Griddle pans are a valuable tool for home cooks and professional chefs too. They allow you to prepare bacon, eggs, and pancakes even faster. Most of us think that griddle pans are only for breakfast but can be used for making fajitas, cooking a pizza, or sautéing appetizers. With the best griddle pan, you’ll be able to get standout charred lines with added flavor by bringing a smoky flavor to every bite.
A grill pan is designed in such a way as to get a smoky flavor and texture. All credit goes to its ridges, which keep the food above the surface of the pan so that it doesn’t sit in the fat juices that runoff. Preparing with this type of cookware can add more flavor texture and flavor to your food, improve recipes for sauces, and remove juiciness.
Best Griddle Pans For The Money
When it comes to choosing a griddle pan, you should consider the style and quantity of food you’ll be using the griddle for most as they come in varieties of sizes and shapes. Apart from shape & construction, the material is also an important factor that should be taken into consideration. We tested 11 top rated griddle pans from the leading cookware brands. Keep scrolling to know the best griddle pans available on shopping stores:
1. Oxo Griddle Pan: Best Overall
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 1.6 Pounds |
| Care Instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
| Product Size | 19.5 x 10.75 x 4.5 inches |
The OXO Grill Pan is perfect for indoor grilling. The pan is equivalent to an outside grill in terms of its ability to produce tasty food with little effort. The pan’s three-layer non-stick coating, developed in Germany, allows you to use less oil without sacrificing ease of use.
The hard-anodized outside of our pan distributes heat quickly and evenly, and the stainless steel handle is covered in silicone to prevent burns.
This grill pan is nonstick and features deep ridges that help drain grease, making it ideal for home use. As a bonus, your favorite meats and vegetables will have beautiful grill marks. The silicone handle will allow you to control the pan without worrying about burning your hand.
This multipurpose griddle has a three-layer non-stick covering that makes cleaning a breeze after cooking breakfast, brunch, or any other meal. A versatile pan, this one is made from hard-anodized aluminum and stainless steel so it can be used on both the burner and in the oven.
It is strong and pleasant to hold thanks to the ergonomically designed stainless steel handle.
Pros
- Its dishwasher safe
- Its oven safe
- Comfortable handle of stainless steel
- PFOA free
- Compatible with enough stovetops
Cons
- Cannot be used on induction
- Poor non stick coating
2. Farberware Griddle Pan: Runner Up
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 1.6 Pounds |
| Care Instructions | Dishwasher Safe |
| Product Size | 19.5 x 10.75 x 4.5 inches |
Aluminum construction of the griddle allows for rapid and even heating, and its unique outside color makes a welcome addition to any kitchen. The SmartGlide Nonstick System is made of high-quality nonstick that is both long-lasting and has a textured surface for superior food release, excellent browning, and little food sticking.
GRIDDLE that can go in the oven and dishwasher without worry: The nonstick pancakes griddle may be used up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven and can be cleaned in the dishwasher for your convenience.
The different Farberware lines may be complemented with this square griddle, which is perfect for cooking bacon and hamburgers. Easy flipping of everything from hamburgers to tofu is made possible by the flat grill pan’s low sides.
The grill’s nonstick, surface enables for cast iron-approved searing & simple food release, and the grill’s aluminum construction ensures rapid and consistent heating.
The ergonomic and strong handle won’t become hot even when using the maximum heat setting. In addition, the pan may be used in an oven upto 350 degrees F and placed in a dishwasher for convenient cleanup, but many customers advise hand cleaning to retain the nonstick coating.
Pros
- Excellent design
- Comes with ergonomic handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It’s not induction safe
3. Cuisinart Griddle Pan: Considerable
| Material | Aluminum |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Care Instructions | Hand Wash Only |
| Product Size | 19 x 11 x 0.5 inches |
The long handle on this Cuisinart circular grill pan maintains its temperature even while you cook. The nonstick interior made with quantum material makes it simple to transfer foods from one part of the pan to another. A slanted lip is included for catching spills. The induction stovetop can’t be used with this grill pan, so be aware.
Non-stick, hard-anodized cookware by Cuisinart’s Chef’s Classic collection: Extensive Professional Hard Anodizing The outside is more durable than stainless steel. It’s dense, impermeable, highly wear-resistant, and finished to facilitate wiping down.
It has a titanium-reinforced, nonstick cooking surface; Quantanium-coated inside for scratch resistance and long-term food release, safe cooking, and simple cleanup. Using metal utensils is safe on the aluminum-free surface.
Do you long for the taste of freshly grilled meat and veggies but lack the room or funds for an outside grill? Instead of a traditional grill, you may get excellent results using a grill pan like the Cuisinart Chef’s griddle Pan.
These one-of-a-kind pans are ridged around the bottom to simulate the delectable charred flavor of traditional grilling.
Pros
- This grill pan can withstand temperatures up to 500
- It is suitable for use in the oven or under the broiler
Cons
- It is not dishwasher safe
How To Choose The Best Griddle Pans?
While choosing a perfect griddle pan for your kitchen, consider the following things for making the best choice:
→ Type of griddle pan
Ceramic, stainless steel, and aluminum are all common materials for griddle pans, which come in an array of shapes and sizes. However, there are only two main types of griddle pans:
→ Cast-iron griddle pan
This is the more conventional choice. As a result of their hefty construction, durability, and ability to withstand heat in an oven, these pans are perfect for outdoor cooking. To keep food from sticking, you’ll need to apply layer upon layer of baked-on oil to the cooking surface regularly, as well as to keep it from rusting.
→ Non-stick griddle
Griddle pans with nonstick coatings, like those found in nonstick frying pans, don’t require seasoning before use. They can be cleaned in the dishwasher, unlike cast-iron pans, so you won’t have to use as much oil or fat while cooking. As a result, it’s important to note that not all oven-safe products are created equal.
→ Weight
Cast iron griddle pans, in particular, can be incredibly heavy. So, look for a device that is easy to hold. Several non-stick alternatives are lighter and just as effective, but keep in mind that the thinner the base, the less durable it may be. If you’re looking for something that will last for years, consider a cast-iron griddle pan.
→ Pan size and space
A good rule of thumb to follow when selecting your grill pan is to figure out how many people you usually feed when using one of these appliances. Choose a pan that is too small, and your cooking time and food quality will suffer.
Think about how and where you’ll are using the griddle before purchasing it. If you plan to use it primarily on the stove, you may need various sizes. Consider the amount of room you have in your kitchen for both the griddle and its storage.
They’re usually quite large, and you can get smaller ones if that’s more convenient for you. Having a larger one on hand is a good idea if you’re planning to host a party once in a while.
“A griddle that only covers half of the grill may be your best bet. So you can cook peppers and onions on one side of the griddle pan while fresh sausages cook on the open grill to perfection.”
→ Handles
Using a chef’s hands is essential, and we believe that the handle of grill cookware is just as important. The use of this piece of equipment will help decide which handle is best suited for it.
Oven grill pans require handles made of a material that conducts heat more slowly than those used on a stove.
It’s a good thing that materials like stainless aluminum and steel aren’t good heat conductors. To keep the handles from overheating, they should be made of materials like stainless steel or aluminum.
Handles made of plastic or wood, on the other hand, are more comfortable to hold but may not be suitable for use in an oven. Plastics are used up to about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, but they will melt if they are placed in a broiling pan.
Removable handles are also an option to consider, but they can be hard to clean around and break over time.
→ Special features
It is possible to find grill pans that have added convenience features. Some grill pans have a convenient indentation just on the rim for draining oil. It allows for the storage of fat or oil accurately and safely while making cleanup easier and safer.
Detachable grills placed over a shallow dish are preferred by some chefs to a sturdy grill pan with elevated ridges for grilling. Some detachable grills can be washed in the dishwasher, making this option convenient for cleaning.
→ Ease of cooking
Griddle pans come with a variety of features that make them easier to use. To prevent food from sticking to the pan, features such as well-defined ridges or a long handle are desirable. Another important feature to look for is a non-stick coating that is resistant to scratches.
→ Price
For well-known brands, cast-iron griddles are available at around $20 and could go up to $100 or even more in price. Between $20 and $60 is a good price range for non-stick versions. Look to spend between $35 and $40 on a durable and large cooking surface.
How to Season and Care for Your Griddle Pan?
Seasoning is recommended to protect and preserve the non-stick surface of a cast-iron skillet. Seasoning is meant to create a thin layer of oil on the cooking surface. Once the oil is well spread, place it at a hot oven temperature to keep the oil from sticking to the pan. Let’s take a deeper look at how to season and care for your griddle pan.
Steps by Step guide for Seasoning Griddle Pan
Follow the steps for primary seasoning of a flat-top, cast iron skillet.
- Preheat your oven first. Set your oven up to 400 degrees F. Before placing it in the oven, spread the oil evenly over the cooking base.
- Use cooking oil with a smoke point that can withstand high oven temperatures. This type of oil does not catch fire inside the oven. You can choose canola oil, vegetable oil or flaxseed oil for seasoning.
- Don’t forget to wash the new pan with hot, soapy water, as they have a manufacturing residue on them. Also, keep it dry completely before seasoning.
- Use a clean cloth or paper towel to spread an even coating of oil over the base of the pan. You also need to use a towel to absorb the excess oil to prevent pooling.
- After spreading the oil, keep it in the oven and cook it for at least 45 minutes. This process will create a non-stick base on the pan.
- Then, repeat the oiling and cooking process three to four times. Safety Tip: Always wear heat-resistant gloves when removing pans from the oven.
- If you ever find that the base of the pan has burnt or visible rust, you can clean it with soapy water and follow the same seasoning steps.
What are the caring tips for Season Griddle Pan?
Seasoning can make a difference in cooking and the flavor comes from the food you cook. Follow the steps below when you are seasoning a pan:
- Avoid using soap when washing it to preserve and prevent the non-stick base of your cast-iron pan. Use a scouring pad, scraper, or fragile cleaning brush to eliminate food residue or food build-up. Wash it under warm water while scraping, then allow it to dry thoroughly to prevent rusting.
- After every cleaning and each use, spread the oil over the surface to maintain the non-stick surface. Keep the pan at medium-low temperature or one of the burners of the stove. Then, spread a layer of oil after every use.
Griddle Pan Frequently Asked Questions
- Are griddle pan and frying pan same?
It’s important to note that a griddle is not the same thing as a frying pan, or even a skillet. The frying pan is circular; a grill pan may be square or round. Grease pans, on the other hand, have a lower depth than fry pans.
To conclude, the griddle pan may be used to cook dry-heat dishes and fry, whereas the skillet is used for searing & frying items. Some skillets, on the other hand, are used to bake a variety of sweets.
- Is there a requirement for oiling a griddle pan?
Because most griddle pans feature a non-stick frying surface, oil is not required to cook. A few minutes of medium-high heat preheating a grill pan will help keep food from sticking.
If your grill pan doesn’t have a non-stick coating, you may simply coat it with oil. You should, however, avoid placing oil on the grill skillet directly, as it might burn and damage the taste of your diet.
Spraying or brushing a griddle pan with high-heat sautéing oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil works well.
- Is griddle pan healthy?
Cooking on a griddle pan seems better for your health than other cooking techniques like frying since it uses less oil and fat. As a result, you use less fat and cook your meal in less time. Griddled dishes are also lower in calories than fried ones.
- Can I fry eggs in a griddle pan?
On a griddle set to low-medium heat, scramble your eggs until they are set. On a cooktop, we suggest turning the heat down just a notch or two below medium. The ideal griddle temperature for eggs is between 250°F and 325°F, which allows for easy monitoring of doneness and minimizes overcooking.
- How to clean and store your griddle pan?
After each usage, you should thoroughly clean your griddle pan to ensure that it is sanitary. Before you begin cleaning your griddle pan, let it cool down a little and then rinse it with hot water to help break the oil and grease.
The pan may be cleaned by soaking it in hot water for a few minutes before wiping it down. In order to ensure that no food debris is left behind, use a towel or sponge dampened with some dishwashing solutions.
Wipe clean the pan thoroughly. The pan should be fully dried and stored in a dry position to avoid rusting and preserve its quality for future usage!
Hi, my name is Ashley Robinson. I’m a food blogger and a part time chef in Food & Drink Junction, Denver. With my blog I’m sharing information & tutorials about different kinds of cooking pans.
