Barbecue Grill Pans

Barbecue grill pans bring the smoky character and seared texture of outdoor cooking to a wider range of foods. Designed with raised ridges, perforations or a gently sloped surface, these pans help create browning while allowing excess fat and juices to move away from the food. A ridged grill pan is a practical choice for steaks, burgers, chicken breasts, sausages and sandwiches, leaving the distinctive sear marks many cooks associate with barbecue. It is also useful indoors when the weather is cool, outdoor space is limited or a quick weeknight meal does not call for firing up a full-size grill. Perforated pans are made for use on outdoor grill grates, where the openings let heat and smoke circulate while helping smaller ingredients stay contained. Shrimp, sliced mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, cherry tomatoes and other delicate or bite-size foods can be cooked over the flame without slipping between the grates. For a broad overview of styles and features, explore our Best Grill Pans collection. When choosing a barbecue grill pan, start with how and where it will be used. Indoor stovetop pans should be compatible with the cooktop, including gas, electric, glass and induction where specified. Outdoor pans should be suitable for the heat source and sized to sit securely on the grill. A pan with sturdy handles is easier to lift when it is full of food, while a lower profile can make it easier to turn ingredients with tongs or a spatula. Consider the cooking surface, too: cast iron holds heat exceptionally well and is valued for deep browning, while stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum can heat quickly and are often lighter to handle. Nonstick surfaces can make delicate foods easier to release and simplify cleanup, particularly when cooking fish, vegetables or marinated ingredients. Always check the care instructions, since some pans are designed for hand-washing, seasoning or specific utensils.

The right barbecue grill pan can make everyday cooking feel more flexible, whether you are preparing a generous platter for friends or a few vegetables to serve alongside dinner. Use a ridged pan to sear marinated chicken, halloumi or thick slices of zucchini, brushing food lightly with oil rather than coating the pan heavily. Preheating is important for a good sear, but the pan should not be left empty over high heat for longer than necessary. Pat meat and vegetables dry before cooking so they brown instead of steaming, and avoid crowding the surface—space between ingredients helps heat reach every side. A perforated outdoor pan is especially helpful during cooler months, when grilling smaller portions of food can be more convenient than using a basket or skewers. It also makes it easier to cook a complete meal on the grill, from seasoned shrimp and scallops to diced peppers, corn kernels and thinly sliced onions. Some barbecue grill pans have a grease-drain opening or angled design for table-side cooking on a portable burner, making them suited to shared meals where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in small batches. These pans can be a thoughtful gift for someone setting up an outdoor cooking area, a new homeowner with a compact patio or balcony or a home cook who enjoys bringing restaurant-style searing to the stovetop. They are equally useful for experienced grillers who want better control over small ingredients and for cooks who prefer simple equipment that works across seasons. Before purchasing, compare the pan’s dimensions with the size of your grill or burner, check its maximum oven and grill temperature if relevant and confirm whether the handles remain cool or require protection. Think about storage as well: a compact pan is convenient for smaller kitchens, while a larger surface can reduce batch cooking for family meals. With thoughtful care and the right heat source, a barbecue grill pan can become a dependable part of the kitchen, helping turn fresh produce, seafood and hearty cuts of meat into meals with flavorful browning and the unmistakable appeal of grilled cooking.