What Is The Best Grill Pan?
When searching for the best grill pan, you want one that will distribute heat evenly and provide the best value. We selected Cuisinart CI30-23CR Chef’s Classic Enameled 9-1/4-Inch Square Grill Pan. This grill pan has an enamel lining that does not impact the food’s flavor. It does not absorb any of the food odors.
Hankering for a durable iron grill pan? Fret not as we’ve got you covered. A grill pan (or a griddle pan) is a frying pan but incorporates raised ridges on its base. These grills mark massively aid the oil to drip as opposed to a typical frying pan, thus, it’s fair to say that a grill pan is optimal for preparing steaks indoors as they mimic what a grill does quite effectively.
Frying pans fashioned from cast irons are incredibly durable and offer superior heat retention. They also distribute heat evenly across the whole surface area thus, a constant need for regulating the food isn’t necessary.
Pans for grilling are a must-have accessory in a kitchen. Apart from steak, they also come in handy in the preparation of veggies and even bread. The following hand-picked grill pans are the best grill pans out there, and you’ll get yourself a bargain if you choose one of them.
It is constructed of cast iron which allows the pan to distribute heat evening and also retain heat. The Cuisinart has wide handles to give you a secure and comfortable grip. It can be used on the stove top or in the oven. It is dishwasher safe.
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- Top Grill Pans Comparisons
- 10 Best Grill Pans
- Things You Need To Know Before Buying The Best Grill Pan
- FAQs
- Our Recommendation
Top Grill Pans Comparisons
 | 1. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Grill Pan (Best overall)Explicitly fashioned from cast iron and with a porcelain-enameled cast, Cuisinart is guaranteed to retain heat with its 9.25 inches surface area. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Grill Pan(Best Budget)Specifically designed from durable cast iron, this 10.5 inches cast iron square grill pan is ideal for sautéing, searing, frying, and baking. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Reversible Grills PanTDistinctively contrived from the much reliable cast iron, this 20.5 x 10.5 inches reversible grilled frying pan is made to last you for a very long time. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Calphalon Signature Grill PanOne of the best grilling pans the market offers, Calphalon is fabricated from the heavy-gauge hard-anodized interior and made to last. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. Anolon Advanced Grill PanOThis 11 inch heavy-duty, hard-anodized grill pan not only ensures the heat retention factor is optimized but also offers easy clean up after use. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Silicone Bread and Loaf PanManufactured from 100% Food Grade Silicone, this baking pan is typically designed to cook bread, quiche, meatloaf, lasagna, and potpies. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Pyrex 1.5-Quart Loaf PanWith its incredibly ergonomic design, this loaf pan is explicitly designed to prepare and heat loaves of bread. The Pyrex Glass further adds to its elegance. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Instant Pot Official Mini Loaf PansThe instant pot is designed to make dinner and dessert simultaneously. The non-sticking feature further augments the elegance of lasagna and casseroles. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Wilton Recipe Bread Loaf Baking PanManufactured from steel, this medium loaf baking grill with pan is uniquely fashioned to make bread and available in vibrant colors. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Calphalon Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick CookwareOne of the best pans, this ultra-durable, high heat steel pan is ideal for heat retention when making muffins. Furthermore, it distributes heat evenly across the pan. | Read Our Review |
10 Best Grill Pans
To find the best grill pans, we studied the reviews and ratings from consumers and professionals. From the countless models we researched, these ten are the ones we feel offer the best value, reputation and cooking ability.
Best Overall
1. Cuisinart CI30-23CR Chef’s Classic Enameled Cast Iron 9-1/4-Inch Square Pan
What you will love: It does not absorb odors and distributes heat evenly. The Cuisinart CI30-23CR Chef’s Classic Cast Iron Pan has an interior that is lined with enamel so it will not change the flavor of the food, or absorb any of the food odors.
The construction of cast iron gives the pan the ability to distribute heat evenly and provide exceptional heat retention.
It has wide handles that allow you to have a secure and comfortable grip on the pan. The Chef’s Classic Square Grill Pan has an oven safe knob allowing you to have a lasting grip.
You can cook, serve and entertain directly from the Cuisinart. This Cusinart is perfect if you want to start cooking steak on a grill pan. It can be used on the stove, or in the oven, or even under a broiler. This only weighs a little more than five pounds. Its dimensions are 15.9 inches by 10.2 inches by 3.4 inches.
Cuisinart is known to be a timeless and durable cookware manufacturer. The Cuisinart is easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe. You can find the best grill pan on the market, the Cuisinart CI30-23CR, at Amazon for about $38 to $43.
Pros:
- Easy cleanup and dishwasher safe.
- Many colors from which to choose.
Cons:
- You should use only wooden utensils that are gentle on the enamel.
Best Budget
2. Lodge 10.5 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
What you will love: It has ribs on the grill that raises the food and collects food drippings. The Lodge Square Cast Iron is one of the best pans because it is unmatched in its ability to retain heat and the grill pan heats evenly.
Lodge uses its 120 years of experience to create durable, versatile and high-quality products. This Lodge 10.5 inch grill pan is made in the US in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee.
The Lodge company was built on strong values and solid American history to create the highest quality cookware. They family run company uses cast iron and carbon steel to manufacture their products.
This square pan is per seasoned for to allow for perfect grilling and easy draining. You can use it to bake, fry, boil, and sear foods. Lodge does not use anything synthetic to season its grill pan. Instead, they use 100 percent vegetable oil.
Food releases easily from the grill pan due to the seasoning. The more you use your grill pan, the better seasoned it will get. The Lodge Square brand should be cleaned by hand washing with mild soap. You can wash it without soap, also. You must dry it right away and completely with a cloth that is lint free.
Rub on a thin layer of vegetable oil while the grill is still warm. It should be stored in a dry place. You can find The Lodge ranging in price from $19 to $45, depending on where you purchase it.
Pros:
- It can be used on any heat source.
- The more the grill pan is used, the better seasoned it gets.
Cons:
- You must continue to season it with oil.
Best Cast Iron Reversible Grill Pan
3. Lodge LPGI3 Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible 20″ x 10″ Grill/Griddle Pan with Easy-Grip Handles 10″ x 20″
What you will love: It is reversible. You are getting two grill pans in one. The Lodge LPGI3 Pro Grid and Griddle Reversible Pan have a griddle pan with ribs on one side and it is flat on the other side.
This grill pan fits across two burners on the stove top. It has two handles that are easy to grip and can be used to lift, or hang the pan when not being used. The flat side can be used for foods like eggs or pancakes.
The ribbed side can be used for grilled food like steak and chicken. The Lodge reversible comes already seasoned. Lodge does not use any chemicals or synthetics in its coatings. It is seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil. The more it is used, the better the seasoning gets.
All Lodge products are manufactured in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee. This family run company was built and still operates on it solid American history and values and is proud to create the highest quality cookware. All products are made from carbon steel and cast iron.
To clean this Lodge grill pan, you should hand wash your cast iron pan with mild soap, or no soap at all. Dry your pan immediately with a lint free towel. Season the pan after cleaning with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Store the pan in a dry place.
Pros:
- Double-sided cooking surface for different types of foods.
- Big enough to fit across two burners.
Cons:
- You have to continue to season the grill pan with oil.
Best Nonstick Round Grill Pan
4. Calphalon 1948254 Signature Hard Anodized Nonstick Pan
What you will love: It has Signature Sear Nonstick interior to cook food evenly. The Calphalon 1948254 Signature Hard Anodized Nonstick falls into the best grill pan category because it is manufactured a hard anodized, heavy gauge aluminum for extra durability.
Calphalon is a best-rated brand because of its blending of performance, nonstick convenience, and durability.
This 12 inch round griddle pan has an interior that has Calphalon’s signature sear nonstick surface. It is free of the chemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), which is found in Teflon.
The inside of the grill pan has ribs to provide grill lines and flavor to your food while draining off excess fat during cooking. This makes it so easy to grill hamburgers and hot dogs from inside your house. It also handles chicken and vegetable like a pro.
The hard anodized surface distributes heat more evenly making this the perfect way to prepare paninis and grilled cheese. The handle is made of brushed stainless steel and remains cool when you are cooking on top of the stove.
You can use any type of utensil you want on the griddle, even metal won’t scratch the surface. This griddle is dishwasher safe, which makes it effortless to clean.
Calphalon provides a full lifetime warranty for any products that have defects in workmanship or parts. Calphalon will replace the grill if it is cared for and used properly.
Pros:
- You can use any type of utensil on this.
- Brushed stainless steel handle stays cool on the stove top.
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than your average grill pan.
Best Nonstick Deep Square Grill Pan
5. Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Inch Dee Square Grill Pan
What you will love: It has spouts on either side of the pan to easily drain fat. The Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized is 11 inches deep with pour spouts.
This square pan is heavy duty and its construction is hard anodized. It allows for the heat to distribute evenly for incredible cooking performance.
It has ridges along the interior to give your food grill marks. It has a channel around the sides that collects and holds fats, or any other liquids.
This channel keeps the liquid away from the food and the spouts on the side make dumping out the fat an easy task.
This deep square pan does not contain the chemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). It uses DuPont Autograph 2 on the internal surface to ensure it remains nonstick. You can use metal utensils as the surface of this to can up to professional use.
Thanks to the nonstick surface, clean up is a breeze. The handle is made of a rubber stainless steel Anolon grip to give you confidence when lifting it. The handle is safe for the oven up to 400 degrees F.
This is light, weighing in at only 2.5 pounds. The dimensions are 11 inches wide by 11 inches deep by 3.75 inches high. Anolon offers a limited lifetime warranty on their products.
Pros:
- Pour spouts to remove fat.
- Any type of utensils can be used on the pan.
Cons:
- It cannot be used on an induction stovetop.
Read our hard anodized cookware review here: Best hard anodized cookware sets
Best Korean Non-Stick Grill Pan
6. TeChef Stovetop Korean BBQ Non-Stick Grill Pan
What you will love: It is an innovative cooking system with a unique draining system. The TeChef Korean BBQ Grill Pan uses innovative technology to provide you with a healthy and effective way to cook.
It boasts a unique swirl channel design and dome-shaped bottom that keeps fat and grease away from the food.
This allows your cooking to be lower in fat but does not take away from the flavor of the food. This is excellent for pork belly, or any kind of meat.
It has a hole in it which is where the grease comes out from the channel. You will need to put a glass container underneath the hole to catch the grease. This does not come with a drip cup. The TeChef is has five layers of Teflon select coating to provide the absolute best non-stick surface of any grill pan.
It is made from a heavy gauge aluminum which makes it a durable piece of cookware that you will use for a long time. It does not contain the chemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), so it is safe.
The TeChef Korean BBQ has a cool look and comes with its own cooking surface. Its cooking surface offers high power with 11,500 BTUs. It also has its own auto electric ignition.
Pros:
- The innovative design allows grease to drain away from the food providing a healthier way to cook.
Cons:
- It does create smoke.
- You will need a glass container to catch the fat that drips out.
Best Nonstick Square Grill Pan
7. Cuisinart GG30-20 Green Gourmet Hard Anodized Nonstick 11 Inch Square Grill Pan
What you will love: It uses 70 percent recycled materials and is its packaging is 100 percent recycled materials. The Cuisinart GG30-20 Green Gourmet is a 70 percent recycled grill pan. This square pan is 12 inches and made of hard anodized aluminum.
The interior has a ceramic base that is nonstick and incredibly durable. You use much less energy when cooking with it because of how well it conducts heat.
It safe to use in the broiler and the oven up to 400 degrees. It has a riveted handle that stays cool and won’t burn your hands while using it on the stove top.
The Ceramics interior of the pan is exclusive to Cuisinart and does not contain the chemicals PTFE and PFOA. It does not contain petroleum. The packaging is made from materials that are 100 percent recycled and biodegradable soy ink is used for the printing.
Cuisinart used a more refined manufacturing technique to craft their grill pan, which used less energy and released less carbon into the air. It has exceptional heat conduction, which gives you the same professional results while using less energy to cook your food. You should hand wash your pan with a mild soap.
For over 35 years, Cuisinart has been using the best materials to make their professional cookware. They continue to be innovative and provide the quality you have come to expect with their Green Gourmet Hard Anodized.
Pros:
- It is an environmentally conscious product.
- Incredibly durable and resistant against wear.
Cons:
- It must be hand washed.
Best Stainless Steel Square Grill Pan
8. OXO Good Grips Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Pro 11″ Square Grill Pan
What you will love: It is completely stainless steel and has rolled edges for drop-free pouring. The OXO stainless steel features a unique design with rolled edges to allow you to pour from the pan without dripping any liquid.
OXO has kept you in mind with the contoured handle that stays cool and can be gripped comfortably. This pan has a core made of heat radiant aluminum that is sandwiched between two 18/10 stainless steel layers.
The stainless steel is magnetic which gives you the ability to cook evenly from all sides. You can easily and quickly cook meat, vegetables and more.
It also has a unique interior design with its rounded bottom. This allows you to stir the contents easily. This is resisted scratches and it ultra durable.
You can use it in the oven up to 430 degrees. It can be used on any stovetop, even induction stovetops. It is dishwasher safe. This weighs about 3.5 pounds. The dimensions are 19.3 inches by 11.9 inches by 3.1 inches.
Pros:
- It can be used on induction stovetops.
- It is easy to clean in the dishwasher.
Cons:
- A little heavier than many other pans.
More details on stainless steel cookware: Best stainless steel cookware reviews
Best Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
9. Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill, 10 1/4″
What you will love: It is excellent for slow cooking or searing at high temperatures. The Le Creuset Cast Iron Signature Square Skillet Grill sets itself apart from other cast iron grill pans because of its long history of durability and strength.
Each pan is set in individual sand molds and inspected by hand by the best French artisans. Each one is crafted to represent the long history and rich tradition of Le Creuset.
This grill pain is made of the finest enameled cast iron to allow for even heat distribution. It has ridges inside to allow fats and liquids to be pulled away from the food while cooking.
This allows for lower fat cooking. The ridges also leave beautiful grill marks and the flavor of outdoor grilling on your food all from the comfort of your kitchen.
Le Creuset crafts their pans with a black enamel finish that does not need seasoning. This protective finish protects it from every day use and prevents damage.
The handle is made of cast iron and has a smaller handle on the opposite side to help you carry the pan. The pan has two spots on either side to allow for ease of pouring. The pan weighs over six pounds. The dimensions are 11.8 inches by 17 inches by 2 inches.
It is dishwasher safe. The exterior enamel comes in brilliant colors that is resistant to cracking and chipping.
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Le Creuset experience and durability
- No seasoning needed
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
Best Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Grill Pan
10. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware, Square Pan
What you will love: It has a large area to allow for extra servings. The Calphalon Contemporary Square Pan is constructed from a heavy gauge aluminum giving it the ability to cook evenly.
The hard anodized interior makes it incredibly durable. It has three layers of coating.
The bottom two layers give the pan its durable qualities. The top layer allows the food to release easily from the grill pan.
The pan is 11 inches and has interior ridges that are deep to give your food a grilled flavor. The handle is long and is made from brushed stainless steel. It allows for easy lifting and carrying.
The handle stays cool to the touch when you’re cooking on the stovetop and the grill pan is safe for the oven, up to 450 degrees. Any type of utensil can be used on the nonstick surface. It weighs 2.75 pounds and the dimensions are 11 inches by 15 inches by 2 inches.
The Calphalon is dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to hand wash this to extend the life. Calphalon offers a lifetime warranty on all of their products.
Pros:
- Oven safe up to 450 degrees
- Triple layer of coating
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Really should be hand washed, even though it claims to be dishwasher safe.
Read next our Calphalon pots & pans reviews
Things You Need to Know Before Buying The Best Grill Pan
When you are looking for the best grill pans, you want a pan that will cook your BBQ completely without much effort on your part. You want a pan that is not too heavy for you to lift and carry.
Size Matters
When looking for a grill pan, size matters. You want a grill pan that can meet your cooking needs and hold the proper amount of food for you and your family. Be sure the interior is big enough to cook more than one steak at a time.
Construction Materials
The materials are key. You want a grill pan that will distribute heat evenly like a cast iron. When looking for a grill pan, you want one that will give your food the same flavor as if you cooked in on a grill.
Shape of The Pan
This is important because you want a grill pan that holds the food you want. You want a grill pan with ribs and channels to pull the fat away from the food during cooking. You also want a grill pan that has a rounded bottom, so you can stir your food more easily.
Comfortable Handles
Be sure the grill pan you pick has handles that stay cool to the touch. You want a handle that you can hold comfortably in your hand.
Preferably, you want a grill pan with a long handle on one side and a smaller helper handle on the opposite side. This will help you carry your grill pan.
Weight
You want a grill pan that is not too heavy to hold. Remember, food adds weight. If the grill pan is too heavy for you without food in it, it is going to be unmanageable with food.
Price
Price is important, but should not be the driving factor. Make sure the pan is in your price range, but also gives you the quality you desire. Remember, the most expensive product may not always be the best one. Look at all the features a grill pan offers you before you rule it out.
FAQs
Are Grill Pans Worth It?
As mentioned earlier, the inclusion of a grill pan further solidifies your kitchen’s arsenal. Grill pans mimic precisely what an outdoor grill does without any hustle of setting up the grill outside. Thus, it is fair to say that grill pans are worth the trouble.
What is the Best Non-stick Grill Pan?
According to our list, the Cuisinart C130-23 CR Grill Pan is the best nonstick grill pan. The incorporation of cast iron in its manufacturing process strengthens the durability factor, whereas the porcelain enameled interior massively aids in making the nonstick surface.
Are Cast Iron Grill Pans Good?
Cast iron grill pans should be your first choice when purchasing a grill pan. Enameled cast iron enhances the overall durability of the grill pan and diminishes its rate of abrasion.
Will a Grill Pan Work on an Electric Stove or Oven?
A grill pan is explicitly designed for a gas stove, but it can still be used on an electric stove or oven. Although, it might not work flawlessly on either of the two.
Our Recommendation For The Best Grill Pan
Since your craving for food is unlimited, rest assured that so are your options when purchasing a grill pan. The grill pans reviewed above are the top players in the market due to their unique features, distinctive traits, and ergonomic designs.
You can be sure that all the grill pans listed above will cater to your cooking needs, whether it be preparing a steak, making some veggies, or even baking bread.
On the other hand, the best BBQ pan award goes to the Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Enameled Square Pan. You can use it from grilling to searing or to simmering in the casseroles. Plus, you can safely use it on any cooking surface (oven, stove, or broiler).
What is also great is that the Porcelain Enamel Interior does not impart flavors or absorb odors, which means a delicious but also a nutritious meal is waiting for you. Last but not least, Cuisinart is dishwasher safe, saving you from the trouble of cleaning after a long day.
