RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick Review: The Ultimate Verdict on This Kitchen Workhorse

There’s a unique kind of culinary disappointment that many of us know all too well. It’s the moment you place a beautifully marbled steak into a hot pan, anticipating that satisfying sizzle and the deep, flavourful crust that follows. Instead, you’re met with a weak hiss, and the steak begins to steam in its own juices, turning a disheartening shade of grey. You end up with a cooked piece of meat, yes, but it lacks the soul of a properly grilled steak—those coveted char lines, the complex Maillard reaction, the texture that separates good from great. For years, I chased that indoor grilling perfection, trying everything from cranking up the heat on my regular non-stick skillet (often ruining the coating) to crowding a small pan, only to fail. The problem isn’t the steak or the stove; it’s the tool. A flat-bottomed pan traps moisture, effectively boiling the meat. This is the challenge that leads so many of us, myself included, on the hunt for a dedicated griddle pan, a specialised piece of cookware designed to bring the outdoor grill experience into the kitchen, rain or shine.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Griddle Pan

A griddle pan is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a new dimension of flavour and texture in your home cooking. It’s engineered specifically to mimic the effects of an outdoor barbecue grill. The signature raised ridges are the star of the show: they lift the food away from the base of the pan, allowing fat and moisture to drain away. This prevents steaming and promotes the intense, dry heat needed for a perfect sear. The result is food with beautiful grill marks, a crisp exterior, and a tender, juicy interior. This makes it an indispensable tool for cooking steaks, chicken breasts, burgers, fish fillets, and even vegetables like asparagus and courgette, infusing them with a smoky, charred flavour that’s simply unattainable in a standard frying pan.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact challenges I described. This includes city and apartment dwellers without access to outdoor space, home cooks looking to grill year-round regardless of the weather, and health-conscious individuals who appreciate that the ridges allow excess fat to render away from their food. It’s also perfect for anyone who values convenience and wants to achieve professional-looking results with minimal fuss. However, a griddle pan might not be suitable for those who primarily cook saucy dishes, stews, or soups, as the ridged surface isn’t practical for those applications. Similarly, if you have a dedicated outdoor grill that you use frequently, an indoor griddle might be redundant unless you need a quick alternative for a single steak or a rainy day.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A pan’s footprint is critical. The RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick offers a generous cooking area, suitable for a couple of large steaks or four burgers, without being overwhelmingly large for a standard hob. Consider your stovetop size to ensure the base makes full contact for even heating, especially on induction. Also, think about storage; features like a detachable handle can be a game-changer in a crowded cupboard.
• Capacity/Performance: Performance hinges on heat distribution and retention. Aluminum, the primary material of this pan, is known for heating up very quickly and distributing that heat evenly across the surface, eliminating hot spots that can scorch food. For induction users, it’s vital to confirm compatibility, as not all pans work with this technology. This model’s ability to get hot fast means you can start cooking almost immediately, a significant advantage for weeknight meals.
• Materials & Durability: The choice of material impacts everything from weight to cooking style. Cast iron is the traditional choice, offering superior heat retention but coming with significant weight and maintenance requirements (seasoning). The RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick uses a modern combination of a lightweight aluminum body and a healthy ceramic non-stick coating. This offers the best of both worlds: fast heating, easy handling, and effortless food release without the need for PFOA or PFAS chemicals.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: The cooking experience doesn’t end when the food is on the plate. A non-stick surface dramatically simplifies cleanup, which is a major advantage. However, many high-performance coatings are not dishwasher safe. Being prepared for hand washing, as required for this pan, and using non-abrasive sponges will preserve the non-stick coating for years, ensuring your investment continues to pay dividends in delicious meals.

While the RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick 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: Unboxing the RANX INGST Griddle Pan

Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick was its handsome, understated aesthetic. The rich brown ceramic finish gives it a premium, earthy look that stands out from the sea of black and grey cookware. Weighing in at 1.5 kilograms, it has a reassuring heft that signals quality construction without the wrist-straining weight of a similarly sized cast iron pan. The aluminum body feels robust and solid.

The detachable bakelite handle requires a quick, one-time assembly. It screws on securely, creating a firm, wobble-free connection to the pan. The handle itself has a pleasant, wood-like appearance and an ergonomic shape that feels comfortable and secure in the hand. The release mechanism is intuitive and sturdy, giving us immediate confidence in its design. The cooking surface itself is impressive; the concave-convex ridges are pronounced and well-defined, promising excellent sear marks and effective fat drainage. The ceramic coating is perfectly smooth to the touch, hinting at the superior non-stick performance to come. It feels modern, practical, and thoughtfully designed right out of the box.

Putting It to the Test: A Culinary Deep Dive with the RANX INGST Pan

A pan can look great on the counter, but its true worth is only revealed on the stove. We put the RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick through a series of demanding tests, from delicate breakfast items to thick-cut steaks, to see if its performance lived up to its promising features. We focused on the core elements that make or break a griddle pan: the quality of its non-stick surface, its ability to sear and grill effectively, and the real-world utility of its design features.

The Non-Stick Ceramic Surface: Flawless Food Release and Healthy Cooking

The headline feature of this pan is its healthy ceramic coating, and our testing proved it to be nothing short of spectacular. Our first test was the classic fried egg—a simple but unforgiving trial for any non-stick surface. With just a whisper of oil, the eggs cooked perfectly, sliding around the pan with a gentle nudge of a spatula. There was absolutely no sticking, and the cleanup was as simple as wiping it with a paper towel. This experience directly confirms user reports of cooking eggs and pancakes with perfect results. One user raved, “I use this pan every morning for eggs and pancakes and nothing sticks!”—and we can wholeheartedly validate that claim.

Beyond performance, the health aspect of this coating is a major selling point. The guarantee of it being 100% free from PFAS and PFOA chemicals offers peace of mind that is increasingly important to home cooks. This means you can cook for your family without worrying about harmful substances leaching into your food. The effectiveness of the non-stick surface also means you can significantly reduce the amount of oil or butter needed for cooking, contributing to healthier meals. The cleanup is, as mentioned, incredibly easy. Even after grilling marinated chicken, which often leaves behind stubborn, burnt-on sugars, a simple wash with warm, soapy water was all it took to restore the pan to its pristine state. This effortless maintenance makes it a joy to use daily, not just on special occasions. For anyone who dreads scrubbing pans, this easy-clean feature is a compelling reason to consider this pan.

Searing and Grilling Performance: Mastering the Maillard Reaction

A griddle pan’s primary job is to grill. We tested the RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick with thick-cut ribeye steaks to evaluate its searing capability. The aluminum body heated up remarkably quickly on our induction hob, a testament to its efficient heat conduction. The round base sat perfectly flat, ensuring complete contact and eliminating the hot spots that plague lesser pans. We preheated the pan over medium heat, as recommended, to protect the longevity of the ceramic coating. Once hot, we laid the steaks down and were greeted with an immediate, aggressive sizzle.

The prominent ridges performed their dual function flawlessly. First, they lifted the steaks off the pan’s floor, allowing fat to render and drain into the channels, preventing the meat from stewing. Second, they created deep, well-defined, and beautifully caramelized grill marks. The result was a steak with a fantastic crust and a juicy, tender interior. This confirms the product’s claim that its texture “locks in meat juices” and “fries out excess fat.” Users noted that it “cooks evenly and hot fast for the egg and steak,” and our experience was identical. While it may not reach the scorching temperatures of a heavy cast iron skillet—which is by design to protect the coating—it achieves an excellent sear on medium to medium-high heat, proving its mettle as a serious tool for indoor grilling. The minimal fumes produced during cooking were also a noticeable and welcome benefit in an indoor kitchen environment. If you want to achieve fantastic grilling results on your induction hob, this pan delivers.

Design and Versatility: The Genius of the Detachable Handle

While the cooking performance is stellar, it’s the thoughtful design features that elevate the RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick from a good pan to a great one. The star of the show is undeniably the detachable bakelite handle. In our testing, the mechanism was simple to operate yet felt completely secure when locked in place. There was no unnerving wiggle or flex, even when lifting a full pan.

The practical benefits of this feature are immense. For those with limited kitchen storage, being able to remove the long handle transforms a bulky item into a compact square that slides easily into a drawer or cabinet. One user specifically highlighted this, stating, “The detachable handle is surprisingly handy for my small kitchen.” But the versatility extends beyond storage. By removing the handle, the pan becomes completely oven-safe. We tested this by searing pork chops on the stovetop and then transferring the pan directly into a preheated oven to finish cooking. This stovetop-to-oven capability is a feature usually reserved for expensive, restaurant-grade cookware. One user even mentioned using it to “bake cake but without the wooden handle,” showcasing a level of versatility we hadn’t even initially considered. This single feature dramatically expands the pan’s culinary repertoire, making it an all-in-one tool for grilling, searing, roasting, and even baking. The combination of its manageable 1.5kg weight and this clever handle makes it one of the most versatile and user-friendly griddle pans we have ever tested.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience with the RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick is widely echoed in feedback from other home cooks. The sentiment is overwhelmingly favourable, with users consistently praising a few key aspects. The non-stick performance is a recurring theme, with one reviewer emphatically stating, “Fried eggs and steak are not stick in the pan.” Another user calls it “stylish, functional, and easy to clean,” a concise summary that perfectly captures its appeal.

The pan’s cooking performance also receives high marks. Comments like “Cooks evenly and hot fast” and “Foods cook evenly as the round bottom surface sits perfectly on the stove” highlight its excellent heat distribution, a critical factor for consistent results. The clever design is not lost on users either, with specific praise for the detachable handle’s convenience in small kitchens and its utility for oven baking. While no explicitly negative reviews were available, the “Hand Wash Only” instruction is a point of consideration. For households that rely heavily on a dishwasher, this manual cleaning requirement could be seen as a minor inconvenience, though most agree the slick ceramic surface makes hand washing a quick and painless task.

How Does It Compare? RANX INGST vs. The Competition

The RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick occupies a fantastic middle ground of performance, convenience, and value. However, the griddle pan market offers options for every type of cook and budget. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. LE CREUSET Signature Cast Iron Square Grillit 26 cm

The Le Creuset Grillit is an icon for a reason. Made from enamelled cast iron, its heat retention is legendary, allowing it to get screaming hot and produce a deep, powerful sear that is second to none. It’s a heritage piece designed to last a lifetime. However, that performance comes with trade-offs. It is significantly heavier than the RANX INGST pan, requires more time to preheat, and its enamelled surface, while durable, does not offer the same effortless food release as a modern ceramic coating. This is the choice for the culinary purist who prioritizes raw searing power and brand heritage over lightweight convenience and non-stick ease.

2. Made In Carbon Steel Griddle Grill Press

Made In’s Carbon Steel Griddle is the choice of professional chefs, offering a bridge between cast iron and non-stick. It’s lighter than cast iron but provides similar high-heat performance and durability. Over time, with proper seasoning, it develops a natural non-stick patina. This option is for the serious home cook who enjoys the process of maintaining their cookware and wants a pan that will evolve with them. It requires more initial effort (seasoning) and ongoing care than the RANX INGST pan, which is ready to perform perfectly right out of the box with zero prep. Those who prefer immediate convenience will favour the RANX INGST’s ceramic coating.

3. HexClad 30 cm Hybrid Griddle Fry Pan

HexClad represents the peak of modern cookware technology. Its hybrid surface combines the searing power of stainless steel with the convenience of non-stick “peaks and valleys.” It’s metal-utensil safe, dishwasher safe, and offers incredible durability. However, this cutting-edge technology comes at a premium price point, often costing several times more than the RANX INGST pan. The HexClad is for the cook who wants the absolute best in terms of durability and convenience and is willing to make a significant financial investment. The RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick offers a comparable level of non-stick performance and even greater versatility (with its oven-safe body) for a fraction of the cost, making it a far superior value proposition.

Final Verdict: Is the RANX INGST Griddle Pan Worth Your Money?

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The RANX INGST Griddle Pan 26 x 24 cm Ceramic Non-Stick is an outstanding piece of cookware that delivers exceptional performance, thoughtful design, and fantastic value. Its greatest strengths lie in its flawless non-stick surface that promotes healthier cooking, its rapid and even heating on induction hobs, and its game-changing detachable handle that provides unparalleled versatility for both storage and oven use. It successfully bridges the gap between heavy, high-maintenance traditional pans and flimsy, ineffective non-stick skillets.

We would highly recommend this pan to any home cook looking to elevate their indoor grilling game, especially those with induction stovetops, limited kitchen space, or a preference for healthy, easy-to-clean cookware. While cast iron purists may prefer a heavier pan for scorching-hot sears, the RANX INGST provides more than enough power for beautiful results on steaks, chicken, and vegetables, all while being infinitely more user-friendly. It’s a reliable, versatile, and stylish workhorse that earns its place in any modern kitchen. If you’re ready to say goodbye to steamed steaks and tedious cleanup, we are confident you will be thrilled with this pan. You can check the latest price and see its full feature set here.