A grill grate is made for steaks and burgers. Sliced onions, strips of bell pepper, shrimp and small pieces of fish are a different story: they slip between the bars, stick, or fall into the fire. An outdoor grill pan solves that. It is a perforated tray, skillet or wok that sits on the grate, holds small food above the flame and still lets heat and smoke reach it through the holes.
That is a different tool from the ridged cast iron pan you use on the stove. The pans on this page are built for a gas, charcoal or pellet grill, and most are bare stainless steel with nothing to burn off. Below are eight worth buying, from a deep wok-style tray to a skillet with a detachable handle, with the trade-offs of each.
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Quick verdict: which outdoor grill pan to buy
The best outdoor grill pan for most cooks is the Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable Basket: a deep, perforated stainless tray that also works as an outdoor wok and goes in the dishwasher. For a crowd, the Little Griddle Large Pro Grill Pan gives you 137 square inches with high sides. If you want a pan you can lift off the grill by its handle, choose the Outset Stainless Steel Grill Skillet.
This page branches off our main guide to the best grill pan, which covers ridged stovetop pans in cast iron, enamel and nonstick. Hinged baskets that clamp food in place have their own guide to the best grill basket. Nothing below repeats a pick from either page.
Five outdoor grill pans side by side
Five standout picks, one for each kind of outdoor cook, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All eight pans are reviewed in full below.
| Grill pan | Best for | Material & size | Handles | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable BasketBest overall
|
Vegetables, stir-fry on the grill | 430 stainless; size not stated | Not stated in listing | View on Amazon |
Little Griddle Large Pro Grill PanBest for a crowd
|
Big batches, fajita nights | Stainless; 17 x 11 in | Built-in | View on Amazon |
Outset Stainless Steel Grill Skillet with Removable HandleBest skillet style
|
Shrimp, carrying food off the grill | Stainless; 12 in round | One, removable | View on Amazon |
Weber Style Small Grilling BasketBest for side dishes
|
A side next to the main cook | Stainless; 9.4 x 7.5 in | Not stated in listing | View on Amazon |
Outset Chef’s Jumbo Outdoor Grill Basket and SkilletBest nonstick
|
Fish and sticky marinades | Nonstick carbon steel; 23.5 x 12 in | Removable | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best outdoor grill pan
These eight pans cover the real choices for cooking small food on a grill: a deep tray you can toss food in, a skillet you carry by the handle, a big flat pan for a crowd, and a few small or specialist options. Each was in stock on Amazon from a maker you can identify when we checked. None of them has been used in Julia’s kitchen; the details come from the makers, the listings and retailers named in each section.
1. Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable Basket – A Deep Tray That Doubles as a Wok
Weber calls this a vegetable basket, but it is really an open, perforated stainless tray with raised sides, the classic grill topper shape. It sits on top of the cooking grate of any outdoor grill, holds sliced vegetables above the fire, and, as the listing points out, can be used as an outdoor wok, so you can stir and toss food in it with tongs or a spatula.
It is made of 430-grade stainless steel, a magnetic, chromium stainless that resists rust well and has no coating to scratch or burn off. That matters on a grill, where the pan sits over open flame at temperatures that would damage most nonstick finishes. The listing says it is dishwasher safe.
For a Mexican cook, this is the pan for fajita vegetables: strips of onion and pepper that would otherwise fall through the bars. Preheat it on the grill with the lid closed, oil the food rather than the pan, and the vegetables pick up char and smoke through the holes.
The listing does not state the dimensions, so measure your grate and check the current listing photos before you buy.
Why we like it
- 430 stainless steel, no coating (listing)
- Also works as an outdoor wok
- Sits on any outdoor grill
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 32902 |
|---|---|
| Material | 430 stainless steel |
| Size | Not stated in listing |
| Style | Perforated tray with sides, wok use |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Grill fit | Any outdoor grill (listing) |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who grills vegetables every weekend and wants a pan that can take high heat and go in the dishwasher afterward. Bare steel means nothing to wear out.
Skip it if you need exact dimensions before you buy; the listing does not give them.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rust-resistant bare stainless
- Toss and stir like a wok
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Size not stated in the listing
- Bare steel needs oil to stop sticking
- Gets very hot; use grill gloves
2. Little Griddle Large Pro Grill Pan – High Sides and Room for a Crowd
Little Griddle makes stainless steel griddles and pans designed to sit on a barbecue grill. This Large Pro Grill Pan is the biggest open pan on this page, with a 137-square-inch cooking surface according to the listing, and high sidewalls so food stays put when you stir it.
The listing gives the size as 17 by 11 inches with 1.5-inch sides. The floor is vented, so fat drips through to the fire and smoke comes back up, which is what separates a grill pan from a sheet tray. Handles are built into the ends, so you can lift the whole thing off the grill when the food is done.
It is 100 percent stainless steel, per the listing, with no coating. That size is useful for a family meal: a full batch of fajita vegetables, a pound or two of shrimp, or sliced potatoes alongside a few steaks on the rest of the grate. Make sure your grill has room for a 17-inch pan with the lid closed.
Little Griddle offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects, according to its retailer BBQGuys. Home Depot also sells this model as the GT-175.
Why we like it
- 137 sq in cooking surface (listing)
- High sidewalls keep food in
- Vented floor lets fat drain and smoke through
- Built-in handles
- Limited lifetime warranty (BBQGuys)
Key specifications
| Model | GT-175 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 17 x 11 x 1.5 in |
| Style | Vented pan with high sides |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | Built-in |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated in listing |
| Grill fit | Gas or charcoal grills with room for 17 in |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you cook for four or more and want all the vegetables done in one batch instead of two. The high sides make it the easiest pan here to stir.
Skip it if you have a small portable or kettle grill; a 17-inch pan will crowd out everything else.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Largest open pan here
- No coating to wear
- Long warranty
Cons
- Takes up much of a small grill
- Dishwasher use not stated
- Handles get hot on the grill
3. Outset Stainless Steel Grill Skillet with Removable Handle – Lift It Off Like a Frying Pan
Outset makes a wide range of grill tools, and this skillet is shaped like an ordinary frying pan with holes in it. That shape makes it easy to shake and flip food, and the handle lets you carry a pan of shrimp straight to the table.
WebstaurantStore lists it as a 12-inch round pan, 2 inches deep and about 19.5 inches long with the handle on; Kohl’s gives 20.75 inches. The stainless floor is drilled with small holes that let heat and smoke through while keeping shrimp and sliced vegetables from falling into the fire, according to the listing.
The handle is the detail to understand. Kohl’s says it is polypropylene with a soft rubber overmold, so it is not meant to sit over the flames. It detaches, so you can leave the pan on the grill with the lid closed and clip the handle back on to move it. The listing gives a heat-safe rating of 446°F, so keep the handle well away from high heat and take it off before you close the lid.
The same pan works in the oven, which is handy on a rainy day.
Why we like it
- Perforated stainless skillet, 12 inches (WebstaurantStore)
- Removable handle for carrying
- Works on the grill or in the oven
- Frying-pan shape is easy to toss
Key specifications
| Model | 76143 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel; plastic and rubber handle |
| Size | 12 in round, 2 in deep |
| Style | Perforated skillet |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | One, removable |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated in listing |
| Grill fit | Grill or oven |
Why we recommend it
It suits the cook who likes to shake a pan of shrimp or mushrooms the way you would on the stove, and wants to carry the food in by the handle.
Skip it if you cook with the lid down at high heat for long periods; the plastic handle has to come off first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy to toss and to carry
- Bare stainless body
- Handle comes off for the lid and for storage
Cons
- Plastic handle limits heat
- Retailers give different handle lengths
- 12 inches is enough for two to four people
4. Mr. Bar-B-Q 12-Inch Grill Skillet and Fryer Strainer – Packs Small for Camping
Mr. Bar-B-Q has made grilling accessories for more than 50 years, according to its listing, and this skillet is one of its simplest. It is a 12-inch stainless pan with drilled drainage holes and a handle that comes off, so it lies flat in a camping box.
The listing describes it as a two-in-one tool: a grill skillet for vegetables, shrimp, fish and diced meat on a gas or charcoal grill or an open-flame barbecue, and a strainer basket for lifting food out of a deep fryer or turkey fryer and draining the oil.
The handle is described as heat-resistant and detaches in seconds. As with any pan that sits over a live fire, use a glove when you lift it. Mr. Bar-B-Q recommends hand washing with soap and water.
It is close in size to the Outset skillet above. The difference is the extra job as a fryer basket, which makes it the better buy if you take one pan to the campsite and want it to do two things.
Why we like it
- 12-inch stainless skillet with drainage holes
- Removable heat-resistant handle
- Doubles as a fryer strainer basket
- Gas, charcoal or open flame (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 06753X |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 12 in |
| Style | Perforated skillet, fryer strainer |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | One, removable |
| Dishwasher safe | Hand wash recommended |
| Grill fit | Gas, charcoal, open flame |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for camping, tailgates and small grills, or if you also run an outdoor fryer and want one pan that does both jobs.
Skip it if you want a dishwasher-safe pan; the maker says to wash it by hand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two tools in one
- Packs flat with the handle off
- Bare stainless
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Small for a family meal
- Depth not stated
5. Weber Style Small Grilling Basket – A Side Dish Beside the Main Event
Not every grill session needs a big pan. Weber’s small grilling basket is a perforated stainless tray about the size of a sheet of paper folded in half: 9.4 by 7.5 inches and 2.5 inches deep, per the listing. That leaves most of the grate free for the meat while a side of vegetables cooks in the corner.
Weber says it fits all Weber grills, and the size makes it a good match for kettles and small gas grills where a 17-inch pan would not fit. It is built for side dishes: a handful of sliced jalapeños and onions for tacos, mushrooms, or a few spears of asparagus.
Like the larger Weber above, it is bare stainless steel with nothing to burn off. The listing does not state whether it is dishwasher safe, so plan on washing it by hand, and soak it first if marinade has burned on.
Its size is the trade-off: it holds a side for two to four people, not a full meal.
Why we like it
- Compact 9.4 x 7.5 x 2.5 in (listing)
- Fits all Weber grills
- Bare stainless steel
- Leaves room for the main cook
Key specifications
| Model | 6481 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 9.4 x 7.5 x 2.5 in |
| Style | Small perforated tray |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated in listing |
| Grill fit | All Weber grills |
Why we recommend it
It suits owners of kettles and compact gas grills, and anyone who mainly wants a side of grilled vegetables next to the steak or chicken.
Skip it if you cook vegetables as the main dish; it is simply too small.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fits small grills
- Bare stainless
- From a major grill maker
Cons
- Small capacity
- Handles and dishwasher use not stated
6. Outset Chef’s Jumbo Outdoor Grill Basket and Skillet – Nonstick Mesh, Two Handles
This is the one nonstick pan on the list. Outset’s Chef’s Jumbo is a carbon steel mesh skillet with a nonstick coating and removable handles, sized at 12 by 23.5 inches including the handles and 4.25 inches deep, according to the listing. It weighs 2.75 pounds.
The mesh has more open area than a drilled stainless pan, which the listing says gives better searing and more smoke contact. The coating is what makes it worth considering: delicate fish fillets and sugary marinades release more easily than they do from bare steel.
The listing does not say what the nonstick coating is made of, and coatings in general do not like the very high heat a grill can reach right over the flame. Use it over medium heat, keep it off the hottest part of the grate, and use wooden or silicone tools so the coating lasts.
The handles come off so the skillet can stay on the grill with the lid closed, and it also works in the oven, per Outset.
Why we like it
- Nonstick coating for fish and marinades
- Mesh design for searing and smoke (listing)
- Jumbo size, 12 x 23.5 in with handles
- Removable handles
Key specifications
| Model | 76182 |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon steel mesh |
| Size | 12 x 23.5 x 4.25 in; 2.75 lb |
| Style | Mesh skillet |
| Coating | Nonstick; type not stated |
| Handles | Removable |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated in listing |
| Grill fit | Grill or oven |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you grill fish often or use sweet, sticky marinades, and you are happy to cook over medium heat to protect the coating.
Skip it if you want a pan for blasting heat; bare stainless is the safer choice over a roaring fire.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easier release than bare steel
- Large and deep
- Handles come off
Cons
- Coating type not stated
- Coating limits heat and metal tools
- Carbon steel can rust if the coating wears
7. Yukon Glory Stainless Steel Grill Pan and Glove Set – Pan and Gloves in One Box
Yukon Glory is a grilling-accessory brand with little maker information beyond its Amazon listings, and this set pairs an 11 by 11 by 2 inch perforated stainless pan with a pair of silicone gloves. The listing says the gloves are rated to 425°F, water-resistant and dishwasher safe, with a textured grip.
The pan itself is plain and sensible: a square of solid stainless steel with perforations across the floor, no coating, and a 2-inch rim to keep food on board. The listing says it is rust-proof and dishwasher safe and suits vegetables, fish and shrimp.
The gloves are the reason to pick this set over a pan alone. A hot grill pan has to come off the grate at some point, and plenty of people have nothing better than a folded kitchen towel to do it with. If you already own good grill gloves, one of the stainless pans above is the better use of your money; see our guide to the best grill glove if you need a pair on their own.
Why we like it
- Perforated stainless pan, 11 x 11 x 2 in
- No coating to burn off
- Dishwasher safe (listing)
- Silicone gloves rated to 425°F included
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel; silicone gloves |
| Size | 11 x 11 x 2 in |
| Style | Perforated square pan |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, pan and gloves |
| Grill fit | Gas or charcoal grills |
Why we recommend it
It suits a new griller, or makes a practical gift, because it covers both the pan and the safe way to handle it.
Skip it if you already have heat-resistant gloves; you would be paying for a second pair.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pan and gloves together
- Bare stainless, dishwasher safe
- Square shape fits most grates
Cons
- Gloves rated lower than many leather grill gloves
- Amazon-first brand with little maker information
8. Weber Crafted Roasting Basket – Drops Into Weber’s Crafted Frame
This one is for a specific grill owner. Weber’s Crafted system replaces the center of the cooking grate on newer Weber grills with a frame that accepts drop-in cookware, which Weber says lets you roast, bake, flat-top cook, steam and sear. This perforated roasting basket drops into that frame instead of sitting on top of the grate.
Weber lists it at 2 inches deep, 17.2 inches wide and 16.3 inches front to back, and Best Buy gives a weight of about 10.9 pounds, far heavier than any other pan here. It is stainless steel and listed as dishwasher safe, though Weber’s own page recommends washing by hand.
The catch is right in the listing: you need the Weber Crafted grates and frame kit to use it. Weber lists the frame for Genesis and Spirit gas grills from 2016 on and for SmokeFire pellet grills. On any other grill, choose one of the pans above.
If you already own the frame, this is the most built-in way to roast vegetables on a Weber.
Why we like it
- Drops into the frame instead of sitting on the grate
- Large, 17.2 x 16.3 in (Weber)
- Heavy stainless construction
- Designed for even heat circulation (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 7673 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Size | 17.2 x 16.3 x 2 in; about 10.9 lb |
| Style | Drop-in perforated roasting basket |
| Coating | None |
| Handles | Not stated in listing |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes; Weber recommends hand washing |
| Grill fit | Weber Crafted frame only |
Why we recommend it
It suits a Genesis, Spirit or SmokeFire owner who already has the Crafted frame and wants a roasting pan made for it.
Skip it if you don’t have the Crafted frame kit; it will not work on its own.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Drops into the grate frame
- Large and sturdy
- Bare stainless
Cons
- Needs the Crafted frame kit
- Heavy to lift when hot
How to choose a grill pan for an outdoor grill
Material: bare stainless or nonstick
Bare stainless steel is the safe default for a grill. It takes direct flame, has no coating to scratch or overheat, and most of it goes in the dishwasher. Nonstick releases fish more easily but needs medium heat and gentle tools. Porcelain-enameled toppers also exist; if you buy one, look for a maker statement that the enamel is lead-free.
Hole size and pattern
Smaller holes or slots keep shrimp and diced vegetables in the pan; bigger openings and mesh let more smoke and flame through. For mixed use, drilled holes are a good middle ground.
Shape: tray, skillet or wok
A flat tray with low sides is best for fish fillets and things you turn one by one. A deep tray or wok lets you toss vegetables. A skillet with a handle is easiest to shake and to carry in.
Size against your grill
Measure your grate and leave room for the main cook. A 17-inch pan suits a three- or four-burner gas grill; a kettle or portable grill is happier with something 12 inches or smaller.
Handles
Fixed metal handles get as hot as the pan. Removable handles let you close the lid and keep the handle cool, but plastic ones must come off before the lid goes down. Either way, keep a pair of heat-resistant gloves by the grill.
How we chose these eight pans
We looked for pans and toppers made to sit on an outdoor grill, from grill-accessory makers you can identify, and checked each one in Amazon’s product data for stock, model number and listed materials. Sizes and warranty details come from Weber, Best Buy, WebstaurantStore, Kohl’s and BBQGuys where the Amazon listing left them out. We left out unbranded listings, anything out of stock or scarce, and the baskets and toppers already reviewed in our grill basket, fish basket and grill mat guides.
We passed over a well-known hybrid nonstick grill pan because we could not find a maker statement on what its ceramic coating contains, and we chose bare stainless wherever we could. We searched the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall listings and found no recall covering these pans. We have not used these pans in Julia’s kitchen.
Outdoor grill pan questions, answered
What is the best grill pan for an outdoor grill?
For most people, a bare stainless perforated pan such as the Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable Basket. It takes high heat, cleans easily and handles everything from fajita vegetables to shrimp.
Can I use a regular stovetop grill pan on an outdoor grill?
A plain cast iron grill pan can go on a grill, but it blocks the smoke and flame, so the food tastes as if it were cooked indoors. Nonstick stovetop pans and pans with plastic handles should stay indoors. The pans on our best grill pan page are built for the stove.
Should I preheat a grill pan?
Yes. Put the pan on the grill while it heats so food sears instead of stewing, and oil the food rather than the pan to cut flare-ups.
Are grill pans for outdoor grills dishwasher safe?
Many bare stainless ones are: the Weber Professional-Grade and the Yukon Glory pan say so in their listings. Mr. Bar-B-Q recommends hand washing its skillet, and nonstick coatings last longer washed by hand.
What is the difference between a grill pan and a grill basket?
A grill pan or topper is open on top, so you stir and turn food with tongs. A grill basket closes around the food, so you flip the whole basket. Our fish grill basket guide covers the hinged kind.
Our final pick for outdoor grilling
For most backyard cooks, the Weber Style Professional-Grade Vegetable Basket is the pan to buy, with the Little Griddle Large Pro Grill Pan for bigger crowds and the Outset skillet if you want a handle. Fill one with peppers and onions and you have the start of a fajita night; our guide on how to eat fajitas covers the rest. And if you would rather someone else did the grilling, call to order from Julia’s.