I would've given the pan 5 stars but a few things need to be addressed. The pan is very heavy so you have to be very careful with it. It's easy to make perfect meals but a little harder to actually clean! Make sure to use a nylon brush to keep your pan in tip top shape! It's hard to perfectly clean the grill ridges but Le Creuset tells you that the build up on your pan is normal...so far so good. Also watch out for how hot this pan gets (including the handles)! Because it distributes heat so evenly, everything warms up! Not a good pan to have if you have a kid who likes to poke around in the kitchen but it is heavy so it can't just be knocked off easily.


grill pan secrets   September 3, 2007
 25 out of 25 found this review helpful

i deducted a star because there really aren't any good directions specific to the care of this pan; it's just the same generic le creuset info.

in the begining, everytime i used it, i smoked up the entire house to the point we had to open the windows and turn on fans, still coughing. now i just cook on medium.

i was having a really hard time getting it clean too. now i know some others spoke about letting a patina build up, but this was much more than that. eventually i had the idea of using an old foreman grill scraper to clean it, and that has been the secret! the grill scraper works like a charm to get all the gunk off! it should really come with one, and it doesn't seem to harm the enamel (it's plastic).

that aside, we love being able to grill indoors. it always leaves perfect grill marks on food. i've found that once you put the food on, you really have to let it sear well, before moving it around, or it will tear at the food. as long as you leave it alone though, it won't stick, and comes out perfect!

ALSO! i use this on my smooth top stove with no problem. i was hesistant to buy this size because my largest burner is about 10" but it has been just fine [i'm sure] due in part to the surface area of the bottom not being the full 12.5". i think this is a better working area than the square too... and it was cheaper!

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here is some useful info i found later on the le creuset website!

Using Your Le Creuset Grillpan

The distinctive ribbed base of Le Creuset's grillpans allows the cook to enjoy the flavor of chargrilled meats, poultry, fish and vegetables.

After a light greasing with oil, no further fat or oil is added, so one can also enjoy the benefits of low-fat cooking. Any fat which escapes from the food is held between the ribs of the base.

The deep-sided design prevents splattering onto the stovetop and the handy pouring lip directs cooking juices and excess fat away, if necessary. The pan can be "deglazed" after cooking with water, stock or wine so the flavors and juices of cooking can be served "au jus" with the dish.

* To check that the grill is hot, scatter a few drops of cold water over the surface. If they gently 'hiss', the surface is not hot enough. If they 'spit' and evaporate almost immediately, the surface is hot enough.
* The surface is hot enough when it produces the distinctive 'char' lines which add to the flavor and character of the food. DO NOT PREHEAT ON HIGH then lower the heat. Cast Iron is a very efficient material and retains heat well.
* Brush the ribs lightly with oil. The surface SHOULD NOT be smoking before the food is added. If it is, remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly before proceeding.
* All meats, poultry, fish and vegetables should be 'dry' before cooking begins, otherwise they may stick to the ribs. Pat dry on kitchen towels. Marinated foods should also have the excess moisture patted dry.
* Once placed on the ribbed surface, foods should NOT be moved immediately, otherwise the distinctive 'char' lines will not be produced. Leave for 1 - 2 minutes to seal and sear the outside before turning over.
* Metal handles on grills will get hot. Use a hot pad for lifting.



Cookware Usage

Q: How do you season the grills?

A: Coat the new grill lightly with vegetable or olive oil using a pastry brush or paper towel. Don't use butter. Place the grill in the oven for 20 minutes at 225F. Let the grill cool and store it. Repeat this procedure for the first 10-12 uses to build up a more "Nonstick" finish.

Q: What temperature should you cook on?

A: Start on medium, which is the halfway point on the dial (5 out of 10) and decrease. Never cook above medium heat.


To clean:

* Cool all pans or grills for a few minutes before washing.
* Then pour HOT tap water on the grill and let it boil out the residue of the prepared food. A wash brush is particularly good for cleaning between ribs on grills. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.





Use it all the time   January 29, 2008
 24 out of 24 found this review helpful

I bought this pan in red a few years ago at great sale somewhere; perhaps Williams-Sonoma or le Creuset Outlet. When I saw it today as a Gold Box lightning deal, I had to speak up. It is perfect for broiling greasier meats with its ridges. I use it often for combination baking/broiling: heat it from the bottom and then broil the top without flipping. Sometimes I start recipe on the stovetop and move to the oven to bake or broil. It comes in a square dimension also. While the cooking surface is enamel, it has a matte finish and cleans fairly easily; just don't confuse with synthetic surfaces, it is still enamel not Teflon.
I have a lot of le Creuset cookware and use them often. I use this piece
a lot.



My favorite pan!   November 16, 2002
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

I've made fajitas, fish fillets, shimp, and chicken breasts in it so far. Everything is wonderful, is just requires a different way of cooking. The searing is amazing with the chicken breasts, then I put them in the oven to finish. The shrimp I did the way I always do, but with this pan everyone raved because it cooked so perfectly. They begged for the recipe, and wouldn't believe I hadn't done anything different other than the new pan.
I intend to get the blue one for my friend as a Christmas gift, she loved it so much!


Great grill and very nice presentation   July 11, 2006
 15 out of 16 found this review helpful

This is a great grill pan because it leaves perfect thin grill marks and the shape accomodates almost any slice of meat desired. The pan works well to start with grilling, then transfers to the oven for finishing, and straight to the table for a sizzling presentation. Since it is oval shaped, it looks more like a platter than a pan so it is really well suited to serve from.