4 Best Grill Pans – to Get for Perfect Indoor Grilling

We’re right in the middle of grilling season and for those of you with an outdoor cooking space it’s surely all systems go! It is always good to have a back up plan though, as the weather can spoil outdoor plans, or maybe you don’t have an outdoor space or don’t want to set up a fully equipped barbeque for just a few people. So, if you like to grill but can’t organise it outdoors, fear not as in this case a grill pan is the perfect piece of cookware to bring the outdoor flavours and aromas indoors.

Grill pans give your favourite meats and vegetables defined grill marks, and although the exact same smoky flavour is not achieved as when using a charcoal grill, this is a perfectly acceptable indoor grill experience. Grill pans don’t require setting up, create a mess, are easier to clean, and very easy to store together with other pots and pans.

Whether you are grilling fish, a juicy piece of meat, or vegetables, with a good grill pan you will make a delicious meal with a barbecue feel.

List of best grill pans

• Most popular – Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch
• Best reversible – Lodge LDP3 Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch
• Best ceramic – GreenPan Paris Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 11″ Square Grill Pan
• Best round – Cuisinart 630-30 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Round Grill Pan

Things to consider before buying 

Size

As with other cookware, it is important to choose the correct size and shape for your needs. Depending on the size of your cooking stove and burners you can decide what suits best. Also check storage space as the larger the pan the more storage space you will need.

Material

There are different materials available. We like cast iron because it heats evenly, but it is heavy. Aluminium or ceramic cookware nowadays are available with  non-stick coatings and are lighter in weight. It is important to check if the materials are compatible with your cooktops at home, whether it’s gas, ceramic or induction. 

Ease of use

It is important to consider the ease of cleaning after cooking. Grill pans with non-stick coatings are simple to clean but the heavy iron cast models will need a bit more scrubbing. A good soak in warm soapy water will help release trapped food from between the ridges and grooves. We don’t recommend cleaning them in the dishwasher. 

Overview of best grill pans

Most popular – Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch

This model is probably the most popular because it is seasoned and ready to use upon purchase. This oven safe grill pan can be used on all cooking surfaces and even on campfires. It’s made in the USA and stands the test of time. Best for small foods as the pan is only 10.5 inch (26cm).

Read also: Best indoor electric grills

Best reversible – Lodge LDP3 Reversible Grill/Griddle, 9.5-inch x 16.75-inch

Although not officially a pan this reversible grill/griddle has a great heat retention. It can be used in the oven as well as on the grill or on the stove. The ridged grill pan is perfect to cook steaks and all foods where you want grill marks, while the other side is a flat griddle to be used for cooking bacon or pancakes or heating foods such as tortillas. We often use this model to enlarge our cooking space simply because it is large enough to fit 2 smaller cooking pots or saucepans on it to keep sauces or foods warm. This model is pre-seasoned and can be used right away after purchase. It is easy to store because of the rectangular shape and the thin size.

Read also: Best gas barbecues for easy grilling

Best ceramic – GreenPan Paris Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 11″ Square Grill Pan

GreenPan’s Thermolon uses a healthy ceramic non-stick coating free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so it will never release toxic fumes, even if accidentally overheated. The hard anodized body is scratch-resistant and the pan, including the riveted stainless steel handle, is oven and broiler safe up to 315°C (600°F). This ceramic grill pan is suitable for all stovetops except induction and it is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

Read also: Tips for easy grilling

Best round – Cuisinart 630-30 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 12-Inch Round Grill Pan

This Cuisinart grill pan with a durable exterior is a good choice if you prefer a round grill pan.

It is made with a quantanium non-stick interior and a cool grip handle. The pan is pretty deep and has a drip free rim, tapered for clean and easy pouring. It’s easy to clean but handwash only.

Round-up of bbq and grilling information

Equipment:
Gas barbecue reviews
Electric indoor grill reviews
BBQ utensils and accessories
Grill pan reviews
Outdoor dinnerware

Barbecuing and grilling information:
How to host a bbq in 6 steps
7 Steps to grilling on a gas barbecue
Setting up your outdoor kitchen area
BBQ vs grilling vs smoking

Recipes:
Grilled watermelon with feta cheese
Asian chicken skewers on the grill
Marinated monkfish kebabs on the grill
Grilled marinated lamb with wine and peppercorns
Grilled pork cheeks with white peaches
Mediterranean lamb chops on the grill
Grilled prawns in green herb marinade
Chinese pork ribs on the barbecue
Potato salad is the perfect barbecue sidedish