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Here’s how to achieve those smoky grill lines on steak, veg and more

Is a steak really a steak if it doesn’t have those smoky, fresh-from-the-barbecue grill lines? We’d argue no.

If you’re looking to up your game in the kitchen, a good griddle pan is a must-buy. The pan’s ridges sear meat and trap juices, giving your food a punchy flavour without the health cons of a frying pan.

Griddle pans can be made from different materials. Cast iron pans have wider ridges for a stronger sear but heat up slowly. Carbon steel pans are a lighter, more budget-friendly alternative but don’t retain heat as well.

Stainless steel pans heat up quickly and can often go in the dishwasher. Titanium pans are scratch-resistant but expensive, aluminium pans are tough and stain-resistant and ceramic pans are affordable but have a shorter life span.

Right, it’s time to make the magic happen.

Take your meat out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before grilling, depending on its thickness. Season it with salt and other goodies, then leave it on a plate.

Heat up your griddle pan for five minutes. Oil it lightly and once it’s hot, add the steak! Leave it to fry for a couple of minutes, until the underside looks caramelised, not grey. Flip it over and repeat.

Remove it from the pan and leave it to rest for five minutes before digging in.

For a steak with a fierce, stateside-style sear, grab this cast iron griddle pan from trusty French brand Staub. It’s coated in non-stick enamel and leaves even grill marks, thanks to tall, chunky ridges that reach right to the edge. It takes five minutes to heat up and gives richly delicious results. It is heavy though, and the handles get hot.

Key specs Material: Cast iron Size: 26cm Hob suitability: All

Hello, bargain. This lightweight carbon steel grill pan from Salter offers incredible value at £20. The grill lines are shallow, meaning the sear is somewhat lacking, but it chars meat brilliantly. It’s comfortable to use and the handle stays cool. There’s a pouring lip on the left, too. The downside is that you’ll need to season it with oil before use to stop it rusting.

Key specs Material: Carbon steel Size: 26cm Hob suitability: All

This fancy grill pan comes in 14 colours, including Le Creuset’s signature volcanic orange. The grill lines are tall enough for powerful searing that results in intense flavour, but more so in the middle than the edges. Raw meats sticks but it slides off once cooked, so give it time. Once again, beware of the hot handles.

Key specs Material: Cast iron Size: 26cm Hob suitability: All

For emergency steak cravings, turn to this Italian aluminium grill pan that heats up in just two minutes. It has useful pouring lips on either side for both right- and left-handed chefs. The grill lines are flatter than others on our list, resulting in less definition, but the non-stick coating performs. It’s lightweight, the handle remains cool and it’s a doddle to clean.

Key specs Material: Aluminium Size: 28cm Hob suitability: All

Families may favour this big stainless steel griddle pan that heats up rapidly. Its grill lines are on the shallow side but they spread to the edges of the dishwasher-safe pan. Both meat and veg are left with a crisp char and delicious flavour, ready for a slap-up dinner. Just keep kids (and adults!) away from that hot handle.

Key specs Material: Stainless steel Size: 30cm Hob suitability: All

Save space with this circular cast iron pan that has two small handles instead of one long one. It’s easy to store for this reason and comes in six colours. The grill lines leave clear char marks and flavour both meat and veg superbly. However, food does stick to the surface at first, and those lug handles get scalding hot.

Key specs Material: Cast iron Size: 25cm Hob suitability: All

Here’s another great value buy for chefs on a budget. Once again, the char is impressive but the grill lines lack definition and uniformity. Still, expect meat that tastes ace. This super lightweight aluminium grill pan heats up quickly, the handle remains cool and it’s dishwasher-safe (result).

Key specs Material: Aluminium Size: 25cm Hob suitability: All

This ceramic grill pan doubles up as an easy-to-carry serving dish, thanks to its two lug handles.  Its tall, thick ridges leave strong - though not the strongest - grill lines and nothing sticks to the coating. It heats up quickly and the handles cool down shortly after being taken off the hob. Our meat tasted delicious and had that familiar freshly barbecued flavour.

Key specs Material: Ceramic Size: 28cm Hob suitability: All