Grill pan - cast iron or steel? Which to choose?

A grill pan allows you to prepare tasty, aromatic dishes in a much healthier way - so it will prove to be the ideal choice for those who want to improve their health and figure out their daily diet. This is because it does not require the use of as much fat as conventional frying - and some types allow for completely fat-free frying. What sets it apart from other frying pans is its corrugated surface, which makes meat or vegetables look like they have been removed from a traditional grill. The fat that is rendered from the meat during grilling instead drips off into the recesses on the bottom. Grilling pans are usually made of stainless steel or aluminium. The material from which the accessory is made affects, among other things, the final grilling time. They are most often square or rectangular in shape, although round models also exist.

Swapping a traditional frying pan for a grill pan comes with a number of benefits - not least health benefits. However, there's no denying that it's the one on which you'll prepare the least calorific meals. Grilling is the healthiest way to cook food - whether you are talking about meat or vegetables. What's more, barbecue pans have a thicker base which, when properly heated, not only releases heat evenly but also for a much longer period of time. As a result, you can enjoy perfectly fried food while saving electricity. It is also extremely versatile, designed for use on all types of cookers and even in the oven. In addition, there is no need for a lid when grilling in the pan - the food does not splash around as it does when frying in a classic way. This makes the meat even more tender and you... don't have to spend time washing the additional accessories. What's more, the ingredients don't stick to the bottom, and after preparation, they look and taste almost identical to those prepared on a traditional grill. This means that your favourite grilled fillet or skewers can be on the table regardless of the season and the weather. The ribbed bottom not only enhances the appearance of the meat or vegetables but also makes it easier for the fat to drain from the food. All this makes daily use of the grill pan a pleasure.

A grill pan offers a multitude of possibilities - the dishes prepared on it are not only healthier, but also extremely tasty. It is usually used for frying meat - chicken breasts, steaks or pork neck. With a grill pan, you can also prepare delicious fish - such as salmon - and aromatic vegetables. It is also a good choice for those who like the taste of grilled cheese. It should be noted, however, that this type of pan is unsuitable for preparing eggs, and pancakes. However, it is worth having it in your kitchen to enjoy the unique taste of grilled food at any time. Various types of grill pans, suitable for frying meat, fish, vegetables or oscypek, await you in the FormAdore range. These range from robust models made of cast iron or stainless steel to pans made of aluminium. The pans are available in various sizes - so that everyone can find the right size for their needs. You will also find larger rectangular grill plates among them, allowing you to cook more food at once - such as the Classic model from Scanpan or the Noir from Skeppshult. Now you don't have to wait for spring and summer days to enjoy the taste of grilled peppers, pork chops or salmon - you can eat them whenever you feel like it!

Cast iron grill pans are by far some of the most durable models available. The solid workmanship translates directly into their long service life - even with frequent use. What's more, this type of barbecue pan accentuates the flavour of the food perfectly. Cast iron models can be successfully used on induction cookers, which is sure to please many people. They are also suitable for use in the oven. It is worth remembering that pans made of this material are among the heavy models. Staub solutions, which come with a thirty-year guarantee, are of particular interest to FormAdore customers. If you are looking for a good cast-iron pan for grilling, it is also worth paying attention to the proposals of the company Le Creuset, such as the Signature model.

When deciding on a cast iron grill pan, it is worth remembering to look after it properly. The material does not like acidic products, e.g. pickles or lemon - they can not only cause discolouration on the surface of the accessory, but also the metallic taste of the prepared dishes. In addition, it is a good idea to grease the surface of the pan before using it for the first time - and after every washing - in order to seal the channels in the cast iron.

A second popular type of grill pan is made of stainless steel. As the name suggests, they are characterised by their exceptional resistance to rusting, but not only that - they are also resistant to scratching and mechanical damage. What is particularly important to know about them? Because they take a little longer to heat up, they also give off heat over a longer period of time. As a result, the food keeps its temperature even when the cooker is switched off and the food is removed from the burner. Furthermore, steel grill pans can be successfully used in the oven at temperatures of up to 180 degrees - as long as they do not have plastic handles. They are relatively lightweight and therefore also convenient to use. One of the most popular models in our range is the Zwilling Plus grill pan in 18/10 stainless steel.
As with cast iron pans, the stainless steel models need to be cared for properly - before the first use, it is very important to harden and so-called anneal, which results in the expansion of the steel.

The final choice of a particular grill pan depends entirely on personal preference. If you want durability and many years of effective use, a cast iron model will prove to be the best option. Its durability cannot be matched by anything else - cast iron pans are able to last for up to a dozen years. What's more, a cast iron pan accentuates the flavour of the food being prepared - steel pans no longer have such qualities. If, on the other hand, you want your pan to be lightweight and easy to clean, opt for a steel model instead. Steel grill pans are dishwasher-safe, which is not the case with cast iron models. The first type of accessory also loses its aesthetic appeal after some use. Cast iron pans, on the other hand, look the same all the time - even after many years of frequent grilling. Unlike steel ones, however, they require the use of fat. Both have their pros and cons - it is entirely up to you to make the final choice. One thing is for sure - each pan will help you keep you and your loved ones healthy, while guaranteeing great meals.
If you want to expand your cooking knowledge, make sure to check out our guide on how to fry healthily in a pan!

When you choose a grill pan from FormAdore, you can be sure that it will serve you for many years and meet your expectations for grilled food. Check out all the models available in our range and find the one that will make your everyday cooking more enjoyable!