Best Griddle Pan Picks for Searing

Char meat, veggies and more with our favourite kitchen essentials

Best griddle pan fans will love the smoky finish and seared flavour this kitchen essential effortlessly delivers. While barbecues might be the classic route to those tantalising grill marks, a great griddle pan offers the same effect right on the hob – no need to wait for sunshine or spark up the charcoal midweek.

Whether it’s juicy halloumi, flash-fried peppers or a perfectly charred steak, here’s everything to know about choosing the right griddle pan – plus our picks of the best on the market, with expert tips from some of the UK’s top chefs.

Why Use a Griddle Pan?

According to Nick Collins, founder of Cleverchefs and a MasterChef: The Professionals alumnus, a griddle pan is ideal if you’re after that chargrilled, restaurant-style finish. “The ridges not only give your food those desirable grill marks,” he explains, “they also let fat drain away, helping flavours concentrate while reducing greasiness.”

He adds that less oil is needed, making this cooking method a healthier option – a win-win for both flavour and wellness.

What to Look for in a Griddle Pan

Ultimately, choosing a griddle pan isn’t just about shape or colour – it’s more importantly about performance.

Indeed, material matters when selecting a griddle pan. For example, Zach Farr, head chef at Junsei Marylebone, always recommends cast iron. He explains, “It’s heavy and retains heat beautifully, which is key to getting even sears.”

Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghat (of Kutir and Manthan fame) emphasises a solid base: “A thick bottom keeps heat stable. It means your meat won’t cook unevenly when the temperature drops.”

Collins also points out design features like deep ridges and shallow sides. “Deep ridges drain fat properly, and shallow edges let steam escape quickly – avoiding soggy food,” he says.

Choosing the Right Material

Here’s a quick overview of popular materials:

• Cast Iron – Excellent heat retention and flavourful searing. Needs seasoning unless enamel-coated. Heavy and not dishwasher-safe.
• Stainless Steel – Typically combined with copper or aluminium to improve heat conductivity. Furthermore, it’s durable and usually dishwasher-friendly.
• Titanium – Lightweight and scratch-resistant. Heats quickly but tends to be pricey.
• Carbon Steel – Lighter than cast iron, heats fast but loses heat quickly. Good budget option.
• Ceramic – Affordable and easy to clean, but coating may wear over time.
• Hard Anodised – Moreover, it’s resistant to scratches and chips, while also heating quickly and remaining lightweight.
• Aluminium – Additionally, it’s commonly coated inside and out, making it easy to clean, lightweight, and scratch-resistant.

Is It the Best Way to Cook Steak?

While Collins prefers an open flame for cooking meat, he agrees a griddle pan is the next best thing. “Let your meat come to room temperature, season with salt, and heat your pan till it’s smoking hot,” he advises. “Once the steak’s in, don’t move it – just flip when it caramelises. Let it rest after cooking.”

The Best Griddle Pans You Can Buy

1. Staub American Square Grill

Best for: Consistent searing
£139 – Amazon
As a result, this cast iron square pan delivers top performance, with thick ridges extending to the edge for perfect sear marks. It’s heavy, yes, but delivers BBQ-style results on the hob.

Specs:
Material: Cast Iron | Size: 26cm | Weight: 3.6kg
Oven-safe: Up to 250°C | Hob: All | Hand wash only

2. Le Creuset Signature Grillit

Best for: Durability
£103 – Amazon
Notably available in a range of colours, this cast iron classic features high ridges and wide channels – ideal for big steaks. Moreover, it’s compatible with all hobs and sturdy enough for BBQ cooking.

Specs:
Material: Cast Iron | Size: 26cm | Weight: 2.86kg
Oven-safe: Up to 250°C | Hob: All | Hand wash only

3. Ballarini Salina Grill Pan

Best for: Non-stick ease
£95 – Amazon
Made in Italy, this aluminium pan has a six-layer non-stick surface and shallow ridges – great for quick, low-oil cooking. It’s also dishwasher-safe.

Specs:
Material: Aluminium | Size: 28cm | Weight: 1.3kg
Oven-safe: Up to 260°C | Hob: All | Dishwasher-safe

4. Tower Cerastone Grill Pan

Best for: Budget-friendly choice
£15 – Amazon
Nevertheless, don’t let the price fool you – it delivers impressive performance for the cost. In fact, the aluminium pan includes a triple-layer non-stick coating and bonded steel base for even heat. Additionally, it comes with a soft-grip handle for added comfort and safety.

Specs:
Material: Aluminium | Size: 25cm | Weight: 0.8kg
Oven-safe: No | Hob: All | Dishwasher-safe

5. Le Creuset Rectangular Grill

Best for: Compact storage
£165 – Le Creuset
Thanks to its dual lug handles, it’s compact and cupboard-friendly for smaller kitchens. Moreover, the solid grill ridges and excellent heat retention reflect Le Creuset’s trusted quality.

Specs:
Material: Cast Iron | Size: 30cm
Oven-safe: Yes | Hob: All | Dishwasher-safe

6. GreenPan Venice Pro Extra

Best for: Serving straight from the hob
£35 – Amazon
It features a triple-layer non-stick coating reinforced with diamond crystals – durable, metal utensil-friendly, and toxin-free. Additionally, it doubles up as a stylish serving dish for convenient stove-to-table use.

Specs:
Material: Ceramic | Size: 28cm | Weight: 1.52kg
Oven-safe: Up to 260°C | Hob: All | Dishwasher-safe

7. GreenPan Featherweights Square Grill

Best for: Lightweight cooking
£41 – Amazon
Although not feather-light, it’s still noticeably easier to handle than traditional cast iron pans. Furthermore, its PFAS-free coating, generous ridges, and comfortable handle make it a reliable all-rounder.

Specs:
Material: Aluminium | Size: 28cm
Oven-safe: Up to 200°C | Hob: All | Dishwasher-safe

Regardless of your cooking style or budget, there’s still a griddle pan perfect for indoor BBQ moments. So, which one will take pride of place in your kitchen?