The grill pan allows you to bake ribs, cook steaks and other dishes that will be no worse than in a restaurant. The special thing is that you can cook with it without oil. Thanks to the non-stick coating, food will not stick to the surface. It can completely replace a barbecue, grill and toaster. In this article, we have ranked the best grill pans for 2021 according to experts and buyers.
Huge selection of pans
How are they different from regular ones?
A grill pan is significantly different from a regular one. The main difference is the thickened corrugated bottom. On the ribbed surface, the steaks are covered with an incompletely crispy crust. The juice flows into small depressions, due to which the meat and any other food turns out juicy, and in addition to frying, it is also stewed.
In a regular one, the juice that is released with the food begins to burn, which is why smoke appears during cooking. Especially the grill will be an excellent choice for those who are on a diet. After all, cooking does not require the use of oil.
Products are not only round in shape. They can also be square or rectangular. The bottom thickness starts from 5 mm.
Material
An important requirement for cookware is the ability to withstand high temperatures. The meat should be fried in it, not stewed in its own juices. A modern steak frying pan heats up quickly and retains heat for a long time. Tableware is made from various materials, each having advantages and disadvantages. Combined options are also common, when different metals are used to make the body and bottom.
Cast iron
The advantages of a classic steak pan include:
- good thermal conductivity;
- uniform heating;
- scratch resistance;
- ease of care;
- durability.
When cooking in cast iron steak pans, the meat is cooked equally in the center of the pan and along the edges. The metal heats up slowly, but retains heat for a long time. The material is not afraid of mechanical damage - pieces can be turned over with a metal spatula, tongs, or fork. Cast iron has a porous structure; when first used, meat or fish may burn. Gradually, the pores become clogged with microscopic particles of fat, and the dishes for frying meat acquire non-stick properties.
Experts advise using a steak frying pan made of cast iron only for its intended purpose. It is not advisable to cook other dishes on it to avoid foreign odors. Wash cast iron cookware without using harsh abrasives to preserve the natural non-stick coating. Its disadvantages include heavy weight (3–4 kg), poor resistance to corrosion, and fragility. Use heavy cast iron cookware on glass stoves with caution.
Aluminum
Made from cast, lightweight metal, the steak frying pan is lightweight. Its advantages also include fast heating. Most models are equipped with marble or Teflon coating, which allows you not to use oil when frying. The price of an aluminum grill pan for steaks depends on:
- casting type;
- size;
- thickness of walls and bottom;
- type of coating.
The disadvantage of aluminum models is their inability to withstand temperatures above +2600C. When exposed to high heat, the coating deteriorates. The metal, giving off heat to the product, quickly cools, which does not allow a large piece to effectively “grab” and avoid stewing in its own juice. The pans are suitable for thin beef steaks, cooking fried sausages and cutlets.
On a note! Cast iron cookware with a non-stick coating is devoid of a number of disadvantages characteristic of this metal: it is not afraid of corrosion, is easy to clean, and does not absorb foreign odors.
Stainless steel
The advantages of the models include:
- moderate weight;
- fast heating;
- strength;
- long-term heat retention;
- the material does not absorb odors.
The dishes are unpretentious, do not require complex care, and can be put in the dishwasher. However, a steel steak frying pan does not heat up evenly, making it difficult to cook with it without experience. If the surface is not coated with a non-stick layer, the meat will burn easily. Modern models with a multilayer bottom, which includes copper or aluminum, do not have these disadvantages, which ensures uniform, rapid heating. Induction frying pans for meat steaks are made from stainless steel.
What to look for when choosing
The grill can be easily distinguished from any other frying pan by the characteristic ribs on the bottom. There are some signs by which you can choose a quality grill pan for your home.
- The ribs on the bottom should be high. A small relief is intended only for beauty. There will be beautiful stripes on the cutlets or vegetables after cooking. But low ribs are not suitable for cooking meat steaks. To ensure that the cooked meat is truly juicy and tasty, you should choose a frying pan with high ribs.
- The material used to make the frying pan is of great importance when choosing. Cast iron grill pans are considered the best. This is a durable material that can heat up evenly and retain heat for a long time. Some aluminum grill pans may be a good option.
- Any frying pan intended for grilling must have a non-stick effect. Aluminum used to be coated only with Teflon. Now there are better options, such as marble, ceramic, titanium, granite, etc. Cast iron products have their own non-stick property.
- Preference should be given to products that have a special groove for draining excess oil. This is very convenient at the time of preparation. The remaining oil will not burn during cooking and will not remain on the walls.
- Another important point when choosing is the handle. It is advisable to purchase solid models. It should have a special heat-resistant surface that will prevent your hands from burning during use. You can find frying pans with removable holders on sale. This option is suitable for those who have limited space in the kitchen.
How to use the miracle grill
The algorithm of actions depends on the material of the product.
First use of a cast iron frying pan
To make your miracle grill last as long as possible, first create a natural non-stick coating from a layer of vegetable oil. This will also prevent rust from forming. When using the grill pan for the first time, do the following:
- ventilate the room during calcination;
- heat the product and fry table salt for about 10 minutes;
- after this, throw away the salt and rinse the cooled container with water;
- then pour ½ tsp into the pan. vegetable oil and rub it over the walls and bottom;
- after that, warm up for another 10-15 minutes.
During operation, do not clean the coating with abrasives. To remove stuck products, utensils can be filled with water and a drop of vinegar and heated, then washed with a soft sponge or cloth.
How to cook
To prepare dishes you do not need to use any special recipes. You can experiment with these devices. However, adhere to the following cooking principles:
- Only the convex elements of the product or products should be lubricated with vegetable oil.
- Warm up the product before cooking.
- Use moderate heat for cooking.
- Do not turn food over immediately. This is best done after a golden crust begins to form.
- If you cover the dish with a lid, the dish will turn out stewed and not fried.
- It is advisable to marinate fish and meat in advance, it will be juicier and tastier.
- Grilled dishes cook quickly. For example, kebab is fried for 2 minutes on each side, vegetables - about 4, meat steak - 2-3 minutes.
- It is not advisable to cut food too finely.
- Cook the fish with the skin on.
By adhering to these principles, you will delight your family with a delicious dinner.
Which material is better - cast iron or aluminum?
Cast iron grill pans
Cast iron grill pans are strong, durable, and cook well. The material is not afraid of open fire, and does not deform over time. They have a natural non-stick coating. After several times of use, an oily film forms on the surface. It is not recommended to wash it off. And after washing, the pan should be wiped dry with a rag to prevent rust from appearing.
It is better to choose a product with solid cast handles. The weight of the material is heavy, and they can simply break over time. Also, the disadvantages include the high cost.
Advantages:
You can use metal spatulas; Cannot be deformed; Resistant to mechanical damage; Does not emit toxic substances; Can withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees.
Flaws:
Heavy weight from 3 kg; High price.
Aluminum grill pans
They have a lower cost than cast iron and are also lightweight. Without a coating, food will stick to the aluminum during cooking. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase a product with high-quality non-stick coating.
In addition, uncoated pans are not safe for health. When heated, aluminum releases toxic substances. They heat up quickly and food is cooked on them in a short period of time. Grill pans made of aluminum with a thin bottom should absolutely not be chosen. Such a product will quickly deform and become unusable.
Advantages:
Light weight, no more than 2 kg; Low price; Fast heating.
Flaws:
When heated for a long time, it becomes deformed; The non-stick coating can quickly become unusable; Only wooden or silicone spatulas can be used.
Double sided grill pan
This is an improved design consisting of two identical halves that are connected to each other and secured with magnetic locks. Perfect for frying steaks.
If necessary, you can separate the halves and cook separately, like on two grill pans.
If the halves are connected, the melted fat does not splatter, and due to the relative tightness inside, an oven effect is created, reducing the cooking time.
There is no need to turn the food over with a spatula; you can simply turn the pan itself over to the other side.
The double-sided grill pan is made of aluminum with a reinforced non-stick coating and is lightweight.
The moisture released during frying flows into a special compartment and the meat is fried rather than steamed.
How to choose a grill pan for a gas or electric stove
When choosing the best grill pan, you should consider the type of stovetop. After all, it depends on what bottom diameter and manufacturing material to choose.
For gas, you can choose a product of any diameter and from any material. It is important that the walls are thick, heat up quickly, and do not deform during use. The design of the frying pan is chosen at your discretion.
If the frying pan is selected for an electric stove, then its diameter must correspond to the size of the heating disk. Aluminum frying pans are ideal for this type, as they heat up quickly. Products with magnetic inserts cannot be used.
You can cook in the oven using cast iron. Only models with removable handles are suitable for this. Thick walls and bottom are not afraid of high temperatures. As for aluminum, not every model may be suitable. It is better to choose a product with a bottom thickness of more than 2.5 mm. In addition, not every non-stick surface can withstand high temperatures.
Inner surface of the frying pan
A distinctive feature of grill pans is their ribbed bottom, thanks to which characteristic stripes remain on the cooked product. The height of the ribs matters - the higher they are, the further the dish is from the frying surface. Juice and excess fat released during cooking will accumulate between the grooves without coming into contact with the food at all. Dishes cooked in such a frying pan are considered dietary all over the world!
Modern grill pans are available with Teflon coating. They are easy to use, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean. When purchasing products with a non-stick coating, you should immediately stock up on silicone spatulas so as not to damage the Teflon layer. Also, you should not heat the frying pan above 200°C, as this increases the risk of releasing harmful fumes from its surface.
When choosing a grill pan among the models presented in the store, ask the seller which product is suitable for your stove. Sometimes the manufacturer informs about the compatibility of the product and the stove in the product instructions. If you cook on a regular gas stove, then don’t worry about choosing and buy the first grill pan you like.
Owners of glass-ceramic stoves are better off abandoning heavy cast-iron frying pans in favor of aluminum ones with a smooth bottom. An induction grill pan must have a flat steel bottom. Double-sided frying pans with iron inserts in the bottom area are also suitable. If for some reason you don’t yet have a stove in your kitchen, purchase an electric grill pan. It makes it easy to prepare a large number of dishes.
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Which coating is better?
| Ceramic | Is one of the best. Able to withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees. Has a flawless smooth surface. Can be colored or white. These pans require special care and should not be filled with water. |
| Titanium | It is considered the most expensive, but at the same time strong and durable. You can wash the product using any means, and you can also use metal spatulas. |
| Teflon | Sometimes used on budget pans. But it is highly not recommended to purchase such models. Teflon begins to deteriorate when heated above 220 degrees. You can't cook without oil. |
Advantages and disadvantages of a grill pan
Despite all the characteristics, there are both pros and cons of such dishes. Pros:
- the products are less caloric while retaining more beneficial properties;
- minimal use of oil or no oil at all;
- reduction of the cooking process;
- convenience, as there is no need to use additional devices;
- aesthetic appearance of dishes.
Minuses:
- requires special care;
- requires more delicate handling;
- cooked dishes come out without a crispy crust;
- There is no way to cook a dish in batter.
TOP 5 best cast iron grill pans
The rating of cast iron grill pans includes only the best models that have positive reviews and are ideal for preparing various dishes.
Lodge L8SGP3
Made from solid cast iron, with a permanent cast iron handle. The product is universal and suitable for different types of stoves, including induction, as well as ovens.
It has a square shape and high ribs, which will allow you to perfectly fry meat steaks.
The only downside is the heavy weight. The holder gets very hot, so to avoid getting burned, you need to use an oven mitt.
Advantages:
Durable; Food does not burn; Can be used on any stove; Thick bottom.
Flaws:
Heavy weight.
Biol 10241
Suitable for cooking on induction and gas stoves. Use in the oven is allowed.
There is a spout on both sides that allows you to drain excess oil. It warms up quickly, and the thick 4 mm bottom and walls retain heat for a long time.
Advantages:
Food does not burn without oil; Cast iron retains heat for a long time; Removable wooden handles.
Flaw:
Requires special care.
SITON CHG282840
Supplied complete with a tight cast iron lid. Due to this, the meat is fried quickly and remains juicy. Can be used not only on the stove, but also in the oven.
The handles are small and also made of cast iron. To avoid getting burned while cooking, you should use an oven mitt.
Advantages:
Strong and durable; Environmentally friendly; The meat is fried evenly.
Flaws:
Heavy weight 7.4 kg.
MAYER & BOCH MB-26024
Can be used on gas and electric stoves. Use in the oven is prohibited, as the body has a non-removable folding wooden handle. On the opposite side there is a small cast iron handle.
It is best used for cooking fish or vegetables, as the sides are too low for roasting meat.
Advantages:
Suitable for electric stoves; Suitable for frying vegetables.
Flaws:
The handle does not come off.
BRIZOLL Optima
The rating of the best grill pans is completed by a round model with a wooden handle, suitable for cooking on any stove except the oven. The ribs on the bottom are quite high, so the cooked dishes will be juicy and flavorful. It has high strength and does not deform over time.
Advantages:
High strength; The meat is fried quickly and evenly; Products do not burn.
Flaws:
Cannot be used in the oven.
Buy a BRIZOLL frying pan
Tips for choosing
It’s not difficult to understand that this is a grill pan; its inner surface is grooved. But how can you choose the best one among the variety of models so as not to be disappointed later? The stores have a large assortment that differs in characteristics, but customers are advised to pay attention to a few simple tips:
- Height of ribs. They should not be for beauty, otherwise uneven stripes will remain on the products. The criterion is especially important when equipment is purchased for steaks.
- Metal. The best is cast iron, it heats up quickly, the heat is high, and it cooks the meat quickly. The service life is long, the original appearance is not lost over time. There are good aluminum options.
- Coating. Avoid options that do not have a non-stick layer. It can be marble, titanium, ceramics, granite.
- The presence of a groove for fat. The oil will not remain on the sides and will not burn under high temperatures.
- Pen. If the model is needed only for cooking steaks, give preference to those with solid handles. For a small kitchen, devices with folding handles are recommended.
It’s almost impossible to imagine a modern housewife’s kitchen with just one frying pan. But why buy different models when there is one, universal one. A grill pan is a great alternative.
TOP 5 best aluminum grill pans
Among the frying pans made of aluminum, there are also decent models in which you can fry meat steaks and other products.
Neva Metal Cookware Ferra Induction 54026
The aluminum round model has a particularly durable titanium coating. For washing, you can use various means, and even dishwashers.
The removable bakelite handle can be detached and cooked using the oven. You can also cook over an open fire and on induction cookers.
Advantages:
Titanium coating; Dishwasher safe;
Flaws:
The ribs on the bottom are not too high.
Tefal Expertise C6204072
A convenient model with deep relief on the bottom can easily top the rating of the best grill pans. There is a heating indicator in the center. Suitable for use on any stovetop except ovens. The bakelite handle does not detach from the body.
After use it is easy to clean from dirt. The surface is not damaged during use as it is coated with titanium. The only drawback is the high cost, otherwise it is ideal.
Advantages:
Heating indicator; Titanium coating.
Flaws:
High price.
Dream Granite
The grill is square in shape, with two spouts for draining excess oil and liquid. The thickness of the bottom is 6 mm, the inside is marbled. Meat and other products do not burn and remain juicy. Can be used on a gas stove. Cooking on induction hobs and ovens is prohibited.
Advantages:
High quality aluminum; Spout for draining fat; Thick bottom; Can be cooked without oil.
Flaws:
No cover included. Cannot be used on induction hobs
AMT 28x28
High quality model from a German manufacturer. Food does not burn thanks to the titanium coating. Even a thick steak will be cooked through, as the bottom thickness is 9 mm. Warming up occurs evenly. The convenient handle easily detaches from the body, allowing you to bake dishes in the oven.
Advantages:
Thick bottom and walls; Non-stick titanium coating; Oven safe.
Flaws:
No.
Buy an AMT frying pan
How to choose a grill pan for your stove
It is very important that the pan is compatible with the stovetop in your kitchen. Otherwise, the purchase will be almost pointless.
- Almost any frying pan is suitable for a gas stove. The main thing is that the diameter of the product is not too large compared to the burner.
- If you have a stove with a glass-ceramic surface, then a frying pan with a flat bottom would be an excellent choice. The size of the product is unimportant, as is its coating: glass ceramics will do the job perfectly. Unless a cast iron frying pan needs to be used carefully, due to its significant weight.
- On induction hobs, it is better to use pans with a steel bottom. This can be a cast iron or aluminum frying pan with an iron insert.
The size of the pan should match the diameter of the stove burner or be slightly larger
Note! Manufacturers usually indicate on the packaging what type of stove a particular frying pan is suitable for.
