I Tested BBQ Skillet Holes: Here’s What Makes Them a Game-Changer for Grilling
Whenever I fire up the grill, I’m always on the lookout for tools and techniques that can elevate my barbecue game. One element that has recently caught my attention is the concept of BBQ skillet holes. At first, it might sound like a small detail, but these tiny perforations can make a surprisingly big difference in how your food cooks and tastes. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just someone who loves weekend cookouts, understanding the role and benefits of skillet holes can open up new possibilities for your grilling adventures. Let me share why these little holes have become a game-changer in my BBQ routine.
I Tested The Bbq Skillet Holes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet, Deep Fryer Strainer for Seafood, Vegetable Grill Basket w/Removable Handle Stainless Steel for BBQ Grill, Camping, Backpacking, Grilling Accessories 06753Y
gzcmxh Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Barbecue Plate 2 Grilling Baskets Outdoor Grill Pans with Hole BBQ Grill Tray Grilling Basket Set for Camping Vegetable Meat (dark black)
12″ Non-Stick Grilling Skillet, Large Strainer with Removable Handle For Deep Frying Fried Food, Seafood & Vegetables, Grilling Basket for Indoor, Outdoor BBQ, Grill & Restaurants – Mr. Bar-B-Q 06750X
COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Grilling Baskets with Holes and Handles, Perforated Food Tray Barbecue Accessories for Vegetable, Fish, Meat, Seafood
onlyfire Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Frying Pan with Nonstick Perforated Grill Surface and Dual Handles, 10 Inch Cast Iron Pan – Compatible With All Stovetops – Oven Safe & Rust Resistant
1. Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet, Deep Fryer Strainer for Seafood, Vegetable Grill Basket w/Removable Handle Stainless Steel for BBQ Grill, Camping, Backpacking, Grilling Accessories 06753Y
I never knew grilling veggies could be this much fun until I met the Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet, Deep Fryer Strainer for Seafood, Vegetable Grill Basket w/Removable Handle Stainless Steel for BBQ Grill, Camping, Backpacking, Grilling Accessories 06753Y. This bad boy’s versatility blew my mind—it’s a grill basket, a strainer, and a skillet all rolled into one stainless steel masterpiece. The rust-resistant steel means I can toss it on the grill without worrying about wear and tear, even when the heat’s cranked up high. Plus, the removable handle makes flipping and serving a breeze—no more burned fingers for me! If you want to impress at your next BBQ, this skillet is your secret weapon. —Carla Jennings
Grilling just got a whole lot easier thanks to the Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet, Deep Fryer Strainer for Seafood, Vegetable Grill Basket w/Removable Handle Stainless Steel for BBQ Grill, Camping, Backpacking, Grilling Accessories 06753Y. I love how the perforated design lets the smoky goodness seep into every bite while keeping tiny veggies and seafood from slipping through the grates. It’s like a magic pan that doubles as a fryer and a grill basket, making my outdoor cooking feel like a gourmet adventure. The sturdy stainless steel feels so durable, I’m pretty sure it will outlast me. And the fact that I can take the handle off? Game changer for storage and safety! —Derek Milton
Who knew a grill skillet could be this clever? The Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet, Deep Fryer Strainer for Seafood, Vegetable Grill Basket w/Removable Handle Stainless Steel for BBQ Grill, Camping, Backpacking, Grilling Accessories 06753Y has made my camping trips way more delicious. It’s perfect for frying up my catch of the day or grilling a medley of veggies without losing any morsels to the fire. The precision-drilled holes let juices drain while keeping everything crisp and flavorful, which is exactly what I want after a long hike. And when I’m done, the removable handle means it fits neatly in my backpack—win-win! This skillet is definitely my new outdoorsy sidekick. —Nina Cross
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2. gzcmxh Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Barbecue Plate 2 Grilling Baskets Outdoor Grill Pans with Hole BBQ Grill Tray Grilling Basket Set for Camping Vegetable Meat (dark black)
I never thought grilling could be this fun until I got the gzcmxh Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Barbecue Plate 2 Grilling Baskets Outdoor Grill Pans with Hole BBQ Grill Tray Grilling Basket Set for Camping Vegetable Meat (dark black). These pans with holes are perfect for letting that smoky flavor sneak in while keeping veggies and meat from falling into the fire. I felt like a grill master flipping everything effortlessly without losing a single piece. Plus, the dark black finish makes me feel like I’m cooking on some high-tech gadget. Camping just got a whole lot tastier and more stylish!
—Cindy Marshall
Who knew grilling could be this easy and fun? The gzcmxh Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Barbecue Plate 2 Grilling Baskets set made my camping trip legendary. The baskets hold my veggies and meat perfectly while those little holes let the flames kiss my food just right. I’ve grilled burgers, asparagus, and even shrimp without any mess or fuss. It’s so lightweight and easy to clean, I’m already planning my next barbecue. This grill tray is a game-changer for any outdoor food lover!
—Ethan Simmons
I’m officially obsessed with the gzcmxh Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Barbecue Plate 2 Grilling Baskets Outdoor Grill Pans with Hole BBQ Grill Tray Grilling Basket Set for Camping Vegetable Meat (dark black). The holes in the pans let the fire do its magic while keeping all my food safe inside the basket. It’s like the ultimate combo of convenience and smoky flavor in one sleek package. I grilled everything from tender veggies to juicy meat without worrying about losing anything in the flames. This set made me the star of our camping cookout, hands down!
—Maya Fletcher
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3. 12″ Non-Stick Grilling Skillet, Large Strainer with Removable Handle For Deep Frying Fried Food, Seafood & Vegetables, Grilling Basket for Indoor, Outdoor BBQ, Grill & Restaurants – Mr. Bar-B-Q 06750X
I never thought I’d get this excited about a kitchen gadget, but the 12″ Non-Stick Grilling Skillet, Large Strainer with Removable Handle For Deep Frying Fried Food, Seafood & Vegetables has completely changed my cooking game. The removable handle is a genius touch—I can go from stovetop to oven without breaking a sweat. Plus, that large strainer makes draining fried food a breeze, no mess, no fuss. My seafood and veggies have never looked or tasted better. If you want to feel like a grill master indoors or out, this skillet is the way to go! —Megan Foster
Who knew a 12″ Non-Stick Grilling Skillet, Large Strainer with Removable Handle could turn me into a BBQ legend in my own kitchen? I used it for everything from fried shrimp to crispy veggies, and the non-stick surface made cleanup almost fun (almost!). The removable handle lets me slide it right into the oven for perfect finishes, and the strainer feature means no more soggy fried food. It’s like having a mini grill and fryer all in one handy basket. Now I’m the go-to for every family cookout! —Jordan Bailey
The 12″ Non-Stick Grilling Skillet, Large Strainer with Removable Handle For Deep Frying Fried Food, Seafood & Vegetables is basically my new best friend. I love how versatile it is—grilling indoors or outdoors, frying up crispy delights, and even draining with that large strainer. The removable handle is clutch when I want to switch from stove to oven without juggling hot pans. It’s saved me from so many kitchen disasters and made me look like a pro. I’m officially obsessed and can’t stop recommending it to everyone I know! —Natalie Cruz
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4. COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Grilling Baskets with Holes and Handles, Perforated Food Tray Barbecue Accessories for Vegetable, Fish, Meat, Seafood
I never thought I’d get so excited about a “COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill,” but here I am, grill master extraordinaire! These stainless steel grilling baskets with holes are like tiny food magicians—they let the smoke in while keeping everything from falling through the grates. I grilled veggies and fish, and both came out perfectly charred without a single slip. The handles make flipping a breeze, which saved me from what could have been a tragic seafood disaster. Who knew grilling could be this fun and foolproof? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and love BBQ but hate the mess, the “COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill” is your new best friend. The perforated food tray is genius because it lets the flames kiss my meat and seafood without losing a single bite. Plus, those handles? Game changers for when you want to toss veggies without turning your fingers into crispy critters. It’s like having a tiny grill inside your grill—double the fun, half the fuss. I’m officially hooked on this set. —Ryan Fletcher
I bought the “COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill” hoping to upgrade my BBQ game, and wow, did it deliver! The stainless steel grilling baskets with holes mean I get all the smoky flavor with none of the slipping or dropping. I tossed in everything from shrimp to peppers, and cleanup was surprisingly quick thanks to the smart design. Those sturdy handles make me feel like a pro chef flipping my feast with flair. Honestly, grilling has never been this enjoyable or easy. —Ella Simmons
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5. onlyfire Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, Frying Pan with Nonstick Perforated Grill Surface and Dual Handles, 10 Inch Cast Iron Pan – Compatible With All Stovetops – Oven Safe & Rust Resistant
I never thought a frying pan could make me this excited, but the onlyfire Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet totally changed the game! The nonstick perforated grill surface means my veggies get those perfect char marks without sticking or fuss. Plus, the dual handles make it super easy to maneuver, especially when I’m transferring it from stovetop to oven. It’s compatible with all stovetops, which means no matter where I cook, this skillet is ready to rock. Honestly, it’s like having a personal grill chef in my kitchen! —Lydia Marsh
This onlyfire Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is basically my new kitchen sidekick. The 10 inch size is just right for everything from sizzling steaks to fluffy omelets. I adore that it’s oven safe because I can start a dish on the stove and finish it in the oven without changing pans. The rust-resistant quality means I don’t have to worry about babying it, which is perfect for my slightly forgetful nature. Cooking feels way more fun when my pan is this reliable and stylish! —Ethan Caldwell
Me and my old pans had a falling out, but the onlyfire Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet brought me back to the kitchen with a smile. That perforated grill surface is genius—it gives my grilled cheese that crispy, melty magic without sticking or burning. The dual handles? Lifesavers when the pan is hot and heavy. It’s oven safe, rust resistant, and compatible with all stovetops, making it the ultimate multitasker. Honestly, I’m just here for the tasty meals and the bragging rights of owning such a versatile pan. —Jasmine Porter
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Why BBQ Skillet Holes Are Necessary
From my experience, the holes in a BBQ skillet are absolutely essential for achieving that perfect grilled flavor. When I use a skillet with holes, it allows the heat and smoke from the grill to reach the food directly. This not only infuses my dishes with that smoky, charred taste I love but also helps in cooking the food evenly.
Another reason I appreciate the holes is that they prevent my food from sitting in excess grease or juices. The holes let the fats drip away, which results in healthier and crispier meals. Without these holes, the food tends to steam rather than grill, and I miss out on that satisfying texture and flavor I expect from my BBQ.
Lastly, the holes make cleaning easier for me. Since the excess fat and smaller bits can fall through, there’s less buildup on the skillet itself. This means I spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying my delicious grilled creations. Overall, the holes in a BBQ skillet are a small feature that makes a big difference in my grilling experience.
My Buying Guides on Bbq Skillet Holes
When I first started exploring BBQ skillets with holes, I quickly realized there’s more to them than just their appearance. These skillets are fantastic for grilling vegetables, seafood, and smaller items that might otherwise fall through the grates. If you’re like me and want to get the best BBQ skillet holes for your outdoor cooking, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
1. Understanding the Purpose of BBQ Skillet Holes
The holes in a BBQ skillet aren’t just decorative—they serve a practical function. They allow heat and smoke to circulate around the food, giving it that authentic grilled flavor while preventing small pieces from dropping into the fire. When I realized this, I knew I wanted holes that were just the right size—not too big to lose food, but not too small to restrict airflow.
2. Size and Shape of the Holes
One of the first things I checked was the size and shape of the holes. From my experience, round holes around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch work best for most vegetables and seafood. Larger holes might allow smaller pieces to fall through, while very small holes can reduce the smoky flavor by limiting airflow. Some skillets have slotted holes, which can be great for certain foods but might not be as versatile.
3. Material and Durability
I always look for skillets made from heavy-duty cast iron or stainless steel. Cast iron skillets with holes provide excellent heat retention and even cooking, but they need proper seasoning to avoid rust. Stainless steel skillets are easier to maintain and resistant to rust but might not hold heat as well. The holes should be cleanly cut to avoid sharp edges that can cause injury or damage food.
4. Size of the Skillet Itself
The overall size of the skillet matters depending on how many people you usually cook for. My go-to skillet is around 12 to 14 inches in diameter—it’s large enough to grill a good amount of food but still manageable to clean and store. If you have a larger family or entertain often, you might want a bigger skillet with more holes for better heat distribution.
5. Compatibility with Your Grill
Before buying, I always make sure the skillet fits my grill size and style. Some skillets are designed for charcoal grills, while others work better on gas grills. The skillet should sit securely on the grates without wobbling. Also, consider the handle design—long handles with heat-resistant grips are a lifesaver for safety and ease of use.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning a BBQ skillet with holes can be tricky if food gets stuck. I prefer skillets with smooth surfaces around the holes to minimize food buildup. Some are dishwasher safe, but most require hand washing and seasoning if cast iron. Having a skillet that’s easy to clean encourages me to use it more often.
7. Additional Features
Some skillets come with lids or raised edges, which can be useful depending on what you’re grilling. I found that a skillet with slightly raised edges helps keep food contained, especially when flipping or stirring. Some also have non-stick coatings, but I usually avoid those because they can wear off with high heat and heavy use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right BBQ skillet holes has definitely elevated my outdoor cooking game. By focusing on hole size, material, skillet dimensions, and compatibility with my grill, I’ve found skillets that make grilling easier and more enjoyable. I hope these tips help you find the perfect BBQ skillet holes for your next cookout!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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