Top 8 Best Cast Iron Grill Pans Suitable In 2023

Our product testing lab evaluated over a dozen cast iron pans and rated them on heat conductivity, heat distribution, comfort, maneuverability, and nonstick properties. Some cast irons baked cornbread and seared steaks equally well, while others stood out. Our food writers and editors also test the pans at home because we know it’s important to see how they work in real-life settings.

Among the cookware types in a kitchen, cast iron can do just about anything. Cast iron pans are made of an ultra-durable steel and carbon alloy, so they cook and heat evenly and are resistant to nicks, dents, and scratches. For deep-frying, cast iron holds a constant temperature, and you can even use it to bake your favorite cornbread.

Whether you’re looking for a classic pan or a convenient grill pan, we have a comprehensive review of the best-cast iron grill pans currently available. Let’s review them and find the most suitable cast iron grill pan in 2023 for you…

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1. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan

Since 1896, the Lodge family has created durable cookware with a tradition of family values in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Grill pans bring the barbecue indoors to enjoy charred and ribbed meat and vegetables year-round without having to brave the cold.

With the 10.5-inch pan, you can sear, bake, broil, or fry to make juicy results, whether they are made with the grill pan recipes. You can use it to char and roast vegetables for a grilled taste while also using it as a skillet. This pan’s rugged exterior allows it to be used outdoors, over a campfire, to guarantee even heat and retention.

True cast iron pans are able to collect a distinct seasoning that becomes a characteristic element of their dishes. Therefore, you must adhere to a simple cleaning procedure, as detailed in the previous review, do not soak it, use the soap dispensers, and avoid preparing soupy or stew-like dishes to keep the seasoning it is most famous for.

In light of those factors, the Lodge Grill Pan’s affordability and its similarity to other models made it an excellent choice for long-term kitchen investments. Even though hybrid porcelain enamel pans are more versatile, this cast iron grill pan for steak is superb for its use and comes from a brand synonymous with quality in the United States.

2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Deep Skillet

This multifunctional option from Lodge lets you make fried chicken or potato chips. Besides its depth, this Dutch oven comes with a lid to retain moisture, which enables it to double as a Dutch oven. Despite its cast iron construction, this pan warms up quickly and easily because it conducts heat well.

It is important to keep in mind that this is a heavy-duty pan that can be challenging to transfer when it’s hot. You can easily get in and out of the oven by using the handle helper. Whether you’re cooking in an oven, on a stovetop, on a grill, or over an open fire, this versatile tool is safe to use.

Kitchens with limited storage space will benefit from this device, as it allows multiple items to be combined into one. Ensure you clean it by hand between uses and dry it thoroughly between them.

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3. Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

It is one of the most attractive aspects of cast iron cookware that it is affordable, and this three-piece set offers great value for the money. A pre-seasoning of soybean oil comes with all three pan sizes to offer nonstick properties immediately, though regular re-seasoning is recommended after each use.

The set is ideal for home cooks who enjoy using cast iron for a variety of projects, from large best skillets to single servings of cornbread. There is a dual pour spout that drains grease, but these pans lack helper handles, so they can be hard to carry with one hand and might even be uncomfortable to carry with two.

Since cast iron is dishwasher-incompatible, you must wash it by hand and dry it thoroughly afterward. Cast iron can be placed in the oven or used on the stove. Use caution on a glass cooktop as the textured surface may scratch the surface.

4. Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan

In this Lodge 12″ square cast iron grill pan, you will find the same legendary quality of the Lodge 10″, but with lower edges to eliminate the bulkiness and weight of the smaller pan. With thin, sloped sides, and widely formed handles, the grill surface can be packed efficiently, and flipping, draining, and draining can be simplified. It is practical to have a wider cooking surface and it feels more like a barbecue.

If you use a lower pan edge, it will splatter more and create more mess. A large pan also requires about 4-5 minutes of preheating in order to ensure even heating throughout. A 12 in a grill pan, like other Lodge products, retains heat extremely well and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees F.

Our conclusion is that this pan is better suited for households with large families or entertaining households that need to cook more frequently. This deep ribbed detail creates a perfect buffer zone between contact points while providing a sense of exquisite detail and taste. As an extra bonus, the pre-seasoning is all-natural, created with 100% vegetable oil, so you can make healthy recipes right away.

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Cast iron care is essential to maintaining this classic skillet. You will have to season it after every use, but it only takes a few minutes after learning the procedure we’ve provided in our previous reviews.

Overall, this design is less versatile than other pans, because it was specifically made for those who wanted to replicate grilling. Those who wish to transport their grill to the oven on a nearly indestructible grill pan should consider this.

5. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

The 11.75-inch skillet from Le Creuset is handcrafted with the same quality and attention to detail as the company’s enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens. While the black enameled interior resists stains and dullness, it is dishwasher-safe, never needs seasoning, and can be used to cook just about anything, including highly acidic food.

The large helper handle on the skillet made it easy to handle when carrying or emptying, particularly considering its substantial size and weight. As our reviewer describes it: “It’s quite a heavy pan, and it’s no lightweight.”

As a result of the even heating of the pan, the steak crust was perfectly brown while searing, and very little smoke was produced, so cleaning up was very simple. While it’s shallower than other pans, it’s a bit more prone to splattering oil. Cornbread baked without sticking to the bottom of the pan, and egg whites stuck to only a small amount of the bottom. We love all the different color options, something that you won’t find in an unnamed option. A durable, quality design at such a high price is definitely worth it.

6. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan

If you are interested in cast iron cookware, you either need a reverence for the classic or a willingness to shell out more capital for modern conveniences. This Lodge pan, like all Lodge pans, is dedicated to the classic experience of time-honored taste. The best way to test your loyalty is by upgrading to a smaller and lighter model.

Whether you’re grilling steaks or roasting vegetables, the 10-inch round size is great for showing how cast iron works in your kitchen. The cast iron grill pan with a lid standard lid fits well with traditional glass pan lids of similar sizes, as well as complements existing cookware in any kitchen.

A lightweight, lipped edge makes draining easy without degrading the edge height or heat retention of the pan. Grill pans, like all classic cast-iron cookware, require an intentional and specific cleaning regime. If you’re not familiar with the Lodge website, take time to read the other reviews we’ve created or directly on the Lodge website.

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By upgrading an existing kitchen set up with this pan, you will be able to achieve restaurant-quality sear marks without spending unnecessary money.

7. Cuisinart Enameled Provencial Blue Grill Pan

A pan like the Cuisinart Square Grill Pan offers an affordable and versatile option for those who are looking for a modern grill pan. In addition to its attractive porcelain enamel exterior, which is available in three colors, the range can easily transition from stovetop to oven to dinner table to dishwasher.

On the stovetop, the pan is perfect for searing and slow cooking with perfect results. As a result of its size and weight, it is perfect for cooking meats and vegetables rather than stews or other liquid-based dishes. Additionally, the 7.25-inch depth makes it easy to braise and prepare a decent meal for two people with ample space.

As a result of the light color of the pan interior, we can easily see what’s happening during cooking. The pan does not absorb flavors or odors like others. Though the grill pan can technically be washed in the dishwasher, we recommend hand washing to ensure the seasoning of the cast iron remains intact. Frequently washing the dish leads to more time spent on spicing the pan.

This pan’s quality isn’t quite there, and even after normal use, the enamel showed considerable wear despite the manufacturer’s instructions. It is difficult to evaluate the durability of the handle because it is separate from the rest of the pan.

8. Sabatier Pre-Seasoned Rust Resistant Cast Iron Grill Pan

Modern style and convenience combine with the great features of your mother’s cast iron grill pan to create the Sabatier Cast Iron Pan with Glass Lid, a mid-level model with enhanced performance in a slimmer design.

A grill pan is traditionally used for searing, grilling, sautéing, and browning, but you can also use this pan for frying and baking cornbread if the occasion warrants it. The large handles also make this pan easy to maneuver, but the extra width on this pan comes at the expense of added weight. At 11.79 lbs, it’s not a model for beginners, and it should be used only by someone capable of caring for the surfaces of this classic piece of kitchen equipment.

After preseasoning the surface of the skillet, its surface is said to be stick-resistant, making it ready to cook from the box. However, any cast iron pan will develop flavor, and performance over time. A little bit of oil is added to the pan before heating it never hurts. This all-natural surface is chemical-free thus making it a great surface for metal utensils. In spite of the dishwasher safety claim, we recommend hand washing in order to protect the quality.

You can protect the skillet surface by rinsing it with water and washing off all food debris. If any remains, you can smooth the surface with steel wool. Under no circumstances should the pan be soaked to prevent the removal of seasoning or rust. Dry the surface thoroughly with a towel before applying a thin layer of oil, and store it in a dry location. Using this pan with precision will make it last for years to come.

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Buying Guide: Best Cast Iron Grill Pans

When making the decision to purchase a best-enameled cast iron grill pan, be sure to check the dimensions, and the weight. It requires more upper body strength to handle heavy pans and is not suited to all users. Furthermore, the size of the grill surface will determine how much food you can make at once. Any size household can find the right grill.

Cast iron pans are classic kitchen equipment that requires more manual maintenance owing to their innate design. It is our belief, however, that this special purpose only enhances the flavors produced by the pan and increases your enjoyment all around.

Material

Nonstick and cast iron are the two most common materials for grill pans. These two materials are great choices depending on your needs. Cast-iron pans are usually heavier than the healthiest nonstick pans and require more effort during cleaning and maintenance. A grill pan is generally oven-safe, but its maximum temperature can vary, so you need to keep that in mind when buying one. Considering the compatibility of the grill pan with metal utensils can also be important, as metal utensils can scratch the surface and damage the coating.

Use

I don’t think you can find a non-stick cast iron grill pan that will produce the same kind of flavor after decades of use. Cast-iron pans offer numerous advantages, but you’ll need to exercise care and maintenance of them by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using the tips from our review of the cast-iron grill pan.

Shape

You need to consider the shape of the pan as well as the material. Pans are typically square or circular, and the shape will affect how much food will fit in the pan. Also, confirm that the shape of the pan is compatible with the burners on your stove. The burners should be capable of evenly heating the pan’s surface.

Safety

Choosing oven mitts and a silicone handle that is suitable for the model you purchase will provide you with greater safety for use over time. Ensure that you have quality vegetable oil on hand as well as one of the substitutes for vegetable oil in order to ensure a properly seasoned pan. A cheesecloth or towel can be useful to store the pan in damp conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions