How to choose a grill pan based on material, shape and other criteria

You can cook delicious steaks and appetizing vegetables with characteristic stripes not only on coals, but also in the kitchen. From this instruction you will learn how to choose a grill pan so that cooking is enjoyable and the dishes turn out beautiful and non-greasy. When purchasing, it is important to consider everything - the type of stove, the size of the burner, the number of servings, preferred recipes and favorite types of meat and vegetables. The main selection criteria are shape, material, coating, rib height and a number of other characteristics.

In this publication:

Choosing a grill pan material

Both durability and ease of use will depend on the material of the selected product. There are different types of grill pans on sale, among which cast iron, aluminum and ceramic pans are in demand. Each of them has pros and cons that you need to know about before purchasing:

1. Cast iron frying pan. Products made from this material are strong and durable. Ideal for grilling as they heat up evenly and cool down slowly. The disadvantages include the significant weight of such a frying pan, as well as a clear metallic smell emanating from its surface.
2. Aluminum frying pan. Light weight and the presence of a non-stick coating are the main advantages of aluminum frying pans. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the material, the pan heats up faster than usual. The disadvantages of aluminum products are considered to be instability to high temperatures (overheating above 260°C leads to destruction of the non-stick layer).
3. Ceramic frying pan. Products with a ceramic coating can withstand high temperatures and can be used for cooking in the oven. They have good thermal conductivity and do not emit harmful substances when heated. The only disadvantage of ceramic grill pans is their fragility and fragility.

Aluminum products

An alternative to cast iron fixtures is aluminum. There are quite competitive options on the market. Grill pans must certainly have a non-stick surface, but in addition to Teflon, many high-quality coatings have appeared. This includes marble, granite, titanium, and even ceramics. Cast iron cookware is good without an additional layer, but a non-stick coating must be present on an aluminum surface.

NADOBA Vilma 728220

The size of a square grill pan from a Czech manufacturer is 26x26 cm. The thermochromic indicator located on the handle helps determine the degree of readiness of the dish. There are recesses for drainage, which are located not on the sides, but in the corners. Four layers of spraying increase non-stick properties. The design has a removable handle, which allows you to cook food in the oven. It is suitable for induction ovens, and its highlight is the premium ILAG Ultimate coating with mineral reinforcement.

grill pan NADOBA Vilma 728220

Advantages:

• high scratch resistance.

Flaws:

• flimsy handle mount;
• The heating temperature in the oven should not exceed 180 degrees.

AMT Gastroguss AMTE264G

The German company produces aluminum cookware under its own brand, and its products have long been loved by European customers. The square-shaped frying pan has dimensions of 26x26 cm. Users note its successful design and low weight compared to cast iron. The model differs from its competitors in its durable non-stick coating and is suitable for induction hobs.

grill pan AMT Gastroguss AMTE264G

Advantages:

• excellent quality.

Flaws:

• high price.

Tefal Expertise

The square-shaped aluminum grill pan from the well-known manufacturer Tefal has both a branded frying pan and a heating level indicator. The non-removable handle is made of bakelite, and the modern titanium non-stick coating protects food from burning. The model is compatible with all stoves - induction, electric and gas. Machine washing is allowed, and caring for the dishes is easy. Many users noted such a negative point as the high cost.

grill pan Tefal Expertise

Advantages:

• high quality.

Flaws:

• overpriced, according to buyers.

NEVA METAL COOKWARE Ferra induction 54026

This round shaped frying pan is made of cast aluminum. High-quality titanium non-stick coating allows you to cook without oil. The large height of the fins and the high speed of heating the metal ensure excellent quality of the finished products. The convenient removable bakelite handle creates additional comfort and can be quickly removed if you need to put the frying pan in the oven. The product is easy to care for: it can be washed in the dishwasher. The model is compatible with induction cookers.

grill pan NEVA METAL COOKWARE Ferra induction 54026

Advantages:

• high-quality non-stick coating;
• light weight.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Marusya Standard

This inexpensive, domestically produced round grill pan will be a good gift for any housewife. The diameter of the product is 240 mm. Compact dishes do not take up much space. Marble and granite coatings make its surface resistant to mechanical damage. The bottom thickness is 6 mm, which provides good non-stick properties. High sides protect against splashing.

grill pan Marusya Standard

Advantages:

• low price;
• compactness;
• light weight.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Grill pan shapes

The shape of grill pans depends entirely on the preferences of the buyer. Round, square or oval - each product has its own advantages. For example, a square frying pan is suitable for a large family, while a small round one is enough for one person. You can also buy several grill pans of different sizes: one for grilling steaks and vegetables, and another for making omelettes for breakfast.

If you plan to bake meat or fish in the oven, purchase a rectangular grill pan with a ceramic coating. When choosing a product, pay attention to its walls: they must be thick so that strong heat is created inside the frying pan.

Grill pan size

When buying a large-diameter grill pan, a person expects to be able to cook many foods in it at the same time. However, if you only have a gas or electric stove, then using a wide frying pan will be inconvenient. If you cook on an induction hob, the size of the pan should match the diameter of the burner. Otherwise, you will need to purchase an adaptation disk.

The quality of cooking is also affected by the height of the sides of grill pans. Experienced chefs advise buying deep frying pans - food is fried much better in them. Fish or fresh vegetables are usually cooked in shallow dishes.

For a master class on cooking pork steak, watch this video tutorial:

Pork chop. Simple, tasty, inexpensive.

Inner surface of the frying pan

A distinctive feature of grill pans is their ribbed bottom, thanks to which characteristic stripes remain on the cooked product. The height of the ribs matters - the higher they are, the further the dish is from the frying surface. Juice and excess fat released during cooking will accumulate between the grooves without coming into contact with the food at all. Dishes cooked in such a frying pan are considered dietary all over the world!

Modern grill pans are available with Teflon coating. They are easy to use, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean. When purchasing products with a non-stick coating, you should immediately stock up on silicone spatulas so as not to damage the Teflon layer. Also, you should not heat the frying pan above 200°C, as this increases the risk of releasing harmful fumes from its surface.

When choosing a grill pan among the models presented in the store, ask the seller which product is suitable for your stove. Sometimes the manufacturer informs about the compatibility of the product and the stove in the product instructions. If you cook on a regular gas stove, then don’t worry about choosing and buy the first grill pan you like.

Owners of glass-ceramic stoves are better off abandoning heavy cast-iron frying pans in favor of aluminum ones with a smooth bottom. An induction grill pan must have a flat steel bottom. Double-sided frying pans with iron inserts in the bottom area are also suitable. If for some reason you don’t yet have a stove in your kitchen, purchase an electric grill pan. It makes it easy to prepare a large number of dishes.

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Steel products

Stainless steel is durable, easy to maintain and can be used on all types of cooking surfaces. Stainless steel pans do not spoil the taste of ingredients with unwanted odors, are not subject to corrosion and heat up quickly, which affects the speed of frying. One way or another, when preparing food you need to be careful and turn, for example, pieces of meat in a timely manner to avoid burning.

BAF Galaxy induction line 4002 16 28

This round stainless steel frying pan from a German manufacturer has a diameter of 280 mm. The three-layer non-stick coating, consisting of ceramic and titanium, withstands contact even with metal blades. The thickness is 7 mm. The height of the sides is 60 mm. This prevents fat from splattering during cooking. The plastic handle can withstand heating up to 280 degrees, which does not prevent use in the oven.

grill pan BAF Galaxy induction line 4002 16 28

Advantages:

• beautiful shape;
• high-quality stainless steel base;
• high quality non-stick coating.

Flaws:

• high price.

KitchenAid KC2T10NRST

This chic grill, made of high-quality stainless steel, has a Teflon coating. The thickness of the model is 3 mm excluding the corrugated surface. Standard dimensions are 26x26 cm. The presence of such a frying pan in the kitchen guarantees a very high speed of cooking. A coating of up to 35 microns ensures high non-stick properties.

grill pan KitchenAid KC2T10NRST

Advantages:

• impeccable preparation of food;
• made of high quality stainless steel.

Flaws:

• use on gas burners is undesirable (stains remain on the surfaces);
• high price.

Grill pan handle

No matter what positive qualities this or that frying pan has, without a high-quality handle you will not be able to take advantage of its advantages. The catch with cheap frying pans is not only the non-stick coating that wears off quickly, but also the melting and cracking handles.

The handle of the grill pan should be made of heat-resistant plastic, silicone or wood. Weighty cast iron models are often equipped with solid cast handles so that they do not break under the weight of the product at the wrong moment. Grill pans with folding handles are incredibly practical - they are compact and save space in the kitchen.

Advantages and disadvantages of grill pans

The main advantage of grill pans is their ribbed surface, which allows you to prepare a juicy and healthy dish without soot and fat. A meat or fish steak will be ready in 5-7 minutes, and all thanks to the well-heated ribs of the frying pan. Another advantage of dishes cooked on a grill pan is their golden crust and extraordinary aroma.

Grill pans have virtually no downsides. What disadvantages can we talk about if food cooked in this frying pan only becomes healthier and more nutritious! Still, some people may find the grill pan too heavy and cumbersome.

Manufacturers of grill pans

Today, there are many brands producing grill pans of different models. In order to make the right choice and buy a quality product, you should familiarize yourself with the popular manufacturers of this cookware:

1. Ballarini is an Italian brand that occupies a leading position in the production of non-stick frying pans.
2. BergHOFF is a Belgian manufacturer of high quality tableware.
3. GIPFEL is a German cookware brand that is popular all over the world. Gipfel's main direction is the production of cast iron grill pans.
4. HOME CLUB is a Russian manufacturer of barbecues, grill pans, and braziers.
5. LODGE is an American company that is a leader in the sale of high-quality cast iron grill pans in the mid-price segment.
6. Tefal is a French cookware brand that was among the first to use Teflon coating for its products.

comparison table

It is not easy to choose among the variety of models. Not knowing what to look for and what functions a grill pan should have, many make a mistake when purchasing. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to compare the equipment in advance.

Model	Material	Non-stick coating	Diameter(cm)	Cost (rubles)	Rating according to users
AMT Gastroguss AMTE285G 28x28 cm	Cast aluminum	Titanium	28*28	6999	5
KitchenAid KC2T10NRST	Stainless steel	Teflon Select	25	17299	4.9
Kelli KL-115 32 cm	No information	Marble	32	1699	4.7
Lodge L8SGP3	Cast iron	Without special coating	26	4220	4.7
Tefal Supreme gusto H1184074	Bakelite	PowerGlide	26	2699	4.5
Berlinger Haus Rosegold Line 28 x 28 cm	Aluminum	Marble	28	1499	4.4
Mallony GPR-26C	Cast iron	Information is absent	26	1130	4.3

Having studied the characteristics of each frying pan, it will be easier to make a choice.

How to cook on a grill pan

In order to cook a delicious dish on a grill pan, you will need to remember a few simple rules:

1. Use minimal or no oil for cooking. Alternatively, brush the ribs of the pan with a brush dipped in olive oil.
2. Place food only on a hot frying pan - the dish will have an appetizing crust and will not stick to the ribbed surface.
3. Before grilling the meat, cut it into pieces 1.5-2cm thick.
4. The grill pan becomes very hot during cooking, so do not place it on the table without a special stand.

Reviews

After purchasing grill pans, users share their impressions on many forums and official websites. Before purchasing a product, study them, learn about the pros and cons.

My husband and I purchased an AMT Gastroguss grill pan, got a special offer, and even managed to save money. Overall, I liked the device, it works well, heats up almost instantly. Children like ready-made meals, juicy, fried, tasty. So far no cons have been identified.

Irina, 36 years old.

I couldn’t help but share my review of the miracle device KitchenAid KC2T10NRST. I have never regretted my purchase yet. You won't be able to cook such delicious dishes in any simple frying pan. The only drawback is, of course, the price. But I want to say that it is worth it and completely justifies it.

Tatyana, 55 years old.

I gave my wife a Kelli KL-115 32 cm frying pan. We had been dreaming of making such a purchase for a long time, so on March 8 the dream came true. She couldn't be happier. It works well, heats up quickly, and you have to use minimal oil.

Dmitry, 29 years old.

I bought a new Mallony GPR-26C frying pan for my kitchen; now I almost never use simple saucepans and other utensils. In general, I like everything, I haven’t found any shortcomings yet, I hope that it will continue to be so.

Maria, 48 years old.