All About Grill Pans

Kitchenware is very diverse, and each of its elements finds its place in our daily life. Our article will tell you about this type of kitchen utensils like a grill pan. Let's consider its advantages and disadvantages, talk about manufacturers, find out the nuances of choice and use.

Compared to a conventional frying pan, the grill pan is characterized by the ribbed base. It is the ribbed addition that imitates a full-fledged separate grill that gave the name to this type of cookware. Whatever products are used, they will only partially touch the base. Therefore, in this case, the modes of roasting and steaming are actually combined.

The grill pan can partially replace a wide variety of kitchen appliances:

• an ordinary frying pan;
• oven;
• barbecue;
• toaster;
• B-B-Q;
• Microwave oven.

There are three main goals for using a grill pan:

• simplification of cook's work;
• reduction in time consumption;
• achieving an optimal balance between taste and health benefits.

This type of tableware can be used not only for processing meat, poultry or fish. It will be quite possible to cook both vegetables and fruits on it. Baked fruits cooked in a grill pan have an extraordinary taste. Avoiding the use of oil or minimizing the use of it can reduce the energy value of food.

Among the advantages of grill pans is the ease of embodiment of the most complex culinary recipes. It is much easier to preserve the natural taste of food in them than in conventional pans. Their saturation is ensured with excess liquid released to the outside. A carefully selected processing regime does not affect the nutritional and energy value of the prepared products.

Due to this design, the products only come into contact with the coating at the projections. All fat and juice, flowing into the grooves dividing the ribs, evaporates. As a result, the dish becomes more juicy and it is possible to avoid the formation of unpleasant odors, smoke, burning.

An important feature of the grill pan is its economy. For frying food, you will need a very small amount of sunflower or olive oil. In some cases, they do without it at all. And if they do, then some cooks moisten the convex parts with a silicone brush, while others spray the product itself.

Also, as already mentioned, the heat is distributed as evenly as possible. A preheated pan will hold the temperature longer than usual. The thick bottom also helps in this.

It is possible to quickly prepare various dishes without overdrying them. Food sticking to the bottom is excluded, even if the operation of a barbecue or a full-fledged grill is being reproduced. Another significant advantage of such dishes is the ability to cook several different products or dishes at the same time. It will not be difficult to cook in one pan:

• mushrooms;
• selected meat steak;
• vegetables.

However, the grill pan also has clear drawbacks. It is heavier than ordinary counterparts: cast iron products weigh 2-5.5 kg, and made of aluminum - from 1.5 to 2 kg. The weight of the products will also be added to this mass.

A grill pan requires more maintenance than regular cookware. Just washing it is not enough. You will need to wipe the entire surface dry, and then lubricate it with oil. If you break these rules, you may encounter intense rusting. And one more nuance - grill pans in most cases are supplied without lids.

The conversation about the configuration of the grill pan should be started by that not only the dimensions of the burners should be taken into account, but also the individual requests of buyers.

• Most often, they take a traditional round container, but some of the owners prefer other forms. The good thing about the round model is that it heats up very evenly. In such pans, they cook mainly meat and vegetable food, omelets and scrambled eggs, and fry fillets.
• The oval is best suited for cooking fish dishes and pork schnitzels.
• The square shape is also quite common. Its main advantage is its increased capacity. Vegetables and steaks are cooked in such dishes. A square frying pan can be used for cooking for the whole family or a friendly company.
• The rectangular grill pan allows you to process a wide variety of foods. The food is baked very evenly.

Some firms make rectangular pans from cast aluminum, but the most practical solution is cast iron types of cookware. They are ideal for grilling requirements.

Cast iron has a high thermal conductivity, which allows you to warm up the entire dish as quickly and uniformly as possible. In fact, the effect of cooking in the oven is reproduced. In a cast iron skillet, you can easily implement almost any recipe. Overweight, however, is proving to be a serious problem.

A rich "metallic" smell will constantly emanate from the surface. But the meat can be roasted to exceptional perfection. Although the pan is heavy, it is easy to clean and does not deteriorate over time.

Aluminum is also popular. It is much lighter than cast iron and allows heat to pass very easily. Aluminum cookware is invariably made with a non-stick coating. Quick warming up can sometimes even be inconvenient, and therefore it is advisable to give preference to products with a thick double bottom.

Connoisseurs of tasty and healthy food should opt for stainless steel. It is guaranteed not to enter into chemical reactions with substances that make up food. Therefore, the loss of useful properties is excluded. However, stainless steel requires constant and very careful maintenance. We will have to abandon the use of steel brushes, abrasive substances and powders.

Frying pans with a ceramic coating deserve a separate discussion. Some experts even believe that this is a kind of pinnacle in the evolution of cookware today. It is these pans, not teflon or cast iron, that are recommended to supporters of proper nutrition. Contrary to the beliefs of some people, the quality of the ceramic coating does not deteriorate over several years. It itself is made from proven substances of natural origin.

The advantages of ceramics are:

• excellent resistance to mechanical wear (due to the absence of pores);
• compatibility with rigid blades;
• variety of colors;
• minimal risk when using detergents;
• dishwasher safe;
• suitability for preparing baby food.

Consider the products of the most popular brands.

• If the choice is on a ceramic frying pan, then you need to pay attention to the products Fissler brands... This company manufactures products primarily for professional chefs. However, affordable prices allow you to use it even at home. Each copy has an individual technical passport. The warranty period is 5 years.

The case-shaped aluminum base has significantly reduced the weight of the product. The outer layer of the coating is characterized by increased wear resistance. Genuine German quality is also expressed in excellent ergonomic characteristics and safety during use. Engineers and designers scrupulously think over all such nuances.

• French company Tefal can also offer great pans. In its assortment there is a wide range of models in a low price range. Coating is guaranteed for 2 years. Due to the rather large thickness of the walls and bottom, the danger to the ceramic coating is minimized. A characteristic feature of Tefal products is also a built-in heating indicator.

• A good choice can also be TVS brand products (Italy)... They are equipped with a sand nanoparticle coating. You can easily select pans with a diameter of 26 cm or even 28 cm, if desired. In most cases, TVS pans are lightweight and easy to maintain. The manufacturer does not try to save money at any cost and therefore makes a reliable thick bottom.

• Lovers of true Swiss quality should take a closer look for frying pans Swiss Diamond... The company says it uses ceramics mixed with diamond crystals. The structure is designed with the expectation of maximum preservation of taste. The body is made of an aluminum-silicon alloy. The handles are securely fastened and do not get hot.

• Another popular Swiss brand - Vinzer... This company specializes in the production of stainless steel cookware.

• German concern Gipfel has another specialization - cast iron pans. Consumers rate them very highly.

• In the budget and moderately expensive price group, it stands out Maestro productscharacterized by an attractive design and special comfort of use.

• Products deserve attention too. Belgian manufacturer BergHoff... He is considered one of the world leaders in tableware manufacturing. The main construction material is cast aluminum.

• It is worth taking a closer look at cast iron Lodge non-stick pans... The American company produces products of the middle price group. In most modifications, the size is 26 cm, but it is not difficult to find dishes with a diameter of 30 cm.

There are several other brands that supply solid grill pans.

• The first is Risoli. This Italian firm has been operating steadily since 1965. All stages of production, starting with the receipt of metal raw materials, take place exclusively in Italy. The company uses granite tops and makes pancake pans using marble. The main construction material is cast aluminum. The use of light material instead of heavy cast iron was in line with the trend of the 1960s.

In practical terms, this made it possible to provide a number of characteristic advantages. The thickening of the walls and bottom made the heating much more even than before. Risoli products are supplied to various countries of the world. The aluminum alloy is selected individually and, just as important, the final finishing is carried out strictly by hand.

The company claims that its products are suitable for use in the oven, microwave oven, glass-ceramic hob. There are separate models for use on induction hobs. The designers have taken care of the convenience of preparing healthy and tasty food. You can safely carry out any culinary experiments you like and get a brilliant result.

• Saporella pans with folding handles made of wood have a size of 28x28 cm. They are suitable for use on any stove (except for induction models). Dishwasher safe. The cover is not included in the package.

• Of the pans of other companies, it should be noted Wellberg products... Their characteristic feature is the marble coating. In consumer assessments, it is noted that this option is much more practical and more convenient than Teflon, and even surpasses ceramics in a number of parameters.

Wellberg products are appreciated for:

1. significant capacity;
2. the convenience of the handles;
3. minimal danger of burning food;
4. suitability for work on a conventional gas and induction cooker;
5. general feeling of goodness.

• But the attractive options don't end there. It definitely deserves attention and model AMT Gastroguss AMTE285G... This grill pan is prized for the special arrangement of the ribs on the bottom. The relief allows you to get rid of the traditional dilemma: put pieces of meat diagonally or agree to the appearance of "wrong" stripes. Both the thickened bottom and the non-stick coating are important advantages.

The removable handle is long enough and has a one-piece additional eyelet. This simplifies the oven cooking process. However, due to the lack of a ferromagnetic disc, this model cannot be considered suitable for an induction hob.

• The next interesting version is Nadoba Vilma 728220. It is a square skillet with a heat indicator.The Czech developers have provided for liquid drainage recesses located at the edges, and not on the side, as usual. The handle is equipped with a thermochromic indicator. It shows you exactly when the dishes are warmed up and you can start working.

The frying pan works great on an induction hob. It is dishwasher safe. It is worth noting, however, that the handle attachment looses over time.

• From domestic products to the top of the best deservedly gets model "Marusya Standard 3724g"... It is a relatively inexpensive round product. The manufacturer used marble spraying; the internal volume is sufficient for cooking small amounts of food. The frying pan "Marusya" is quite compact, and in terms of non-stick properties it fully meets the requirements for a ribbed grill.

• And here is the BAF Galaxy Induction line 4002 16 28, as the name suggests, does not have such a problem. This sturdy frying pan of German production outwardly resembles, rather, a universal product. The main structural grade is the best type of stainless steel (18/10). 3 layers of non-stick titanium-ceramic coating does not break when touched by metal cutlery, does not burst when excessively heated.

• KitchenAid KC2T10NRST concludes our review. This model is perfect for electric cooker users. A very thick (even without taking into account the embossed part) bottom excludes sticking. At the same time, quick warm-up is ensured, the handle is fixed firmly and securely. You can use metal cutlery and accessories, as long as they are not overly sharp.

• When choosing dishes for a gas stove, you can use containers made of any materials. But a prerequisite will be strict compliance with the sizes of the frying pan and the burner. If an induction cooker is installed at home, it is advisable to check the cookware for it with a magnet. This check should be carried out even if special markings are present. Sometimes (although very rarely) it can be tampered with.

You can choose the right pan for working on glass-ceramic surfaces taking into account the following requirements:

1. correspondence of the cross-section of the bottom and the cross-section of the burner;
2. the presence of handles with a heat-protective coating;
3. cast iron or aluminum layer, which reduces the likelihood of burning.

• When choosing a ceramic grooved frying pan, it is important to realize that handling it is not easy. Positive properties are preserved only in one case - if the pan is protected from prolonged contact with water. In addition, ceramics are easily destroyed by significant temperature changes.

• One more point should be clarified right away: a number of ceramic-coated pans are not suitable for washing in a dishwasher or may be damaged by some detergents.

• If the consumer opts for a frying pan with a ceramic layer, he will have to pay attention to the method of its application. Spraying is much better and more durable than the rolling technique, but it turns out to be more expensive, and manufacturers of budget products do not like it.

• It is important not only to take a closer look at the material from which the pan is made, but also to what type of lid it comes with. Some people prefer light, transparent lids, while others prefer heavy ones that keep steam and juice inside. You need to focus only on your own tastes.

• If you want to buy the most durable product, you should give preference to cast iron products.However, it should be borne in mind that they are not very suitable for lovers of pancakes and pancakes. In this case, you will have to make a choice in favor of aluminum or steel. A die-cast body lasts longer than a die-forged one, however, and it costs a lot more.

• Buying the first frying pan in your life on your own, you should make a choice in favor of a model of a well-known company in the middle price segment. If the decision is unsuccessful, you will not have to regret the excessive costs. Buying both very expensive and very cheap pans is undesirable.

• You should choose not so much the manufacturer as a specific model. Each brand, even the most prestigious, may have unsuccessful modifications of the cookware. You can weed them out by examining reviews on independent sites. The additional accessories included in the delivery set are also of great importance.

• When these points are studied, it is time to pay attention to the ergonomic properties of specific models. Experienced housewives always check the pans "in hand" to see if their handles will get too hot.

• Even if there is a relatively large amount of space in the kitchen, it is advisable to choose crockery models with retractable or folding handles. For some reason, it turns out that there is always a lack of space.

• It is worth making sure before buying that the package includes instructions.

• Special requirements are put forward when buying corrugated utensils for the barbecue. In this case, it is recommended to give preference to ceramic products.

Whether the pan comes with a removable handle or not, it can be made from an unusual material such as granite. And his uniqueness does not mean that he is something bad. Of course, no one makes completely stone kitchen utensils.

It is almost impossible to accidentally scratch a granite skillet. However, you should not undertake all sorts of radical experiments, check the product for strength. Another feature of such dishes is a fairly fast, uniform heating. Heat is retained for a long time. And the dishes themselves will last a very long time.

But it is important to understand that the granite coating also has some weaknesses:

1. high cost (compared to teflon products);
2. risk of damage due to temperature fluctuations;
3. impossibility of cleaning with abrasives or aggressive substances;
4. mechanical destruction by impacts and falls.

Regardless of the specific make and model, it is important to use the grill pan correctly. It is quite reliable, but illiterate handling can harm even such an unpretentious thing. Before the first use, the pan must be washed with warm water, then all the dust will go away. Washing is required not only after purchase, but also after long storage.

The products themselves are placed in the grill pan only after cutting into thin slices. The more important the charcoal grill effect is, the thinner you will have to cut everything. Pieces of food must be coated with vegetable oil. If you apply it to a frying pan, food will stick and smoke may appear. Due to the nature of grilling, olive oil that smokes at low temperatures will have to be discarded.

Before starting cooking, the grill pan will have to be very hot. Even if the burner or hotplate is working intensively, you must wait at least 5 minutes. Then the surface will be warmed evenly, and the cooking process will go smoothly. Even with strong heating, the characteristic marks from the ribs become clearer.If steaks, coarsely chopped chicken, or something similar are fried, then the distance between the pieces should be about 1.25 cm.

In the absence of a cover in the delivery set, you still need to buy it and be sure to use it every time. Alternatively, a metal bowl is sometimes used. In order to obtain a characteristic pleasant pattern, the food should not be touched after laying for at least 1 minute. When this time has passed, you can move the pieces with tongs to prevent burning or uneven frying.

Each type of product is turned over after a strictly defined time:

• pieces of pork in 6-7 minutes;
• cutlets - 3 minutes;
• chicken slices - 5-10 minutes;
• pieces of sausage and wieners - 5 minutes;
• vegetables - 3 or 4 minutes.

Any product can be turned over ahead of schedule if it starts to burn badly. It is recommended to stock up on a thermometer to measure the temperature inside a piece of meat. If not, you will have to rely only on culinary intuition and luck. Shellfish, pork, veal, lamb should be heated to 63 degrees, poultry to 74. All types of minced meat are heated to 71 degrees.

If you need to store a cast iron skillet without using it, carefully cover it with sunflower oil (use a paper towel for this). Then the dishes are placed on the middle shelf in the oven and the temperature is set to 190 degrees. After keeping the pan in this mode for 60 minutes, turn off the heating, and then wait until it cools down.

For information on how to choose a grill pan, see the video below.