These Expert-Tested Grill Baskets Are Backyard Barbecue Heroes

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There’s only one thing better than having an amazing outdoor grill for a summer cookout: Having a grill basket to match. If you’re not up to speed on its perks, let us fill you in. These metal grilling accessories can be used to cook delicate foods like shrimp or thinly sliced veggies, without letting pieces fall through the grates or stick to them. Plus, they can help lock in heat to give food that perfectly charred flavor.

The best grill baskets will also stand the test of time, no matter if they're used on pellet, charcoal, or gas grills. These tools are typically made of ultra-durable materials like carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast iron, meaning you can also safely use them over the open flame of a campfire.

Ready to get cookin'? Keep scrolling to shop the best grill baskets that will help your backyard barbecues go off without a hitch.

How We Picked These Products

Our friends at the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab tested 1o grill baskets to find the best models. Their team of on-staff experts—including professionally-trained chefs and kitchen tool product developers—rigorously put everyday products to the test in their New York City-based labs to determine which ones are actually worth your dollars.

During these experiments, the team cooked sliced red bell pepper, whole asparagus, and wedges of red onion in each grill basket on the same grill. The team assessed each model based on factors like how well it browned the veggies and how easy it is to clean. Below, we've compiled their findings.

UltraVersatile Stainless Steel Grill Basket

Proud Grill's model is the Good Housekeeping Institute's top pick because of its versatility. The team notes it has "different removable dividers" that help you cook "different things at once" on the grill. Plus, they found it contains heat well, giving veggies a great char on the outside and crispiness on the inside.

This basket also has silicone-covered handles that are removable or can be placed on all four sides for easy carrying. The only downside? Although using a Brillo pad can help some, the team noted that this basket does lose its shine over time.

• Materials: Stainless steel, ceramic

• Dishwasher-safe: N/A

• Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 2.5 inches

• Weight: 2.86 pounds
  

• Handle: Detachable stainless steel handle with rubber grip

Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Grill Basket

Nicole Papantoniou, director of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says this is a great lightweight option for grilling. "It does need to be seasoned every so often, but you're getting similar performance to a cast iron version without the weight," she says. Case in point: It has a sturdy carbon steel build that can reach temperatures up to 660˚F for perfectly cooking meat and veggies.

• Materials: Carbon steel

• Dishwasher-safe: No

• Dimensions: 21 x 11.8 x 3.8 inches

• Weight: 3.3 pounds

• Handle: Handle with silicone sleeve

Dual Handled Grill Basket

"What's really nice about Lodge's grill basket is that it's super sturdy and has handles on both sides, so you can carry it," says Papantoniou. "It's heavy, but a really good pick." During testing, the team found that all veggies developed a nice char. And although there was some crowding, the food cooked evenly.

Conveniently, the basket is pre-seasoned to help ensure easy food release. The team also notes it's simple to clean by hand to keep it looking good as new.

• Materials: Cast iron

• Dishwasher-safe: No

• Dimensions: 12 ½ x 2 ¼ inches

• Weight: 7 pounds

• Handle: Two attached cast iron handles

Style Professional Grade Grill Pan

After just five minutes of using this Weber grill basket, the

Good Housekeeping team noticed nice sear marks on their veggies. And at the eight minute mark, the device left every veggie soft and with the best char marks out of all the other grill baskets tested.

The team also recommends this model specifically for cooking fish, as it has a large surface area and small slots to let juices flow out while keeping your fillets in.

Another reason to scoop up this grill basket is that it boasts a slim, compact shape and high, sloping walls that make it easier to tuck away with sheet pans. Since it does discolor and stain pretty easily, though, the team recommends using a scrub brush often to clear oil buildup.

• Materials: Stainless steel

• Dishwasher-safe: Yes

• Dimensions: 17" x 12" x 1.5"

• Weight: Less than one pound

• Handle: Two attached stainless steel handles

365 Indoor/Outdoor Grill and Shake Basket

Nordic Ware's nonstick grill basket has tall walls for keeping food contained. The Good Housekeeping Institute found this feature to be effective and had zero issues with food moving up and down inside the basket during testing. The veggies they prepared also cooked down faster than in other grill baskets, making this one a great option to use with foods like butternut squash that require a little extra grilling time.

The team reported that one drawback to this grill basket is that it scratches easily. Meaning, you should avoid using metal utensils with it. And since it's nonstick, it can't be heated to over 450˚F.

• Materials: Aluminized steel

• Dishwasher-safe: No

• Dimensions: 2.5 x 14 x 12 inches

• Weight: 2.4 pounds

• Handle: Two attached nonstick handles

Outset Chef's Grill Basket And Skillet

If you're on the hunt for a "fun pick," the Good Housekeeping Institute recommends this Outset grill basket. First, it cooks food evenly. The testers found their veggies ended up perfectly tender all around. It also features two interlocking baskets so you can use the tool for both grilling and frying. Plus, you can cook with the lid on to prevent food from spilling out.

This grill basket has a nonstick coating, so you won't have to struggle getting food to release. Additionally, its long handle helps keep you a safe distance away from hot cooking surfaces. Note: Make sure to remove the handle when the basket is on the grill, though, as it will likely get too hot for you to close the lid.

• Materials: Steel

• Dishwasher-safe: N/A

• Dimensions: 25 x 11 x 4 inches

• Weight: 3 pounds

• Handle: Removable nonstick steel handle

What’s the best use for a grill basket?

A grill basket is great for cooking and containing small items, like fish, shrimp, sliced peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes. “Instead of things falling through the grates, they'll all just stay on the rack,” says Papantoniou. “[Use it for] anything that you don't want to lose to the flames.”

What to look for in the best grill baskets

Size: Your grill basket should have plenty of cooking space, so food has room to "basically brown versus steam," says Papantoniou. Also, take note of the size of its perforations. For thinner foods like french fries or shrimp, you'll want a grill basket with smaller perforations. And remember, for days when you want to double up on grill baskets, make sure they can fit side by side on the grill.

Material: The most common grill basket materials are stainless steel, nonstick steel, and cast iron. While all are durable, each has their own specific benefits and drawbacks.

• Stainless steel: If you're looking for a grill basket that'll heat fast, stainless steel is your best bet.

• Nonstick: In order to maintain its lifespan, nonstick steel must be hand-washed and shouldn't be heated to over 450˚F. It also tends to scratch easily. However, it is easier to clean than stainless steel and cast iron alternatives.

• Cast iron: A major pro of cast iron grill baskets is that you can heat them to high temperatures. Keep in mind, however, this means food can continue cooking if you leave it in the grill basket too long, even after you take it off the grill. Plus, cast iron grill baskets tend to be on the heavier side.

Shape: Consider a shape with rounded edges or a handle, as this "allows you to flip things easier versus using tongs," says Papantoniou. Other top features to look for in the best grill baskets are perforated square trays with high walls, hinged grids that clamp together with long handles, and skillet-like baskets. You'll often find that grill baskets have a similar shape to cook a variety of foods.

How do you use a grill basket?

When you start heating up your grill, make sure to heat your grill basket on it at the same time. Papantoniou says that you can brush the basket with oil right before cooking to help prevent food from sticking or oil your food in a separate bowl first.

When cooking with a grill basket, "resist turning it the same way," she says. If you leave food in one position, it'll become more caramelized. Instead, she says to shake the grill basket as you cook.

How do you clean a grill basket?

The universal way to clean a grill basket is with soap and water. You can also use a Brillo pad on stainless steel, as it contains cleaning agents that are especially helpful for removing tough grease and grime on the material, says Papantoniou. For cast iron, carbon steel, and nonstick steel, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools that could damage the material.

While some grill baskets are dishwasher-safe, most versions made of carbon steel or cast iron aren't. Always check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure.

And to maintain their longevity, make sure to season any cast iron and carbon steel grill baskets prior to use. “Dry your grill basket 100 percent, brush it with a very thin layer of oil, and bake it, basically,” says Papantoniou. “Say, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes just to seal it, more or less.”

How long do grill baskets last?

Cast iron, carbon steel, and quality stainless steel are the most durable grill basket materials. Each type should last as long as your typical cookware would. You’ll likely only need to replace nonstick options over time, as they typically wear “within a couple of years and get scratched,” says Papantoniou. “You want to avoid using nonstick that’s sticking or scratched.”

Why trust Delish

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed chefs and food experts to learn about top trends in the culinary world.

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