Top 5 Grill Pans for 2024: Cast Iron, Nonstick and More

I love grilling for my family whenever the weather allows. Recipes like my Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and grilled chicken breasts are staples in our summer dinner rotation, and when the outdoor grill is put away I rely on a reliable grill pan to recreate those same flavors and char marks indoors.

Best Grill Pans

A good grill pan is a smart investment if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill or want to enjoy grilled meals year-round. Grill pans have raised ridges that mimic grates, leaving attractive sear marks while allowing fat and moisture to drain away. They’re versatile enough for burgers, steaks, vegetables, paninis and more, and they let you enjoy many of the same textures you get from grilling outside.

Below I’ve rounded up the top grill pans I recommend for home cooks. The selection reflects the pan I use most often plus other highly rated options across materials and price points.

Our Top Picks

1. What’s in My Kitchen: OXO Good Grips Square Grill Pan – OXO’s pan combines a spacious 11-inch square surface with a nonstick finish and a comfortable stay-cool silicone handle.
2. Best Splurge: Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill – A heavy-duty enameled cast iron pan known for excellent heat retention and a refined finish.
3. Best Value: Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan – A budget-friendly, classic cast iron option that performs on any cooktop and in the oven.
4. Best Nonstick: All‑Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan – Lightweight aluminum construction with a durable nonstick surface and higher walls to reduce splatter.
5. Best Round: Staub Cast Iron Pure Grill – A round enameled cast iron pan that heats evenly and fits nicely on most burners.

Reviews of The Best Grill Pans

1. What’s in My Kitchen: OXO Good Grips Square Grill Pan

When I can’t grill outdoors, I reach for this OXO grill pan. The 11-inch square surface fits several chicken breasts or a batch of grilled zucchini, and its deep ridges keep food elevated out of juices. The stay-cool silicone grip is a thoughtful touch, and the nonstick finish makes cleanup fast—just hand wash with gentle detergent and a soft sponge. Because the finish can be scratched, use silicone or plastic utensils.

The Specs:

• Material: Hard-anodized aluminum with silicone handle
• Size: 11-inch square
• Oven-Safe: Up to about 390°F
• Care: Hand wash recommended

Pros: Nonstick finish, ergonomic stay-cool handle, deep ridges, roomy surface, long warranty. Cons: Hand wash only; avoid metal utensils.

2. Best Splurge: Le Creuset Signature Square Skillet Grill

Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron grill pan is ideal if you expect heavy use and want long-lasting performance. It delivers excellent heat retention and a smooth, easy-care enamel surface that doesn’t require seasoning. Dual spouts make it practical for pouring off liquids, and the small loop handle helps with two-handed moves on and off the stove. It is heavier and pricier than many alternatives, but it’s built to last.

The Specs:

• Material: Enameled cast iron
• Size: ~10–10.5 inches
• Oven-Safe: Up to about 500°F
• Care: Dishwasher-safe but hand-wash recommended

Pros: Attractive color choices, no seasoning required, superb heat retention, pouring spouts, dual handles. Cons: Expensive and heavier than aluminum pans.

3. Best Value: Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan

Lodge offers a classic pre-seasoned cast iron grill pan at a very affordable price. The 10.5-inch square surface holds several pieces of meat and works on any cooktop, including induction, and it’s oven-safe at high temperatures. As with all bare cast iron, occasional re-seasoning and careful drying after washing will keep it performing well for years.

The Specs:

• Material: Cast iron
• Size: 10.5-inch square
• Oven-Safe: Yes
• Care: Hand wash and re-season as needed

Pros: Inexpensive, excellent heat retention, works on any surface. Cons: Needs seasoning; hand wash only.

4. Best Nonstick: All‑Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Grill Pan

All‑Clad’s hard-anodized grill pan is built for easy cleanup. The nonstick surface reduces sticking and wipes clean quickly, while the higher walls reduce splatter from fatty foods. It’s oven-safe to high temperatures for finishing dishes and is generally low-maintenance, though metal utensils can damage the coating over time.

The Specs:

• Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
• Size: ~11 inches
• Oven-Safe: Up to ~500°F
• Care: Dishwasher-safe but hand-wash recommended

Pros: Deep walls, very easy to clean, oven-safe; Cons: Coating can be scratched by metal utensils, handle ergonomics vary.

5. Best Round: Staub Cast Iron Pure Grill

If your priority is even heating across the burner, a round pan like the Staub Pure Grill sits flush on most stovetops and heats uniformly. The enameled cast iron finish removes the need for seasoning and the slightly textured interior helps with browning. Keep in mind the handles can become hot during use, so use oven mitts.

The Specs:

• Material: Enameled cast iron
• Size: ~10 inches
• Oven-Safe: Up to about 500°F
• Care: Dishwasher-safe

Other Grill Pans to Consider

Smithey No.12 Grill Pan

A premium pre-seasoned cast iron option with two loop handles and a roomy 12-inch diameter. It’s heavy but built for longevity and excellent cooking performance.

Calphalon Premier Nonstick Square Grill Pan

A durable nonstick choice with an 11-inch square surface and a stay-cool handle. It is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe to moderate temperatures, and its finish is designed to resist wear.

The Whatever Pan

This round pan stands out with a glass lid and a bonded steel base for induction compatibility. It offers a non-toxic nonstick finish and oven-safe performance for higher-heat cooking.

Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle

A versatile reversible cast iron piece that serves as a large grill or a flat griddle. It’s ideal for gas stoves with wider burners or for cooking large batches, though it’s quite large for a single burner.

Our Place Cast Iron Hot Grill

An enameled cast iron option that pairs well with other cookware from the same brand. It’s stylish, functional, and can double as a lid for certain Dutch ovens.

About Me

I’m the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste, where I create hundreds of family-friendly, healthier recipes. My goal is to lighten up favorite dishes without sacrificing flavor, and a grill pan is one of my essential tools for bringing grilled sandwiches, fish, vegetables and meats to the table year-round.

This roundup is based primarily on my hands-on experience with many of these brands and pans. For products I haven’t personally used, I reviewed testing notes and expert opinions from trusted publications and customer feedback to assess performance and durability.

Everything to Know Before Buying a Grill Pan

What is a Grill Pan?

A grill pan is a frying pan with raised ridges that imitate grill grates. Those ridges create sear marks and lift food so fat drains away. While they deliver great texture, grill pans won’t reproduce the smoky flavor that charcoal or open-flame grilling provides.

What to Consider Before Buying a Grill Pan

Choose by material, shape and intended use:

• Material: Cast iron offers superior heat retention and sear marks; aluminum is lighter and often comes with a nonstick finish for easy cleanup.
• Shape and Size: Round pans sit better on burners; square pans provide more usable surface area. Consider wall height and overall dimensions to fit your cooktop.
• Oven-Safe: If you plan to finish dishes in the oven, confirm the pan’s maximum safe temperature and whether handles can withstand heat.

How Do You Use a Grill Pan?

Preheat the pan for several minutes so the ridges get hot and produce crisp sear marks. Lightly oil the pan or brush oil on food to reduce sticking. Cook in batches as needed and avoid overcrowding so each piece can brown properly.

How Do You Clean a Cast Iron Grill Pan?

Enameled cast iron pans are cleaned with soap and water; wipe or scrub the grooves with a sponge. Bare cast iron needs slightly more care: remove food debris, wash with minimal soap, dry thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of oil to maintain seasoning and prevent rust.

How Do You Make Grilled Cheese in a Pan?

A grill pan makes a wonderfully marked grilled cheese. Cook over medium-low heat so the bread browns slowly while the cheese melts—several minutes per side usually does the trick. Press gently and be patient for an even melt without burning.

The Best Grill Recipes

With a grill pan you can enjoy many classic grilled dishes year-round: burgers, steaks, vegetables, fish and kebabs. Some favorites to try include grilled tuna over arugula with lemon vinaigrette, grilled pineapple, blackened salmon skewers, chicken panini and grilled salmon bruschetta—simple, healthy and family-friendly recipes that work beautifully on a grill pan.

Prices were accurate at time of publication.