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If you like your food to have beautiful grill marks, consider investing in the best cast iron grill pan to cook whatever you desire. The cast iron grill pan delivers flavorful meals and keeps your health intact through pre-seasoned pans, so you don’t have to use excess butter or oil.
After testing more than 30 popular cast iron grill pans available online, and from grilling chicken to roasting veggies for more than a month, we’ve compiled a list of the best cast iron grill pans to cook everything from my favorite Beef and Broccoli, Chicken Chow Mein to many other gluten-free potluck recipes.
Video: Things You Must Know About Cast Iron Skillets
10 Best Cast Iron Grill Pans – Chef’s Approved
| No. | Cast Iron Grills Pan | Material |
| 1 | Cuisinart Square Pan | Cast iron |
| 2 | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Pan | Cast iron |
| 3 | Gotham Steel Non-Stick Pan | Cast iron |
| 4 | Gourmex Toughpan | Aluminum |
| 5 | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Grill | Cast iron |
| 6 | Le Creuset Grill | Cast iron |
| 7 | NutriChef Reversible Grill Plate | Cast iron |
| 8 | Jim Beam Pre-Seasoned Skillet | Cast iron |
| 9 | Victoria Grill Pan | Cast iron |
| 10 | Outset Shrimp Pan | Cast iron |
1. Cuisinart 9 Inch Square Grill Pan (CI30-23BG)
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Here we go with our exclusive top pick, the Cuisinart square cast iron grill pan, which rightfully deserves to be on top of our list. This 9.25-inch grilling pan is well-known for having the best cooking performance once given enough time to heat up.
You won’t be disappointed by this pan, once you learn a few tips and tricks to make the best use of it. Setting the flame medium-high will get the best results as the cast iron grill heats up pretty well. Due to the cast iron contraction, the cast iron grill also retains heat for a long duration.
Its porcelain enameled interior is ideal for cooking as it provides even heat distribution. Cuisinart Grill pan is strong, durable, and provides the perfect firm grip when cooking or serving piping hot food.
This is one of the best cast iron grill pans I’ve tested for indoor use as it doesn’t require extensive cleaning, and is perfect for indoor grilling events.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay – Target
2. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
If you are craving a juicy burger or a steak, the Lodge’s Pre-seasoned cast iron grill pan is the right pick for you. The best part is that it is pre-seasoned, so you can start grilling your food right away.
You can use this on all cooking surfaces without worrying, as the high edges on the sides protect your countertop from food splashes. For excellent food presentation, the interior’s ridges leave beautiful sear marks on your food.
Due to its heavy-duty design and premium cast iron, this pan ensures even heat distribution and lasts for years. Not just you can use this grill pan on the stove but also in the oven if you’re craving a baked steak. Overall, this is one of the best square-shaped cast iron grill pans that can easily accommodate more food.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – Target
Video: How To Season A Cast Iron Grill Pan Before Use?
3. Gotham Steel Nonstick Grill Pan for Stovetops
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Gotham is a well-known manufacturer of ceramic-coated cookware and claims to have excellent cast iron grill pans in the market. This grilling pan promises to deliver the ultimate cooking experience with a triple-layer non-stick coating reinforced with diamonds.
The ridges on the non-stick pan’s sides are perfect for grilling burgers, steaks, and chicken, while the bottom of the ridges leaves appealing sear marks on the grilled food. Moreover, the high ridges reduce hot food splatters on the counters. To provide more browning, the eco-friendly Gotham cast iron grill pan is coated with minerals, ensuring the food is healthy and non-toxic while allowing the extra liquids and fats to slip away, making the meal healthy and fat-free.
Moreover, the pan coating is durable and robust enough to withstand the use of metal utensils such as spoons, spatulas, whisks, and electric beaters. You’ll feel an extra level of comfort while cooking or serving hot food thanks to its ergonomic stainless steel handle which remains cool throughout. Last but not least – the part we all dread the most. Yes, the washing. It is entirely effortless and hassle-free to do.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay
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4. GOURMEX Toughpan Induction Grill Pan
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
The Gourmex toughpan induction grill pan indeed lives up to its name thanks to its heavy-duty cast aluminum build, making it strong, durable, and lasting. I loved its heavy cast aluminum which delivers heat quickly and efficiently throughout the grill pan while I was cooking chicken thighs and steaks.
Additionally, its non-stick coating ensures that the pan is safe from scratches even after prolonged use. Unlike Gotham’s grill pan, the stainless steel handle of the Gourmex grill pan is covered with black silicone, making it cool to touch and grip even after hours of continuous use.
Gourmex toughpan not only works well with induction stoves but is also highly compatible with high-tech cooktops. So, whether you cook on gas, electricity, or even coal, this aluminum grill pan is made to withstand all heat sources.
Washing this gourmex grill pan is a no-brainer. It is recommended to clean it with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Moreover, you can use any scrubber to scrub off the grease and oil remains which hardly ever happens as the grill pan is non-stick. Besides being durable, this is one of the best cast iron grill pans as it is safe to use and 100% chemical-free.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Gourmex
5. Lodge LDP3 Reversible Grill/Griddle
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
This Lodge LDP3 Reversible Grill can be used as both a griddle and a cast iron grill. The non-stick feature further adds to the performance without adding any odor to the cooked, or grilled food.
The Lodge LDP3 griddle has an excellent heating capacity, ensuring that the heat is distributed evenly across the grill and is prepped thoroughly. The best feature is that even after turning off the stove, the cast iron grill retains heat for a long time.
Let me tell you that the griddle collects juice in one part so the steak can be cooked properly without steaming. That’s not all. This flat cast iron grill can easily fit anywhere, whether it’s the stove or oven in the kitchen or even a campfire in the woods.
This is the best pan for cooking steak as it is spacious and a good option – especially for large families who cook outdoor steaks on the stove.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay – Target
6. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Grill
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Le Creuset grill pans are one of the best pans for their craftsmanship and style. This Le Creuset cast iron grill pan can’t miss being a part of your kitchen with its glossy exterior and bright color.
Made of an enameled cast iron interior this pan distributes heat evenly to the food being cooked. The inside ridges leave aesthetic grill marks on the food and encourage low-fat cooking.
The cast iron grill pan’s striking cerise color is long-lasting and resists chipping and cracking if used carefully. This pan supports both hand washing as well as dishwashers. N0 needs to worry about the enamel chipping off or the grill pan getting cracks on it.
Overall, the Le Creuset Enameled iron cast grill is the best cast iron grill skillet for home use as it is dishwasher safe, durable, and an excellent choice for smaller families.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay – Costco
7. NutriChef Cast Iron Reversible Grill Plate
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
If you are looking for a large cast iron grill pan for a big family to serve, the NutriChef cast iron reversible grill plate can cater to you with a 2-in-1 design for more variety and less spending.
The most convenient part is that it lets you cook burgers or steak on the ribbed side, while you can cook eggs, sandwiches, and pancakes on its flat side. The nonstick surface of this cast iron reversible grill ensures the release of food with ease and eliminates the need for butter or oil.
The cast iron skillet is easy to clean and stain-resistant. Furthermore, it works best with stovetops, is oven-safe up to 480F, and is compatible with gas, ceramic, and electric stoves. Additional accessories include silicone mittens, perfect for handling the skillet when it comes out of the oven.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay – Target
8. Jim Beam JB0159 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Here’s another option for you, a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet by Jim Beam, which offers a blend of affordability and practicality side by side.
Talking about the cast iron skillet’s surface: its ridged surface is comparatively shallow allowing more food contact with the pan surface and making grilling marks on the food less visible. That’s why it is an ideal pan for preparing meals like hamburgers, sandwiches, or fish.
Furthermore, the cast iron skillet is non-stick and avoids potentially harmful substances for people who season it and use it regularly. Also, uncoated cast iron leaches small amounts of iron into food as it cooks, which may also pose health risks if not used carefully.
Overall, the Jim Beam Skillet is one of the best budget cast iron grill pans under $30 offering excellent performance at such an affordable price. These features include an even heat distribution and impressive durability.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay
9. Victoria Cast Iron Grill Pan
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Victoria’s 12-inch cast iron skillet features a straightforward and dependable design that is pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil to promote healthy eating. This is also the most recommended grill pan due to its higher sides, curved removable handle, and wide diameter.
This Victoria cast iron grill pan’s performance deserves appreciation as the pan stays hot even after the stove is turned off, and the food remains warm throughout this time. Since no harmful substances such as PTFE and PFOAs are used in its coating, the food cooked in this pan stays healthy and tasty with no odor.
However, after a few years of use, it releases traces of iron into the cooked food due to the wear and tear of this pan. Overall, this is one of the best cast iron grill pans for stove tops, and can also be used as a campfire, vegetable, Panini, and bbq grill pan. Unlike other cast iron grills, this Victoria pan offers you a lifetime warranty without additional costs.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – eBay
10. Outset 76375 Shrimp Cast Iron Grill Pan
Features & Specs:
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
This Outset grill cast iron pan is a dream come true for your unlimited servings of shrimp during important events and family dinners.
Let’s first talk about the multiple features this cast iron grill pan offers. Suitable for different cooking methods, such as frying, baking, cooking, sautéing, etc, this is made for cooking shrimps, and to make an excellent presentation, as the food is healthy and free from excess fats and oil.
This pre-seasoned shrimp grilling pan does not require additional oils or butter to encourage healthy eating. The pan’s non-stick surface provides more flavor, texture, and proper grilling to the food and ensures that the food slides out with ease.
We mustn’t forget that besides all of these features, the cast iron grill offers even heat distribution, and due to its small size, it can be transferred anywhere from cooktops and ovens to your camping trips. Do you know the easiest and best way to clean a cast iron grill pan? Hand wash it with warm water, scrub and rinse it thoroughly, and let the pan dry.
You can also buy this grill pan at: Walmart – Target
Grooved Cast Iron Grill Pan vs. Non-Grooved
Cast iron grill pan with grooves
Are you a huge food lover who likes to have fulfilling and delicious meals? Or do you like your proteins? If yes, a cast iron grill pan with grooves will help you prepare your favorite foods, including meat, such as steaks, sausages, and hamburgers. Preparing meat in such a pan makes the meat tender and juicy as the liquid runs off the side.
Not only that, but the ridges will also help to keep the food healthy, fat-free, and away from any chemical substances as the cast iron grill pan is pre-seasoned beforehand, so there is no need for excess oil and butter. The ridges also leave beautiful grill marks on your food when it is done.
However, washing iron grill pans with grooves can be challenging as they require extra care and delicate foods such as fish and vegetables cannot be cooked in them.
Cast iron grill pan without grooves
If you’re into wholesome, dry, and simple meals, not exotic fancy ones, you should opt for a cast iron grill pan without grooves or a flat surface. These foods include eggs, pancakes, biscuits, cornbread, and casseroles. Moreover, these pans are easier to use and do not require practice or professional experience.
The food has no chance of getting stuck in the ridges or breaking apart as the surface is flat. It also toasts food evenly, unlike pans with grooves, and the final result of the food is almost the same as an iron grill pan with ridges.
On the other hand, the flat surface is bland; it does not create unique designs like a cast iron groove pan and doesn’t have high sides, making food splatters unavoidable.
Video: Stainless Steel Frying Pan vs Cast Iron Skillets? What’s best for you!
Buying Tips for The Cast Iron Grill Pans
With various varieties and competition between different brands, choosing the best cast iron pan for the grill can become tricky. There’s no need to fret. You won’t have a hard time figuring out when you finally have to choose the perfect cast iron grill after reading our detailed buying guide we have written just for you.
Grill size
If you’re tired of repeatedly cooking on the same small grill due to a large family or during parties, you should opt for a larger grill pan that doesn’t take up much of your time. However, if you have a small family or are single, a small-sized cast iron grill pan measuring around 9-10 inches will also do the job.
Material
Have you ever wondered if your grill pan should be suitable for the equipment you have at home? Are you looking for an affordable and best cast iron grill pan for an electric stove? If yes, you’ll be glad to know that all cast iron grill pans mentioned above are compatible with electric stoves and gas ones.
With or without ridges
The ridges in a cast iron grill pan depend on what you eat. If you’re a fan of having meaty foods more often, like hamburgers or steaks, I’d suggest you go for a pan with ridges as it collects liquids on one side and leaves the meat soft and tender. On the other hand, if you consume dry foods such as eggs, pancakes, or biscuits, a grill pan without ridges will work correctly for you.
Price
Deciding the price range you want to go for is necessary if you’re on a tight budget and only invest a certain amount. If you’re looking for options for cheap cast iron grill pans, there’s no need to worry as we have provided you with plenty of options. The cast iron grill pan will not only be easy on the pocket but will also be of good quality.
Weight
If you’re looking for an cast iron grill for daily use, you should go for a lightweight one as it could become a nuisance to carry a heavyweight grill pan daily. But if you’re looking for an option for the best cast iron grill pan for gas stoves or even electric tops, you won’t have to carry the grill pan every day from the stove to the table. Another recommended option is to get your grill pans fixed on countertops so whether they’re light or heavy, they won’t be a nuisance anymore.
Heat source
A good heat source is a must-have if you want your meal to be cooked properly from all sides. Look for a cast iron grill pan that offers a spread of heat and preferably stays warm even after the heat is turned off. This way, your food can still be warm food as the grill pan will remain warm for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the heat source.
Accessories
Most cast iron grill pans do not come with accessories, but the ones include cute silicone oven mitts for protection. One of the best cast iron grill plates comes with a wooden plate underneath them, which protects the pan’s surface as it is scalding.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best cast iron grill pan is Cuisinart’s 9.25-inch square grill pan. It is the best overall in terms of the features it offers. It provides the best and quickest heating results and stays warm after the heat is turned off. Its porcelain interior earns points as it is the ideal interior for you in terms of cooking.
One of the best cast iron grill pans for gas stoves is the pre-seasoned Lodge cast iron grill pan, as it spreads equal heat to the food. Also, it can be easily placed on a gas stove without worry as it is suitable for all stoves.
The best way to wash a cast iron grill is by hand. All you need to do is use a small amount of soap and rinse the pan thoroughly. If stubborn food is stuck on the pan, you can use a pan scraper or boiled water to wash the grill pan.
There are no limitations in cooking in a cast iron grill pan. You can quickly cook or even bake various dishes in it without a single worrying thought. The choice of those different dishes includes hamburgers, steaks, fried chicken, pan pizza, and pancakes.
