Best Overall
Techef Stovetop Korean Bbq Grill Pan
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A well-constructed grill pan is the ultimate tool for barbecue lovers, apartment dwellers, and healthy eaters. You don’t necessarily need a fire pit or an electric grill to enjoy a beautifully seared steak. Grill pans are designed with ridges and spacious cooktops to let the meats sizzle in their fats and juices, serving you a grease-free sear. Ready to start cooking? We've tested the best grill pans on the market and can safely say that the TeChef Stovetop Korean BBQ Grill Pan it our favorite grill at the moment. But if you want more options, we have several recommendations for you. Read on to learn more!
Buying Guide: Grill Pans
Decoding the anatomy of a grill pan is crucial to understanding features and specifications that maximize its utility. Our detailed buying guide will help you understand your grilling preferences to scoop up the most versatile grill pan to satisfy your needs.
Design and Dimensions
Dimensions of the cooking surface matter a great deal, and most grill pans usually come in 10-11 inches. We advise determining the ideal size by reflecting on your cooking and serving needs. If you cook for one or two people, a small grill pan should be sizable enough for grilling three to four hamburgers. But if you're grilling to feed a crowd or a big family, a double burner grill pan is ideally suited for large batches. Doubler burners cover two stovetops with their spacious rectangular-shaped surface area, packing enough space for several large hamburgers. Most grilling enthusiasts prefer square-shaped grill pans to enjoy an extended surface area, especially for meals that require single-layer grilling. If you're planning to use the pan for sauteing or stir-frying, any shape will do nicely. While square and rectangular grill pans provide extended surface area, round grill pans offer even heat distribution. If you need a pan that combines grilling and griddling features, consider investing in a reversible grill pan with ridged and smooth surfaces.
Material of Construction
Grill pans are constructed with numerous metals, and each material provides a different utility. It's wise to reflect on your grilling preferences and convenience and consider the maintenance needs of the material while choosing a grill pan.
Cast iron
If you like grilling the traditional way, a cast iron grill pan is a must-have for your kitchen. It's the ideal material to grill at high temperatures, mimicking the experience and quality of an outdoor grill. You can pop it into the oven after searing the meat on the stovetop without worrying about damaging the pan. However, cast iron is a high-maintenance commitment that demands regular seasoning, hand-washing, and immediate drying. Grilling fanatics looking for a low-maintenance cast iron pan should consider exploring enameled cast iron varieties to escape the finicky seasoning, cleaning, and drying demands.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a highly recommended and popular material when buying grill pans and super-functional cookware. Hard-anodized aluminum grill pans offer excellent value for money, as they undergo an extensive chemical oxidation process to build corrosion resistance and offer lifelong durability. Typically, hard-anodized aluminum grill pans have a nonstick coating, offering even heat distribution and superior conduction. Cast aluminum is another popular and super-functional material constructed from molten aluminum, cast into a mold to create a highly refined, durable, and versatile cookware product. Cast aluminum grill pans are lightweight and savvy conductors, and you can find varieties of them layered with nonstick coating.
Ceramic
Ceramic grill pans are popular with culinary enthusiasts who prefer adding aesthetic and functional pieces to their kitchenware. Ceramic-coated grill pans are designed with a sturdy metal base, such as stainless steel or aluminum, covered with a nonstick coating. These grill pans offer excellent heat conduction and distribution, but they're not as durable as aluminum or cast iron.
Handles
The wrong handle will quickly transform a grill pan into a useless and hazardous item. After all, you don't want to burn your fingers every time you grill a hamburger. Metal and cast iron handles are ill-advised as they become extremely hot very quickly. Plastic handles stay cool to the touch, but grill pans with plastic fixtures aren't oven-friendly. We advise investing in dual-sided handles made with heavy material, such as cast iron or hard-anodized aluminum, for effortless utility. Some grilling enthusiasts prefer one handle, while others find it easier to operate grill pans with handles on both sides.
Grease channels
Grease channels, also known as pour spouts, are a dynamic feature that can make your grill pan an absolute dream to use and clean. Now, this feature isn't absolutely necessary, and it will increase the cost of the product, but it is definitely worth the money. Grill pans tend to accumulate hefty amounts of grease, preventing you from achieving that perfect sear that you enjoy. Grease channels are designed for effortless cleanup and eliminating the grease buildup easily so you can enjoy searing your meats to perfection.
Versatility
You don't want to bring home a grill pan that works fine on the stovetop but crumbles inside the oven. Grill pans should be versatile and compatible with all heat sources and ideal for grilling several types of meat and ingredients. You should ideally be able to use these pans on the stovetop, oven, campfire, and broilers, alongside preparing multiple recipes and meals. Be sure to examine the versatility and usability of the material before setting your heart on a grill pan. For a better cooking experience, use your grill pans with grill covers, grill tongs, grill kits, grill stones, and grill gloves.
Top Picks
- Best Overall: Techef Stovetop Korean Bbq Grill Pan
- Exceptional Durability: Cooks Standard Square Grill Pan
- Top-Rated On Amazon: Cuisinart Chef's Round Grill Pan
- For Perfect Sear Marks: Ninja Foodi Neverstick Premium Grill Pan
- Best Budget Buy: Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan
Reviews
Exceptional Durability
Cooks Standard Square Grill Pan
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Top-Rated on Amazon
Cuisinart Chef's Round Grill Pan
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For Perfect Sear Marks
Ninja Foodi Neverstick Premium Grill Pan
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Best Budget Buy
Iwatani Takoyaki Grill Pan
| Pros | Cons |
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FAQs
Which material is best for a grill pan?
Cast iron, hard-anodized aluminum, and stainless steel are excellent materials to invest in a durable and versatile grill pan. We advise reflecting on your grilling needs, heat sources, and maintenance preferences while selecting the material.
Should I buy an aluminum grill pan?
Grill pans designed with hard-anodized and cast aluminum offer lasting durability, versatility, even heat distribution, and effortless maintenance. They are an excellent investment, and most varieties come with a nonstick coating.
Is a grill pan useful for cooking steaks?
Grill pans are the ideal cookware to prepare steaks indoors without compromising the sear doneness and juicy flavor you adore.