To broil the most delicious meals such as roasts, steaks, poultry, seafood, and vegetables, you will need the best broiler cookware. Known as broiler roasters, broiler pans, and oven roasters, this cookware collects juices and grease from certain foods such as roasted meat or fish.
A broiler pan has two main parts: the top layer and the bottom tray. This top layer is like a lid with small, grill-styled holes throughout its design. The food you wish to broil, such as meat or vegetables, is placed onto the top layer. As this broils, the lower tray catches the drippings from the food.
Broiler pans are extremely health-friendly. By eliminating fats during the cooking process, calories are reduced in the food resulting in healthier meals. Some other cooking methods are not as efficient at removing fatty juices or greases from food leaving you with a less healthy diet.
Broiler pans have become more and more popular over recent years. One reason is due to their affordable prices and the fact that they come in a variety of sizes with nonstick coating options.
Choosing the size and type you want can be a little difficult with so many on the market. That is why we have researched hundreds of broiler pans and come up with the best 5 on the market today.
We will look at the ingredients of a top-quality broiler pan so you can complete your kitchen cookware!
Best Broiler Pan Product Reviews
Nordic Ware Compact Cast Grill & Sear
First up is a quality piece of kitchen equipment. This nonstick broiler top pan from Nordic Ware is made from cast aluminum which becomes sizzling after only 3 minutes of preheating.
Beautiful sear lines appear on meat, fish, and vegetables thanks to the pan’s grate design. If you have friends around for dinner, they’ll feel like they’re eating in a fancy restaurant!
This broiler pan has a slotted rack that effectively drains the fat and oil from the food. This drains directly into a stainless steel pan underneath. The top and base of the pan have nonstick coating resulting in excellent cooking and easier, faster cleaning.
For a high-quality broiler pan, the Nordic Ware Compact Cast Grill and Sear model is simply one of the best. Your meals will be the most flavorful and appealing that you have ever created!
Pros
- Exquisite sear lines on food – The grate design produces beautiful sear lines to make the food look exceptionally appealing
- Nonstick coating – Makes for easier cooking as well as cleaning after use
- Very effective slotted rack – This drains fat and oils directly onto the lower stainless steel pan leaving your food healthier
Cons
- Nonstick coating could be improved – Tends to come a little loose after several uses which can impede the pan’s performance
Granite Ware Bake, Broil, and Grill Pan
This Granite Ware pan is sold as a three-piece set. One is for baking, another is for broiling, and the last is for grilling. Talk about value for money!
What we love about this dynamic trio is that you can combine each set to work together. The baking tray acts as an effective drip tray when broiling or grilling meats or vegetables.
We were very impressed with the carbon steel core this set has. The carbon steel results in the pan being more energy efficient as each pan heats up quickly.
Even with low levels of heat, the pans reach a high faster. This also helps provide an even heat distribution. And wait till you see the browning quality this set offers. Your food will never look so good!
The exterior of the baking and roasting broiling pans is lined with porcelain enamel which is highly durable and nonstick. The grill is made from sturdy stainless steel which is long-lasting and food-safe.
Pros
- Versatile – Options to broil, grill, and bake with this three-piece set
- Made with a carbon steel core – Offers extreme durability for long-lasting and reliable use
- PFOA and PTFE free – Free from harmful compounds to ensure your food is safe throughout the cooking process
Cons
- The nonstick coating tends to chip – If the pan is knocked or dropped, the nonstick coating can come loose leaving the underlayer in contact with the food
Range Kleen BP106X 2 PC Porcelain Broil and Bake Pan
If you are looking for a versatile broiling pan, the Range Kleen BP106X 2 Porcelain set may be the one for you. You can use the pans for either broiling or baking and the set is adaptable for outdoor use on grills as well.
This broiling pan’s grill and base are made from top-quality porcelain which is heavy duty for long-lasting, reliable use.
You can use it with heats up to 1025 degrees Fahrenheit and while the food cooks, the grate of the top pan allows for the fat to drain to the base for healthier cooking.
Once you need to clean the pans, simply place them in the dishwasher for easy maintenance.
We highly recommend this set if you regularly make dishes for just two people. Due to its compact size, it may not be adequate for the whole family or large meal portions.
But what you do cook on this set will be healthier and tastier than ever before.
Pros
- Adaptable – Can be used for outdoor grilling if you want to make the most of the sunny weather
- Compact – Its diminutive size means it is very portable and easy to transport if required
- Very versatile – Can be used to broil meats, fish, and vegetables as well as bake different food items
Cons
- Not large enough for families – Its compact size is ideal for couples but you may struggle to fit enough food on for any more hungry mouths
Norpro Broil/Roast Pan Set
Here, we have another set that offers broiling and roasting options. This pan set from Norpro includes top pieces that sport perforations so oil and fat drippings can drain onto the pan below.
You will benefit by having healthier food that is better for your heart and digestive system.
Manufactured with stainless steel, these pans are very durable so be prepared to have them in your life for many years. Additionally, the pans are dishwasher safe.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to wash off the remnants of food from broiler pans with just some elbow grease. Dishwashers ensure the pans come out sparkling clean every time.
If you like rib or loin cuts of meat, fish, boneless chicken, vegetables, fish, and bread, this set is ideal thanks to the bottom pan that can hold large amounts of oil and fat.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe – Unlike some broiler pans, this set is completely dishwasher friendly so you can enjoy your meal while the pan is cleaned
- Has a dual function – Can be used for broiling and roasting saving you money on buying additional pans
- Large-sized drip tray – This is able to hold a good amount of oils and fats while you cook certain foods
Cons
- Not nonstick – This has no nonstick coating so food can become sticky on the pan’s surface and hard to remove
Chicago Metallic 26639 Petite Roast Pan with Rack
If you’re on a bit of a budget, then the Chicago Metallic 26639 Petite Roast Pan with Rack is worth considering.
Due to its compact size, this is ideal for preparing single servings of food as well as baked treats. It’s also a great option for simply reheating food on top of conventional countertop ovens and toasters.
This broiler pan is certainly of premium quality. It should be a long-term investment thanks to its supreme durability. Made from heavyweight carbon steel, the conduction with this pan is extraordinary.
Therefore, your food will always be evenly cooked, time and time again. Furthermore, a common problem with many broiler pans is warping over time due to excessive heat.
However, the Chicago Metallic Broiler pan has wire rod reinforcements and folded corners to prevent any warping.
You can choose to hand wash this or place it in the dishwasher. For a longer life, we recommend hand washing as often as possible. This pan is also nonstick with a silicone-based coating for an easy cleaning process.
Pros
- Ideal for broiling as well as baking – Can be used for all types of food as well as baked goods
- Compact size – Perfect for reheating foods as it can easily fit on top of standard countertop ovens and toasters
- Outstanding conduction properties – Its heavyweight, carbon steel construction helps cook and bake your food evenly each time
Cons
- Nonstick coating can bubble and peel – Some customers noticed the coating begin to peel off after several uses
Buyer’s Guide
There are some key considerations you need to make before investing in the best broiler pan. Whether it’s the pan’s overall size or if it’s chemical-free, we want you to think about some of the most important factors so you can buy your next broiler pan with peace of mind.
The size
You can choose from a variety of sizes when it comes to broiler pans. While some pans are designed to fit specific oven brands and models, others are made for specific oven sizes such as a toaster oven.
You should be careful when choosing the right size broiler pan as some that are not designed for your oven may not fit. However, there is always the chance that they will match so check the measurements of the pan and your oven before your part with any cash.
If you have a lower compartment broiler and want a pan that fits, simply search for the brand/model online or measure the width and depth of the broiler for pan dimensions.
All in all, you want a broiler pan that can be used with your oven-based broiler. Remember, larger broiler pans can hold more food but this may be a bit too large for a single person or a couple. Opt for smaller models if you haven’t got three or more hungry mouths to feed regularly.
Furthermore, larger broiler pans tend to be more difficult to clean and take up more storage space in your kitchen. Make sure you have the room to store a pan before buying one.
The number of pieces
Most broiling pans come with a classic setup: a two-piece set consisting of a broiling rack and broiling pan. Both of these usually have holes or vents in their body so that juices from food can easily drain out. Whether it’s oil or fat from meat, it then drains out into a drip pan.
While most broiler pans stick to this classic two-piece configuration, some contain three or more pieces. This can be a great option for large families or if you like to bake as well as broil frequently.
A few sets come with only a single piece which is worth considering if you live alone or with one other person. The more pieces you buy, the more money you’ll generally end up spending.
The pan’s heat resistance
Yes, there are many heat sources on your stove but the hottest will usually be the broiler. This is because broiler pans are designed to withstand extremely high temperatures. However, this heat tolerance can differ from one pan to the next.
Therefore you should check out the reviews or instructions before using a particular broiling pan. You can also contact the manufacturer and ask what the heat tolerance is of their product.
The higher the heat resistance, the more versatile your broiler pan will be. Some pans with a lower heat resistance are more prone to developing cracks in their nonstick coating and some can even warp if they are exposed to too much heat.
Chemical-free pans
Some broiler pans contain harmful chemicals such as PFOA and PTFE. These can leach into your food as its cooking and cause serious health concerns. Always seek a broiler that is free from such harmful compounds and chemicals.
You should check with the manufacturer so they can verify that the broiler pan does not contain PFOA or PTFE chemicals or other dangerous chemicals.
The ease of cleaning
There’s no doubt about it, broiling can be messy. Even though broiling cuts down a significant amount of grease and oil, you may still be left with a big clean-up job afterward.
Some broiler pans are dishwasher friendly while others can only be washed by hand. You can find this out by checking the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods.
When you wash by hand, you should use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. You can choose to use a soft scrubber for stick-on stains if required.
Choosing a nonstick pan will help reduce the challenge of cleaning afterward as food will automatically come off the pan without any hassle.
Materials
Broiler pans are generally made out of aluminum or stainless steel. While other materials are available, stainless steel remains the most common material for these pans.
Some feature a carbon steel core which is found between the layers of aluminum. This helps the pan heat up considerably faster and helps cook the food more evenly.
Whichever material your broiling pan is constructed from, you should inspect it very carefully. Some pans have a design in which the edges are very sharp. This can easily cut your hands as you cook or clean so be extra vigilant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use aluminum foil on a broiling pan?
Yes, aluminum foil is a great way of containing any mess left over from the food you broil. Many people use aluminum foil in the grease-catching drip tray to save on cleaning up afterward.
If you decide to use aluminum foil on the vented broiler part of your pan, you should cut slots into the foil so that the grease and other juice can drain out accordingly.
Is it possible to fully cook food using a broiler pan?
This depends on the type of food you’re booking and the size of it. Some foods, such as tinner cuts of meat or vegetables, will cook fully on a broiler pan with ease.
Because a broiler essentially sears the outside of foods to cook them, it may not be possible to fully cook larger or thicker cuts of meat.
You can fight this issue by pre-cooking the meat in the oven before placing it in the broiler to finish off. That way, you get the sear lines that are synonymous with broiler pans.
Can I use a regular pan for broiling food?
The type of material that makes up your pan determines whether you can broil on it or not. Some materials are unable to withstand the high temperatures needed for broiling.
Therefore, you must ensure that your regular pan is able to cope with the high broiling heat before you place it in the oven.
You must make sure your pan has no plastic or wooden handles if you wish to use it for broiling as these will either melt or possibly catch fire. If you wish to broil food regularly, it’s best to opt for a broiling pan.
