A grill pan is a skillet with raised ridges that leave sear marks and let fat drain away from the food. It lets you cook steak, chicken, vegetables and sandwiches on the stovetop when the outdoor grill is out of reach. A search for the best cast iron grill pans, the best nonstick grill pans or the best square grill pans brings up the same few shapes and materials.
The six pans below include cast iron, enameled cast iron and nonstick options. We have not used these pans ourselves. Sizes, coatings and handles can change between versions, so confirm the dimensions, the finish and whether the pan suits your stovetop on the current listing before buying. The best stovetop grill pans for steak are usually the heavy ones that hold heat well.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast iron holds heat for searing; nonstick is lighter and easier to clean |
| Shape | Square pans fit more food; round pans suit small burners |
| Ridges | Taller ridges leave stronger marks and keep food above the fat |
| Weight | Heavy pans stay hot but are harder to lift and wash |
Specs at a Glance
| Pan | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Square Grill Pan | Cast iron | About 10 in class | Pre-seasoned; ridged surface |
| Lodge Reversible Grill | Cast iron | Long rectangular pan, check the listing | Grill ridges on one side and a flat griddle on the other |
| Le Creuset Square Grill | Enameled cast iron | About 9 to 10 in class | Enameled finish; ridged base |
| Staub Grill Pan | Enameled cast iron | Check the listing for size | Matte enamel interior |
| Cuisinart Nonstick Grill | Hard-anodized aluminum, nonstick | About 11 in class | Nonstick; lighter weight |
| Calphalon Classic Grill | Hard-anodized aluminum, nonstick | Check the listing for size | Nonstick; stay-cool handle |
The 6 Best Grill Pans
1. Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
A pre-seasoned cast iron square grill pan from a long-running American maker, with a ridged cooking surface and a side handle. It needs regular seasoning care.
Suits: searing steaks. Strengths: strong heat retention and a low cost for cast iron. Weaknesses: heavy and needs seasoning. Skip it if you want a light pan.
View Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan on Amazon
2. Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill and Griddle
A two-sided cast iron pan with ridges on one side and a flat surface on the other, made for use over two burners on many stoves.
Suits: cooks who want a grill and a griddle. Strengths: two cooking surfaces in one. Weaknesses: heavy and large. Skip it if you have a small stove.
View Lodge Reversible Cast Iron Grill and Griddle on Amazon
3. Le Creuset Square Skillet Grill
An enameled cast iron square grill from a premium French cookware maker, in a range of colors.
Suits: cooks who want an enameled finish. Strengths: a durable enamel and bright colors. Weaknesses: a high price tier. Skip it if you want the cheapest option.
View Le Creuset Square Skillet Grill on Amazon
4. Staub Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
A premium cast iron grill pan from a French maker, with a matte enamel interior meant to build searing power.
Suits: searing and serving at the table. Strengths: a heavy build that holds heat. Weaknesses: a high cost and weight. Skip it if you want a light nonstick pan.
View Staub Cast Iron Square Grill Pan on Amazon
5. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Grill Pan
A lighter nonstick grill pan with a hard-anodized body, built for quick weeknight cooking.
Suits: easy cleanup. Strengths: a light weight and a nonstick surface. Weaknesses: coatings wear over time. Skip it if you want a pan that lasts for decades.
View Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized Grill Pan on Amazon
6. Calphalon Classic Nonstick Grill Pan
A nonstick grill pan from Calphalon with a ridged surface for chicken, fish and vegetables.
Suits: weeknight cooking. Strengths: a light build and easy release. Weaknesses: a coating that needs gentle tools. Skip it if you want to sear at very high heat.
View Calphalon Classic Nonstick Grill Pan on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Season cast iron after washing with a thin coat of oil.
- Use silicone or wood tools on nonstick pans.
- Clean ridges with a brush and let the pan cool before washing.
- Dry cast iron right away to avoid rust.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Heating a nonstick pan empty on high.
- Soaking cast iron overnight.
- Crowding the pan so food steams.
- Moving the food too early and tearing the sear.
Grill Pan FAQ
Is a cast iron grill pan better than nonstick?
Cast iron holds heat for strong searing, while nonstick is easier to clean. Pick the finish that matches how you cook.
Why are square grill pans popular?
A square pan gives more cooking room than a round one of the same width, so it handles several steaks or chicken pieces at once.
What is the best grill pan for steak?
A heavy cast iron pan usually gives the strongest sear. Heat it well before the steak goes in.
Do I need to preheat a grill pan?
Yes. A hot pan makes sear marks and keeps food from sticking.
The Short Version
For a low-cost cast iron pan, the Lodge square. For two surfaces, the Lodge reversible. For an enameled finish, the Le Creuset. For a premium sear, the Staub. For easy cleanup, the Cuisinart. For a light nonstick pan, the Calphalon.