Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan Review: The Ultimate Indoor Grilling Companion?

There’s an undeniable romance to outdoor grilling. The smoky aroma, the satisfying sizzle, the perfectly cross-hatched sear on a thick-cut steak—it’s a culinary experience that’s hard to replicate. But for many of us, especially those living in apartments or facing the UK’s notoriously unpredictable weather, firing up a barbecue isn’t always an option. I’ve spent countless evenings staring out at a rainy garden, my craving for a grilled meal unmet. The alternative often involves a standard frying pan, which can lead to a disappointing outcome: meat that steams in its own juices, emerging grey and uninspired rather than beautifully caramelised. This is the central challenge for the indoor cook—how to achieve that deep, flavourful Maillard reaction and those coveted grill marks without setting off the smoke alarm or compromising on taste. The search for the right tool to bridge this gap is what leads many of us to a specialised piece of cookware: the indoor grill pan.

What to Look for Before Buying a Griddle Pan

A griddle or grill pan is more than just another piece of cookware; it’s a key solution for bringing the outdoor grilling experience into your kitchen. Its primary purpose is to mimic the function of a barbecue grate. The raised ridges are the star of the show, serving two critical functions. First, they lift the food above the pan’s base, allowing excess fat and juices to drain away into the channels below. This prevents steaming and promotes a much healthier, leaner cooking process. Second, these super-heated ridges are what create the characteristic dark, caramelised sear marks, adding both visual appeal and a depth of smoky flavour. It’s the perfect tool for transforming simple ingredients like chicken breasts, burgers, fish fillets, and vegetables into something special, any day of the year.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact challenges I mentioned: the apartment dweller with no outdoor space, the health-conscious individual looking to reduce fat in their diet, or the home cook who simply wants to grill for one or two people without the hassle of a full-scale barbecue. It’s for the person who values convenience and year-round access to grilled flavours. However, it might not be the best fit for those who regularly cook for large families, as the cooking surface can be restrictive. Likewise, barbecue purists who believe true grilling can only happen over live fire might find it a compromise, though a surprisingly effective one. For those needing to cook multiple different items at once, a divided pan might be a better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A pan’s size dictates how much you can cook at once. A 24cm square pan, like the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan, is excellent for smaller kitchens and hobs, making it easy to store and handle. It’s perfectly suited for preparing a meal for one or two people—think two good-sized steaks or a few chicken thighs. However, if you plan on hosting dinner parties, you may need a larger model to avoid cooking in multiple batches.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance is intrinsically linked to heat distribution. A pan that heats evenly will cook food consistently without creating frustrating hot spots that burn one part of your food while leaving another undercooked. Look for pans with a thick, conductive base, often a combination of aluminium for rapid heating and a stainless steel plate for induction compatibility and stability. The height of the grill ridges also matters; deeper ridges provide more distinct grill marks and better fat drainage.
• Materials & Durability: The two most common materials are cast iron and aluminium. Cast iron offers unparalleled heat retention and durability but is very heavy and requires careful maintenance (seasoning) to prevent rust. Aluminium, the material used in the Kordisen pan, is much lighter, heats up faster, and is often coated with a non-stick layer. Modern granite or ceramic coatings are desirable as they are typically free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PFOS, though they require care to prevent scratching.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Non-stick surfaces make both cooking and cleaning a breeze, a major advantage over traditional cast iron. However, this convenience comes with a caveat: you must avoid metal utensils and abrasive scrubbers to protect the coating. While many modern pans claim to be dishwasher safe, we always recommend handwashing with a soft sponge to significantly extend the life of the non-stick properties. Also, consider the handle—it should be ergonomic and stay cool to the touch during cooking.

While the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Kordisen: First Impressions and Core Features

The arrival of the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan was met with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Out of the box, the first thing we noticed was that the handle was detached, a common practice for efficient shipping. The package thoughtfully includes the pan body, the handle, a single screw (with a spare), an instruction manual, and, quite surprisingly, a rather decent screwdriver. Several users have commented on this inclusion, with one calling it a “bonus gift,” and we have to agree it’s a nice touch that saves you from rummaging through a toolbox. The pan itself has a reassuring heft; at just under a kilogram, the aluminium body feels substantial and durable, not flimsy. The granite coating has a premium, speckled black finish that looks sleek on the hob. The handle, however, was our first point of contention. Pictured online as a light-coloured wood grain, the actual handle is a much darker, rubbery plastic with a slight ribbed texture. It feels sturdy and provides a good grip, but it’s a noticeable departure from the advertised aesthetic, a sentiment echoed by several other customers. Despite this, the overall first impression is of a well-made pan for its price point, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews here.

Putting the Kordisen Grill Pan Through Its Paces

A grill pan’s true worth is only revealed in the heat of the kitchen. We put the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan through a series of tests, cooking everything from thick rib-eye steaks and marinated chicken breasts to delicate salmon fillets and vibrant vegetable skewers. Our goal was to assess every aspect of its performance, from the initial setup and ergonomics to its core cooking capabilities and the inevitable cleanup.

Handle with Care: Assembly and Ergonomics

The first task is attaching the handle, a process that should be simple but proved to be the pan’s most significant design flaw. It requires securing a single screw, yet achieving a perfect, flush fit is frustratingly difficult. Like many other users who reported this issue, we found that no matter how much we tightened the screw, a small but persistent gap remained between the handle and the pan’s mounting bracket. One user noted this gap would “annoy me forever,” and we can sympathise; it feels like a slight oversight that detracts from an otherwise solid build. While some have resorted to filing down the handle material or using mallets, we found that simply tightening it as much as possible resulted in a secure, wobble-free connection, even if the cosmetic gap remained. The handle itself, once attached, is comfortable to hold and stays cool during stovetop use. However, a significant concern was raised by one user who reported the plastic handle melting and emitting fumes. To test this, we were very careful to respect the pan’s stated maximum oven temperature of 150°C (302°F). This is a very low limit, making the pan unsuitable for recipes that require finishing in a hot oven. During our stovetop tests, even on medium-high heat, we experienced no melting or fumes, but this low thermal resistance is a critical limitation to be aware of.

The Sizzle Factor: Heating Performance and Evenness

On our induction hob, the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan was a stellar performer. The high magnetic conductive stainless steel base works exactly as advertised, allowing the pan to heat up remarkably quickly and distribute that heat evenly across the entire 24cm surface. We tested this by lightly oiling the pan and observing the oil shimmer uniformly without pooling or creating obvious hot spots. This even heating is crucial for achieving a consistent sear across a large steak or multiple burgers. However, one user in Germany reported a serious issue with the pan warping when heated, bowing upwards in the middle and causing round foods like sausages to roll to the edges. We tried to replicate this by heating the pan rapidly from cold but did not experience any significant warping on our flat induction surface. It’s possible this issue is more prevalent on gas hobs where the flame is concentrated in the centre. To mitigate any risk, we followed the advice gleaned from another user’s review of the care instructions: always warm the pan up slowly on medium heat before introducing food. This best practice not only prevents thermal shock and potential warping but also helps protect the integrity of the non-stick coating. The pan’s ability to get hot and stay hot is one of a feature that really sets it apart at this price.

Mastering the Maillard Reaction: Non-Stick Coating and Grill Marks

This is where the Kordisen pan truly comes into its own. The raised ridges are sufficiently high to create deep, defined, and visually stunning grill marks on everything we cooked. Our steaks had a beautiful cross-hatch, and vegetables like asparagus and courgette were striped with caramelised goodness. More importantly, those ridges allow fat to render and drain away, keeping the food elevated and preventing it from boiling in its own juices. The dual pour spouts are a simple but brilliant addition, making it effortless to pour off accumulated fat mid-cook without creating a greasy mess. The granite non-stick coating performed flawlessly. It is SGS verified and PFOA/PFOS free, a critical feature for health-conscious cooks. We found that even with minimal oil, foods released with absolute ease. Sticky marinades and cheese from burgers slid right off, confirming what many users have celebrated: its non-stick properties are “phenomenal.” However, one user shared photos of the pan becoming “irremediably macchiata” (stained) after cooking just two chicken fillets. We tested this with a turmeric and tomato-based marinade and did observe some very light discolouration on the surface after cleaning. While this was purely aesthetic and had no impact on the non-stick performance, it’s worth noting that highly pigmented or acidic ingredients can stain lighter-coloured non-stick surfaces over time.

The Aftermath: Cleanup and Long-Term Durability

After a satisfying meal, the last thing anyone wants is a battle with a dirty pan. Thankfully, cleaning the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan is incredibly straightforward. Confirming the product’s claims and numerous user reports, cleanup is a breeze. Most of the time, a simple wipe with a paper towel while the pan is still warm is enough to remove any residue. For anything more stubborn, a quick wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge does the job in seconds. The ridges, which can be a nightmare to clean on cast iron, present no challenge here thanks to the effective coating. Although the pan is listed as dishwasher safe, we strongly advocate for handwashing. The harsh detergents and high temperatures in a dishwasher can degrade non-stick coatings over time. To ensure the longevity of this pan, we recommend sticking to silicone or wooden utensils to prevent scratches and always washing by hand. With proper care, we believe the granite coating should provide excellent service, making this pan a reliable part of your kitchen arsenal that you can check the latest price and availability on now.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback paints a picture of a product with a fantastic core performance that is slightly marred by design and quality control issues, primarily concerning the handle. On the positive side, praise is almost universal for the pan’s non-stick capabilities. Users frequently describe it as “amazing,” “phenomenal,” and state that “nothing sticks to this pan at all.” The ease of cleaning is another widely celebrated feature, with many confirming it cleans up beautifully. One happy customer noted, “I’ve made some tasty steaks and fish filets on mine. It actually cleans up pretty easy too.” The thoughtful inclusion of a quality screwdriver for assembly also won a surprising amount of goodwill.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses squarely on the handle. The most common complaint is the poor fit, which leaves a gap against the pan. This was described by one user as a “bad design” that will “annoy me forever.” Other criticisms include the handle’s material not matching the wood-like appearance in photos and, more alarmingly, isolated reports of it melting or becoming unstable. Beyond the handle, a few users have experienced issues with the pan’s body, citing staining after a single use and, in one case, warping at high temperatures, which is a significant concern for a pan designed for searing.

How Does the Kordisen Compare to the Competition?

The Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan sits in a competitive market. To understand its value, it’s essential to see how it stacks up against some popular alternatives, each offering a different set of features for different types of cooks.

1. INTIGNIS 32 CM Paella Pan with Glass Lid

The INTIGNIS pan is less of a direct competitor and more of a versatile alternative. At 32cm, it offers a significantly larger cooking area, and its flat, non-stick surface and included glass lid make it ideal for paellas, risottos, and large one-pan meals. While it lacks the raised ridges necessary for authentic grilling and fat drainage, its anti-scratch ceramic coating and removable silicone handles make it a robust and flexible option. A cook who prioritises versatility and cooking for a larger group over specific grilling functions would likely prefer the INTIGNIS.

2. LE CREUSET 32cm Rectangular Grill Pan

The LE CREUSET represents the premium end of the spectrum. Made from enamelled cast iron, it offers superior heat retention and durability that aluminium pans like the Kordisen simply cannot match. It can withstand extremely high temperatures, making it perfect for achieving a deep, powerful sear and for transferring directly to a hot oven. However, this performance comes at a much higher price point and a significant increase in weight, making it cumbersome to handle and clean. This is the choice for the serious home chef who views their cookware as a long-term investment and demands uncompromising performance.

3. Jean-Patrique Divided Stove Top Grill

The Jean-Patrique Divided Grill is the ultimate tool for the multitasker. Its multi-section design allows you to cook several different components of a meal—like eggs, bacon, and beans for a full breakfast—simultaneously in one pan without the flavours mingling. One section features grill ridges, offering a taste of the grilling experience. While it can’t handle a large steak like the Kordisen, its value lies in efficiency and convenience. This pan is the perfect choice for someone whose priority is preparing complex single-serving meals quickly and with minimal cleanup.

The Final Sizzle: Is the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan a Kitchen Must-Have?

After extensive testing, our verdict on the Kordisen 24cm Nonstick Square Grill Pan is one of qualified approval. It absolutely delivers on its core promise: to provide an excellent indoor grilling experience. The non-stick surface is truly top-notch, allowing for healthy cooking with minimal oil and making cleanup laughably easy. It heats quickly, cooks evenly on induction, and produces beautiful, deep sear marks that will elevate your indoor cooking game. For its primary function, it performs well above its budget-friendly price tag.

However, the product is let down by a significant design flaw in its handle attachment, which fails to sit flush and can feel insecure. Coupled with a very low maximum oven-safe temperature and some user reports of warping and staining, it’s clear that some compromises were made to reach its attractive price. We would recommend this pan to students, individuals in small flats, or casual cooks on a budget who want great grilling results without a major investment. If you can overlook the finicky handle and are diligent about temperature control and care, you will be rewarded with a pan that performs beautifully. For those seeking flawless build quality or high-heat oven capabilities, it would be wise to invest in a more premium alternative. For everyone else, this is a capable and affordable way to bring the sizzle of the grill indoors, and you can grab yours today and see for yourself.