A ridged grill pan gives you stripes on chicken, steak and peppers without lighting the grill, but a bare cast iron one asks for seasoning, a slow preheat and some scrubbing between the ridges. A nonstick grill pan trades a little of that searing power for an easy release and a quick wash. For weeknight fajita chicken, a few sliced peppers and onions, or fish that would tear on bare iron, that trade is often worth making.
This guide covers conventional nonstick grill pans: aluminum pans with a fluoropolymer (PTFE-type) coating, from Le Creuset, Woll, Rachael Ray, Farberware, Berndes, Lagostina and two Amazon-first brands. If you want cast iron or enameled cast iron instead, our main guide to the best grill pan covers those, and none of its picks are repeated here.
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Quick verdict: which nonstick grill pan to buy
For most kitchens, the best nonstick grill pan is the Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Grill Pan: Le Creuset rates it for every cooktop, including induction, and for the oven up to 500°F, and it comes with a nylon brush for cleaning between the ridges. If you want a deep pan for less, choose the Rachael Ray Cucina 11-inch Deep Square Grill Pan, which goes in the dishwasher and carries a lifetime limited warranty. On an induction hob with a small budget, the SENSARTE 9.5-inch grill pan has a magnetic steel base.
The rest of this page explains the differences that matter between these pans: the cooktop, the oven limit, the handle and how much care each coating asks for.
Five nonstick grill pans at a glance
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of cook, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All eight pans are reviewed in full below.
| Grill pan | Best for | Shape & size | Cooktops (per maker) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any stove, stove to oven | 11-inch, with nylon brush | All, including induction | View on Amazon | |
Woll Diamond Lite Pro Grill Pan, 11-inchBest cast aluminum
|
Heavy base, made in Germany | 11-inch square | Induction not stated for this model | View on Amazon |
| Deep pan, dishwasher | 11-inch square, deep sides | Gas and electric; not induction | View on Amazon | |
| Round burners, oven to 500°F | 11.25-inch round, deep | Induction not stated | View on Amazon | |
SENSARTE 9.5-inch Nonstick Grill PanBudget induction pick
|
Small kitchens, induction | 9.5-inch square, pour spouts | Gas, electric, glass, induction | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Cooktop and oven ratings are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best nonstick grill pan
These eight pans cover square and round shapes, sizes from 9.5 to 12 inches, pans that work on induction and pans that do not, and handles from silicone-wrapped steel to ash wood. Each pick explains who it suits and gives one honest reason to skip it.
1. Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Grill Pan with Brush, 11-inch – Every Cooktop, Oven to 500°F
The pick if you want one nonstick grill pan that works on whatever stove you have now or later.
Le Creuset’s Toughened Nonstick PRO line is forged, hard-anodized aluminum with a magnetic steel disc in the base, which is why the maker can rate this pan for every cooktop, including induction. The listing describes a triple-reinforced nonstick surface that Le Creuset says is four times stronger than its previous generation, and a textured interior meant to help food brown rather than steam.
It goes from the burner into the oven at up to 500°F, so you can mark a thick pork chop or chicken thighs on the ridges and finish them in the oven. The set includes a nylon grill pan brush with bristles that the listing says are safe on nonstick, which deals with the worst part of owning any grill pan: the grease that settles between the ridges.
Retailers selling the PRO line disclose that the coating is a fluoropolymer (PTFE-type) nonstick. Keep the heat at medium, as with any nonstick, and use the brush or a soft sponge rather than steel wool.
Why we like it
- Rated for all cooktops, including induction
- Oven safe to 500°F
- Comes with a nylon brush made for nonstick ridges
- Stay-cool handles, according to the listing
Key specifications
| Model | US00045000001002 |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 11-inch grill pan, plus nylon brush |
| Body | Forged hard-anodized aluminum, magnetic steel base (retailers) |
| Coating | Triple-reinforced PTFE-type nonstick, textured |
| Cooktops | All, including induction |
| Oven safe | 500°F |
| Dishwasher | Yes, according to retailers |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (retailers) |
Why we recommend it
It answers the two questions that rule out most nonstick grill pans: will it work on my stove, and can it go in the oven? The answer here is yes to both, which makes it the safest choice if you are not sure what you will cook on in a few years.
Skip it if you want the cheapest way into a nonstick grill pan. This is the premium pick on the page, and a nonstick coating wears out eventually however well it is made, so the Rachael Ray or SENSARTE pans cost less to replace.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Works on induction
- Oven safe to 500°F
- Cleaning brush included
Cons
- Premium cost for a coated pan
- Shape not spelled out in the listing
- Coating still needs gentle tools
2. Woll Diamond Lite Pro Grill Pan, 11-inch – Cast in Germany
Woll is a family-owned German maker that has cast aluminum cookware since 1979, and this square grill pan is made in Germany, according to the listing. Woll uses a squeeze-casting process for the Diamond Lite range, which gives a thick, flat body that holds heat better than a thin pressed pan.
The coating is built in layers, with a diamond-reinforced top coat over the nonstick base layer. Woll says the topcoat is what makes the surface hard-wearing, but it still asks you to avoid metal utensils and to cook over medium heat. The pan is PFOA-free, dishwasher safe and oven safe to 500°F, and retailers list an 11 by 11-inch cooking surface.
One point to check: Woll sells this pan in a standard version and a separate induction version, and this listing does not say it works on induction. Choose it for gas or electric, or look for the induction model number if you cook on induction.
Why we like it
- Squeeze-cast aluminum body, made in Germany
- Diamond-reinforced nonstick topcoat
- Oven safe to 500°F and dishwasher safe
- Limited lifetime warranty (retailers)
Key specifications
| Model | W2628-1DLP |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 11 x 11-inch square |
| Body | Squeeze-cast aluminum |
| Coating | Diamond-reinforced nonstick, PFOA-free |
| Cooktops | Gas and electric; induction not stated for this model |
| Oven safe | 500°F |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime (retailers) |
Why we recommend it
A thick cast body is the closest a nonstick pan gets to the steady heat of cast iron. When cold chicken thighs land on the ridges, a heavier pan loses less heat, which helps the marks form.
Skip it if you cook on induction, unless you buy Woll’s separate induction version. It is also one of the dearer pans here.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Thick cast body holds heat
- Made in Germany
- Oven safe to 500°F
Cons
- Induction not confirmed for this model
- No metal utensils
- Premium cost
3. Rachael Ray Cucina 11-inch Deep Square Grill Pan – Deep Sides, Dishwasher Safe
The sensible everyday choice: a hard-anodized aluminum pan with raised ridges, deep sides and a lifetime limited warranty from Meyer’s Rachael Ray brand.
The deep square shape is what sets it apart. Tall sides keep fat and marinade from spitting over the stove, which matters with fajita chicken in a citrus marinade or onions that release a lot of liquid. The listing describes fast, even heating and a double-riveted handle with a silicone grip.
It goes in the oven at up to 400°F and in the dishwasher. Rachael Ray’s own product page lists the coating as a fluoropolymer containing PTFE and says it is made to comply with FDA and EU food-contact rules. Retailers list it as unsuitable for induction, so this is a pan for gas and electric coil or glass tops.
Why we like it
- Deep square shape contains splatter
- Oven safe to 400°F
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 87632 |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 11-inch square, deep |
| Body | Hard-anodized aluminum |
| Coating | PTFE nonstick (maker) |
| Cooktops | Gas and electric; not induction (retailers) |
| Oven safe | 400°F |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited |
Why we recommend it
It does the job most people buy a nonstick grill pan for, without the cost of the premium picks: marks on chicken and vegetables, easy release, and a pan you can put in the dishwasher. The warranty is a good sign for a pan at this level.
Skip it if you cook on induction. The aluminum body has no magnetic base, so it will not heat on an induction hob.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Deep sides control splatter
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Not for induction
- Oven limit of 400°F
4. Farberware Style 11.25-inch Deep Round Grill Pan – Round Shape, Oven to 500°F
Most nonstick grill pans are square, but a round pan matches the shape of a round burner, so the edges heat more evenly on a standard gas ring. Farberware’s Style deep grill pan is 11.25 inches across, with a contoured exterior in bright colors and an aluminum body.
The interior is Farberware’s DiamondMax nonstick, and the listing rates the pan for the oven up to 500°F, the same limit as our top pick. Double-fitted handles give a secure grip, and the pan is dishwasher safe. Farberware’s product disclosures for its DiamondMax pans, as shown by retailers, list the coating as a fluoropolymer containing PTFE.
The deep shape suits sliced peppers and onions as well as meat, because they stay on the ridges instead of sliding off the edge when you toss them.
Why we like it
- Round shape suits round burners
- Oven safe to 500°F
- DiamondMax nonstick, dishwasher safe
- Deep sides for vegetables
Key specifications
| Model | 13551 |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 11.25-inch round, deep |
| Body | Aluminum |
| Coating | DiamondMax PTFE-type nonstick |
| Cooktops | Not stated; induction not listed |
| Oven safe | 500°F |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
A round pan wastes less heat on a round gas burner, and the 500°F oven rating is generous for a pan at this level. It is a cheerful, practical pan for weeknight cooking.
Skip it if you want long, straight grill marks across a steak or need an induction pan. The listing does not name induction, and a round pan gives you less corner space than a square one of the same width.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits round burners well
- Oven safe to 500°F
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Induction not stated
- Warranty not stated in the listing
5. Berndes Bonanza Induction Grill Pan, 28 cm – Ash Wood Handle, Induction Base
Berndes is a German cookware maker, and its Bonanza range of cast aluminum pans has been made for more than 40 years, according to the listing. This 28 cm (about 11-inch) square grill pan has a vacuum die-cast aluminum body, a premium induction base and a handle of Sauerland ash wood with a hanging loop.
The coating is a reinforced three-layer nonstick. The grill bars give the familiar stripes, and the listing points out that fat and juices run off between them rather than pooling under the food. Berndes rates it for all heat sources, including induction.
The wooden handle is the reason to choose it, and also its main limit: Berndes’ own page lists this grill pan as not oven safe. Treat it as a stovetop-only pan, and wash it by hand to keep the wood in good shape.
Why we like it
- Works on induction and all other hobs
- Die-cast aluminum body
- Ash wood handle stays comfortable to hold
- Three-layer reinforced nonstick
Key specifications
| Model | 071282 |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 28 x 28 cm (about 11-inch) square |
| Body | Vacuum die-cast aluminum, induction base |
| Coating | Reinforced three-layer nonstick |
| Cooktops | All, including induction |
| Oven safe | No (Berndes) |
| Dishwasher | Not stated; hand wash to protect the wood |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It is a well-made European pan for induction cooks who never finish food in the oven, with a handle that is pleasant to hold and easy to hang.
Skip it if you like to sear on the stove and finish in the oven. Berndes lists it as not oven safe, and the maker’s own store showed it sold out when we checked, so replacement parts and support may be easier to find for the US brands.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Induction ready
- Wooden handle with hanging loop
- Cast body holds heat
Cons
- Not oven safe
- Wood needs hand washing
- Few US care details published
6. Lagostina Special Nonstick Grill, 28 cm – Folding Handle for Small Cupboards
Lagostina is an Italian cookware brand, and this square grill from its Special range is built for kitchens short on cupboard space. The handle folds, so the pan stores flat in a drawer or on a shelf, and a hook lets you hang it.
The body is die-cast aluminum with a marble-effect nonstick coating that the listing describes as scratch and abrasion resistant. There is a pouring edge for draining fat, and the pan is dishwasher safe. At 28 by 28 cm, the surface is about 11 inches square, room for two chicken breasts or a full layer of sliced peppers.
Check your stove first: the listing says it is not suitable for induction. It suits gas and electric cooks who want a grill pan that packs away small.
Why we like it
- Folding handle for compact storage
- Die-cast aluminum body
- Pouring edge and hanging hook
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 010187041928 |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 28 x 28 cm (about 11-inch) square |
| Body | Die-cast aluminum |
| Coating | Marble-effect nonstick |
| Cooktops | Gas and electric; not induction |
| Oven safe | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
If a long handle is what keeps a grill pan out of your kitchen, the folding handle solves it. The cast body is a step up from thin pressed pans.
Skip it if you cook on induction or want to use the oven. The listing rules out induction and gives no oven rating, and a folding handle is never quite as rigid as a riveted one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stores flat
- Cast aluminum body
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not for induction
- No oven rating
- Sparse English-language details
7. SENSARTE 9.5-inch Nonstick Grill Pan – Small, Light and Induction Ready
SENSARTE is a brand sold mainly on Amazon, and this compact grill pan is the cheapest way on this list to grill on an induction hob. The die-cast aluminum body sits on a thick magnetic stainless steel base, which the listing says spreads heat quickly and lets it work on gas, electric, glass and induction.
The coating comes from ILAG, a Swiss maker of nonstick coatings, and the listing says it is free of PFOA and PFOS. Raised ribs leave the grill marks and keep fat down in the grooves, and two pour spouts make it easy to drain. The handle is bakelite, which stays cool on the stove.
At 9.5 inches it is a pan for one or two people: a couple of chicken breasts, a steak, or a quesadilla pressed flat on the ridges.
Why we like it
- Works on induction and every other cooktop
- Swiss ILAG nonstick coating
- Two pour spouts for draining fat
- Cool-touch bakelite handle
Key specifications
| Model | Grill-Granite |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 9.5-inch square, two spouts |
| Body | Die-cast aluminum, magnetic steel base |
| Coating | ILAG nonstick, PFOA- and PFOS-free |
| Cooktops | Gas, electric, glass, ceramic, induction |
| Oven safe | Not stated |
| Dishwasher | Not stated; listing suggests a wipe or rinse |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It covers what a small household needs from a grill pan, on any cooktop, for less than the brand-name pans. It is also a sensible second pan for a cook who owns cast iron and wants something quick for fish.
Skip it if you cook for four or more, or want to finish food in the oven. It is small, and the listing gives no oven rating for the bakelite handle.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Induction ready at a budget level
- Pour spouts
- Light and easy to handle
Cons
- Small 9.5-inch surface
- No oven rating
- Amazon-first brand, few maker details
8. Moss & Stone 12-inch Round Grill Pan with Glass Lid – A Lid for Thick Cuts
Moss & Stone is another Amazon-first brand, and its 12-inch grill pan is the only pick here that comes with a lid. That matters more than it sounds: covering the pan for a few minutes helps thick chicken thighs or a bone-in chop cook through before the outside burns.
The body is cast aluminum with a two-layer nonstick coating that the listing says is PFOA-free. It is rated for gas, induction, ceramic and electric stoves and camping burners, and for the oven up to 482°F; the glass lid is rated to 350°F. The 1.8-inch side wall lets it double as a skillet, and the silicone handles give a grip when you move it.
It is dishwasher safe, according to the listing, though hand washing is kinder to any nonstick coating.
Why we like it
- Glass lid included
- Large 12-inch round surface
- Works on induction
- Oven safe to 482°F (lid to 350°F)
Key specifications
| Model | AL-GP-30BLK |
|---|---|
| Shape & size | 12-inch round, 1.8-inch sides, glass lid |
| Body | Cast aluminum |
| Coating | Two-layer nonstick, PFOA-free |
| Cooktops | Gas, induction, ceramic, electric |
| Oven safe | 482°F; lid 350°F |
| Dishwasher | Yes |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
The lid and the 12-inch surface make it the most flexible pan here for families: grill, cover, finish, and use it as a skillet on other nights.
Skip it if you want a maker with a long track record or published warranty terms. Moss & Stone gives few details beyond the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Comes with a lid
- Large and induction ready
- Oven safe
Cons
- Amazon-first brand
- Warranty not stated
How to choose a nonstick grill pan
Five things separate a nonstick grill pan you will use every week from one that ends up in the back of a cupboard.
1. Your cooktop
Aluminum on its own does not work on induction. A pan needs a magnetic steel base, as the Le Creuset, Berndes, SENSARTE and Moss & Stone pans have. The Rachael Ray and Lagostina pans are listed as not suitable for induction, and the Woll and Farberware listings do not say. On a glass top, lift the pan rather than sliding it; our guide to the best grill pan for a glass top stove goes into more detail.
2. Heat and the oven
Nonstick coatings are made for low to medium heat. That is the main trade against cast iron: you will get grill marks, but not the deep char of iron that has been preheated until it smokes. If you like to sear and then finish in the oven, check the rating: 500°F for Le Creuset, Woll and Farberware, 482°F for Moss & Stone, 400°F for Rachael Ray, and none at all for Berndes, which is not oven safe.
3. Body thickness
Cast and forged pans (Woll, Berndes, Lagostina, Le Creuset) are thicker than pressed pans and hold heat better when cold food goes in. Thin pans heat fast but can lose temperature, and some buyers report that thin nonstick grill pans warp over high heat.
4. Shape and depth
Square pans give you more corner space and long, straight marks. Round pans match round burners. Deep sides, as on the Rachael Ray and Farberware pans, hold in splatter and keep sliced vegetables on the ridges.
5. Cleaning between the ridges
Grease collects in the grooves. A soft nylon brush, like the one that comes with the Le Creuset, cleans them without scratching. Dishwasher-safe pans are convenient, but most makers agree hand washing extends the life of any coating.
How we picked these eight grill pans
We started with the brands named most often for nonstick grill pans, including Calphalon, T-fal, Cuisinart, Circulon, Anolon, Tramontina and GreenPan, and checked every pan’s stock through Amazon’s product data. Many were out of stock or nearly sold out, others were flat griddles rather than ridged grill pans, and several use a ceramic (sol-gel) nonstick coating, which this guide leaves out; for ceramic-coated grill pans, see our main grill pan guide. We also left out every pan already recommended on our other grill pan pages. That left eight in-stock, ridged, PTFE-type nonstick pans from named makers, with no more than two from brands sold mainly on Amazon. Specifications come from the makers’ pages and Amazon listings, which each pick cites. We checked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall database for each brand and found no recall covering these pans. We have not cooked on these pans; where we describe how a material behaves, it comes from the makers’ specifications.
Nonstick grill pan questions, answered
Is a nonstick grill pan as good as cast iron?
For char, no. Cast iron can be heated much hotter and holds that heat longer. A nonstick grill pan wins on release and cleanup, and it is far lighter. Many cooks own both. Our comparison of a grill pan versus a skillet explains when ridges help at all.
What is the best grill pan non stick for induction?
The Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO for a premium pan, or the SENSARTE for a small, low-cost one. The Berndes Bonanza and Moss & Stone pans also have induction bases.
Can you use high heat on a non stick grill pan?
Makers generally advise medium heat. Preheat the empty pan for a couple of minutes over medium rather than blasting it on high, and add a little oil to the food rather than the pan.
Can you use metal tongs on a nonstick grill pan?
It is safer not to. Woll, for example, asks you to avoid metal utensils. Use silicone-tipped tongs or a nylon turner; our guide to kitchen tongs covers silicone and nylon tips.
What can you cook in a nonstick grill pan?
Chicken breasts and thighs, thin steaks, fish, shrimp, sliced peppers and onions for fajitas, zucchini and quesadillas. If fajitas are on your list, see how to eat fajitas for how they come to the table.
Our final word on nonstick grill pans
Buy the Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO grill pan if you want one pan that works on any cooktop and goes into a hot oven. Choose the Rachael Ray Cucina deep square pan for a dishwasher-safe pan at a lower cost on gas or electric, and the SENSARTE if you cook on induction for one or two people. Whichever you choose, keep the heat at medium and clean the ridges gently, and the coating will last longer. For cast iron and enameled grill pans, go back to the best grill pan, and if you want fajitas without cooking, see the menu or call to order.