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The world we live in today is a modern one. Hence, it comes as no surprise why most of our activities are carried out indoors. For someone who lives several floors on a high tower or in the basement, grilling outdoors is not an easy feat to achieve. Instead, you can replicate outdoor grilling indoors.
The best indoor grilling pans are designed to produce the same result and outdoor grilling experience without associated setup, smoke, and stress. Hence, each pan is designed as a handy replacement for large woody or garden grills that can make grilling difficult and equally dull. Apart from this, each pan is designed with space-saving designs to give it an exceptional grilling experience without requiring much kitchen space.
Plus, most of the pans are pre-seasoned and flavored with a nonstick coating to make your task easier. Hence, you won’t require many resources, as you would if you were grilling outside. Our review of the best indoor grilling pans details the best products in the market. We have also added directions on how to buy them to allow you to make an informed decision.
What is a grill pan?
A grill pan appears ordinarily like a frying pan. However, it has grill lines on the inside. The lines are raised to allow oil and other liquids to drip. Hence, like outdoor grills, they are a simple and effective way to apply heat to your food with a more seasoned taste and flavors. You also don’t need to apply too much oil and water to the pans. Plus, it eliminates the need for complex setups while providing a better result.
Best indoor grilling pan review
1. Lodge Manufacturing Company Lodge Cast Iron 10.5-Inch Square Grill Pan
The Lodge Manufacturing Company Lodge Cast Iron 10.5-Inch Square Grill Pan is a multi-functional cookware that grills food like a charm. It has a superior heat retention capability that ensures even heat distribution. As a result, you can bake, sauté, fry, sear, and stir fry on it. The pan comes with two sturdy silicone handles for conveniently transporting food from the fire. Thanks to its design, food won’t stick to the pan. However, for maximum performance, you shouldn’t allow it to stay wet. Hence, no soaking, air drying, or letting water sit in it while you go about other things. Instead, you should dry it and coat it with oil.
Another thing with the pan is that it is best cleaned without using soap. Since it is a cast-iron pan, soaps will eat the seasoning, and you will have to re-season it. Instead of using dish soap, you can use silicone sponge and pan scraper. Nonetheless, the product is durable and does not wrap. More than cooking food evenly, it holds the heat until it reaches the desired temperature. The surface can also double as a nonstick surface if you maintain it well. We recommend that you spray or lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil before you use it to prevent smoke. The grill lines on the pan are flatter and wider than most grills; hence, cleanup is easier. It has an impressive grip at the end because of the holes. Plus, foods come off considerably easily.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned
- Even heat distribution
- Durable handle with cover
- Wide and flat grill lines
Cons
- You can’t leave idle water in it for an extended period
- Requires detailed maintenance
2. OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Square Grill PAN, 11″, Grillpan, Black
Another impressive grill pan that is handy for indoor use is the OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Square Grill Pan. As the name implies, the product has a durable and impressive grip over food. Not just this, it lets you control your foods with ease while you cook. The pan is made of a durable, scratch-resistant, and hard-anodized body. Hence, it heats evenly and faster than traditional aluminum. It also has a silicon-wrapped steel handle that allows you control your cooking. Although the handle is made of sturdy stainless steel, a non-slip silicone cover ensures that it stays cool to touch. Like the outdoor grill, the pan boasts of similar capabilities with the peaks of less hassle and easier cleanup.
The grill pan features three-layer, PFOA-free, German-engineered nonstick coating that guarantees years of usage with less oil. Its layered coating allows effortless performance and is cost-saving since it requires less oil. Plus, it also makes it easier to clean. The product has deep ridges for classic drill searing to allow you to drain the fat. One thing, though, the pan looks flimsy and lightweight at a glance. Regardless, they are sturdy. Besides breezy cleanup, the pan has a big flat area that is ideal for wet sautéing vegetables and pancakes. Plus, food doesn’t bunch near the edges. The outer part of the pan is smooth and is not heavy. However, be careful with cleaning since the pan surface is incredibly slippery. Also, don’t use scratchy cleaning pads for cleaning. The pan is safe for use in the oven at 390°F/200°C maximum temperature. It is also compatible with most stovetops apart from induction.
Pros
- Three-layer coating
- Deep ridges
- Durable handle with impressive grips
- Hard-anodized construction
Cons
- You can only hand-wash the pan
- There are reports that metal spatulas scratch the bottom
3. Cast Iron Square Grill Pan – 10.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Handle Cover and Pan Scraper
10.5 Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Handle Cover and Pan Scraper
The Cast Iron Square Grill Pan by Cuisine is a pre-seasoned skillet with impressive heat retention and distribution capability. You can handle limitless cooking with the pan, especially if you have a flair for traditional cooking style. The pan is made of durable cast-iron that guarantees reliable performance over an extended period. What’s more, it can easily become a family heirloom since you can use it for a long time. One word that describes its build is indestructible. The pan is a multi-purpose ribbed skillet that is handy for searing and grilling anything. Although it is built for indoor use, it is also ideal for outdoor use on stovetops, induction, and grill. The product comes with a silicone handle grip that lets you hold on to the pan conveniently, even when it is hot to manage the heat. Essential craftsmanship and quality premium cast-iron with a nonstick surface make it easy to cook delicate foods like eggs.
The grill pan has a smooth finish that encourages even heat distribution for frying and improves eating regardless of the cooking surface. After-use maintenance is also breezy since the pan is relatively easy to clean. Plus, a free pan scraper comes with the product package. As a result, you can use the stiff brush and warm water to clean the pan. However, be careful not to clean it in the dishwasher or use soap. Multiple washes will help restore natural oils after use. If you want, you can use the included pan scraper to scrub the pan until it shines. The pan weighs considerably; hence, you should be careful when you move it.
Pros
- Quality cast-iron construction
- Pre-seasoned nonstick surface
- Even heat distribution
- Free pan scraper
Cons
- The pan weighs a bit, but the handle makes it to move
- The handle is a little tight
4. Granite Stone Diamond Granite Stone Classic Blue Nonstick Grilling Pan
The classic blue, bold, and beautiful appearance of the Granite Stone Diamond Granite Stone Nonstick Grilling Pan is a must-have addition to your kitchen. Apart from the style and appearance, the pan has a triple-layer nonstick coating that sets an impressive tone to any kitchen with sophistication and appearance. Enough about the looks, the product is a multi-purpose pan that is ideal for making vegetables, seafood, meat recipes, and a lot more. The pan’s ridges are also perfect for grilling burgers, bacon, chicken, and searing steaks. The bottom ridges add sear marks to foods and allow fats and extra liquids to drip away. Plus, the deep sides maximize splatters. All of these and more is no surprise since the product pairs an award-winning blue design with an upgraded professional handle.
The grill pan cooking surface is coated and reinforced to deliver ultimate food release. By implication, it does not require butter and oil to make for healthy eating. It also ensures a hassle-free cleaning. The coating is infused with a diamond to make it durable enough to withstand daily usage without falling apart. Hence, if there is a pan with the promise of years of outstanding performance, it has to be this one. One of the most impressive features of the pan is that it is dishwasher-safe. Hence, unlike many, you can place the pan in the dishwasher after use for effortless cleanup. It is also compatible with electric, glass, and gas cooktops. You can also use it on the oven to sizzle up your food at 500-degrees. The stainless-steel handles on the pan are ergonomically designed with a unique Y shape to let heat escape. Plus, it can be used by right and left-handed individuals.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable diamond-infused construction
- Ultra nonstick design
- Ergonomic, stainless steel handle
Cons
- The handles don’t do well against heat
- A bit small and thin
5. Cooks Standard Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan, 11 x 11-Inch, Black
The Cooks Standard Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan is another product to rightly make our list of the best grill pan for indoor use. It has a hard anodized surface that is harder and durable than steel. It also has a heavy-gauge aluminum core that distributes heat evenly to prevent hotspots. Plus, its nonstick surface design makes cleanup easy and delivers exceptional performance. You can use the pan on electric, ceramic, gas, and halogen. However, it is not induction compatible. Plus, it is dishwasher safe. Nonetheless, you can hand wash it if you want. The pan is also PFOA, cadmium, and lead-free.
Unlike pans that rock or spin on cooktops, the Cooks Standard Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan sits on the cooktop. It also has a nice heavyweight to it, and the handle does not get hot.
Pros
- Heavy-gauge aluminum
- Dishwasher safe
- Hard anodized surface
- Does not have hotspots
Cons
- Sturdy but a little thin
- Not broiler safe
Factors to consider before buying indoor grilling pan
The construction material
Like normal cooking pans, grill pans are made from different materials; each offers unique characteristics. The most popular ones that we have reviewed above include:
- Cast aluminum: Features several layers of nonstick design with minerals like diamond or titanium for a harder surface. Hence, it can withstand high temperatures while ensuring even heat distribution.
- Hard anodized aluminum: Metal utensils are safe for use on pans made from this material. It also ensures heat distribution and is nonstick.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel pans are durable and touch. They also heat up rapidly and are nonstick. Plus, they are metal utensil safe.
- Cast iron: cast iron pans have excellent heat retention capabilities and are nonstick when they are seasoned. Plus, you can use metal utensils with the pan.
You can buy a pan with a blend of any of the characteristics above for a sturdier and more reliable performance. However, it should have a nonstick coating and should be able to handle high heat.
Ridges
Grilling, unlike frying, doesn’t require oil or grease. The reason is that the oil drips from what you are grilling. Hence, the more ridges on your pan, the better you can achieve the effect. For example, the oil pools in the ridges when you grill steak. Some functional pans give the option of a free drain to let you empty the pan of unwanted oil. Therefore, the rule is to look for lots of deep ridges on the pan before buying it.
The pan shape and width
Grill pans are available in circular and square shapes. The square ones provide more space to handle your project, even if it has an equal dimension with the circular pans. The reason is that square-shaped pans have more room, especially if you need to grill large chunks. You also need to consider the width size since the pans are available in different dimensions. Although some are compact, others have a wide surface to let you cook multiple items at once. Unlike the shape, there is no rule to choosing the width. Instead, use your preference to choose the width you will be comfortable with, and that will serve your purpose.
Versatility and practicality
Pans differ in versatility due to the differences in their design. For example, while some pans are dishwasher-safe, others are not. Hence, it will help to look for as many easy-to-use features as possible. Apart from this, it would help if you also looked for a nonstick design so that the pan will release food easily to make after-use maintenance easy. Plus, you should look for ergonomic handles to ensure that your hands are protected during use. More importantly, look for pans that don’t include harmful chemicals that can seep into the food and harm you.
Temperature rating
You can use a grill pan on different surfaces. For example, you can either use some in an oven or stove. Hence, it will help to check for the temperature rating before proceeding with the purchase. The higher the rating, the better it is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I clean my pan?
After allowing the pan to cool, rinse it with hot water. Take a clean cloth and soak it in hot water. Then, use the cloth to wipe the pan with emphasis on the grooves between the ridges. Rinse the cloth from time to time, and repeat the process until you are satisfied. After cleaning, dry the pan with a towel. You can air dry if the manufacturer allows it. If it is cast iron, we recommend that you season it before storing it. More importantly, store it in a cool and dry storage area to prevent rusting.
Can I use a grill pan on a glass stove?
You can use most grill pans on a glass stove. However, they are always a few exceptions to the rule. Pans that are heavy with a ridged or concave bottom are not best for use on a glass stove since they may not withstand the heat. Anything besides this, and you won’t have any problem.
How to grill food with my pan?
Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it. Then, cut your food into thin slices and brush them with oil. Preheat the pan on medium heat and let it heat for about five minutes. Proceed and lay each food on the pan’s ridges after heating. Then, cover the pan and let it grill for a couple of minutes. Rotate your food if you need to and flip it until you are satisfied with the result.
Conclusion
The best indoor grill pans are available in different shapes and sizes to let you satisfy your cravings. Not just this, they allow you to replicate outdoor grilling experience indoors. As a result, they are invaluable for every kitchen. We have identified outstanding products of the best value that promise impressive buying. Happy purchase.
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