When it comes to using your oven, we all know it does a lot more than just baking. I love to broil things in the oven, and for that I need the best broiler pan.
Broiling is completely different than baking and roasting, so for the best broiled food you really should be taking a look at the best broiler pans. Because broiling is done so close to the heat source in your oven, and because many greasy foods are often candidates for broiling, there really are some things to think about when looking for a pan to use with your broiler.
We're going to take a look at best broiler pans around, and some helpful tips for using them.
Best Broiler Pans
As you can see, many of these broiling pans look very similar. A broiling pan has a slotted plate that goes over a larger pan. This is to catch any juices from the food you are broiling, so the food stays crisp.
I often broil different types of meats, but you can broil almost anything. Broiling is simply cooking food at a very high temperature for a short amount of time, and often very close to the heating element. That is why allowing fat to run off with the designs of these pans is so important.
When it comes to picking the best broiler pan there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all is the size of the pan. If you have an idea of what you would like to cook, make sure it fits in the pan!
Next is the material of the pan. Just like grill grates come in different materials, so do pans. Don't miss this guide to grill grate material to learn the basics.
Finally, is ease of cleaning.
Now, let's take a look at some broiler pans.
Norpro Stainless Steel Broil/Roast Pan Set
- Measures: 16.5" x 12" x 2" / 42cm x 30.5cm x 5cm
- This two-piece stainless steel broiler pan with perforated top allows for grease to drain off, while you cook, for healthier results.
- Made of stainless steel for strength and durability. Easy to clean.
When it comes to pans, I love Norpro stainless steel baking sheets. Loving their stainless steel broiler pan was not a stretch either.
Stainless steel is very, very easy to clean, and you do not need to worry about too much about cleaning it. While yes, it does scratch, the scratches don't do anything bad to your pan, unlike other cooking surfaces.
If you have not used a lot of stainless steel cookware before, you will notice over time it just looks sort of dirty and loses its luster.
When that time comes, simply use some No products found. to get it nice and shiny looking.
This stuff is the secret to cleaning stainless steel, and many other surfaces.
I really don't have anything bad to say about this amazing stainless steel broiler pan!
Get More Information on Norpro Stainless Steel Broiling Pan!
Wilton Non-stick Broiler Pan Set
- READY, SET, BAKE: A healthy way to cook meats, roasts, fish and chicken. This small Wilton 2-piece non-stick broiler baking pan set lets grease drain off while cooking, so you still get delicious flavor without all the fat
- BAKEWARE FOR EVERY DAY AND EVERY OCCASION: The two part Wilton baking pan drains fat and grease from meat and fish
- NON - STICK: This Wilton broiler baking pan is made of steel; non-stick for easy release and quick cleanup
This Wilton pan is a great broiler pan in general, with a low price point. It has a non-stick surface for easy cleaning.
The only downside is the size of this pan, it is smaller compared to some of the other broiling pans on this list.
That's why it is important to think about what you want to broil before you purchase your pan.
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Range Kleen Porcelain Broil and Bake Pan
- COOKING DONE RIGHT: Make the perfect meals with the help of the Range Kleen BP106X 2 Piece Heavy Duty Porcelain Broil and Bake Pan. Whether it is broiling meats to perfection or baking dishes, cook with ease with this 2-piece utensil.
- MADE FROM HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: Heavy-duty porcelain on steel grill and base, this USA made set is safe for use for up to 1025 degrees F and has OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) quality.
- GOOD FEATURES FOR BROILING AND BAKING: The grate of the grill allows fat drippings to drain away from meats. The Range Kleen BP106X is suitable for use on an outdoor grill and perfect for fish, meats and veggies.
This porcelain broiler pan is a great model, and is a good size.
The only thing to beware of is that it is made out of porcelain, and porcelain must be cleaned gently.
However, porcelain is a great conductor of heat, so it will help your food cook very nicely and get nice and brown under the broiler.
Get More Information on Wilton Non-stick broiler pan set!
Whirlpool Porcelain Broiler Pan and Grid
- Make delicious meals with the Whirlpool premium porcelain coated black broiler pan and grid
- This Premium Broiler Pan holds food above the grid to allow air to circulate completely around all surfaces during the cooking cycle. This pan is designed to drain juices away from food and help prevent splatter and smoke during broiling.
- Easy to Clean
While this Whirlpool pan is also made out of porcelain, it is the biggest in size. It is actually the replacement part for many Whirlpool ovens.
If you want to make a large amount of food (think burgers for a whole family and guests) at one time, this may be the broiler pan for you.
Get More Information on Whirlpool Porcelain Broiler Pan!
Handi-Foil Disposable Aluminum Foil Broiler Baking Cooking Pan
- Top Out Dimensions: 13" x 9-5/8"
- Top In Dimensions: 11-1/2" x 8-1/2"
- Bottom Dimensions: 11-1/8" x 8-1/2"
We've talked alot about cleaning broiler pans. If you don't want to bother with the cleaning aspect, these Handi-Foil broiler pans are for you. Now, while they are disposable, they also are only one piece, so you will not get as good fat drainage from this as you would with some of the two piece sets.
As someone who uses these disposable pans probably more than they should, I have not found this to be a big deal. Most grease is still caught by the bottom grooves in the pan, and I always remove the food as soon as I take the pan out of the oven.
Get More Information on Whirlpool Porcelain Broiler Pan!
Picking the Best Broiler Pan
Let's take a look at our options one more time:
If you really don't want to deal with cleaning a broiler pan, the Handi-Foil Disposable broiler pan is the obvious choice.
If you don't mind cleaning the broiler pan, and are looking for a balance in size and ease of use and cleaning, then the Norpro stainless steel broiler pan is the best choice.
Finally, if you are just looking for the best and biggest broiler pan you can get your hands on, the Whirlpool broiler pan is the one for you.
At the end of the day, all of these broiler pans will serve you well. You just need to decide on the size and material that works best for you.
The Difference Between Bake and Broil
You may be wondering what the difference between bake and broil is, and you aren't alone. After all, you're using the same oven and the same heat source!
The difference between baking and broiling is the intensity of the heat. When your oven is set to bake, the thermostat ensures that the oven is gently kept at temperature. This is why it takes so long for an oven to heat up.
When it comes to broil, your oven basically just blasts the heat source on low, medium, or high continuously. Since this is a different approach, the food cooks much differently.
As opposed to the gentle heat of baking which can take a while, broiling is quicker for thinner foods like steaks. It also browns the surface of the food much more than traditional baking.
Because it is a direct heat source, broilers aren't good at cooking thick foods all the way through.
For a thick steak, first cook on a bake setting, and then finish on broil for the dark brown crust we all know and love.
How to Use a Broiler Pan
When it comes to how to use a broiler pan, the first thing you need to undersand is how a broiler works, and some tips for getting the most out of your broiler.
First things first is the type of oven that you have. Currently have an electric oven with an electric broiler, but used to have a gas broiler. I have not found much difference between the two.
When it comes to your broiler, there are often low, medium, and high settings. You will find that you can get a little more granular and adjust the heat by placing your broiler pan on a specific rack.
For browning really greasy things, I have found that broiling on medium or high on the middle rack often results in much less grease splattering all over my oven than broiling on a higher rack.
If you want to just brown something, you may want to put it on higher rack on a higher setting, for a shorter amount of time.
If you are trying to cook something thoroughly, like a piece of meat, you will have better luck in the middle rack or on a higher rack setting with a lower temperature.
You will also want to flip your meat half way through cooking so that both sides are evenly browned. When you use the best broiler pan, all of the grease will sink to the bottom of the pan, and your food won't sit in it.
The browning of your food, and removing the grease is one of the most attractive reasons to have a broiler pan.
Ideas for Your New Broiler Pan
Ready to make something in the broiler? I hope my tips have helped you.
Here are a couple of great recipes to get you started, and help you get the feel for using it.
These are some great recipes to get you started. Don't miss these broiling basics either!
How to Clean a Broiler Pan
Depending on how you are using it, your broiler pan can get quite greasy, and have food residue caked on to it.
First things first, there are the things I love for cleaning pans in general, which also apply to cleaning broiler pans:
First things first, if you have the time, allow your broiler pan to soak in hot water with Blue Dawn Dish Soap. It has to be the blue original kind! This is one of the best degreasers out there.
Then, wash it like you would anything else. Is there still food stuck on it?
The next step is using Barkeepers Friend. I use Barkeepers Friend for cleaning all sorts of pots and pans. The power is the traditional type, but can be a little messy when you sprinkle it. You also should rub it in a little bit after you sprinkle it for maximum effect.
There is also the spray version of Barkeepers Friend as you can see above. You can just spray it on and let it sit, so it is a bit easier to use. Totally up to you.
You may have to perform the Barkeepers Friend step a few times to remove everything. Just use a paper towel to scrub off the reside, especially if you have chosen a porcelain broiler pan, so you do not damage the porcelain surface.
Is a broiler pan necessary?
While a broiler pan is not necessary, it really does help drain the fat off of foods, so that the broiler does not flare up. If you do not use a broiler ban, be sure to pay attention to the material of the pan you are using. Use a metal pan. Ceramic and glass pans can break under the boiler.
Can I broil without a broil pan?
While you can broil without a broil pan there are a few things to consider to be successful. First is the material of the pan you are using. Us a metal or foil pan so the pan does not crack or break. Ceramic and glass pans are NOT a good choice for a broiler.
Next, crumple up aluminum foil, poke some holes in it, and place it at the bottom of the metal or foil pan you are using. This will help to drain the fat off of what you are broiling so hopefully your broiler does not flame up.
Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alex Zubayer says
I really enjoyed the Norpro Stainless Steel Broil as it is made of stainless steel. Sometimes, my broiler pans gets very dirty. And it is really easy to clean.
Thanks for sharing this! Love it