Best Grilling Pans for Induction Cooktop

Psst! Hey there. Do you like to grill? So do I! And we are not alone. According to statistics, 42% of people in the US grill at least once a week.

When most people hear of grilling, they picture barbecue grills, a backyard, and smoking meat. But that isn’t all there is. Today, you can grill without all these elements, provided you have an induction hob and a compatible grilling pan.

A grilling pan or skillet is perfect for mimicking the experience you get from outdoor grilling. You can prepare hearty pan-grilled delicacies with dramatic, mouth-watering ridges with a good skillet. But, and I can’t overstate this, you need an excellent grilling pan to prepare delicious pan-grilled treats.

With that in mind, this article will introduce you to the best grilling pans today.

Image	Product Name	Price
1.	Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan	Check Price
2.	ESLITE LIFE Nonstick Grill Pan	Check Price
3.	All-Clad Hard Anodized Aluminum Grill Pan	Check Price
4.	Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet Grill	Check Price
5.	Victoria Cast-Iron Square Grill Pan	Check Price
6.	FAVIA Nonstick Frying Pan	Check Price

Best Grilling Pans for Induction Cooktop in 2023

Choosing a good grilling pan for induction cooking can be a nightmarish affair since the market is saturated with countless options. That, I understand. I’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. But don’t worry; you don’t have to go through what I did the first time I went shopping for a good grilling pan.

Today, I will save you the trouble of sifting through innumerable grilling pans and possibly ending up with low-quality cookware. How? By introducing you to a couple of top-quality induction-compatible grilling pans that can help you take your culinary skills to the next level. Here’s the complete list:

1. Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan

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Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan proudly sits at the top of my list. This is out-and-out the best cookware that I’ve ever come across. I love this grilling pan because it’s made of cast iron, which is one of the most induction-compatible materials. So, I don’t need a converter disc to grill with this pan on my induction hob.

Most importantly, Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pans are foundry seasoned. Before buying this cookware, I seasoned all my cast-iron pans at home. It was a grueling process that required me to rub all my unseasoned cookware with cooking oil and bake them in the oven for around an hour twice a year. But I don’t have to do that anymore since Lodge seasons its products before selling them.

Pros -What I Like

• This cookware is foundry-seasoned and made of high-quality cast iron. The seasoning increases its resistance to rust and lends it an excellent non-stick surface. On the other hand, with proper use and maintenance, this pan can last a lifetime since it’s cast iron.
• The grilling pan isn’t exclusively tailored for induction cooking. You can use it to prepare delicious treats on almost anything, including conventional gas cookers, grills, and campfires.
• Despite its name, the Lodge cast iron pan can be used for more than everyday grilling. I often use my pan to prepare finger-licking stir-fried chicken. Try it. Also, according to the manufacturer, you can use this cookware to bake, sauté, or sear as often as you like.  
• This grilling pan is oven-safe. If you have an induction range, you can pop this pan in and use it to prepare anything you fancy, from baked potatoes and steak to sheet pan pancakes and cookies.

Cons – What I Don’t Like

• According to some online reviews, food sticks to the pan. But I avoid this issue by oiling my Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan and preheating it before cooking.

2. ESLITE LIFE Nonstick Grill Pan

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Our runner-up is the ESLITE LIFE Nonstick Grill Pan. Grilling can be a nightmare, especially when food keeps sticking to the cookware. And although you can use cooking oil to circumvent this problem, the trick isn’t guaranteed to work. But with ESLITE LIFE’s non-stick skillet, you don’t have to worry about sticking issues, making it difficult to turn or flip your food and causing your treats to have an overcooked or burnt exterior.

The other reason why this is an outstanding product is its longevity. This grill pan is made from die-cast aluminum, known for its sturdiness and durability. With adequate care, the ESLITE LIFE non-stick skillet can serve you and your progenies for generations.

Pros – What I Like

• ESLITE LIFE’s grill pan has a non-stick, SGS-approved granite coating containing zero PFOAs. Therefore, unlike brands like Teflon, which often raise health concerns, this one is 100% safe.
• The cookware’s design makes cooking a breeze. It has parallel ridges that channel cooking oil and grease to the sides, ensuring food comes out with the best grill lines.
• This grill pan is compatible with other stovetops behind induction appliances. You can cook with it on a conventional gas or electric cooker.
• ESLITE LIFE guarantees the quality of its products. If you encounter any issues while using this grill pan, you can request a new replacement or a refund.

Cons – What I Don’t Like

• Some users have reported that this grill pan’s non-stick coating peels off prematurely.

3. All-Clad 3011 Hard Anodized Aluminum Grill Pan

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Before using my grill pan, I often scrape off burnt-on food particles using a scraper. Although this is a good practice that prevents the accumulation of unwanted residue, it can lead to one problem: scratches. One of the major problems associated with a scratched grill pan is compromised surface coating and constant sticking issues.

If you don’t want to deal with the aftermath of having nicked or scratched cookware, get the All-Clad 3011 Hard Anodized Aluminum Grill Pan. The product is made of scratch-resistant, hard-anodized aluminum. So, you can scrape food off it during or after cooking without damaging the pristine, easy-release cooking surface.

Pros – What I Like

• This cookware is made from hard-anodized aluminum. The material lends it optimum durability and non-toxic cooking surfaces.
• It has exquisitely designed ridges. While using it to prepare delicacies like grilled meat, you won’t have to worry about your food sitting there, boiling in its juices.
• The grill pan has a long stainless-steel handle that’s easy to grasp and use while cooking.
• It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Cons – What I Don’t Like

• The pan’s grill ridges aren’t deep enough. So, don’t expect to get perfect grill marks on your meat, burgers, or any other food while using this cookware.  

4. Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Square Skillet Grill

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If you love well-designed cookware that’s easy on the eye, the Le Creuset grill pan is worth checking out. The cookware has a unique, Caribbean blue, enameled exterior surface that’s quite arresting. My heart did a flip-flop the first time I saw it, and I fell HARD. It’s now hanging on my kitchen wall, where everyone can see it.

Beauty aside, this skillet has superior heat distribution and retention. Try it today. You will surely enjoy its ability to cook uniformly. And at the end of the day, you’ll sit back and relish evenly cooked, juicy treats with enviable grill marks.

Pros – What I Like

• This grill pan looks great and is guaranteed to be a great addition to any kitchen.
• Handling this skillet while cooking is unbelievably easy, thanks to its well-designed cast iron handle and the additional helper handle.
• Its enameled exterior is not only visually appealing but also resistant to cracking and chipping.
• The product is dishwasher safe. No more laboring over grill pans with stuck-on food particles and grimy grease.

Cons – What I Don’t Like

• According to many users, cleaning this skillet by hand is tedious and almost impossible. And using a brush is out of the question because the enameled surface peels off easily.
• Food sticks to the skillet’s cooking surface, which makes cleaning it more challenging.

5. Victoria Cast-Iron Square Grill Pan

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As the name suggests, the Victoria Cast-Iron Square Grill Pan is a square skillet made of cast iron. Its shape is one factor that makes this cookware one of the best today. Unlike most of the round grill pans sold today, this item has a square shape, which allows it to have a bigger cooking surface area ideal for preparing different dishes, from grilled chicken and vegetables to fish and shrimp.

And don’t worry about the material. Although, according to some sources, cast iron pans can leach iron and cause health issues, this product isn’t associated with such complications. For user safety, Victoria’s grill pans are made of high-quality cast iron and seasoned with Kosher-certified flaxseed oil containing no GMOs. Additionally, they have zero PFOAs and PTFEs.

Pros – What I Like

• The square-shaped pan is wide and comes with extended corners. With it, you can prepare a larger meal than when you use a round skillet.
• This product is made from highly durable cast iron. If you get it today and take good care of it, it will last you a lifetime.
• It has an invisible curvature that prevents warping. That is a huge plus, considering skillets often warp prematurely, and warping undermines cookware’s ability to heat evenly.
• You can use this grill pan with different appliances, including induction, electric, and gas ranges.
• The skillet has raised grooves perfect for preparing grilled treats with excellent grill marks.

Cons – What I Don’t Like

• Some people say this product rusts prematurely. One user reported that their grill pan developed rust spots after getting washed once.

6. FAVIA Nonstick Frying Pan

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The Favia Nonstick Frying Pan is an 11-inch-deep skillet. One aspect that makes this product unique is that, unlike many of the other grill pans I’ve reviewed here, this one comes with a fitting glass lid. You can use it to cover food while cooking and hasten the process. And since it’s made of glass, monitoring the cooking food shouldn’t be an issue.

Construction-wise, this aluminum pan is triple-layered for optimum longevity. You can use it to prepare meals for years without fretting over premature scratching or breakage.

Pros – What I Like

• When it comes to even, quick heating, this is one of the best grill pans today. Its remarkable qualities are all thanks to the cookware’s stainless-steel, anti-warp base.
• This pan comes with an aluminum coating. It’s veritably safe, eco-friendly, and 100% free of cadmium, PFOs, PFAs, LEA, and APEO.
• It has an ergonomic Bakelite handle that allows the user to grip it comfortably without risking complications like wrist fatigue or burns.
• The skillet is compatible with other appliances besides induction hobs, including traditional electric and gas ranges.
• This frying pan is dishwasher and oven-safe.

Cons – What I Don’t Like

• Some users have complained that the pan’s handle comes off unexpectedly and is impossible to secure tightly.

Choosing the Best Grilling Pans for Your Induction Stove – Buying Guide

While selecting the best grilling pan for your kitchen, consider the following:

1. Induction-friendliness

If you’d like to use your skillet to grill on an induction cooktop, induction-friendliness should be a top priority. Look for cookware made of an induction-compatible material, like stainless steel or cast iron. Do not buy pans made of aluminum, ceramic, or copper because, if they don’t have a magnetized base, they will not work with an induction cooker.

2. Even Heat Distribution

The secret to grilling perfect delicacies with zero cold or hot spots is uniform cooking. And for that, you need cookware that guarantees even heat distribution. If you already have an induction-compatible skillet but doubt its heat distribution capability, use flour to test it. Heat the pan and then cover the bottom with a layer of flour. If the flour only turns brown in some spots, it’s time to get better cookware.

3. Deep Grooves

The grooves or ridges on a grilling pan create the beloved grill marks on grilled treats. If you want your food to always end up with attention-grabbing grill marks, buy and use a skillet with deep grooves. The deeper or more raised the ridges, the better the cookware will be at giving your pan-grilled dishes a dramatic allure.

4. Shape and Size

Always buy a grilling pan whose size matches your induction hob’s cooking zone. According to ENERGY STAR, Induction appliances are supposed to be around 3x more efficient than gas cookers and approximately 5-10% more efficient than conventional electric ranges. But, if you use a significantly larger pan on an induction cooktop, its efficiency will drop dramatically. Conversely, your induction hob may fail to detect a smaller skillet.

What are the Best Grilling Pan Materials for Induction Cooking?

Taking your home grilling game to the next level? You need the right grill pan designed specifically for an induction cooktop. Here’s what we are talking about:

Cast Iron 

It’s hard to beat good old cast iron, the hands-down choice of grill masters for generations. Cast iron takes a bit longer to heat up initially, but then delivers even, consistent heat distribution no other pan can match. This helps create grill lines with precision. Cast iron also retains heat amazingly, so foods continue cooking to tender, juicy doneness.

Opt for enameled cast iron for the same strengths without the seasoning and rust prevention required for bare cast iron. Either way, you can’t go wrong with this classic.

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel hits grilling temperature fast, making it perfect for speedy weeknight meals. It boasts excellent heat responsiveness and conductivity to cook proteins thoroughly with a nice crust. Choose tri-ply stainless steel with an aluminum or copper core for optimum results.

Stainless steel pans are thinner and lighter than cast iron models. Foods will stick more without plenty of oil, but the material is easy to care for and highly durable over time.

Enamel-Coated Cast Iron

This one gives you the best of both worlds. It combines sturdy cast iron’s grilling excellence with an attractive, protective enamel coating that’s a breeze to clean. The cast iron inner layer means top-notch heat distribution and retention for flawless sear marks. The exterior enamel resists scratches and stains beautifully.

With no seasoning required, enamel-coated cast iron is the ultimate grill pan for induction cooking – all the virtues of cast iron without the maintenance headache.

Carbon Steel

Used in pro kitchens for its ability to brand enviable grill marks onto meats and veggies, carbon steel is a sleeper pick. It shares cast iron’s heat responsiveness and distribution, creating an evenly seared crust. And like cast iron, it will become wonderfully non-stick when seasoned properly over time.

For gorgeous sear lines and smoky flavor at a budget price, turn to robust carbon steel. Just be diligent about oiling and seasoning it.

Grill Pan Ideas You Might Love

The delicacies you can prepare with a grill pan are numberless. These include common dishes like grilled chicken breasts, vegetables, and steak. But I’ve discovered that I can use a good grilling pan to make excellent:

• Grilled pork neck mixed with some carrots and peas
• Grilled T-bone steak with a corn salad
• Roasted tomato hummus toast
• Salt-grilled sweet basil with Coriander sauce
• Grilled chicken quesadilla
• Grilled Greek-style pork chops
• Grilled Creole-seasoned catfish sandwiches

I’ve used my grill pan to prepare all these dishes at least once. I got the recipes from the internet, and most were pure gold. If you’d like to explore, pick one of the dishes I’ve mentioned and search for a good recipe online. Then, test your culinary skills. If a recipe fails to deliver the desired results, try another. Keep doing it until you zero in on something immaculate.

Final Thoughts

Grilling is fun, especially on one of those lazy weekends when you have time to spare and a few people to entertain. The good news is you don’t need anything otherworldly to prepare gob-smacking treats. You can simply use your induction cooktop and a compatible grilling pan.

Speaking of grilling pans, I’ve introduced you to some of the best products today. If your kitchen doesn’t have a good, induction-ready skillet, choose one of those items and thank me later. And, while shopping for a good pan, remember to consider the factors I’ve mentioned here, including product material, size, and heat distribution.

Happy grilling!

Common Questions.

Why can’t you use just any pan on an induction cooktop? 

Induction cooktops heat pans using electromagnetic energy which only works with cookware made from certain metals like cast iron and stainless steel. The pan’s base needs to be magnetic so it creates a circuit with the induction coils underneath the cooktop surface. Non-magnetic materials like aluminum, copper, glass or ceramic won’t get heated up directly by the cooktop.

Should you get a grill pan with ridges or a smooth surface? 

A ridged grill pan is ideal for getting grill marks and letting fat drain away from foods. However, a smooth pan like a griddle may be better for more delicate foods like fish which could break apart on ridges. Personal cooking style and the types of food you’ll be cooking should determine whether ridges are preferable for your induction grill pan or not.

What size induction grill pan is the most versatile?

A 12-inch grilling pan is ideal for most home kitchens. It’ll provide enough surface area to cook a full piece of protein like a steak, chop or chicken breast while still being maneuverable on the stovetop. Smaller pans may be too cramped while larger pans could be bulky and heavy.