In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing a Grill PanOur TestsWe Also ConsideredCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Grill Pan
Our Tests
We Also Considered
Common Questions
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:Courtesy of Brand
Courtesy of Brand
Whether you have afull set of cookwareor are just starting to build your cooking arsenal, investing in a grill pan is a must.Grill pans are uniquely designed to impart the signature grill marks and crisp sear of an outdoor grill without the need for dry weather or outdoor cooking space.We tested 23 pans, with prices ranging from $25 to $240, on their performance grilling burgers, zucchini planks, pork chops and grilled cheese sandwiches. For pans with a reversible design, meaning they had a flat griddle option,we added pancakesto the mix. We looked at the uniformity of heat retention, ease of use, overall design, cleaning and value. After our rigorous testing, we are confident we’ve found a grill pan to suit every cook (and every budget)—here are our top picks.Our Top PicksBest Overall Grill Pan:Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$22Jump to ReviewBest Reversible Grill Pan:Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Splurge Grill Pan:Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan at Smithey.comJump to ReviewBest Budget Grill Pan:Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$90Jump to ReviewBest Enameled Grill Pan:Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan at Amazon$225Jump to ReviewBest Budget Enameled Grill Pan:KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$120Jump to ReviewBest Nonstick Grill Pan:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$65Jump to ReviewBest Grill Pan for Protein:Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Whether you have afull set of cookwareor are just starting to build your cooking arsenal, investing in a grill pan is a must.Grill pans are uniquely designed to impart the signature grill marks and crisp sear of an outdoor grill without the need for dry weather or outdoor cooking space.
We tested 23 pans, with prices ranging from $25 to $240, on their performance grilling burgers, zucchini planks, pork chops and grilled cheese sandwiches. For pans with a reversible design, meaning they had a flat griddle option,we added pancakesto the mix. We looked at the uniformity of heat retention, ease of use, overall design, cleaning and value. After our rigorous testing, we are confident we’ve found a grill pan to suit every cook (and every budget)—here are our top picks.
Our Top PicksBest Overall Grill Pan:Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$22Jump to ReviewBest Reversible Grill Pan:Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Splurge Grill Pan:Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan at Smithey.comJump to ReviewBest Budget Grill Pan:Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$90Jump to ReviewBest Enameled Grill Pan:Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan at Amazon$225Jump to ReviewBest Budget Enameled Grill Pan:KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$120Jump to ReviewBest Nonstick Grill Pan:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$65Jump to ReviewBest Grill Pan for Protein:Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Best Overall Grill Pan:Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$22Jump to ReviewBest Reversible Grill Pan:Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Splurge Grill Pan:Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan at Smithey.comJump to ReviewBest Budget Grill Pan:Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$90Jump to ReviewBest Enameled Grill Pan:Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan at Amazon$225Jump to ReviewBest Budget Enameled Grill Pan:KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$120Jump to ReviewBest Nonstick Grill Pan:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$65Jump to ReviewBest Grill Pan for Protein:Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Best Overall Grill Pan:Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$22Jump to Review
Best Overall Grill Pan:Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$22
Best Overall Grill Pan:
Best Reversible Grill Pan:Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle at Amazon$50Jump to Review
Best Reversible Grill Pan:Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle at Amazon$50
Best Reversible Grill Pan:
Best Splurge Grill Pan:Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan at Smithey.comJump to Review
Best Splurge Grill Pan:Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan at Smithey.com
Best Splurge Grill Pan:
Best Budget Grill Pan:Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$90Jump to Review
Best Budget Grill Pan:Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan at Amazon$90
Best Budget Grill Pan:
Best Enameled Grill Pan:Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan at Amazon$225Jump to Review
Best Enameled Grill Pan:Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan at Amazon$225
Best Enameled Grill Pan:
Best Budget Enameled Grill Pan:KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$120Jump to Review
Best Budget Enameled Grill Pan:KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$120
Best Budget Enameled Grill Pan:
Best Nonstick Grill Pan:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$65Jump to Review
Best Nonstick Grill Pan:Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan at Amazon$65
Best Nonstick Grill Pan:
Best Grill Pan for Protein:Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan at Amazon$200Jump to Review
Best Grill Pan for Protein:Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan at Amazon$200
Best Grill Pan for Protein:
Best Overall Grill PanLodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$22 at Amazon$27 at Target$35 at Wayfair
Best Overall Grill PanLodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
Best Overall Grill Pan
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
PHOTO: Amazon
$22 at Amazon$27 at Target$35 at Wayfair
What we like:It heats very evenly and arrives pre-seasoned, so you don’t have to work at building up a layer of seasoning before cooking.
What to know:The handles get hot during cooking, so a pot holder is recommended.Don’t let this pan’s low price point and simple design fool you; it’s a real workhorse that delivers on every task. The ridges produced well-defined grill marks on each item we grilled and easily funneled excess moisture away. The heat distribution and retention allowed each protein to cook evenly without adjusting the stove’s temperature. The dual handle design created a nice balance when handling the pan off the stove and helped offset the cast iron’s weight.
Size:10.5” x 8.06” x 1.75” |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:No
PHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell/ Will Dickey
Best Reversible Grill PanLodge Reversible Grill/GriddlePHOTO: Amazon$50 at Amazon$66$59 at Walmart$50 at WayfairWhat we like:This long, low-profile griddle can accommodate more food than single-burner pans.What to know:You will need a large sink to hand wash it after use.The Lodge Double Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle was a solid performer in our tests. We were delighted with the consistent grill marks and good browning on each item, though the short rim meant we had to take a little extra care when flipping our food. The pancakes tested on the griddle side came out golden brown, though we did note some lighter areas on the batter where the pan was not directly above the heat source. Still, this pan is to be expected with double-burned pans, and we still rated the Lodge well for heat retention.Like the Lodge Square Grill pan, this pan is heavy, but its double handles make transport easier. The handles heat up quite a bit during cooking, so you’ll want to have those oven mitts handy when moving this pan around.Size:10" x 19.5" x 0.75" |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:NoPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Reversible Grill PanLodge Reversible Grill/GriddlePHOTO: Amazon$50 at Amazon$66$59 at Walmart$50 at Wayfair
Best Reversible Grill PanLodge Reversible Grill/Griddle
Best Reversible Grill Pan
Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle
$50 at Amazon$66$59 at Walmart$50 at Wayfair
What we like:This long, low-profile griddle can accommodate more food than single-burner pans.
What to know:You will need a large sink to hand wash it after use.
The Lodge Double Burner Reversible Grill/Griddle was a solid performer in our tests. We were delighted with the consistent grill marks and good browning on each item, though the short rim meant we had to take a little extra care when flipping our food. The pancakes tested on the griddle side came out golden brown, though we did note some lighter areas on the batter where the pan was not directly above the heat source. Still, this pan is to be expected with double-burned pans, and we still rated the Lodge well for heat retention.
Like the Lodge Square Grill pan, this pan is heavy, but its double handles make transport easier. The handles heat up quite a bit during cooking, so you’ll want to have those oven mitts handy when moving this pan around.
Size:10" x 19.5" x 0.75" |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, up to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:No
PHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Splurge Grill PanSmithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill PanPHOTO: Smithey IronwareView on Smithey.comView on Acmetools.com$220 at Food52What we like:The 2-inch sides act as a safety net when stirring and flipping your food.What to know:Some folks might struggle with the small handles, especially when wearing oven mitts.Crafted to be a family heirloom, the square shape of the Smithey Ironware No. 12 Grill Pan allowed it to fit our stove burner with precision and even heating. The results were impressive, delivering beautifully cooked zucchini planks and pork chops with a perfect brown sear. Thanks to this pan’s deep grooves, fat from our hamburgers was easily channeled away, leaving behind lovely grill marks.We liked the heavy cast iron construction and attributed its high heat retention to the density of the material. While this pan has some heft, we didn’t find it too cumbersome to move around. We were also thrilled with the easy cleanup: even proteins like the pork chops released easily, so there was little residue to clean up afterwards. We found that reseasoning the pan was much less daunting than we initially expected, a bonus for maintaining such a splurge-worthy item.Size:12” x 12” x 2” |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, only rated as “high temperatures”Dishwasher safe:NoPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Splurge Grill PanSmithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill PanPHOTO: Smithey IronwareView on Smithey.comView on Acmetools.com$220 at Food52
Best Splurge Grill PanSmithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan
Best Splurge Grill Pan
Smithey Ironware Co. No. 12 Grill Pan
PHOTO: Smithey Ironware
View on Smithey.comView on Acmetools.com$220 at Food52
What we like:The 2-inch sides act as a safety net when stirring and flipping your food.
What to know:Some folks might struggle with the small handles, especially when wearing oven mitts.Crafted to be a family heirloom, the square shape of the Smithey Ironware No. 12 Grill Pan allowed it to fit our stove burner with precision and even heating. The results were impressive, delivering beautifully cooked zucchini planks and pork chops with a perfect brown sear. Thanks to this pan’s deep grooves, fat from our hamburgers was easily channeled away, leaving behind lovely grill marks.
We liked the heavy cast iron construction and attributed its high heat retention to the density of the material. While this pan has some heft, we didn’t find it too cumbersome to move around. We were also thrilled with the easy cleanup: even proteins like the pork chops released easily, so there was little residue to clean up afterwards. We found that reseasoning the pan was much less daunting than we initially expected, a bonus for maintaining such a splurge-worthy item.
Size:12” x 12” x 2” |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, only rated as “high temperatures”Dishwasher safe:No
Best Budget Grill PanVictoria Cast Iron Square Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$90 at Amazon$38 at Wayfair$35 at WalmartWhat we like:At just under 5 pounds, this pan is lighter than any other cast iron pan we tested.What to know:Since this pan is smaller, using tongs instead of a spatula to maneuver food is recommended.Though it’s one of our smaller pans tested, the Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan received high marks for design. The diagonal grill grates and larger loop handles give it a high-end feel at a budget-friendly price. The Victoria left crisp grill marks on the grilled cheese and pork chop, though the marks on the zucchini planks were less consistent. This was likely due to crowding the pan, something to watch for in a smaller piece like this.The pan heated very quickly, though it lost heat equally fast, dropping almost 200 degrees at the 5-minute mark off the heat. It cleaned up easily and, because of its light weight and small footprint, it would be very easy to store in just about any size of kitchen.Size:12.5” x 11.4” x 1.5” |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 600°F |Dishwasher safe:NoPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Budget Grill PanVictoria Cast Iron Square Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$90 at Amazon$38 at Wayfair$35 at Walmart
Best Budget Grill PanVictoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
Best Budget Grill Pan
Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
$90 at Amazon$38 at Wayfair$35 at Walmart
What we like:At just under 5 pounds, this pan is lighter than any other cast iron pan we tested.
What to know:Since this pan is smaller, using tongs instead of a spatula to maneuver food is recommended.Though it’s one of our smaller pans tested, the Victoria Cast Iron Square Grill Pan received high marks for design. The diagonal grill grates and larger loop handles give it a high-end feel at a budget-friendly price. The Victoria left crisp grill marks on the grilled cheese and pork chop, though the marks on the zucchini planks were less consistent. This was likely due to crowding the pan, something to watch for in a smaller piece like this.
The pan heated very quickly, though it lost heat equally fast, dropping almost 200 degrees at the 5-minute mark off the heat. It cleaned up easily and, because of its light weight and small footprint, it would be very easy to store in just about any size of kitchen.
Size:12.5” x 11.4” x 1.5” |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 600°F |Dishwasher safe:No
Best Enameled Grill PanLe Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$225$200 at Amazon$225 at Williams Sonoma$225 at WayfairWhat we like:The compact design and color options for the enamel coating make the Le Creuset one of the most stylish options we tested.What to know:The grid lines on this piece are shallow, so be aware that fat may pool with some foods.True to the popular Le Creuset brand, the Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan is as beautiful as it is functional. Available in a myriad of fun colors, the pan has a solid cast iron construction with an enameled coating that allows for dishwasher cleaning. The pan performed well on all our tasks, with the zucchini planks especially proving to be a big success. We created a pleasant char on the proteins we tested, while the grilled cheese showed even, golden grill marks. Though a little heavy, the dual-handle design makes moving the pan easy. The pan was easy to wipe clean after cooking, and we found that it handled reseasoning well, its surface absorbing the oil evenly and thoroughly.We also tested the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skinny Grill Pan, which features a larger cooking surface (13 inches compared to the Square Skillet’s 10.25 inches). With the same choice of rich colors and dishwasher-safe design, the skinny pan also performed very well with the zucchini planks, yielding a crispy sear and firm texture. If more room is needed to grill for your family, this pan might be a good swap for the smaller Skillet Grill.Size:17.25" x 10.25" x 1.75" |Materials:Enameled Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:No |Oven safe:Yes, to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:YesPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Enameled Grill PanLe Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$225$200 at Amazon$225 at Williams Sonoma$225 at Wayfair
Best Enameled Grill PanLe Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan
Best Enameled Grill Pan
Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan
$225$200 at Amazon$225 at Williams Sonoma$225 at Wayfair
What we like:The compact design and color options for the enamel coating make the Le Creuset one of the most stylish options we tested.
What to know:The grid lines on this piece are shallow, so be aware that fat may pool with some foods.
True to the popular Le Creuset brand, the Signature Square Skillet Grill Pan is as beautiful as it is functional. Available in a myriad of fun colors, the pan has a solid cast iron construction with an enameled coating that allows for dishwasher cleaning. The pan performed well on all our tasks, with the zucchini planks especially proving to be a big success. We created a pleasant char on the proteins we tested, while the grilled cheese showed even, golden grill marks. Though a little heavy, the dual-handle design makes moving the pan easy. The pan was easy to wipe clean after cooking, and we found that it handled reseasoning well, its surface absorbing the oil evenly and thoroughly.
We also tested the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skinny Grill Pan, which features a larger cooking surface (13 inches compared to the Square Skillet’s 10.25 inches). With the same choice of rich colors and dishwasher-safe design, the skinny pan also performed very well with the zucchini planks, yielding a crispy sear and firm texture. If more room is needed to grill for your family, this pan might be a good swap for the smaller Skillet Grill.
Size:17.25" x 10.25" x 1.75" |Materials:Enameled Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:No |Oven safe:Yes, to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:Yes
Best Budget Enameled Grill PanKitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill PanPHOTO: Target$120 at Amazon$120 at TargetView on Kohls.comWhat we like:This attractive little pan’s square shape and durable enamel coating make it a worthy rival to the much pricier Le Creuset.What to know:This pan is small, which can be limiting for bigger households.This enameled grill pan from KitchenAid has proven to be a favorite during testing, and it’s easy to see why. Its square shape lets you maximize its relatively small size, and the handles on each side are easy to grab but not so large as to make storage an issue. Deep ridges allow plenty of airflow under your food, creating distinct grill marks and allowing fat to drain away. Spouts are built into two sides of the pan, making it easy to pour off any excess fat, and the KitchenAid is compatible with a range of heat sources, including induction, oven and stovetop.That said, it pays to let this pan heat up properly, which can take a little extra time, and the enameled coating isn’t entirely nonstick. Still, after several months of regular use, this tough little pan impressed us with its durability and the quality of the grill marks it left on proteins and vegetables alike. For those looking for a less expensive but high-quality enameled grill pan, the KitchenAid is an excellent option.Size:9.75" x 9.75" x 1.75" |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:No
Best Budget Enameled Grill PanKitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill PanPHOTO: Target$120 at Amazon$120 at TargetView on Kohls.com
Best Budget Enameled Grill PanKitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan
Best Budget Enameled Grill Pan
KitchenAid Enameled Cast Iron 11-Inch Square Grill Pan
PHOTO: Target
$120 at Amazon$120 at TargetView on Kohls.com
What we like:This attractive little pan’s square shape and durable enamel coating make it a worthy rival to the much pricier Le Creuset.
What to know:This pan is small, which can be limiting for bigger households.
This enameled grill pan from KitchenAid has proven to be a favorite during testing, and it’s easy to see why. Its square shape lets you maximize its relatively small size, and the handles on each side are easy to grab but not so large as to make storage an issue. Deep ridges allow plenty of airflow under your food, creating distinct grill marks and allowing fat to drain away. Spouts are built into two sides of the pan, making it easy to pour off any excess fat, and the KitchenAid is compatible with a range of heat sources, including induction, oven and stovetop.
That said, it pays to let this pan heat up properly, which can take a little extra time, and the enameled coating isn’t entirely nonstick. Still, after several months of regular use, this tough little pan impressed us with its durability and the quality of the grill marks it left on proteins and vegetables alike. For those looking for a less expensive but high-quality enameled grill pan, the KitchenAid is an excellent option.
Size:9.75" x 9.75" x 1.75" |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:No
Best Nonstick Grill PanCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$65 at Amazon$48 at Williams SonomaWhat we like:This pan is safe to use with metal utensils.What to know:It’s only oven-safe to 450° Fahrenheit.With well-sized grates that produce strong grill marks and nice browning, the Calphalon Premier Grill Pan is our favorite nonstick pan of the bunch. It’s dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean without the effort of a hand wash. Lighter than the cast iron pans, it also boasts cooler handles that don’t require a dish towel or pot holder to manage during cooking. Our pork chop had the best results of them all, coming out of the pan cooked to perfection with a nice crust and even grill marks.Size:11.5” x 11.5” x 3” |Materials:Aluminum |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 450°F |Dishwasher safe:Yes
Best Nonstick Grill PanCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$65 at Amazon$48 at Williams Sonoma
Best Nonstick Grill PanCalphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan
Best Nonstick Grill Pan
Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan
$65 at Amazon$48 at Williams Sonoma
What we like:This pan is safe to use with metal utensils.
What to know:It’s only oven-safe to 450° Fahrenheit.
With well-sized grates that produce strong grill marks and nice browning, the Calphalon Premier Grill Pan is our favorite nonstick pan of the bunch. It’s dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean without the effort of a hand wash. Lighter than the cast iron pans, it also boasts cooler handles that don’t require a dish towel or pot holder to manage during cooking. Our pork chop had the best results of them all, coming out of the pan cooked to perfection with a nice crust and even grill marks.
Size:11.5” x 11.5” x 3” |Materials:Aluminum |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 450°F |Dishwasher safe:Yes
Best Grill Pan for ProteinFinex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon$200 at Wayfair$200 at Williams SonomaWhat we like:The grates’ height makes for excellent control of excess fat.What to know:The steel coil in the handle becomes hot during cooking.The Finex was a wiz with proteins due to the ample height of its grates. Fats were efficiently transported away from the meats, making for excellent grill marks with no frying effect and less splatter when flipping higher-fat items like the burgers. Turning with a spatula wasn’t a challenge, thanks to the outward-sloping sides. It didn’t just handle proteins well; our zucchini was well-marked, with exceptional browning and char. The unique design of this pan allows for pouring from many directions, making it great for both right- and left-handed cooks.Size:11" diameter; 3" high |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:NoPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will DickeyPHOTO: EatingWell / Will Dickey
Best Grill Pan for ProteinFinex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill PanPHOTO: Amazon$200 at Amazon$200 at Wayfair$200 at Williams Sonoma
Best Grill Pan for ProteinFinex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan
Best Grill Pan for Protein
Finex 10-Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan
$200 at Amazon$200 at Wayfair$200 at Williams Sonoma
What we like:The grates’ height makes for excellent control of excess fat.
What to know:The steel coil in the handle becomes hot during cooking.
The Finex was a wiz with proteins due to the ample height of its grates. Fats were efficiently transported away from the meats, making for excellent grill marks with no frying effect and less splatter when flipping higher-fat items like the burgers. Turning with a spatula wasn’t a challenge, thanks to the outward-sloping sides. It didn’t just handle proteins well; our zucchini was well-marked, with exceptional browning and char. The unique design of this pan allows for pouring from many directions, making it great for both right- and left-handed cooks.
Size:11" diameter; 3" high |Materials:Cast Iron |Induction Compatible:Yes |Oven safe:Yes, to 500°F |Dishwasher safe:No
The Bottom Line: The Best Grill Pan
If you’re looking for the best grill pan, go with theLodge 10.5-Inch Cast Iron Square Grill Pan(view at Amazon)—it comes pre-seasoned, imparts even grill marks and comes at an unbeatable price. For a lighter pan that is dishwasher safe, theCalphalon Premier Nonstick 11-inch Grill Pan(view at Amazon) is a great choice. The handles stay cool, the grill marks are nice and even, and its performance with proteins was excellent.
Material and Design Matter
Cast iron has long been considered the preferred material for grill pans due to its ability to heat quickly and evenly and maintain temperature. Cast irondoes require careduring cleaning and cooking to maintain a well-seasoned finish, and pans are typically the heaviest available; they also have the added benefit ofadding trace amounts of ironto your food.
Nonstick, another popular material, yields a lighter pan, typically at a lower cost. Though no seasoning is required to use nonstick,maintaining the finishrequires carefully chosen utensils that won’t scratch the nonstick coating.
Better Grates for Better Grill Marks
The height and width of the ridges play a crucial role in the success of the pan’s performance, as those ridges not only create the signature grill marks but also elevate the food to allow moisture and fats to drain off the vegetables and proteins. This keeps food from frying or steaming in the pan and allows for the best sear, which imparts flavor.
Consider Your Cooking Surface
Lastly, the size and shape of the pan are also factors. Most grill pans are square or circular, although some larger options are rectangular. These shapes dictate the amount of food the pan can accommodate and the ability of the pan to work with a given stove to maximize heat retention and even cooking. In testing, we overwhelmingly preferred the performance of the square pans. The square surface area made space for more food and, in most cases, better fit the stove grates for optimal heat transfer.
Our Grill Pan Tests
Our first test was making agrilled cheese sandwichto evaluate the toasting performance and evenness of heating while making note of how the design played into the outcome. We looked for consistent, browned marks on each side of the sandwich and the“pull” of the melted cheese after toasting.
By cooking multiple planks of zucchini, we could gauge the effectiveness of the ridge height, noting that some pans were able to dispel the moisture as it came off the planks, while others were shallow and over-steamed the planks. The best pans could make distinct, consistent marks on each side of the vegetable and lightly steam the outside edges for perfect, tender zucchini. We could also use the zucchini test to determine how much each pan could accommodate and how easy it was to turn delicate vegetables.
We usedpork chopsto test each pan’s performance with thicker proteins, noting the time it took to reach an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit. After removing the chops, we could observe the browning and markings for evenness and depth of color. We thenmoved on to burgers, which, although not as thick as the chops, added the challenge of fat delivery. Pans were judged on how effectively the fat was channeled away from the meat and how easy it was to discard fats after the burgers were cooked.
For reversible or griddle pans, we tested pancakes, noting the amount each pan could accommodate and the evenness of the heat retention on each pan. Throughout the testing process, we used infrared thermometers to test how long it took the pans to heat up and cool down, in addition to gauging the temperature of other areas like sides and handles.
Testing concluded with cleaning and reseasoning pans for future use. Each pan was cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions and rated on how nonstick they were, how easy they were to handle during cleaning and how much effort was involved in getting them to look new again.
EatingWell / Will Dickey
GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11-Inch Grill Pan($72 at Amazon):We initially liked this pan for its light weight and the fact that, despite its nonstick properties, you could use metal utensils without damaging the surface. However, after 6 months of testing, we found the nonstick coating didn’t hold up to regular use, and both the interior and exterior acquired permanent stains.
KitchenAid 11-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan($120 at Amazon):This pan had less space between ridges, producing visually appealing grill marks. However, the lack of depth on the ridges resulted in limp zucchini.
Amazon Basics Preseasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle($35 at Amazon):With inconsistent heating and poor design, this pan was only lauded for its light weight.
OXO Non-Stick 11-Inch Grill Pan($50 at Amazon):With middle-of-the-road performance during our testing, this pan is incompatible with the oven or induction ranges, seriously limiting its functionality.
Cuisinart Enameled 9.25-Inch Square Grill Pan($54 at Amazon):We found this pan to offer a smaller cooking surface and uneven heating. As a result, it didn’t make our list.
What can you cook on a grill pan?
How do you clean a grill pan?
Cast iron pans need a good hand wash and quick, complete drying after each use. The exception to this rule is theLe Creusetenameled cast iron, which is dishwasher safe. The nonstick and ceramic pans on our list were universally dishwasher safe.
Tiffany Vickers Davisis a chef, writer and food entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. Beginning in high-profile restaurant kitchens, she owns and operates a fresh-prepared meal company that ships nationally. Before starting her company, she was the test kitchen director atCooking Lightmagazine, testing hundreds of products from stoves to knives during her 14-year tenure with the brand. As one of the testers of these grill pans, she had hands-on insight into the testing process and performance markers.
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