is it possible to grill without a grill?

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
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for the past couple months, I've been trying to expand my cooking abilities, but keep running into the issue of not having a grill. I live in an apartment, so it's not really an option (no balcony, landlord is pretty anal about anything on the property grounds.

are there any solutions? I keep seeing grill pans in stores (like a cast iron pan with raised grooves), but are they actually going to do anything that a regular frying pan isn't?
 

Fritzo

Lifer
Jan 3, 2001
41,920
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Yes, get a cast iron pan, like you've been seeing. The trick is you have to heat the pan before you use it, and you have to keep it oiled. Get one with ridges on the bottom if you want to grill meats.

You would cover the pan with a thin layer of oil and put it in the oven at 450 for about 10 minutes. Then you can take it out and put it on full flame and grill away.

Keep in mind these pans get smokey---make sure you open your windows :)
 

MixMasterTang

Diamond Member
Jul 23, 2001
3,167
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Cast iron is going to cook better than a regular frying pan and you can cook some good steaks and other stuff in there, but depending on the recipe it most likely won't replace the need for a grill.
 

ggnl

Diamond Member
Jul 2, 2004
5,095
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I would think the closest you could get to grilling in an apt would broiling with a broiling pan.

You'll be better off with a cast iron skillet in most cases.
 

RagingBITCH

Lifer
Sep 27, 2003
17,618
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The grooved pan is your best solution. It won't ever have the grilled flavor without the flame. I'm guessing you have an electric range vs gas right? (If you had gas they make conversion kits to turn it into an open grill, although the heat distribution is a little iffy)
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
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If you get a cast iron pan, be sure to NEVER wash it with soap or put it in the dishwasher. The best way to clean it is by wiping it out with a paper towel and not even using water. You want it to be seasoned and nice and oiled and if done properly, food won't stick and whatever is left in the pan can be wiped out cleanly, like a good teflon pan.
 

nerp

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2005
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F the george foreman grill. Waste of money and only noobs put weights on their grilled food. Unless, of course, you like dry overcooked tasteless chewtoys for dinner.