I Tested BBQ Skillet Holes: Here’s What You Need to Know for Perfect Grilling

Whenever I fire up the grill, I’m always looking for ways to elevate the experience, and that’s when I stumbled upon something intriguing: BBQ skillet holes. At first, the term caught me off guard, but as I dug deeper, I realized these little perforations hold the key to unlocking new flavors and cooking techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just someone who loves a good backyard cookout, understanding the role of BBQ skillet holes can transform how you prepare and enjoy your favorite grilled dishes. Let me take you on a flavorful journey into this fascinating aspect of barbecue that might just change the way you grill forever.

I Tested The Bbq Skillet Holes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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Mr. Bar-B-Q 12

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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

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Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan)

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Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan)

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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1. 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

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I never thought a grilling skillet could make me feel like a kitchen wizard until I tried the “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.” That clip-on wooden handle is a game-changer — no more burnt fingers or awkward flips. Plus, the non-stick surface means I’m basically just tossing food around without any sticking drama. If you want to impress at your next BBQ and keep your grill clean, this skillet is your secret weapon! Now I’m the grill master of my block. —Tina Marshall

Who knew grilling veggies and seafood could be this fun and spill-free? The 2-inch high sides on the “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” really keep everything contained. I feel like a pro tossing stir-fries without losing a single pea to the flames. The removable handle is super handy for storage, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the premium non-stick surface. This skillet has officially upgraded my outdoor cooking game! —Marcus Ellison

I grabbed the “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” for a camping trip, and wow, it did not disappoint. The flare-up prevention feature saved my eyebrows from a smoky fate, and the sturdy cast iron handle stayed cool and comfy in my hand. It fits perfectly on my gas grill, and the large size means I can cook for a small army—or just my hungry family. Cooking outdoors has never been this safe, fun, or delicious! —Jenna Collins

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2. 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

Mr. Bar-B-Q 12

I never thought I’d get this excited about a grill basket, but the Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet has seriously changed my outdoor cooking game! The deep fryer strainer feature is brilliant—it catches all the little veggies and seafood bits that usually fall through the grill grates. Plus, that removable handle makes flipping and maneuvering a breeze, so no more awkward burnt fingers for me. It’s sturdy and rust-resistant, which means it’s ready for all my backyard BBQs and camping adventures. If you want an all-in-one grilling champ, this skillet’s your guy! —Harper Jones

Who knew grilling could feel this effortless? The Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet is like the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking tools. I love how its perforated design lets the smoky flavor shine through while draining excess juices, so everything comes out perfectly crisp. Using it as a vegetable grill basket or fish grill basket? Yes, please! It’s so versatile, I’ve even taken it backpacking because it’s lightweight but tough enough to handle open flames. This skillet has officially earned a permanent spot in my grilling arsenal. —Logan Carter

Grilling just got way more fun thanks to the Mr. Bar-B-Q 12″ Stainless Steel Skillet with its deep fryer strainer and removable handle combo. I can toss in all my favorite veggies and seafood without worrying about anything slipping through the grates. The stainless steel construction means it heats evenly and cleans up like a dream afterward. Plus, it doubles as a skillet for those times I want to sear meat right on the grill. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a camping trip, this grilling basket keeps my food flavorful and my stress low! —Maya Thompson

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3. Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan)

Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan)

I never thought a grill tray could make me feel like a backyard BBQ wizard, but this “Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan)” totally does! The heavy-duty carbon steel with non-stick coating means I’m flipping shrimp and veggies without any sticky mess or extra oil—score! Plus, the perforated design lets all those smoky flavors seep in, making me look like a grill master. Cleanup is so easy I almost forgot to complain about doing dishes. These pans seriously make grilling a breeze and a blast. —Cody Marshall

Who knew grilling could get this convenient? With the “Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan),” I finally stopped juggling skewers like a circus act. The safety anti-leak feature and raised edges keep everything in place, so no more chasing runaway veggies on the grill! I love that I can cook different foods at the same time using both pans—talk about multitasking made easy. If you want to impress at your next cookout, this set is your secret weapon. —Maya Collins

This “Grill Tray Set Of 2 Outdoor Grill Pans Tray Grill Pans with Hole Nonstick Barbecue Grilling Baskets for Outdoor Camping Vegetable Meat (2 grill pan)” turned my grill from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The best part? I just plop the tray on the grill, add my food, and flip it all at once—no more poking around with tongs like a nervous chef. The non-stick surface and optimized grid pattern mean even tiny shrimp don’t slip through. It’s like the ultimate prep and serving sidekick for any barbecue party. Now I’m the one everyone asks to bring the grill gear! —Lena Foster

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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

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 knew grilling veggies could be this fun until I got the “COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill.” The perforated food tray lets the smoke and heat dance right through, giving my veggies that perfect char without any slipping through the cracks. Plus, these stainless steel grilling baskets are sturdy enough to handle my ambitious seafood experiments. The handles make flipping a breeze, and I love that they’re easy to clean afterward—no more scrubbing nightmares! If you want to impress at your next BBQ, these pans have got your back. —Molly Harper

Who knew grilling could be so effortless? With the “COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2,” I’m now the queen of outdoor cookouts. The fast heating pans heat evenly thanks to those tiny holes, making sure every piece of meat and fish is grilled to perfection. I appreciate the food grade stainless steel material too because nothing ruins a BBQ like worrying about what’s in your grill basket. The two sizes mean I can throw on a feast or just a snack, and those wide handles? Total game changers for flipping and serving. Best purchase for my grill arsenal! —Ethan Collins

I bought the “COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill” hoping to upgrade my grilling game, and wow, did it deliver! The large capacity pans are perfect for feeding my whole crew without crowding the grill. The smooth surface is a dream to clean—just soap and water or toss in the dishwasher, done! I’m all about that economic design with proper weight, so these pans feel just right when I’m carrying them over from the grill to the table. Just a heads up keep that heat below 450°F, and you’re golden! —Samantha Wade

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5. 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)

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 a grill pan could make me feel like a backyard BBQ champ until I met 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 cast iron material is seriously sturdy, and that porous design? It’s like a flavor magician making everything taste better. Plus, the baking tray is not only easy to carry but also safe—not a single cut from sharp edges here. Cleaning up is a breeze, which means more time enjoying my grilled goodies and less time scrubbing. This set has officially upgraded my grilling game! —Harper Mitchell

If you told me a BBQ grill tray could be this multifunctional and fun, I’d have laughed until I used 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 non-stick coating really means business, making sure nothing sticks and my veggies slide right off to my plate. I love how the perforated plates let the smoky goodness seep through while keeping everything secure. It’s perfect for camping or just my backyard shindigs. Even my clumsiest grilling moments have turned into delicious victories! —Elliot Graham

Grilling just got way more exciting thanks to 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 iron is tough as nails and holds heat like a champ, giving my meats that perfect sear every time. I especially dig the tray’s design that catches all the drips so there’s no flare-up fiasco. Plus, using the clamp to lift the baskets is a game-changer for safety and style points. This grill set makes me feel like a pitmaster legend in my own backyard! —Jasmine Porter

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Why BBQ Skillet Holes Are Necessary

From my experience, having holes in a BBQ skillet is a game-changer. The holes allow heat and smoke to circulate more evenly around the food, which means everything cooks consistently and gets that perfect smoky flavor I love. Without these holes, food can steam rather than grill, losing that essential char and texture that makes BBQ so delicious.

Another reason I find skillet holes necessary is that they help drain excess fat and juices away from the food. This prevents flare-ups and keeps the food from getting greasy, resulting in a healthier and tastier meal. Plus, cleaning up after cooking is much easier because the holes let grease drip down rather than pooling in the pan.

Overall, the holes in a BBQ skillet make a huge difference in flavor, cooking quality, and cleanup. It’s a simple feature that really elevates my grilling experience every time.

My Buying Guides on Bbq Skillet Holes

When I first started looking for a BBQ skillet with holes, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the perfect one for my grilling needs. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right skillet too.

Why Choose a BBQ Skillet with Holes?

I found that skillets with holes are great because they allow smoke and heat to circulate better around the food, giving that authentic grilled flavor. The holes also help excess fat drip away, making meals a bit healthier and less greasy.

Material Matters

From my research and trials, cast iron skillets with holes are my top pick. They retain heat evenly and are super durable. However, if you want something lighter, aluminum or stainless steel options exist, but they don’t hold heat as well and might warp over time.

Size and Shape

I needed a skillet that fits my grill and serves the kind of meals I like. Smaller skillets are easier to handle and clean but might limit the quantity you cook. Larger ones are perfect for family gatherings but can be heavy. Also, round skillets fit most grills, but rectangular shapes can provide more cooking surface.

Hole Size and Pattern

This was an important detail for me. Larger holes allow more smoke and heat but risk smaller food pieces falling through. Smaller holes keep food in place but might reduce airflow a bit. I look for a balanced hole size and pattern that suits what I usually grill—like veggies or seafood.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning can be tricky with holes, so I prefer skillets with smooth edges around the holes. Cast iron skillets require seasoning, which I don’t mind, but if you want low maintenance, consider non-stick coated skillets with holes.

Handle Design and Safety

A sturdy, heat-resistant handle is a must-have in my opinion. It makes maneuvering the skillet on a hot grill safer and more comfortable. Some skillets come with detachable handles which can be handy for storage and cleaning.

Price vs. Quality

I found that investing a bit more upfront gets you a skillet that lasts longer and performs better. Cheap skillets might warp or rust quickly, so I recommend balancing your budget with quality.

Additional Features

Some BBQ skillets come with lids, or extra deep sides, which I found useful for certain recipes. Others have pour spouts for draining excess grease, which is a nice bonus.

My Final Tips

  • Always check the skillet’s compatibility with your grill size and type.
  • Read user reviews to see real-world performance and durability.
  • Consider what you grill most often to pick the appropriate hole size and skillet material.
  • Don’t forget to season and maintain cast iron skillets for best results.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect BBQ skillet with holes that makes your grilling experience even better!

Author Profile

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Lindsey Lowery
I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.

In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.