Taking The Barbecue Experience Indoors With The Best Induction Grill Pans

Back home, grilling food usually means there’s a celebration of sorts. You don’t get to barbecue every day, right? The smoke plus the searing sound of meat could mean that it’s someone’s birthday, or perhaps it’s a national holiday, or maybe a family is having their grand get-together. Barbecues are more than just tossing meat onto a grill: it’s a celebration of a milestone, a holiday, or simply… being together.

These days, we don’t cook outdoors like before. While we limit our social gatherings and stay at home most of the time, this doesn’t mean that we have to limit the way that we enjoy food, such as barbecues. Meals that we usually prepare and consume outdoors, can now be experienced indoors, thanks to the best induction grill pans out there!

You can ease your worries about the smoke, too. Can you imagine the grill marks on the meat and veggies that provide that flavorful char while channeling rich juices? Oh yes, I’m after those, too.

Best Induction Grill Pan Compared

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The grilling pan line of Lodge is so impressive that my top 3 recommendations are all taken by Lodge products. It’s just a matter of choosing which is the best for your cooking requirements, such as pan size, functionality, and versatility.

What Differs A Griddle From A Grill?

A lot of people, especially those who are new to cooking, mistake a griddle for a grill. In their traditional form, you can see that these two types of cookware have different surfaces. A griddle’s surface is flat and smooth, where you can easily flip pancakes over, for example. A grill is commonly characterized by ridges or bars that subject the food directly to the source of heat, which in turn cooks it.

There is a small change, however, with grill pans or griddles that are made for induction cooktops. You can commonly see these two as part of an entire induction cookware set, but they can be bought separately, of course, if your kitchen does not afford you that much space.

While griddles have perfectly flat and smooth surfaces, there may be dishes for which you would need another cookware to prepare, such as a thick frittata or a veggie stir fry. You can check out my recommendations on the best frying pans and the best woks for induction cooktops.

Your Induction Grill Buying Guide: Things To Consider

What are the key features that you would need to look for when searching for the best grill pan for induction cooktops?

NON-STICK COATING. Grilling food involves a lot of sauces, high temperatures, charring, and all parts of cooking that yield a lot of residue. Make sure that the grill pan you are purchasing has great non-stick coating to make cleanup totally effortless.

HEAT DISTRIBUTION AND RETENTION. Some grill pans heat up faster than others, mainly because of the materials used in manufacturing them. Check if the pan you are buying is known for even heat distribution and longer heat retention.

QUALITY OF RIDGES. Insignificant as they may seem to some, the grill lines or ridges on your pan will contribute to the success of your cooking, which includes channeling of fats and juices, as well as the charred lines that will appear on your food.

WEIGHT. Some materials make pans heavier than others, such as cast iron. If you’re after durability, you might go for a heavier pan. It is best to keep in mind how you will be moving about, as ergonomics also play an important role in the success and safety of your cooking.

Ready to test your grill pan of choice? Why not try one of our recipes, such as these succulent Beef Ribs. You can also go ahead and check out our grilling techniques.

10 Best Induction Grill Pans Worthy Of Your Investment

The Best Ever Grill Pan: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan With Assist Handle

This amazing grill pan is already seasoned at manufacturing, which makes it ready for grilling anytime! This cookware allows your food to get that sought-after char, without burning the entire grill surface unlike most traditional grills. A plus point? This is so easy to clean.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• Truly a lot of cooking functionalities in a single pan as this can be used to grill, sear, and even broil, right on your induction cooktop.
• The material used in manufacturing this grill pan is so tough that this cookware will last you for decades.
• This pan is pre-seasoned, you can use it right away!
• Nothing beats this grill pan when it comes to even heating and efficient heat retention.

Cons

• Those who are new to induction grill pans should be careful in following the cleaning instructions included in the manual. This will protect your pan from rust, and keep the non-stick surface pristine.
• Metal cooking utensils can be used with this pan, but be careful when scraping as this somehow damages the initial seasoning.
• This grill pan heats so evenly that the handles could get quite hot to the touch.

The Best 2-in-1 Grill Pan: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

Is there anything else that you could think of that is better than a griddle that can also function as a grill? With Lodge’s reversible grill and griddle, you can make pancakes and French toasts, and with a flip of your cookware you can sear steak cuts and grill hamburgers. Why buy two cooking wares when you can have both functionalities in one?

Last update on 2024-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• This reversible grill pan works really well with induction cooktops, both sides of it!
• It is very easy to clean, and the non-stick surface retains its smooth, slide-off-the-pan feature even with frequent use.
• This grill pan makes way for an even distribution of heat, giving you great results with every dish you prepare.

Cons

• Follow the cleaning instructions well to avoid damaging the pan, which includes rust and losing the non-stick feature.
• The lip over both griddle and grill are a bit small, so any excess grease or juice might spill over. Be very careful when tipping the pan over or when handling.

Safe And Easy Handling: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle With Handles

With its two ergonomic handles, the Lodge Reversible Pro Grid Iron Grill/Griddle makes moving about a breeze. The handles make the pan easier to lift and flip over, and you can even hang the pan through the handles when not being used. The heat distribution promotes even cooking, and the size of this pan covers two heating elements on your induction.

Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• It has a large grill/griddle area of 20” x 10.5”.
• This reversible pan can be used on a lot of cooking heat surfaces including induction cooktops.
• You can use this in the oven, too!

Cons

• The photos of the product represent both sides of the tray and NOT two pieces of cookware. This is just to show how the grill and griddle sides look like.
• The handles are holes designed as part of the pan. For those who are conscious of the surface area for cooking, this might annoy you a bit as they take up space that could be allocated for more food.

The Best Non-Stick Grill Pan: Cuisinel Cast Iron Grill Pan

With its trademark “Super-Seasoned” surface, using this grill pan will leave you amazed by how nothing sticks to the pan, even the most delicate fish or melted cheese, making clean up such an easy task. The look and feel of this grill pan are definitely added factors to win you over.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• This cast iron grill pan with a beautiful ribbed surface can be used with any type of cooktop and heating element. It is also equipped with a silicone grip for safe and better handling.
• The “Super-Seasoned” trademark of the cooking surface renders cooking and cleaning easy, and the durability of this pan is a product of outstanding craftsmanship that’s been tested over the years.
• The distribution of heat is precise and even, that each dish you produce out of your kitchen will always come out perfectly cooked.

Cons

• This grill pan is a bit on the heavy side, so be careful when lifting or tilting.
• As maintenance, you would need to season it more often than expected. Not to worry, the quality will be maintained and for sure will be worth that extra seasoning!

The Korean Barbecue Experience: TeChef – Stovetop Korean BBQ Non-Stick Grill Pan

Oh how I miss Korea! If you’ve never tried samgyupsal, then your experience cannot be marked as complete. But worry no more! With this lovely round Korean BBQ-style grill pan, you can have your Korean barbecue experience right at home!

Last update on 2024-10-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• This pan is coated five (5) times with matching print designs on Teflon, which offers you both non-stick property and aesthetics in one.
• The oil channel has a beautiful swirl design, but has its ultimate purpose. It is a type of grease draining system which channels oil slowly away from the meat you’re cooking, leaving you with healthy, flavorful food.
• This is both safe in the oven, and safe to use in a dishwasher.

Cons

• Be careful not to use any strong detergents when cleaning this grill pan, as this damages the non-stick coating.
• It can be a bit difficult to clean, because of the swirl design of the oil channels where food or oil residue could get stuck.

For No-Mess Grilling: Jean Patrique The Whatever Pan

If there is one more thing that we can all agree on, it’s that cooking is not all smiles and pristine aprons. It can be quite messy! With the 1.8-inch sides of this deep grill pan plus its reliable lid, you can be assured that your counters will be splatter-free.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• This grill pan is perfect for your induction hob, and made of high-grade cast-aluminum. This combination of materials is lighter than the usual cast-iron, but delivers just the way you want your cookware to perform.
• This pan is compatible with all types of stove and heat sources, including a campfire! Take this with you on your next adventure.
• It is oven ready, so you can go from searing your favorite piece of steak to baking it to a perfect finish inside the oven.

Cons

• The handles could get too hot to the touch, be careful in handling this pan.
• If you’re cooking meals for your family, this pan may be too small.

A Selection Of Colors To Match Your Kitchen: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Grill

I am just so obsessed with the colors that this grill pan comes in: White, Indigo, Marseille, Cerise, Flame, to name a few. There is a color to match your kitchen!

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• The beautiful colors of this cookware’s exterior is more than just to please your eyes. This colored layer is also resistant to shock, which makes it impervious to cracks and chipped coating.
• The interior is made to withstand high temperatures, with a smooth, classy matte enamel finish in black.
• There are handles on both sides for better grip.
• The sides of this grill pan are high enough to prevent splatters, with a spout carved out to make pouring easy and mess-free.

Cons

• The diameter of the pan is 9.5”, but the cooking surface is actually 8.5”. If you will be preparing family meals, then you might need a bigger grill pan.
• This grill pan is a bit heavy due to its cast iron nature.

For The Best Sear: S·KITCHN Stove Top Grill Pan

This grill pan has proven itself to allow the best sear for your meat. It is wide enough for you to use a tong to hold up your meat to continue browning the edges. This means a perfect cook for any steak cut or burger patty.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• This grill pan is made to ensure even heat distribution all over the cookware.
• You can go from the stove and straight to the oven.
• It is very easy to clean, and is PFOA-free.
• The S-Kitchn Grill top is compatible with all cooktops, including induction.
• Easy-to-grip handles are there to make it easier for you to lift, transfer, and serve your food. You can definitely go from stove to table with this grill pan, so that would be less serving dishes to clean, while enjoying your BBQ right off the grill.

Cons

• Use a silicone mitt or a potholder when handling the pan, as even the handles could get very hot.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations on how to clean the pan, to maintain its non-stick coating.

The Grill Pan For Families: Backcountry Cast Iron Grill Pan

For bigger portions, we need one cookware that would fit enough servings for all. Backcountry’s grill pan does just that, offering great heat retention and even heat distribution. This cookware is manufactured with durability and longevity of use in mind, so this pan can be something that you can pass onto the next generation.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• This pan has been pre-seasoned using the best oils that are available.
• The surface is designed for any seasoning to easily adhere to it.
• It comes with a protective mitt for your safety.

Cons

• This grill pan is highly prone to rusting, so you need to keep it out of the dishwasher.

Kosher-Certified Seasoned Grill Pan: Victoria Rectangular Cast Iron Griddle

This pan is ready to use as soon as you purchase it. It has a flaxseed oil coating that is 100% non-GMO, and Kosher-certified. The pan is free from harmful chemicals such as PTFEs. The Victoria Grill Pan will help you prepare large meals with a durability that will last a long time.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

• Wide and ergonomic handles that are very easy to grip with mitts or potholders
• It is manufacture with optimum quality cast iron which offers even heat distribution and high retention
• Perfect to use on any heat-generating surface, such as induction cooktops, ovens, and even campfires!

Cons

• Follow the cleaning instructions and avoid using harsh scrubbers or soap. This will compromise the integrity of the coating and cause the grill pan to rust.

Benefits You Will Gain From Using Induction Grill Pan

THE GRILL MARKS. What are the differences between using an induction grill pan, and just a regular one? Steaks and other types of meat, for example, will have those coveted grill marks when cooked on a grill pan. This makes the meat look really inviting, and when you do bite into it, you will get a feel of that grilled, crusty, smoky charred marks that simply pack more flavor into your food.

BARBECUE INDOORS. Speaking of chargrill marks, you can enjoy grilled food right inside the safety and the comfort of your home.

TIME AND SPACE SAVER. A lot of the grill pans for induction that I recommended above have large dimensions. You can prepare your meals in one go, as the pan will accommodate your required number of servings.

CLEAN AND HEALTHY. The ridges on the grill pan can collect and channel away extra fats from the food. For the juices, you can also collect them through the ridges, and serve them together with the meat that you prepared.

NO NEED TO COOK OUTDOORS. The grill pans I recommended are all induction-ready. You can cook and enjoy your meals at the comfort of your home. Rain or shine, you can definitely stage your barbecue party!

FAQs

Can You Use A Grill Pan On An Induction Cooktop?

A lot of grill pans manufactured nowadays are induction-ready. They also come in different sizes that can accommodate your cooking requirements in terms of quantity, that can also perfectly fit your heating elements.

What Brand Of Cookware Is Best For Induction Cooktops?

The Lodge line of cookware are the best for induction cooktops. They have different sizes according to your cooking needs, and offer great features in managing heat and maintaining durability.

What Is The Best Griddle For An Induction Cooktop?

The best griddle for an induction cooktop is a versatile one, so I would recommend Lodge’s 2-in-1 pan, so you can enjoy not only the benefits of a smooth griddle, but the wonders of an indoor grill with just one flip.

What Is The Best Grill Pan To Buy?

The best grill pan for me is Lodge’s Cast Iron Grill Pan. It is just so sturdy, efficient, and easy to clean! These are just few of the reasons it is the one that I purchased for my kitchen, and is at the top of my list of recommendations.

Wrap Up

Whether you are cooking for one or for a big family, there is definitely a grill pan for you! With the wide array of options, you are assured of a great grilling experience with quality food that you can enjoy al fresco, or right inside your home.

Even rainy days cannot hinder you from having that great barbecue! With innovative cookware, such as those crafted by Lodge, Cuisinel, or Le Creuset, you can never run out of opportunities to enjoy a good meal with those who matter the most.