Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid Review: The Ultimate Indoor Grilling Solution or Just Sizzle?

There’s an almost primal satisfaction that comes from seeing perfect, dark sear marks on a thick-cut steak or a juicy chicken breast. It’s the visual promise of a flavour that’s simultaneously smoky, savoury, and deeply satisfying. For years, I associated that experience exclusively with a large, fire-breathing BBQ roaring to life in my back garden. But let’s be honest: the British weather is fickle, apartment living often forbids open flames, and sometimes, the sheer effort of firing up a full grill for a weeknight meal is a non-starter. This is the modern cook’s dilemma: how do you replicate that authentic grilled taste and texture indoors, without setting off the smoke alarm, creating a greasy mess, and spending an hour scrubbing up afterwards? This quest for a convenient, high-performance indoor grilling solution is what led me to the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid.

What to Consider Before Buying a Griddle Pan

A griddle pan is more than just an item of cookware; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between stovetop frying and outdoor grilling. It’s designed to introduce high, direct heat to your food via raised ridges, which not only create those coveted grill marks but also allow fat and grease to drain away, resulting in a healthier, less greasy meal. For home cooks looking to elevate their proteins and vegetables, a quality griddle pan can unlock a new dimension of flavour and texture, turning a simple kitchen into a year-round steakhouse. The primary benefits are convenience, healthier cooking, and authentic flavour development that a flat skillet simply cannot replicate.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact limitations I mentioned: apartment dwellers, those in climates with unpredictable weather, or busy individuals who crave grilled food without the lengthy setup and cleanup of a traditional BBQ. It’s for the health-conscious cook who wants to drain excess fat, and the culinary enthusiast who appreciates the aesthetic of a perfectly seared piece of food. However, it might not be suitable for those who cook for very large crowds, as the surface area is limited compared to an outdoor grill. Likewise, BBQ purists who believe that true grilling flavour can only come from charcoal or wood smoke may find any indoor method a compromise. For them, a heavy-duty outdoor smoker or a traditional kettle grill would be a better investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: The Kordisen pan is a 24cm (9.5-inch) square. This is a generous size for two large steaks or four burgers, but it’s crucial to measure your hob, especially if it’s induction or ceramic. A square pan on a round burner can lead to cooler corners, so ensure your heating element is large enough to provide relatively even coverage. Also consider storage; its square shape and handle require a bit more cabinet real estate than a standard round pan.
• Capacity/Performance: The pan’s performance is defined by its heat distribution and retention. An aluminium body with a high magnetic conductive stainless steel base, like the Kordisen’s, is designed for rapid, even heating on induction hobs. The raised ridges are key; they should be high enough to lift food out of the rendered fat but not so sharp that they’re difficult to clean. The included lid is a significant performance booster, trapping heat for faster cooking and containing splatter.
• Materials & Durability: The core debate in griddle pans is often nonstick vs. cast iron. The Kordisen opts for an SGS-verified, PFOA-free nonstick coating on an aluminium body, prioritising ease of use and cleanup. This is fantastic for beginners and those who loathe scrubbing. The alternative, cast iron, offers superior heat retention and can achieve scorching temperatures but requires meticulous seasoning and care. Long-term durability of any nonstick coating is a valid concern, and it hinges on proper use—no metal utensils and avoiding extreme temperature shocks.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is where the Kordisen aims to excel. Its nonstick surface, lightweight aluminium construction, and dual pour spouts are all designed for a seamless user experience. However, maintenance is key. Despite some product descriptions, we find user reports of peeling finishes and our own experience suggests that nonstick pans, regardless of claims, should never go in the dishwasher. Gentle hand-washing with a soft sponge is the only way to ensure the longevity of the coating.

While the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid 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:

First Impressions: Thoughtful Design Meets Minor Assembly

Opening the box for the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid was a genuinely pleasant surprise. In a world of shrink-wrapped, no-frills packaging, Kordisen makes a statement. The pan itself felt substantial yet manageable, with a reassuring heft from the stainless steel induction plate on its base. The glass lid was securely protected, and tucked inside were not only the pan and lid but also a pair of silicone-tipped tongs and, most impressively, a small, branded screwdriver. As noted by many users, this thoughtful inclusion for attaching the handle and lid knob immediately sets a premium tone. It’s a small detail, but it says the company has considered the entire user journey from unboxing to first use.

The assembly itself was straightforward, taking less than two minutes. A single screw attaches the main handle to the pan, and another attaches the knob to the lid. The faux-wood finish on the handles looks surprisingly elegant and feels comfortable to grip. However, this is where we encountered our first minor hiccup, one echoed in a handful of user reports: ensuring the main handle is perfectly tight without over-torquing the screw requires a firm hand. We managed a secure fit, but it’s easy to see how some users could end up with a slightly wobbly handle if not attached with sufficient force.

A Deep Dive into the Kordisen’s Grilling Performance

A grill pan lives and dies by its ability to cook. Aesthetics and thoughtful packaging are lovely, but if it can’t deliver a beautiful sear and delicious results, it’s just a heavy paperweight. We put the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid through a series of culinary tests on both induction and gas hobs to see if its performance matched its presentation.

The Great Sear Debate: Nonstick Performance vs. Heat Limitations

The first test was the classic: a pair of thick-cut ribeye steaks. The biggest point of confusion, and a recurring theme in user feedback, is the manufacturer’s instruction to use “medium heat only” to prevent warping. This feels deeply counterintuitive for a “grill” pan, where the goal is typically a screaming-hot surface to create a Maillard reaction crust instantly. Sceptical but obedient, we preheated the pan on a medium setting (a 6 out of 10 on our induction hob). The pan heated up impressively fast, a testament to its aluminium body and induction plate. A drop of water sizzled and evaporated within about 90 seconds. We added a swirl of high-smoke-point oil and laid down the steaks.

The sizzle was immediate and aggressive, assuaging some of our fears. The raised ridges made firm contact, and after two minutes, we rotated the steaks 90 degrees to create a crosshatch pattern. The nonstick coating performed flawlessly; the steaks released without any pull or resistance. After another two minutes, we flipped them. The result? Shockingly good grill marks. They were dark, well-defined, and looked every bit the part. The nonstick surface, which is SGS-verified as PFOA and PFOS-free, is clearly a high-quality formulation. As one user succinctly put it, “This grill be grillin’!… I wasn’t sure if this pan would give my steaks the grill marks and it does! My steaks come out perfect.” We wholeheartedly agree. The fat rendered beautifully, pooling in the channels between the ridges, and the dual spouts made pouring off the excess grease clean and simple. This pan proves you don’t necessarily need cast-iron temperatures to get cast-iron looks, which you can see for yourself in user-submitted photos.

Induction Compatibility and Heating Evenness

The primary marketing for this pan is its compatibility with all stovetops, including induction. The high magnetic conductive stainless steel base is the key component here. On our induction hob, the pan connected instantly and responded to temperature changes with impressive speed. However, as one user astutely noted, a square pan on a round heating element can create “cool spots” in the corners. We observed this as well. While the centre of the pan was perfectly hot, the extreme corners were noticeably cooler. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it requires strategic food placement. For two steaks, it’s a non-issue as they fit perfectly in the hot central zone. For smaller items like asparagus spears or shrimp, it’s important to keep them away from the very edges for even cooking.

More concerning is a severe negative review from an Italian user who claimed the pan damaged their new induction hob even on medium power. While this appears to be an outlier and we experienced no such issues during our extensive testing, it’s a critical data point. Our hypothesis is that this could be related to a defective pan or an issue of thermal shock (placing a cold pan on a high-power preheated hob). We always recommend placing the pan on the hob and then turning on the heat, gradually bringing it to temperature. For induction users, the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid performs well, but cautious and correct usage is paramount to protect both the pan and your appliance.

The Unsung Hero: The Lid and Cleanup Experience

Perhaps the most underrated feature of this package is the glass lid. Many grill pans are sold lidless, which I now see as a huge oversight. When grilling fatty foods like burgers or bacon, splatter is inevitable. The lid contains virtually all of it, keeping your stovetop pristine. It also traps steam and heat, which is fantastic for ensuring thicker cuts of chicken or pork cook through evenly after you’ve achieved your initial sear. We grilled chicken breasts, first searing them on both sides with the lid off, then putting the lid on and lowering the heat to finish. The result was perfectly moist and tender chicken, a result that’s harder to achieve in an open pan without drying it out.

Cleanup is where this pan truly shines and earns its place in a busy kitchen. After pouring out the grease, we let the pan cool completely. A simple wipe with a paper towel removed 99% of the residue. A quick wash with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water was all it took to restore it to its pristine state. As one happy customer noted, “The non stick coating is effective. I didn’t have to scrub at all to get it clean.” This effortless cleanup is a massive quality-of-life improvement over cast iron, which requires scraping and careful re-seasoning. However, this convenience is balanced by the spectre of durability issues. One user shared photos of the nonstick coating peeling after just four months of careful use. This is the fundamental trade-off of nonstick cookware, and it underscores the importance of never using metal utensils, abrasive sponges, or the dishwasher, despite any claims to the contrary.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our experience with the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid was largely positive, a sentiment shared by a significant number of users. Many praise the pan’s stylish looks and impressive out-of-the-box presentation, with one reviewer exclaiming, “Impressed with how it came packed, had even a screwdriver included in the box!! Very good quality, sturdy handle and looks amazing!” The core cooking performance also receives high marks, particularly its ability to produce great grill marks and its easy-to-clean surface.

However, the feedback is not universally glowing, and the negative points raised are significant. The most common structural complaint revolves around the handle. We saw multiple reports of it being “loose and wobbly” or, more alarmingly, getting hot, cracking, and emitting a bad smell during cooking. Another major concern is long-term durability. One user provided a detailed account of the exterior finish “peeling off” after just four months of careful, hand-washed use. While the company reportedly reimbursed them, this points to potential quality control inconsistencies. These critiques provide a crucial, balanced perspective: while the pan performs brilliantly initially, there are legitimate questions about its build quality and longevity that any prospective buyer should consider.

How Does the Kordisen Pan Stack Up Against the Competition?

The Kordisen occupies a specific niche focused on nonstick convenience and induction compatibility. However, the world of griddle pans is vast, particularly when you enter the realm of traditional cast iron. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.

1. nuovva Cast Iron Griddle Pan Pre-Seasoned

The nuovva is a different beast entirely. It’s a large, heavy, reversible cast iron plank with one ridged side and one flat side. Its primary advantage is versatility and raw heating power. You can use it over two burners on your hob, on a BBQ, or even over a campfire. It’s built for high-heat searing that nonstick pans are warned against, and its sheer thermal mass means it retains heat exceptionally well. However, it’s incredibly heavy, requires regular seasoning to maintain its non-stick properties, and is much more difficult to clean. This is the choice for a serious home cook who prioritizes authentic high-heat cooking and durability over convenience.

2. OVERMONT Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle Pan

Similar to the nuovva, the OVERMONT is another reversible cast iron griddle. It boasts a large cooking surface and the same benefits of excellent heat retention and searing capability. It’s designed for those who want to cook for a larger family, bridging two hob rings to create a substantial cooking station. The trade-offs are identical to the nuovva: significant weight, the need for careful maintenance, and a more involved cleaning process. Someone might prefer the OVERMONT or nuovva over the Kordisen if their main goal is cooking larger quantities of food at once or achieving the kind of deep, crusty sear that only scorching-hot cast iron can provide.

3. Nutrichef Reversible Cast Iron Griddle Pan

The Nutrichef follows the same cast iron, reversible formula, offering a large cooking area and robust performance on gas, induction, and even in the oven. It promises the longevity that cast iron is famous for—a piece of cookware that can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Choosing between these three cast iron options often comes down to slight variations in size, handle design, and price. They all represent a fundamentally different cooking philosophy than the Kordisen. They are an investment in a more traditional, robust style of cooking, whereas the Kordisen is a modern tool built for speed, ease, and convenience.

Final Verdict: A Superb Pan with Caveats

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid is one of qualified enthusiasm. For the home cook seeking the joy of grilled food without the hassle of an outdoor BBQ, this pan delivers brilliantly on its core promises. It heats quickly, produces fantastic grill marks even on medium heat, and the nonstick surface makes cleanup an absolute dream. The inclusion of a lid and thoughtful extras like tongs and a screwdriver elevates it above many competitors in its class. It successfully bridges the gap between convenience and performance, making delicious weeknight steaks, chicken, and vegetables a simple reality.

However, this recommendation comes with important caveats. The questions around long-term durability, evidenced by reports of peeling finishes and problematic handles, cannot be ignored. This is not a “buy it for life” piece of cookware in the way that a cast iron skillet is. It is a high-performance tool that demands gentle care—no dishwasher, no metal utensils, and adherence to the medium-heat guidelines. If you understand and accept this trade-off, you will be rewarded with a stylish, effective, and incredibly user-friendly indoor grilling solution. For those ready to bring the grill indoors with maximum convenience and minimal fuss, the Kordisen Nonstick Grilling Pan with Lid is an excellent choice worth your consideration.