PanSpanMaxam
Maxam Stainless Steel 13 Inch Grill Pan, Durable Stainless Steel Construction with Heat Resistant Handle, Cover and Sear Ridges
Is the Maxam 13-inch stainless steel grill pan a good way to get indoor grill marks without taking on cast iron?
If you want ridged sear marks on weeknight steaks, chicken or vegetables, this Maxam gives you the stainless-steel cooking surface, ridges and cover to do it indoors. I’d choose it over cast iron if I preferred a stainless pan and was happy to manage its size and preheating. The key to avoiding food stuck to the ridges is to let the pan heat properly and the food release before you turn it. It’s a stovetop grill pan, not a smoke-free substitute for cooking outdoors.
From the Amazon listing
- ✓Length (in.): 15.5
- ✓Width (in.): 15.75
- ✓Height (in.): 4.5
- ✓Size: 13 in.
Will food stick to the stainless-steel ridges?
It can if you add food to a pan that is not hot enough, or try to turn it before a browned surface has released. Pat meat and vegetables dry, preheat over moderate heat, add a thin film of oil, then give the food time to sear before moving it. Don’t treat the ridges like a nonstick surface or force food loose with a spatula. If easy release with very little oil is your priority, a stainless grill pan takes more attention than coated cookware.
Is a 13-inch pan too large for a standard stovetop burner?
It is a substantial pan, and a burner smaller than its cooking area will concentrate heat in the middle. Use the largest suitable burner, preheat gradually, and rotate the pan if one side is browning faster. For a small burner or a single steak, cooking in batches is better than crowding the surface and expecting even heat throughout.
Does the lid help with smoke and splatter?
The cover is useful for containing some splatter and for melting cheese over a burger after the sear. It will not eliminate smoke from hot fat or food, so use your extractor fan and keep the lid off while you are trying to brown the surface. Covering too early traps steam and softens the sear marks you bought the pan for.
How does stainless steel compare with enameled cast iron?
Stainless steel avoids the seasoning routine of bare cast iron and is a practical alternative if you do not want to handle a heavy pan. Enameled cast iron generally holds heat well, but takes longer to heat and is heavier to lift. For either material, the ridges make cleanup more involved than a flat skillet; choose stainless here if you value that cooking surface and are willing to preheat it carefully.
Who it suits
This set is for the home cook who wants indoor grill lines on weeknight food, prefers stainless steel to a flaking nonstick coating, and will take time to preheat and clean the ridges. The cover is a useful extra for finishing burgers, while the 13-inch size makes more sense when you cook for a couple or family than when you usually make one small portion.
What you give up
- You give up the forgiving release of nonstick: stainless needs good preheating, enough oil and patience when turning food.
- The broad cooking area can heat unevenly on a smaller burner, and the grooves take more work to clean than a flat pan.
- The lid helps with splatter and covered finishing, but it will not prevent cooking smoke or create the dry, uncovered sear on its own.
You will also want
The pan’s handle and ridged cooking surface make a few simple kitchen helpers worthwhile. I’d prioritize safe handling and cleanup over buying a special utensil set.
Joyhalo 4 Pack Heat Resistant Pot Holders - Terry Cloth Sets for Cooking & Baking
Keep these red pot holders nearby for lifting the hot pan or cover safely.
Premium Dish Towels for Kitchen, 8 Pack, 16x26 - Thick 410 GSM, Multicolor | 100% Cotton Kitchen Towels with Hanging Loop, Large, Durable and Ultra Absorbent Terry Cloth Kitchen Hand Towels
These cotton towels are handy for drying food before it hits the pan and wiping up splatter afterward.
Extra Thick Silicone Trivet Mat for Hot Dishes, Hot Pots and Pans, Pot Holder, Hot Pad to Protect Your Table and Countertop, Kitchen Decor and Accessories,Navy Blue, Set of 3
Set the hot pan down on a trivet instead of directly on the counter or table.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Food Storage Containers, Clear, 9-Count | Airtight and Leakproof, Oven-Safe up to 450 Degrees F, Splatter-Free Microwaving Vents, Stain-Resistant, Stackable
Use these containers to chill leftovers once the grilled food has cooled.
Multi-Purpose Sponges Kitchen By Scrub-it - Non-Scratch Microfiber sponges for Cleaning, Along with Heavy Duty Scrubbing Power - Reusable Dish Sponge for Dishes, Pots and Pans (6 Pack, Small)
A non-scratch sponge is useful for working grease and food residue out of the ridges without resorting to a sharp scraper.
Questions buyers ask
How do I clean burned-on grease from between the ridges?
Let the pan cool, soak it in warm soapy water, then work along the grooves with a non-scratch sponge or brush. For stubborn residue, loosen it with a little water warmed in the pan before scrubbing; avoid digging at the ridges with a sharp tool.
Will this pan give food the same char as an outdoor grill?
It can make pronounced grill lines, but it will not reproduce the open flame, airflow or smoky flavor of an outdoor grill. For a strong indoor sear, dry the food, avoid crowding, and leave it undisturbed until it browns.
Can I grill vegetables in it?
Yes. Cut vegetables into pieces large enough to sit across the ridges, dry them well and use a light coating of oil. Smaller pieces can slip between the grooves, so keep them in larger slices or chunks.
How should I think about Lodge, Le Creuset and stainless grill pans?
Compare the pan material and the weight you are comfortable lifting, rather than choosing by brand name alone. Cast iron is the heat-retaining, heavier route; stainless avoids seasoning and rewards careful preheating. Check the specific model’s size and care instructions before deciding between brands.
What should I know before buying a stainless-steel stovetop grill pan?
Stainless construction alone does not establish whether a pan is dishwasher-safe, so choose a model whose care instructions explicitly allow dishwasher cleaning if that is essential. When comparing reviews, focus on sticking, cleaning between ridges, burner fit and splatter rather than grill marks alone.
More in Skillets
If you want easier cleanup, a different pan size or the heat-retaining feel of cast iron, look through the other grill pans in this category and choose for the way you actually cook.
