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Best Oyster Grill Pans

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Outset Oyster and Scallop Grill Pan
Outset
Oyster and Scallop Grill Pan
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Most Durable
Bottom Line

A good-looking, heavy-duty cast iron grill pan that can cook up to 18 oysters at once.

Pros

Even heating with tough cast iron construction. Heirloom quality cookware looks great on any table. Pan comes preseasoned for a nonstick surface without added oil. Measures 10 x 16.5 inches. Weighs 6.2 pounds.

Cons

Manufacturer suggests hand washing, no dishwasher convenience.

Best Bang for the Buck
DOMG Stainless-Steel Oyster Grilling Pan
DOMG
Stainless-Steel Oyster Grilling Pan
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A two-pack of pans that are easy to clean and can be used for oysters or a variety of other seafood. They double as decorative serving plates.

Pros

You can cook a total of 16 oysters at a time. Includes a center slot for sauce or lemons. Made from stainless steel. Dishwasher safe. Can be used in the oven or on the grill. Pans stack for easy storage.

Cons

Sharp edges on the bottom may scratch tables, so use on a cutting board or pot holder. The wells are fairly shallow.

Sur La Table Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan
Sur La Table
Cast Iron Oyster Grill Pan
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Oval-shaped, 12-well, cast iron oyster grill pan with nonstick coating.

Pros

Can grill up to 12 oysters on the half shell or shucked. Constructed of heavy-duty cast iron for durability. Nonstick coating for easy removal and cleanup. Versatile pan can be used to make drop biscuits, cornbread, etc., or to serve chilled oysters on the half shell, deviled eggs, dipping sauces with crackers or veggies.

Cons

The pan is quite heavy, making it somewhat cumbersome to clean after use.

Cute Cactus Stainless-Steel Oyster Grilling Shells
Cute Cactus
Stainless-Steel Oyster Grilling Shells
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

Versatile and easy to clean, this set of 12 stainless grill shells is great for holidays, parties, and other gatherings.

Pros

Made of premium 430 stainless steel. Very reusable and easy to clean. Each grill shell is the same thickness, guaranteeing even cooking for everything inside. A solid pick for oysters, clams, scallops, and even desserts.

Cons

This set doesn't come with a carrying case or bag, increasing the risk of misplacing shells.

Mugi Stainless-Steel Oyster Grilling Shells
Mugi
Stainless-Steel Oyster Grilling Shells
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Highest Capacity
Bottom Line

For use on grills, campfires, and ovens, this large set will save the day if you find yourself cooking for a crowd.

Pros

Purchase includes 20 individual pans and a storage bag. Pans are a half-inch deep and can be used to cook a variety of other foods, from seafood to vegetables. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Made from stainless steel.

Cons

These pans all slant the same way, so they might be easier for right-handed diners to use.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
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Consumers
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Buying guide for Best oyster grill pans

If the thought of a raw oyster on the half shell leaves you cold, perhaps you should try one cooked. Oysters can be cooked in a variety of ways, and while steaming or baking will do the job, there’s something almost magical about oysters straight off the grill.

Unlike burgers and steak, oysters cooked on the grill can be a little complicated. This is where an oyster grill pan shines. With one of these pans, you can easily and safely grill oysters without much mess. But what will you need to consider when shopping for an oyster grill pan?

In this guide, we examine all aspects of oyster grill pans to help you find the right one for your needs. From size and appearance to materials and price, we take a close look at these unique pans and highlight their important features. 

I1 
The best way to cook oysters evenly is to use a quality-made oyster grill pan with even heat distribution.

Key considerations

Capacity

An oyster pan can hold anywhere from 12 to 30 or more oysters. If it is just the two of you, you probably don’t need an oversized oyster grill pan, but those who like to entertain may appreciate a pan with a larger capacity.

Quantity

Your purchase may include one or more pans. A single oyster grill pan is usually large enough to cook around a dozen oysters. It may have an all-in-one surface or a series of “wells” in which the oysters sit.

If you plan to cook for both small and large crowds, consider buying individual oyster pans. With these, you can easily tailor the number of oysters you cook to your event.

Dyk1 
Did You Know?
As a food source, oysters date back to the Stone Age, where they were often placed on the fire as a means to open them.
Staff
BestReviews

Features

Materials

Cast iron: Cast iron oyster grill pans heat evenly and are extremely durable. These pans are often coated with enamel to minimize sticking and facilitate cleanup.

Stainless steel: Lighter than cast iron, stainless steel heats up fast and cleans easily.

Aluminum: While less durable than stainless steel, aluminum is lighter and can tolerate high grill temperatures. Aluminum distributes heat nicely, too.

Ceramic stoneware: Ceramic stoneware is less durable than the other materials we have mentioned, but oyster grill pans made from this material have a unique appearance.

Pan surface

Oyster grill pans usually have nonstick surfaces so removing your oysters is easy. Some pans have ribbed bottoms, which helps lower the fat content of the food.

Handles

Oyster grill pans with handles (one or two) are easier to manipulate on and off the grill. Well-balanced, stay-cool handles are ideal.

Documentation

An oyster grill pan should ship with all the documentation you need to care for, cook with, and clean it. Extra credit is awarded to those companies that include a recipe collection to start you off on the right foot.

Dyk2
Did You Know?
Individual-serving oyster grill pans easily retain cooking juices without the threat of spillage.
Staff
BestReviews

Oyster grill pan prices

Low-end: Oyster grill pans that cost less than $20 tend to have a lower capacity, usually around a dozen oysters at a time. They also have a less durable build. Aluminum is commonly seen in this price bracket.

Mid-range: For $20 to $35, you will find pans made of a variety of materials, with stainless steel and cast iron being common. The bulk of these pans have a higher capacity for oysters than inexpensive pans.

High-end: Oyster grill pans that cost more than $35 usually hold 20 to 30 oysters. Popular materials in this range include enameled cast iron and ceramic stoneware.

Dyk3
Did You Know?
Oysters are loaded with nutrients, including protein and vitamins.
Staff
BestReviews

Tips

  • Some oyster grill pans can be used to cook other foods. If you have a limited amount of storage space in your kitchen, look for a pan that can multitask.
  • Don’t limit yourself to grilling. The majority of these pans can also be used in the oven to create stunning recipes, such as baked oysters Rockefeller. A pan with a large number of wells might also serve as an appetizer or hors d’oeuvre platter.
  • Cast iron pans may need to be seasoned before use. If your pan did not arrive pre-seasoned, check the manufacturer’s care and use instructions for how to season it prior to using it on the grill.
I2 
In addition to grilling, baking, and steaming oysters, some people eat them raw.

FAQ

Q. Are oyster grill pans dishwasher safe?

A. Some are. Your best bet is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning cleaning, but we offer these general tips:

  • Stainless steel and aluminum are usually dishwasher safe.
  • Cast iron should be gently cleaned by hand. “Gently” is the key word here, as harsh soap or scrubbing could remove the seasoning.
  • For a dirty cast iron pan, consider using a salted cloth to remove stuck-on food.
  • Allow a cast iron pan to cool before washing it, as thermal shock can cause a hot pan in cool water to crack.

Q. What is the best way to use a cast iron oyster grill pan?

A. First, be sure that the pan is well-seasoned before using it to cook oysters; this minimizes sticking. Because cast iron can take a while to heat up, consider pre-heating the pan before adding oysters to it. Take extra care when handling the pan, as it can be considerably heavier than stainless steel or aluminum.

Q. How long will it take oysters to cook on the grill?

A. This depends on a number of factors: the temperature of the grill, the pan you are using, whether you are cooking with or without the shell. Here, we offer general guidelines.

If the oysters are already shucked (shelled), place them in the grill pan with a bit of butter, garlic, or whatever sauce you are using. Cook the oysters on the grill for five to six minutes or until the edges start to curl.

If the oysters are still in the shell, you can easily remove them by placing them, shell and all, on the grill. The shell will open in around a minute, at which point you can remove the oyster and cook it in the pan. Cut a minute off the cooking time, allowing them to grill for four to five minutes.