Best Grill Pans for Steak In 2023: Reviews and Rankings

1. Lodge Handheld Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

This barbecue pan may replace two or more. One side is a ridged grill pan, while the other is a flat griddle. Use the grill side for steaks, burgers, and anything else that requires grill marks. 

The griddle may be used to cook pancakes, bacon, grilled cheese sandwiches, tortillas, and even a traditional British cheese toastie. Put it in the oven if you want to use it as a pizza pan for little pizzas.

This is a huge pan that fits over two burners, so you'll have plenty of room to cook for a crowd, or cook on half of the pan while keeping the other half less hot to keep cooked dishes warm. 

It maintains heat and cooks evenly since it is constructed of cast iron. It is pre-seasoned and ready to use, but its nonstick capabilities increase with additional seasoning and use. Our reviewer mentioned that its small profile made it simple to store.

This adaptable pan may also be used on the grill to cook meals that are tiny enough to fall through the grates, such as vegetables. It is not, however, suited for all glass-top stoves, so read the stove's handbook to ensure it is safe.

What We Enjoy

• Large storage capacity

• It may function as a grill or griddle.

• Ready to use right away

What We Dislike

• Seasoning must be maintained with special care.

• Heavy

 

2. Griddle Pan/Grill Anolon Advanced Hard Anodized Nonstick Square

Most grill pans have low sides, but this one has high sides that assist prevent splattering whether used on the stove or in the oven at up to 400 degrees. 

The high edges also allow you to use the pan for sauces once the grilling is finished, making it ideal for roasting luscious birds or roasts.

The nonstick surface is safe to use with metal utensils and provides exceptional food release and simple cleanup. The handle is ergonomically constructed, with a tight rubberized grip that keeps cool while cooking and two rivets for security. 

A groove around the pan's outer borders catches and stores liquids, while pour spouts on either side make it simple to drain excess fats and liquids.

Our reviewer discovered that utilizing this pan needed some trial and error to find the "sweet spot" in terms of heat. Once you've worked it out, it creates stunning char markings on everything from steaks to French toast.

What We Enjoy

• Spacious, with high sides to keep the spatter at bay.

• Simple to clean

• Oven proof

What We Dislike

• Only oven safe to 400 degrees

• It takes some getting accustomed to.

3. Lodge Square Grill Pan in Seasoned Cast Iron

If the Lodge double-burner grill is a bit too large for your requirements, this 10.5-inch cast iron grill pan, also from Lodge, will suffice. This heavy-duty pan is practically unbreakable and holds heat incredibly well because of its construction of a strong steel and carbon alloy. 

This pan's sear quality is unrivaled—and it's an excellent choice for creating near-restaurant-grade steaks at home since you can start them on the stove and finish them in the oven under the broiler.

These cast iron pans may be used on any cooking surface, including induction and open fires. This pan is pre-seasoned and ready to use right away. 

As with other cast iron pans, regular care is essential to maintain seasoning and nonstick characteristics, but it may last a lifetime.

What We Enjoy

• Almost indestructible

• Extremely effective at retaining heat

• It comes pre-seasoned.

What We Dislike

• As with any cast iron, it requires specific maintenance.

• Heavy

 

4. Paris Grill Pan by GreenPan

If you want a nonstick pan but want to be sure it's eco-friendly, choose this ceramic pan by GreenPan, a top maker of ceramic cookware. This pan is free of PFAS2, PFOA3, lead, and cadmium, thus it will not emit fumes even when heated to high temperatures.

This pan features a hard-anodized shell that is scratch resistant, and the proprietary Thermolon liner in GreenPan's Paris series is strengthened by diamonds. 

This grill pan has a riveted stainless steel handle and is oven safe up to 600 degrees and suitable for all cooktops except induction.

Because the ceramic coating is nonstick, you may use less or no extra oil for easy release. Grill chicken, veggies, and other foods with confidence, then clean up quickly with the dishwasher or by hand.

What We Enjoy

• The ceramic nonstick coating is scratch-resistant

• Dishwasher friendly

• Riveted ergonomic handle

What We Dislike

• Induction incompatibility

• The nonstick characteristics will deteriorate with time.

 

5. Grill Pan by Calphalon

Calphalon's circular pan will fit your burners, and the nonstick surface makes cooking and cleanup a breeze. This pan is made of hard-anodized aluminum and is significantly lighter than a comparable cast iron pan, making it simpler to handle. 

The nonstick inside is metal utensil safe, so you don't have to worry about removing your burger with a metal spatula. This type is also oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to finish steaks in the oven after searing.

The brushed stainless steel handle keeps the cool throughout stovetop cooking, and the pan is dishwasher safe for simple cleanup.

What We Enjoy

• Cast iron is heavier and more difficult to work with.

• Oven safe up to 500°F

• It is resistant to scratches caused by metal utensils.

What We Dislike

• Cleaning becomes more difficult as time passes.

 

6. TeChef Nonstick Grill Pan for Korean BBQ on the Stovetop

This Korean-inspired grill pan is made for tabletop cooking and includes a portable burner (not included). 

You can use this to produce everything from finely sliced beef to substantial pig belly. It's made of heavy-gauge aluminum with a nonstick surface and a distinctive swirling channel pattern.

The dome-shaped bottom drains fats away from the meal, and a hole in the pan drains fat completely, but make sure you have a small cup or bowl nearby to catch the drippings. This should not be used on a regular cooktop due to the hole.

What We Enjoy

• Ample surface area

• Lightweight metal conducts heat effectively.

• Removes oil from the drain

What We Dislike

• It is not compatible with all stoves.

• Concerns concerning the long-term durability of nonstick surfaces

 

7. Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan & Press Staub

While you could cook a panini on any grill pan, this heavy-duty 12-inch pan makes it much easier because it features a 10.3-inch press. 

But it's not only for hot sandwiches—the supplied heavyweight press is also useful for pressing a spatchcocked chicken to simulate the "under a brick" cooking process. Of course, while grilling burgers, steaks, and other foods, you don't need to use the press.

This nearly indestructible pan, made in France from thick cast iron, heats evenly and maintains heat effectively. It has a smooth enameled outside with a slightly rough matte black inside that encourages browning.

The pan is oven safe to 500°F, so it may be used to finish steaks or roast a small roast. While the price of this pan is high, it is a piece that will survive for years—you will be able to pass it down to future generations.

What We Enjoy

• It heats up quickly and evenly.

• Oven safe up to 500°F

• Compatible with all cooktops

What We Dislike

• Heavy

• Expensive

 

8. THE CRUSET Grill Pan

This is composed of long-lasting enameled cast iron and has a handy handle with an opposing loop handle for ease of handling, high ridges for deep sear marks, slanted sides for improved grilling, and a pour spout.

It, like cast iron, can achieve high temperatures and effectively distribute heat, but it does not need to be seasoned or cleaned in any specific way. It may be used with any type of burner, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic. 

It's heavier than competitors at seven pounds, but we found it simple to wield owing to its short handle, which helps balance it. We appreciate Le Creuset products for their timeless endurance and lifetime warranty.

What We Enjoy

• Enameled cast iron can withstand high temperatures and is simple to clean.

• The pan's short handle makes it easy to grasp.

• Available in a variety of colors

What We Dislike

• Expensive

• Heavy

 

9. GOTHAM STAINLESS STEEL

We like this Gotham Steel aluminum nonstick grill pan since it's inexpensive. In testing, we discovered that maintaining this pan was easier than caring for a cast iron pan, plus it is significantly lighter (less than two pounds).

It's also oven-safe up to 500°F and dishwasher-safe, albeit it can't be used on an induction burner. The square design is effective for one burner and can accommodate four burgers at the same time.

In comparison to a grill pan with a matte black interior, the brown interior is easier to clean since you can immediately notice any lingering charred bits or stuck on food. 

Though it does not produce the very scorched, deep grill markings as cast iron does, it is an excellent beginner grill pan.

What We Enjoy

• Budget-friendly

• Simple to clean

• The surface that is nonstick

What We Dislike

• Induction is not safe.

 

10. GREENSPAN Grill Pan

If you don't want to add another heavy, bulky cast iron pan to your collection, this hard anodized ceramic nonstick grill pan is a lighter, easier-to-care-for choice. It's oven and broiler-safe, metal utensil-safe, and dishwasher-safe. 

The spherical surface area warms fast, and the side handles are easy to grasp, making the pan easy to manage (though they do heat up, so always use them with mitts). 

While ceramic nonstick is easy to clean, it can quickly overheat, making it difficult to cook a thick steak. A matching glass cover is available, but it must be purchased separately.

What We Enjoy

• Lightweight

• Simple to clean

• Dishwasher, oven, and broiler proof

What We Dislike

• Ceramics may easily overheat.

Size

Grill pans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so think about what you'll need. While a larger pan may appear to be better for serving guests, it will also take up more storage space.

Material

Different grill pan materials, like other cooking pans, have advantages and disadvantages. Although cast iron warms evenly and maintains heat effectively, it is heavy and cannot be used on induction cooktops. 

Aluminum warms rapidly, is lighter in weight, and responds to temperature changes; nevertheless, all-aluminum pans cannot be used on an induction cooktop.

Cleaning

Grill pans might be more difficult to clean than flat pans due to the ridges and grooves. Nonstick pans are easy to clean, but they may not stand up to rigorous cleaning or the usage of metal utensils. 

Uncoated pans can handle more vigorous washing, but the food may adhere to them more frequently. Some pans are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

What is the best way to utilize a grill pan?

Preheat your grill pan according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cast iron grill pans will take more preheating time but will maintain heat better than aluminum grill pans. 

Whatever material your pan is made of, make sure it's uniformly and thoroughly heated over medium to medium-high heat before you begin grilling your meat or veggies.

Can a grill pan be used on an electric stovetop?

Yes. Grill pans operate best on gas burners, although they may also be used on electric or induction cooktops. Simply keep an eye out for any uneven heating to see if there are any hot patches on your grill pan while you cook.

Is it necessary to season a grill pan?

Many of today's grill pans feature nonstick surfaces, so you won't need to season them. Some cast iron alternatives come pre-seasoned, so all you'll have to worry about is keeping the seasoning. 

If you have a bare cast iron grill pan, read this article to discover everything you need to know about seasoning and care.

For the best grill pans for steak, because of its versatility, capacity, and durability, the Lodge Pro-Grid Reversible Grill/Griddle is our top selection. If you're looking for a low-cost option with high performance, the Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan is a solid choice that comes pre-seasoned and ready to use.