If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. 8 Best Grill Pans for Stovetop Cooking Get perfect sear marks on your steak or asparagus every time with our favorite grill pans you can shop now. Credit: Courtesy of Lodge Even if you already have an outdoor grill, you'll probably want to have a grill pan, too. A grill pan allows you to grill indoors; its ridges give food grill-like sear marks and allow excess oil to drain away. Grill pans are popular for cooking steaks and other proteins but are also great for vegetables and grilled sandwiches. They are available at many price points, in different sizes, shapes, and handle configurations, and are typically made from nonstick materials or cast iron. What to Consider Food writer Faith Kramer uses both nonstick and cast-iron grill pans and says the most important factor is choosing the right size pan. "The surface shouldn't be too big for your burner but large enough so that you grill, not steam." says Kramer. "Choose a pan with deep enough ridges so that your food will stay on top and any liquid drips down and evaporates." While cast iron can be trickier to clean than nonstick, Kramer prefers it and says she uses a brush that works well at getting into all the nooks and crannies. How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet Best Overall: GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Grill Pan Credit: Courtesy of Green Pan This large scratch-resistant grill pan with two ergonomic handles is a joy to cook with and feels indestructible. You can use metal utensils with it, and it is induction, oven, and broiler safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The base has copper-reinforced ferromagnetic particles, which ensures it will not warp on any cooktop. While you can put it in the dishwasher, it's recommended that you hand-wash it; since nothing sticks to it, a minimal rinse is really all you need. Buy on for $75 Best Budget: Lodge Cast-Iron Grill Pan with Assist Handle Credit: Courtesy of Lodge What this pan may lack in style, it more than makes up for in functionality. It's pre-seasoned and ready to go but improves over time with usage. A tab on the opposite side of the handle makes for easy maneuvering. Like all cast-iron pans, it shouldn't be allowed to soak and needs to be thoroughly dried after washing by hand. $36 at Walmart Best Stainless Steel: Tramontina Grill Pan Stainless Steel Credit: Courtesy of Tramontina If you don't want the weight of cast iron but are loathe to purchase nonstick, a stainless steel pan is a good option. The Tramontina is induction-, oven-, and dishwasher-safe and has a lifetime guarantee. While the handle is large, the total weight is still under 3 pounds. It has small ridges and you also may have to grease the pan lightly depending upon what you are grilling. Buy on for $49 Best Cast Iron: Our Place Cast Iron Grill Pan Credit: Courtesy of Our Place Our Place is known for its versatile cookware, and their enameled cast-iron pan is no exception. At over 6 pounds, it is a heavy, sturdy pan but offers up more than 10 inches of cooking surface. Unlike traditional cast iron, it does not require seasoning—and like most cast iron, it is not dishwasher safe. It works on gas, electric, induction, and ceramic cooktops and is oven and broiler-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. We love that it comes with a lifetime warranty and that it can be paired with the cast iron Perfect Pot. Plus, like other Our Place cookware, the grill pan comes in a variety of shades. $95 at Fromourplace.com Best Nonstick: KitchenAid Hard-Anodized Induction Nonstick Grill Pan Credit: Courtesy of Pots and Pans Clocking in at just over 2 pounds, this grill pan has angled sides that make it easy to flip burgers. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, is induction- and dishwasher-safe, and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It's ideal for grilling sandwiches or vegetables. The ridges are fairly small, but two spouts allow you to drain off any liquid that accumulates during grilling. $63 at Amazon Best Splurge: Smithey No. 12 Grill Pan Credit: Courtesy of Smithey An heirloom in the making, this very attractive pan can be engraved for an additional fee. It has a large surface area and the deep smooth ridges are on an angle making for great grill marks, although a true nonstick patina will only come with repeated use. The sides of the pan are slightly slanted and help with getting food in and out with a spatula. The pan has no spouts and it's important to wipe with oil before using and after cleaning. $220 at Food52 Most Stylish: Finex Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan Credit: Courtesy of Finex A favorite with photo stylists and food bloggers, this gorgeous octagonal pan has a stay-cool spring handle and the largest and deepest ridges. While the pan is polished and pre-seasoned, it will only develop a darker, more nonstick patina after being used four to five times. The surface area is a bit on the small side, but the handle is large, and the pan is incredibly heavy at over 8 pounds. $200 at Williams-Sonoma Best Small Grill Pan: Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, 6.5 Inch, Black Credit: Courtesy of Lodge This mini cast-iron grill pan is perfect for singles or cooking an individual burger on a cooktop on a grill or over a campfire. At just over 2 pounds, it's not terribly heavy and has two spouts to pour off drippings. While perfect for a burger, it may be too small for a grilled cheese sandwich, and like all cast iron, it must be hand-washed and thoroughly dried. Buy on for $20 Explore more: Food & Cooking Cooking How-Tos & Techniques