Size and shape: The size and shape of your grill pan will not only determine how much food you’re able to cook at once, but also how heavy and how easy it is to maneuver. Some grill pans are large enough for two burners, which is great if you’re wanting to cook a lot of food at once, but these longer pans are prone to getting very hot and smoking, which can likely make your smoke alarm go off. The large size also makes them more difficult to clean. Round pans distribute heat more evenly, but you lose surface area. Square pans will afford you more cooking space, yet the edges typically don’t get as hot or heat as evenly as a round pan. If you’re tight on space and want a pan that has the most to offer, you can also consider a dual-sided grill pan with a griddle side for additional cooking options. Should you opt for a two-burner grill pan, you definitely want to look for a pan in a material that heats evenly, like cast iron, to prevent a cool spot between burners. Carbon steel: A great lightweight alternative to cast iron, this cookware is easy to manoeuvre on the hob. It’s thin, so it doesn’t retain heat brilliantly but is budget-friendly. We found that using this pan required some trial and error to figure out where the "sweet spot" was in terms of heat. Once you've figured it out, it makes beautiful char marks on whatever you're cooking, from steaks to French toast.

BBQ Grills and Griddles - BBQ World BBQ Grills and Griddles - BBQ World

Small design features matter a lot: As we were cooking, we found that a few extra millimeters of grate height can lead to better final dish. Additionally, since most of these are heavier pieces of cookware, you need to have a well-balanced, ergonomic handle that either doesn't get hot, or is large enough to comfortably grip with an oven mitt or kitchen rag. Our Lab team has spent collective decades working in professional kitchens, developing recipes, and testing kitchen gear. Enameled cast iron boasts all the same perks of cast iron, but is easier to clean and maintain because you can wash it without fear of rusting.

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Cleaning the pan is an involved process especially if cleaning after cooking things with fat in them. Gently boiling some water in the pan and allowing it to cool before cleaning helped with the process. Still, we found this pan surprisingly easy to clean with just a bit of soap and warm water. We also opted to season the pan after washing, noting that the oil absorbed easily, making it ready to go for its next use. Despite the large handles jutting out, this compact, small grill pan does not get in the way of pans on nearby burners. In tests, we found that the high ridges on the pan allowed for juices to drip away and produced noticeable grill marks, though there is no convenient pour spout to pour out residual liquids.

Perforated Barbecue Pan - The Range Perforated Barbecue Pan - The Range

Save kitchen space with this incredibly versatile yet compact two-in-one pan. We love that this reversible, cast iron grill pan can not only create signature sear marks, but also has a griddle surface on the other side for eggs, pancakes and anything else you’d want to pan-sear. Do your best to not move the food at all until deep sear marks are noticeable, then flip and turn down the heat to finish cooking all the way through. You can also soak the pan in hot water and add a little bit of soap to release stubborn bits if you're struggling to get it fully clean.Yes. Grill pans work better on gas stoves, but that doesn't mean you can't use it on electric or induction cooktops. Just be aware of any uneven heating so you know if there are any hot spots on your grill pan as you cook. Looking for a pan that's also cute enough to be a kitchen centerpiece? This Le Creuset pan is made of durable enameled cast iron, has a convenient handle with an opposing loop handle for easy handling, high ridges for deep sear marks, sloped sides for better grilling and a pour spout. Plus, it comes in a variety of rich, glossy colors like teal and bright orange.