Staub 40501-107-0: 30 cm enamelled cast iron grill pan

The Staub 40501-107-0 is a black enamelled cast iron grill pan, 30 cm across, with the classic ridges for the grill-mark pattern and for letting fat and oil run off. The listing says it is made in France, that the interior enamel is acid-resistant and easy to clean, and that it works on gas, electric and induction and in the oven. The technical table gives 900 °F as the maximum temperature, about 482 °C, and a 2-litre capacity. The same table lists the handle as silicone.

The measurements matter most. The listing gives 51.5 x 30 x 4.7 cm with the handle and a 25 x 25 cm base. That square base is the usable cooking surface. The "30 cm diameter" is really the outer width of a square pan; what sits on the grate is that 25 x 25 cm base. There is one real inconsistency: the weight appears as 4.9 kg in the bullets and 4.24 kg in the table. It is safest to assume 4-5 kg and not trust the exact figure.

In a kamado it sits on the grate, preheated slowly with the lid closed over medium-high heat. It works for marking a bone-in rib steak or a fillet and for roasted seasonal vegetables, with the advantage that the fat collects in the ridges and does not drip onto the charcoal. Iron holds heat, but it does not do the work of a bare charcoal grate: it marks, it does not smoke as much. Before using it, read the guide to cast iron and Dutch ovens, which covers thermal shock and enamel care.

Fit is the main catch. At 51.5 cm long with the handle, the pan exceeds the 46 cm grate of a Large or a Classic, so, as an estimate, the handle pokes out over the ring and the lid will not come fully down. On an XL or a Big Joe, with a grate of roughly 61 cm, it fits with room to spare. On a MiniMax or a Joe Jr, at 33-34 cm, it makes no sense. And for the silicone handle the listing gives no tolerated temperature: with the lid closed it sits inside the chamber, so do not assume it survives a very hot fire.

Care is simple, which is the point of enamel: the listing says it cleans easily by hand and is dishwasher safe, although with enamelled iron it is wise to wash by hand and never cool a hot pan in cold water. In exchange, it is heavy and bulky: at 4-5 kg and 51.5 cm long it needs gloves and both hands. Its 4.3 out of 5 rests on 126 reviews, decent backing but not a huge one. This is not a hands-on test: this assessment comes from reading the listing and from technical judgement.