Tl;dr: Whether you're flipping burgers or searing a steak to perfection, discover a variety of grill pans crafted from robust cast iron to versatile anodized aluminum, and learn how to pick the best one for your culinary needs.

Call me biased, but there’s something about a piece of meat or vegetable with distinct grill marks and crispy charred edges that just tastes better. Whether it’s the caramelization or the Maillard reaction – food is tastier grilled, and you can’t change my mind about this.

Grilling can be a complicated affair. The weather has to be cooperative. Then there’s the issue of backyard or grill-approved outdoor space (read: condo balconies are a strict no-no), and if you’re cooking for just one or two, the whole fire up the grill process is too much hassle.

And that’s how I came about owning my first grill pan, a 10-inch Pre-Seasoned Lodge Cast Iron Skillet. I wanted to bring backyard barbecue-style flavors to our weekly meals, but with limited space and just me and my partner, we opted for a grill pan to replicate those rich charred flavors, hopefully without setting off the fire alarm – plot twist, we did.

This comprehensive guide with recommended products lays out everything you need to know when it comes to grill pans, from the aesthetic allure to the practical prowess of this kitchen essential.

What is a Grill Pan?

It shouldn’t have taken me this long to own a grill pan. When used correctly, this mainstay of any seasoned home chef’s kitchen truly brings the sizzle of an outdoor grill to the comfort of your stove. As grill pans are commonly made of cast iron, the excellent heat retention and distribution give it the ability to sear and cook with high heat (some are oven-safe up to 600°F), locking in flavors and juices makes it a go-to for searing steaks, charring veggies, and adding those aesthetically pleasing grill marks to your midnight grilled cheese sandwiches.

What to Consider When Buying a Grill Pan

How Is A Grill Pan Different From A Skillet?

At first glance, the biggest difference is that a skillet is smooth and flat, while a grill pan is usually square/round with raised ridges. These elevated ridges make all the difference. They’re responsible for those sought-after grill marks and should be high enough to keep the food off the bottom of the pan and away from any rendered fat. Aside from lifting food away from grease, the pan also allows browning to occur much faster than other parts of the food, hence imparting that perfect-looking sear. Where a skillet with tall walls and a flat bottom can double up for stir-fries or even making pancakes, a grill pan with its short walls and grills is more specific in its use case and won’t do well with shallow frying or saute dishes.

What Food Cooks Best On A Grill Pan?

The grill pan’s best friend is a nice juicy steak, but a charred chicken breast is equally delicious, as are some market fresh vegetables and even peaches or pineapples that really benefit from some quality time in a grill pan.

How Do You Deal With Rust On A Grill Pan?

The appearance of rust may seem like a death sentence for your beloved grill pan, but some warm water, white vinegar, baking soda, and elbow grease will usually bring it back to life. You will need to season it again as the scrubbing removes the pan’s natural patina, but a generous application of vegetable or flaxseed oil does the job.

How Much Does A Grill Pan Cost?

There’s a wide range of grill pans for every budget. From under $50 options from Lodge to heirloom pieces like those from Le Creuset, the best grill pan doesn't have to break the bank. It should be considered a valuable addition to your culinary arsenal.

Different Types of Grill Pans

From cast iron square or round grill pans to colored enameled cast iron pieces, there are a range of options to choose from. Some are made of carbon steel and even anodized aluminum ceramic for easy, no-fuss clean-ups and even reversible models that do double duty.

Cast Iron

A kitchen staple, cast iron grill pans excel in heat retention and durability, perfect for searing steaks and withstanding high temperatures. They easily handle being in the oven or on an actual barbecue grill and can last a lifetime if properly maintained.

Benefits:

• Superior heat retention and even distribution
• Nearly indestructible with proper care
• Naturally nonstick over time with seasoning
• Oven-safe up to 500°F

Be Aware:

• Very heavy, which can be a challenge to handle
• Prone to rust without proper maintenance
• Requires seasoning to maintain a nonstick surface
• Can react to acidic foods

Best For: High-heat searing, stove to oven scenarios

Carbon Steel

Combining the best of cast iron's heat properties with a lighter, more responsive design, carbon steel pans are ideal for quick seating and sauteing as they respond well to changing cooking temperatures. They are also generally safe to use with metal utensils.

Benefits:

• Lightweight (approximately 3lbs) compared to cast iron
• Heats up quickly and evenly
• Durable and tough for professional use

Be Aware:

• Requires seasoning like cast iron
• Can be prone to rust if not dried properly
• Slightly less heat retention than cast iron

Best For: Cooking on induction and glass stovetops, anyone who prefers a lighter pan but wants similar benefits to cast iron.

Enameled Cast Iron

Offering the timeless benefits of cast iron without the need for seasoning, enameled cast irons add a splash of style to any kitchen and are suitable for serving directly from the stovetop.

Benefits:

• Doesn’t require seasoning, easy maintenance
• Resistant to acidic foods
• Comes in a variety of colors and looks attractive for serving
• Oven-safe up to 500°F

Be Aware:

• Typically more expensive than regular cast irons
• Enamel coating can chip if dropped or banged
• Not as nonstick as a well-seasoned cast iron pan

Best For: Searing, recipes that involve acidic ingredients, serving directly from the pan to the table, chefs looking for low maintenance options.

Anodized Aluminum

Engineered for fast, uniform heat, these modern, lightweight grill pans provide even heat and a nonstick surface, making them ideal for quick, hassle-free grilling.

Benefits:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Good heat conductivity for even cooking
• Often dishwasher safe and easy to clean

Be Aware:

• Not as durable as cast iron or carbon steel
• Can be less tolerant of very high heat
• Some may not be compatible with induction stovetops
• Some models are only oven safe up to 400°F

Best For: Quick grilling tasks, cooks needing a nonstick surface for delicate foods, easy cleanup and maintenance.

2-in-1 Grill Pans

The ultimate in versatility, 2-in-1 grill pans double your cooking options, perfect for grilling on one side and griddling on the other, or grilling and sauteing in one pan.

Benefits:

• Versatile, with cast iron benefits
• Can cover two burners for larger cooking surface
• Great for cooking a variety of foods with different needs

Be Aware:

• Can be bulky and require more storage space
• Takes longer to heat up fully across the entire surface
• May have a learning curve for even cooking on both sides

Best For: Preparing full meals with different components, cooking breakfast items on the griddle side and meats on the grill side, large families or entertaining multiple guests.

Features to Look for When Buying a Grill Pan

Will you be cooking steaks or just grilling vegetables? Your cooking style will dictate your perfect match. If you like burgers and bacon, the Lodge Pro Grid Reversible Griddle will be music to your ears, easily catching splatter and grease. For the veggie aficionado, the Staub Cast Iron 10” Grill Pan produces gorgeous grill marks while the Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill is an excellent all-rounder and makes for easier lifting, claiming to be the “lightest weight cast iron by quart on the market.”

Material

Cast iron is hands down the most popular for its durability and master heat abilities, and when cared for, can last a lifetime. However, aluminum options offer a lighter alternative that still heats up in a snap.

Weight

While heft is a hallmark of quality – cast iron grill pans tend to weigh at least 6 lb – there are practical reasons to consider a lighter alternative like Carbon Steel or hard-anodized aluminum, which is lighter and easier to maneuver.

Maintenance

Some pans demand a bit more TLC — like a good hand-wash and seasoning routine. All in, a non-scratch scouring pad and some hot water should be enough to clean your average grill pan.

Design

Depending on your needs and lifestyle, a 2-in-1 vesatile design might be more suitable and can save space and money.

Handles

If you don’t want to deal with accidental burns or oven mitts, take a closer look to see if the handles are heat-resistant or designed with a coil handle that stays cool or riveted steel handles.

How To Choose The Best Grill Pan For You

Picking out the right grill pan can be quite overwhelming as there are so many good options available these days. To help the research and buying process these three personas may help you narrow down the choices.

Jason And Claudia:

This late 20s/30s couple are avid foodies putting together their wedding gift registry and forever kitchen. They’re currently dining out frequently but would like to cook more meals at home. They’re interested in investing in higher grade equipment that can help them achieve a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Features Jason and Claudia should look for:

• Prioritizes quality and aesthetics but also durability
• A cast iron grill pan that will last a lifetime
• Oven-safe tools as they enjoy finishing dishes with a quick broil for a nice crunchy texture.

Grill Pan Examples: Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill, Misen Grill Lid, Staub Cast Iron 10” Grill Pan

Bill:

Bill has recently decided to eat better for his health. He’s interested in eating more grass-fed beef and lean proteins, but does not want to spend too much time in the kitchen. He wants to invest in multi-functional equipment, preferably a barbecue gril for when the weather turns warm.

Features Bill should look for:

• Multi-functional kitchen products
• Durable kitchen equipment that does not need much maintenance
• A stylish grill pan that’s pre-seasoned and ready to use

Grill Pan Examples: Lodge Pro Grid Reversible Griddle, Finex 10” Cast Iron Grill Pan, Lodge 10.5 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan

Natalie:

Natalie wants to refresh her kitchen with higher-end tools. She has more time to tinker with new found recipes on the Internet and is planning to entertain more at home.

Features Natalie should look for:

• Lighter cast iron grill pan for easier usage
• Kitchen equipment that’s made from updated materials/metals
• A presentable grill pan she can use from stove to oven to table

Grill pan examples: GreenPan Valencia 11-Inch Anodized Aluminum Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan, Merten & Storck Carbon Steel 11" Grill Pan, Anolon Advanced Home Hard-Anodized Nonstick Divided Grill and Griddle Pan, 12.5-Inch:

Find the Best Grill Pan for You

It can be overwhelming to try to find the right choice for your needs, particularly if you don’t have experience with grill pans. Whether you're outfitting a forever home kitchen, seeking multifunctionality, or refreshing your culinary tools with a high-end selection, it’ll boil down to personal preferences in terms of cooking style, weight, and even heat conductivity. If you feel you need more information or advice, reach out to one of our Curated Kitchen Experts! Any of our Curated Kitchen Experts would be more than happy to help you find the perfect grill pan that’s just right for you.