like the wide surface, which handles a lot of food and provides better heat distribution. Though it’s large and takes up two stovetop burners, this makes it heat up quickly.
The 10 5 inch product is oven-safe. You can also use it outside on the grill or over a campfire. You’re sure to have many good times with this grill pan. Plus, you get great-looking grill marks when using the grill pan side instead of the griddle one.
4. Cuisinart CI30-23CR Chef’s Classic Cast Iron Grill Pan – Best Styling
As part of the 10 best pans, the cast-iron grill pan from Cuisinart is an excellent addition to your home. We like how beautiful it looks, but it’s also easy to use as far as grill pans go. You may have heard of the Cuisinart brand because it’s so popular for its consistency and high-quality workmanship.
The square cast iron grill pan comes in three colors, so it can match the kitchen decor. Plus, the interior is layered with some porcelain enamel. This makes it a non-stick grill pan that’s worth every penny. You’re going to like the wide handle, which makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods.
We’re impressed with the ridges because they aren’t too deep, but they still keep the oil and fat away from the food you decide to make. Plus, it can go right into the oven from the stovetop, ensuring that you can make just about any food you enjoy.
Do you want convenience and an easy-clean up? This grill pan can go right in the dishwasher without getting ruined. It was made for a busy and hectic lifestyle like the one your kitchen likely sees. You can quickly buy this product and make it easy when you’re grilling or cooking.
5. TeChef Stovetop Korean BBQ Non-stick Grill – Best Budget Option
The TeChef Stovetop Korean BBQ Non-stick Grill is made using the newer and safer Teflon material. It doesn’t contain any chemicals and has a unique design. There are ridges, but they are shown in a swirling pattern to ensure even heat distribution and cooking.
We appreciate the five-layer surface with the heavier aluminum build. You’re not going to need any other grill pan because five coats are always better than one. Plus, you are sure to enjoy that it can go straight into the oven. Go from grilling your food to cooking with ease. Are you interested in something easy to clean? Check out this product and buy it because it looks amazing and goes in the dishwasher.
There’s a dome shape to the grill pan, making it easy to drain the grease. Therefore, you can use it with your outdoor grill. The drip cup is available to buy separately, allowing you to attach it and start cooking. This pan is amazing and could be the best grill pan on the market.
6. Calphalon Contemporary Aluminum Nonstick Grill Pan
The Calphalon Contemporary grill pan features an aluminum nonstick surface. This option could be the best option for a grill pan because the brand always focuses on improving the products it sells. We like that it features medium-gauge aluminum,so it’s sturdy but lightweight. Of course, the hard-anodized feature makes it provide more even heat distribution and ensures that it is scratch-resistant.
With the Calphalon Contemporary brand, you get a nonstick coating in three layers. The first two are there for durability, while the third layer in the grill pan makes it easy to clean and release the food. Plus, it can go in the dishwasher, making it a versatile grill pan to meet all of your needs.
Since there are no chemicals used, grilling meals is safer and healthier. It can also go in an oven heated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit with no problems. We also enjoy the fact that you can use it as a panini pan.
7. Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan (Deep)
When you want a grill pan that uses hard-anodized aluminum, the Rachael Ray brand might be the best option. It’s suitable for grilling and cooking your favorite foods and is part of the renowned chef’s signature line. The squareness of the design ensures that you can fit plenty of food in it.
It’s highly durable and offers more even heating. Therefore, you don’t have hotspots that reduce the quality of your grill pan. Plus, the exterior is clear-coated, so it’s more attractive. That also means you can put it in the dishwasher to clean it.
The padded handles make it easier to grip, and they don’t get hot. You’re sure to enjoy that you can put it in the oven, making it suitable for cooking. We worried about the rubber used, but it doesn’t melt when cooking. Check out this amazing grill pan and buy it for yourself.
8. Anolon Advanced Nonstick Deep Square Grill Pan
The Anolon Advanced brand is another product to check out. You get tons of flexibility because it can go in the oven, but that’s not all. With the aluminum construction, you have something durable and lightweight. Plus, it heats up fast and offers even distribution of the heat.
We prefer the ridges on this grill pan because you have the full experience of grilled food. Plus, the oil stays away from the items you’re cooking to ensure that it’s healthier. If the oil gets to be too high, there are pour spouts to remove it.
Most people check out this product and end up buying it because you can use metal utensils without worrying about scratching or removing the non-stick coating.
9. Calphalon 1948254 Signature Hard Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan
The Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick grill pan could be one of the best grill pans on the market. It’s shaped like a traditional skillet, but it has ridges to help it heat up quickly and provide those beautiful markings similar to a conventional grill. We think this could be the best pan on the market because it’s easy to release the items, clean, and reduces the risk of oil usage.
There aren’t any chemicals used to make it, and you’re going to enjoy that it’s very durable and strong. The interior doesn’t scratch or chip, and you can use metal utensils.
10. Weber Style 6435 Professional-Grade Non-stick Grill Pan
If you’re looking for a brushed stainless steel product, the Weber Grill pan is what you need. This pan helps you grill without any issues and can handle small and large foods. You can even use the pan to cook delicate things without worrying that they are going to fall apart.
We like the stainless steel handle on either side, though we do feel they could be a bit longer. Still, the pan is shiny to conduct and spread the heat evenly.
With the well-polished stainless steel surface, the items you cook aren’t going to stick. It’s wide, too, so any items fit on this grill pan. Though simple in design, we think it could be the best.
back to menu ↑Grill Pan FAQs
Can You Use the Grill Pan on Glass Stovetops?
Yes, but there are a few exceptions. If the pan is very heavy or has a ridged bottom, this might not be ideal. They often can’t withstand the high heat produced, but many of the best pan options don’t have this issue.
Is a Grill Pan Worth It?
While you may not require a grill pan, they can be helpful when you want to grill without the mess and hassle. While electric grills are available, they take longer to warm up and require a separate product. With a grill pan, you just use the stovetop or oven.
What’s the Difference Between a Grill Pan and Griddle?
There isn’t much of a difference between a grill pan and a griddle pan. Typically, the grill pan is ridged while the griddle pan is smooth. You can find both a griddle and grill pan in one, making it easier to buy one product and have exactly what you need.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
We wanted to provide more than the 8 best grill pans on the market, so you have more options available. These on the list of the 10 best pans are suitable for almost every home and need. However, you have to find the best products for your family, so it’s best to carefully review each one.
Since we didn’t want to just give you the 8 best pans, you’ve got two more to consider. Getting food grilled is now easier and doesn’t require you to wait for decent weather. You can grill inside your home and make the best meals possible without having to use charcoal.
I hope this guide has helped you choose the best possible grill pan for your needs. Check each one out to learn more!
