Many people love the charred, smoky flavor and visual dynamics that grilling provides. However, not all foods are well suited for a firebox and grate. Fish, delicate vegetables and some types of meat aren’t ideal for high direct heat. Using the right pan, though, can make these foods perfectly grillable.
The best cookware you can use on a grill is stainless steel or cast iron. These can withstand the high heat required for grilling and hold up to the scrubbing and seasoning that’s usually necessary. They’re also nonstick, which makes them easy to clean after use.
Despite their popularity, Teflon-based nonstick pans aren’t suitable for high heat cooking. Over time, Teflon flakes off and moves into food, and high heat can cause the material to break down, producing toxic fumes.
Cast iron is a popular choice because it withstands very high heat and retains it, which is important for getting good sear marks. It’s also durable, which means it won’t crack or warp with repeated use, which is a common problem with other grill pans. However, it can be difficult to handle and requires patience to preheat because it takes a while to warm up.
When choosing a cast iron pan for grilling, it’s important to find one that’s the right size for your burner and stovetop. If it’s too big, it won’t fit over your burner and can end up absorbing too much heat and smoking. If it’s too small, the walls may heat up and burn.