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.