NutriChef Nonstick Cast Iron Grill Pan, 11-Inch

A cast iron grill is similar to a cast iron skillet, but it has a surface with thick slatted grills. It’s ideal for those who love grilling meats, vegetables and fruit but can’t always be outside to do it. A cast iron grill provides that same beautiful char that you get on an outdoor grill, but on a stovetop. You can find cast iron grill pans in two shapes – round and square. Some are designed to fit over one burner on your stove, while the larger ones can fit over two burners side by side.

Cast iron grill pans are versatile because you can cook a lot of different foods in them. Typically, protein is one of the main things cooked on a cast iron grill, such as steak, lamb chops and chicken thighs. Thicker pieces of fish, particularly salmon, halibut and tuna do well on a cast iron grill as well. You can also grill large, thick slices of vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini on a cast iron grill. Many cooks also venture to fruit and grill pineapple, peaches and apples. For the most part, it’s best to stay away from highly acidic foods such as tomatoes with a cast iron pan.

In order to use a cast iron grill pan, ensure it’s seasoned. This way, your food won’t stick to the pan and you don’t need to add any additional fat. It needs to be used at very high heat, so let it become hot on your stove before putting in your ingredients. Add some fat to your food directly, such as a layer of oil to the surface of the vegetables, and then place them in the pan. The cast iron grill adds in crusty grill marks to your food, but be careful to not turn the food over till it’s ready. If the food sticks to the pan, this means it’s not yet ready to turn over.

• When you’re looking to buy a cast iron grill pan, take a look at whether it’s bare or enameled. A bare pan will need to be seasoned before use, but it is more durable and longer lasting than an enameled pan. An enameled pan does not need to be seasoned, but the coating can chip if it’s not used properly.
• Consider the shape of the cast iron grill pan and think about how much surface area you need. Square pans will provide a larger surface area than circular pans. Because cast iron is a good heat conductor, all corners of the pan will heat up evenly even if they are not directly over the burners on your stove.
• Pay attention to the kind of handles the pan has. Many cast iron grills’ handles heat up when you’re cooking, making it difficult to maneuver the pan safely. Opt for a cast iron grill with long handles or strategically placed handles that make it easy to lift up the grill when it’s hot.
• Be sure to take a look at the weight of the cast iron grill. The heavier it is, the better heat retention it will have. While light cast iron grills are easier to move and hold, they can cook unevenly and may burn your food.
• Some cast iron grills can be used both indoors on the stove and on the outdoor grill. Think about how your family likes to prepare meals and what method of cooking you most typically use.
• If you’re looking for added flexibility, you can also find cast iron grills that have a flat side in addition to the grill side. This way, you can sauté veggies or fry up eggs on the flat side when you need to.