10 Best Cast Iron Grill Pan for Healthy Steaks You’ll Like To Taste!
Are you ready for a late-night grilling with buddies? Then hold on till well outline the best-cast iron grill pan in our short guide!
You can enjoy grilling at any part of the year. And as a result of the widespread practice, you’d find different grilling methods available right now. But the hurdle most of the regular folks struggle with is the grilling machine. Many houses don’t have a grilling machine, and getting one setting it up requires a whole lot of time. That’s where the grill pans come in!
Best Cast Iron Grill Pan
Right now, we’ll be talking about some of the best cast iron stove top grill pans right now. We’ll go through each of their qualities and include some drawbacks as well! So, you’d get a complete understanding and make an easier purchase.
| Image | Name | Features | View |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Grill | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 10.25 Inches Weight: 7 pounds | |
 | STAUB Cast Iron Pure Grill Pan | Style: Round Diameter: 10 Inches Weight: 5.95 pounds | |
 | Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Deep Round Grill | Style: Round Diameter: 9.75 inches Weight: 5.95 pounds | |
 | Cuisinart Enameled Cast Iron Square Grill Pan | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 12 Inches Weight: 10 pound | |
 | STAUB Cast Iron Square Grill Pan | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 12 Inches Weight: 11.08 pounds | |
 | Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 12 Inches Weight: 8.67 pounds | |
 | Lodge Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 10.5 Inches Weight: 6.67 pounds | |
 | NutriChef Nonstick Cast Iron Grill Pan | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 17.09 x 11.46 x 1.81 inches Weight: 8.01 pounds | |
 | Cusinel Cast Iron Square Grill Pan with Glass Lid | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 10.5 Inches Weight: 9.59 pounds | |
 | Backcountry Cast Iron Large Square Grill Pan | Style: Square Shaped Diameter: 12 Inches Weight: 8.58 pounds |
Best Cast Iron Grill Pan in a Video Review
10 Best Cast Iron Grill Pan for Healthy Steaks
1. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Grill
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Le Creuset
- Diameter: 10.25 Inches
- Dimensions: 13.9 x 15.1 x 2.6 inches
- Color: Cerise
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Long-lasting exterior
- Dishwasher Safe
- lower-fat cooking
The first cast iron grill on the list is Le Creuset’s Signature Square grill. The primary part we’d like to focus on is the shape of it. Being square, this enameled grill provides a larger surface area than a typical round grill.
On top of that, it has the heat distribution technique, which allows a superior dispensation of heat all around the surface. As a result, your food gets even heat at all parts of its body. And saves you from burning one side while the other side remains uncooked.
Ridges are the most interesting part of any quality cast iron grill. The ridges present in the item would result in delicious, mouth-watering ridge marks on the food. It also makes the food look highly attractive. Cast iron handles on both front and rear make it extremely convenient to move and maneuver during and after cooking!
Cleaning is something you might have to struggle with, which is a downer but all things considered, this is a sophisticated piece you should go for!
- Square shape provides a larger surface area for convenient cooking
- Better heat distribution technique
- Ridges for delicious striped patterns on steaks
- Dual cast iron handles for ultimate efficiency
- Cleaning it can be a challenge
2. STAUB Cast Iron Pure Grill Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: STAUB
- Diameter: 10.25 Inches
- Dimensions: 13.39 x 10.63 x 1.38 inches
- Color: Matte Black
- Weight: 5.95 pounds
- Oven Safe up to 500F
- Made in France
- Requires no seasoning
Next on our list is another premium item by Staub. The French-made pan has plenty of things to offer; let’s head straight for the detailed look. The first thing we’d like to talk about is the rough ridge-like surface. It has a dense texture pattern which would be quite extraordinary for an outstanding browning of foods.
They’ve constructed the pan with black matte enamel. This enamel present in the pan would provide an excellent advantage in terms of roasting and braising. This intelligently designed grill doesn’t need any pre-seasoning before you put food on. As a result, it quickens up the cooking process while cutting down the extra hassle to a minimum.
In, even the most premium items, you’d be able to find flaws in. Well, our Staub grill pan isn’t safe from it either. One issue which may bother you is it’s the tendency to create heavy smoke during cooking. It’s better to have an open-spaced kitchen while cooking foods which may create too much smoke.
Apart from the minor flaws like smoke or cleaning issues, it still should offer you an incredible advantage in cooking and grilling!
- Dense ridges for a nicely textured pattern
- Black matte enamel for excellent braising and roasting
- Faster cooking process than usual
- Doesn’t require pre-seasoning
- Can smoke up the kitchen
3. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Deep Round Grill
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Le Creuset
- Diameter: 9.75 Inches
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 11.3 x 3.1 inches
- Color: Licorice
- Weight: 6.24 pounds
- Requires no seasoning
- Colorful exterior enamel
- Enameled ridged grill
- two sides allow for drip-free pouring
- Signature side handles provide a balanced grip
Third on our list is Le Creuset’s Enameled Cast Iron Round Grill. Like the previous one, this comes with tons of different offerings to meet your cooking requirements. Let’s have an insightful glance over the item!
Chipping and cracking on the exterior surface is one of the most disturbing factors you can imagine. That’s why they’re providing you with shock-resistant enamel, which would work effectively in terms of reducing such unfortunate events, strengthening the outer surface of the pan.
Le Creuset also introduces a matte black enamel set up, which helps build the patina and gives it the ability to sustain higher temperatures. Specially crafted dual side handle setup adds comfortable grip potential during cooking. Dense ridges on the surfaces help reduce fat. It works effectively in terms of filtering out excess fat and makes food healthier. Skillfully designed sprouts on the side help you pour food items without dripping.
Cleaning can seem slightly difficult with this one but apart from minor issues such as that, this cast iron grill should be a quality add-on in your kitchen any day!
- Shock-resistant build reduce chipping and cracking
- Matte black enamel builds patina and sustains a higher temperature
- Dual side handles for optimum control and grip
- Dense ridges for filtering out fat
- Sprout for pouring gravy without dripping
- Complex cleaning process
4. Cuisinart Enameled Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Diameter: 10.25 Inches
- Dimensions: 15.94 x 10.19 x 3.42 inches
- Color: Enameled Cardinal Red
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Square shaped large surfaced grill pan
- Comes in an only red-colored design
- Oven safe, Dishwasher safe
At the fourth spot, we have here another cast iron grill pan at your disposal. Let’s find out what Cuisinart has on its part to deliver us!
Well, one of the most irritating factors while cooking is the odors that result from previously cooked foods. Substandard pans and grills absorb the smell while you’re cooking on them and release that while cooking other items later on. As a result, the food starts giving off a disgustingly irritating smell.
To stop that from happening Cuisinart brings a porcelain enameled interior. It will keep the surface completely immune to any flavor consumption and will not absorb any smell of the foods which are being cooked on them.
Comes with a wide and ergonomically shaped handle for better control. And get the desired heat retention and even heat dispensation all across the pan from the special cast iron construction.
You may find it slightly difficult to clean because of the ridge-shaped design. Yet, all in all, it performs satisfyingly well and should be an effective item on the deck any day!
- Porcelain-enameled interior to reduce smell absorption
- Ergonomic handle for better grip
- Proper heat retention keeps food warm for long
- Adequate heat dispensation provides even food cooking
- Can seem difficult to wash it clean
5. STAUB Cast Iron Square Grill Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Lodge
- Diameter: 12 Inches
- Dimensions: 19.63 x 12.06 x 1.81 inches
- Color: Black
- Weight: 8.67 pounds
- Long handle with hole for hanging
- Square shaped large surfaced grill pan
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Oven safe, Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe to 500 degrees F
- hand wash with warm water only
We have here another Staub pan at the fifth spot in the guide. Time to find out the things that made it into the list!
First things first, many of you would find it highly difficult to house adequate chicken or beef pieces in small pans. But that should not be an issue with this one by Staub. Because, this is a large 12-inch square-shaped cast iron grill, offering a large surface area that houses substantial amounts of food to be cooked on at one go!
The enameled smooth bottom is appropriate to suit different stovetops, while the ridges on the surfaces make steaks look attractive and delicious. These ridges can also work effectively to strain extra fat and make foods healthier to consume!
Quicken up the cooking procedure as no seasoning is required before putting foods on. The weight of this pan can be an issue. Because of being a bit heavy, you may find it a bit difficult to move it effortlessly. But on the whole, this looks like an outstanding piece and should satisfy all the cooking needs easily!
- Huge surface area for cooking foods at once
- Ridged surface strains fat for a healthy food consumption
- Makes cooking faster
- Can seem too heavy for some
6. Lodge Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Lodge
- Diameter: 12 Inches
- Dimensions: 19.63 x 12.06 x 1.81 inches
- Color: Black
- Weight: 8.67 pounds
- 12-inch square-shaped pan
- Cast iron construction
- Dual handle
- Oven safe
Lodge comes at the sixth spot on the list! Let’s quickly discover what it comes equipped with! This one too, comes with an enormous surface for a quick and one-time cooking experience. It’d save your time as you don’t have to put food time and time again to cook them separately. As it holds a sizable amount of food, you can drop a large amount of food at once.
Specially crafted ridges provide safe space for the fat to be drained out while cast-iron build provides an even heating all across the surface. Why waste time seasoning every time you start cooking? Well, this doesn’t require any time-consuming seasoning as it comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil formula.
Dual handle set up for more grip and maximum control and comes backed under a lifetime limited warranty for post-purchase support. While cleaning this item may seem excruciatingly painful, yet consider all the factors mentioned above. This is just an excellent item, to begin with, and should be a piece of fitting equipment in your kitchen!
- Larger surface area for an extended cooking session
- Let’s fat to be easily drained out
- Comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and lessens cooking time
- Dual handle set up for maximum control and grip
- Properly washing the item can be a difficult experience
7. Lodge Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Lodge
- Diameter: 10.5 Inches
- Dimensions: 17.44 x 10.5 x 2.63 inches
- Color: Matte Black
- Weight: 6.67 pounds
- 5 Inch in diameter square shaped cast iron grill
- red silicone hot handle holder
- Two assist handles for heavy lifting
Are you genuinely looking for the best Cast Iron Grill Pan in the market right now? Well, you’ve perhaps already found it! Because this one by Lodge is undoubtedly one of the best-cast iron pan for the grill.
The large square-shaped iron grill comes pre-seasoned and can be put on the stovetop right away without needing to waste time seasoning it. It has handles on both front and rear, which makes it easier for you to lift it heavily. Versatility is another interesting characteristic which you should be looking at. Lodge’s ultra-versatile cast iron grill can be used on a variety of surfaces, from grills to campfires!
Finding foods sticking on the surface is a highly irritating experience you don’t want to have. And this non-sticky cast iron construction would offer you exactly that! As a result, you’d get a clean and smooth cooking experience every time!
Like most of the cast iron pans, this too can seem extremely difficult to clean properly. But aside from the minor flaws, if you’re looking for the best-cast iron stovetop grill pan, this is something we’d certainly advise you to go for!
- Superior quality pre-seasoned cast iron material makes cooking effortlessly simple
- Easy to control and grip with a dual handle set up
- Provides extraordinary versatility in terms of utilizing an array of various cooking surfaces
- Foods won’t stick on the pan
- Can seem slightly difficult to get foods off
8. NutriChef Nonstick Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Material: Iron
- Brand: NutriChef
- Diameter: 10.5 Inches
- Dimensions: 17.09 x 11.46 x 1.81 inches
- Color: Red
- Weight: 8.01 pounds
- Heat safe up to 500° F
- Ridged surface
- Side drip spout
- Non-stick coating
Now we have another quality pick by NutriChef. NutriChef, like most of the pans on the list, has an ample amount of features to serve us with. Let’s quickly check them right away!
Its’ specially crafted non-sticky surface provides an ideal base for an effortless cooking session. Go without the need for lengthy season sessions and enjoy the delicate non-sticky surface with ease and comfort. Because of the combined effect from both of these characteristics, it’d greatly aid you in minimizing cooking time extensively!
Patterned with a ridged surface for an outstanding fat and oil-free food extraction mechanism. Make food healthier and design your steaks with crusty, brown, attractively delicious marks! It has an intelligent side drip sprout design which makes dripping gravies and other food substances easier!
On top of everything, the porcelain enamel coating present in the formulation of the pan works effectively for distributing heat all across the surface equally! Getting it properly washed can seem like a highly complicated task. Apart from that, the pan should work out fine on the whole!
- Non-sticky surface ideal for frying anything
- Ridged patterns for extracting fat and oil
- Smart side drip sprouts for dripless pouring
- Porcelain enamel coating distributes heat equally
- Can be hard to wash off the food easily
9. Cusinel Cast Iron Square Grill Pan with Glass Lid
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Cuisinel
- Diameter: 10.5 Inches
- Dimensions: 17.36 x 12.52 x 3.54 inches
- Color: Black
- Weight: 9.59 pounds
- Lifetime Warranty
- Hand cleaning recommended
- Added scraper and holder
In the concluding parts of our guide, we have another unbelievably sophisticated item. Go through best-cast iron grill pan reviews, and Cusinel’s cast iron glass lid grill pan would possibly be there among the several names!
This pan provides versatility to a point you might not have imagined before. Here is an opportunity to use it on almost anything from sear or grill to stovetops and induction- all can be used. If you’re looking for the best cast iron pan for a small weber grill, this can be a possible consideration.
Cusinel also comes with a silicone handle which offers superior grip as well as maximizes control. Cast iron construction provides a non-stick surface and makes cooking food effortlessly easy!
On top of all these, equal heat distribution on all the parts of the pan makes food receive heat from all the sides resulting in tastier dishes! You’re also protected under a lifetime post-purchase warranty by Cusinel. The glass lid keeps food warmer for a long duration.
It’s quite heavy, so it can be difficult to move easily. Apart from these, Cusinel’s cast iron grill pan is a must for those who want to experience quality and class in cooking!
- Outstanding versatility in terms of useable heating surfaces
- Specially designed handle extension for a more comfortable experience
- Cast iron build for a sleek, non-stick surface
- For more delicious dishes
- Glass lid keeps food warmer for longer
- A bit too heavy to easily move
10. Backcountry Cast Iron Large Square Grill Pan
- Material: Cast Iron
- Brand: Backcountry Iron
- Diameter: 12 Inches
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 2.38 inches
- Color: Black
- Weight: 8.58 pounds
- Easily drains grease while elevated
- Proudly designed in the USA
- Non-stick cooking surface
Here we have our final item by Backcountry. This is another quality item to add to the deck! Let’s quickly unravel the hidden potentials of this beauty!
First, the cast iron construction of this item would provide a non-stick cooking experience you’ve always looked for. A deep ridged pan gives stunningly delicious-looking brownish stripes on meats. It enhances both the taste and the aesthetics. Besides, it does a great job at extracting extra fat out, making dishes healthier than ever!
It supports a wide range of different cooking surfaces, which adds more to convenience. From gas and electric to grill, oven, and broiler, use anything, it’d gladly accept! So, if you’re moving out somewhere with friends to have some late-night grilling experience, this is something that can certainly accompany you well!
On top of these, Backcountry’s skillet is seasoned with food-grade oil, so you won’t go pre-season before starting the cooking session!
With close to 9 pounds in weight, it may seem slightly heavy to lift for some users. Especially those with a weak arm may find it complicated to maneuver it properly. But on the whole, this is a quality pan you can go for right now!
- Highly sophisticated, non-sticky cooking experience with cast iron construction pan
- Can be used on almost all the heating surfaces
- Seasoned with food-grade oil
- Minimizes cooking time
- A bit heavy to lift
What is a Cast Iron Grill Pan?
Cast iron grill pan, unlike their normal frying pans, are highly sophisticated cooking surfaces that allow an equal heat distribution across the pan and provide extraordinary heat retention while keeping the surface non-sticky at the same time.
These premium types of grill pans have been in use for centuries, and this age-old technology offers an optimum cooking performance few can compete with.
Cast iron grill pans are also healthier. How is it, though? Well, almost all the items we talked about and are available in the market have ridge-like linings on them, which offers delicious-looking burn-lining-marks on steaks as well as filters out the extra fat from them.
When the meats get heated, they start releasing fat. As the meat sits on top of the ridge, the fat slides down and is collected in between the ridges. You can later take the steak out and drain the extra fat, which could’ve been highly harmful to obese individuals.
Why Do You Need A Cast Iron Grill Pan
Well, cast iron grill pans are in high demand right now. There are plenty of reasons why you should go for it in the first place.
It Can Handle Heat
Ready to cook foods at a higher temperature? Well, a cast iron grill pan is something you should be going for because it can handle a higher heating output than usual. So, when you’re cooking foods that naturally require a more than average temperature, a cast iron grill pan becomes highly essential.
For Grilling
For Larger Cooking Surface
If you’re looking for frying pans with a larger surface to hop in loads of foods all at the same time, then you can try the cast iron grill pans because you’d find tons and tons of these cooking materials with an enormous room. As a result, you can quickly get all the foods cooked without needing to go multiple times.
Besides these, there still are numerous reasons as to why you should go for one of these!
Cast Iron Grill Pan Care (You Should Know)
That’s why we’d like to briefly discuss how you should take care of these bad boys.
Dishwasher Safe?
To keep them in optimum condition, we’d need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Many manufacturers forbid it to clean the pan in the dishwasher. And not abiding by that warning may result in poor and unsatisfactory performance.
That’s why it’s recommended upon you check whether the item is safe to be used in the dishwasher.
Maintaining the Heat Limit
All the skillets come with a given heat limit. Usually, they’re around 500F. We’d recommend you abide by this heat limitation for a long and effective usage period. Surpassing this limit can result in dire consequences you may not want to experience.
Is it Safe to Put It Inside a Microwave?
Another common mistake we make (which can prove to be deadly) is putting the pan inside a microwave, not knowing whether it is safe to do so. It’s another factor you should always closely monitor and only allow those pans inside the microwave which are safe.
These are some of the basics you mustn’t forget during cast iron grill skillet care.
What is the Best Way to Wash a Cast Iron Grill Pan?
Well, we believe you’ve been waiting for this all along. As you’ve gone through all the items, we talked about above. You know that cleaning cast iron grills was one of the most challenging issues most of the users faced.
Clean by Boiling Water On It
This is by far the most basic style of cleaning the pan after use. If you don’t have many sophisticated items, then set the pan on the stove and put about three inches of water.
You’d find the food particles gradually being released from the boiling. At that point, try scraping between the ridges to wipe out the foods which were stuck.
Once done, drain all the water and get the remaining stuff out and do a clean wash.
Finally, utilize your dry paper towel to soak the water up and collect any existing foods.
Using Salt and Water
Using salt and water is one of the most effective ways you can care for the pan. Many experts recommend using salt rather than detergents. Salt has ingredients that work effectively on getting the stuck foods off.
So, in this method, let the pan cool itself off. Let it be at a temperature that you can touch but not entirely cold. Then put on halal/kosher salt all over the surface.
Now, pour on it some hot water which would turn it into a paste-like solution.
After doing all these, take up a scrub or a sponge and rub the salt clean firmly. When you’re done with it, finally rinse the cast iron grill with warm water.
Maintenance of Cast Iron Grill Pan
Maintaining a cast iron grill pan can be one of the most complicated factors you’ve ever encountered. A good sound for you, to make things easier, here is a list of activities you can perform to maintain them well.
Store Dry
Often, we give in to laziness, especially after a meal. Even though we manage to somehow wash them, we do, tend to forget to dry them before storing them. And that is where the problem lies. We’d always recommend you store the skillet dry. They’re highly prone to rust. That’s why it’s integral to store them dry.
Keep Them Seasoned
Through proper seasoning methods, you’d be able to make a cast-iron last for years to come.
Remember to always put it on the stove at a higher temperature, so the water evaporates into the air. Then use a paper towel to put some neutral oil all over the pan. Finally, utilize one more paper towel for drying out the extra oil from the surface.
The key ways you can implement to maintain a cast iron grill pan properly.
Benefits of Using the Cast Iron Grill Pan
If you want to know the advantages of using a cast-iron skillet, we can shower you with plenty! Here’s a list of several benefits you may love to hear about!
You Don’t Find Foods Sticking On Them
One good thing about them is their non-sticky nature. Being a non-stick pan, you get to fry different foods with ease. It won’t stick to the surface like the regular pans. As a result, you get quality foods in time whereas lessening the hassle on the whole.
You Get the Delightful Crust!
Want the tasty delights of a striped steak? There’s no alternative to a rigid cast-iron skillet. They’d offer the highly delicious and attractive-looking stripe marks on the meats you’re frying or grilling. These brown crusty marks on the meat are rich with flavor and boil down inside the mouth making each grilling session a time to remember!
Distributes Heat Evenly
Another factor that you may find highly interesting is its ability to distribute the heat evenly all over the surface. Regular, substandard pans only heat a certain part, and you find half-cooked foods while eating.
On the other hand, quality cast iron skillets offer a proper heat distribution technique that allows the heat to travel freely across its surface. As a result, the foods are cooked equally on all the parts.
These are some of the key benefits which attract the high consumer base they have.
Buying Guide to Get the Best Cast Iron Grill Pan
If you’re looking forward to owning a quality skillet, then here’s a list of several characteristics that can be followed for the desired purchase.
Non-Sticky, Pre-Seasoned Surface: The first thing you should eat is the surface quality of the item. Try getting ones that are completely non-sticky and come pre-seasoned. If the skillets are pre-seasoned with quality materials, then you can expect a quality experience overall. That’s why we’d ask you to confirm with the manufacturer whether the skillet is non-sticky and comes properly pre-seasoned.
Ability to Retain Hea: Heat retention is another critical element in this field. Always try your best to find the ones with better heat retention possibilities. Your foods would remain warm for a longer duration after cooking in skillets that have a better heat retention capability.
Dual-Handle and Optimum Grip: This is another important factor you should always keep in mind while buying a skillet. We’d recommend you to go for ones that have ergonomic handles for an optimum grip.
Usually, cast iron skillets are comparatively heavier. In that case, getting the one that has dual handles and comfortable grip potential is a must!
These are some of the key aspects you should inspect before going for a skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
Final Thought
And finally, as you’ve seen, we’ve covered a large array of sophisticated cast iron skillets and presented with lengthy discussions on how to pick a quality item from the market. Our detailed guide incorporates the tremendous benefits they’re coming with and portrays numerous smart techniques so that you can maintain it properly for longer shelf life.
Certainly, this millennium-old cooking process has innumerable cooking benefits that can’t be overlooked and are taking up the trend here in the 21s century as well. So, when are you getting your best-cast iron grill pan? Order it right now and experience advanced cooking from today!
