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There are more than a few ways to grill at home: a gas-powered or charcoal standard outdoor grill, an electric indoor smokeless grill or simply with a cast iron grill pan. Le Creuset’s skinny grill pan recently got a few upgrades (just in time for grilling season) and is on sale for nearly 50 percent off at Williams Sonoma.

Using a grill pan is arguably the easiest way to grill meats, veggies and fruits, especially if you live in a city and don’t have space for a full-sized barbecue grill. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t require a whole lot of space.

The Le Creuset Cast-Iron Rectangular Skinny Grill Pan is slender and fits over a single burner on the stove. (For safer grilling, you can also place it on top of an outdoor grill, but more on that later.) Its cast iron helps to distribute heat evenly and retains heat for the perfect sear.

Shop: Le Creuset Cast-Iron Rectangular Skinny Grill Pan, $79.99 (Orig. $185)

Plus, it’s Le Creuset, so the cast iron is enameled and it can be placed in the dishwasher. Plus, it comes in a wide range of vivid colors. The standard Le Creuset Cast-Iron Rectangular Skinny Grill Pan is currently on sale for $79.99 (originally $185) at Williams Sonoma. (Note: This one is a final sale item.)

However, in April, Williams Sonoma also came out with an exclusive new version of the skinny grill pan, which adds a few upgrades to the already impressive cookware piece. The new one has solid platform handles for a more secure grip and taller grill ridges to elevate food above drippings, and create more defined grill marks.

Shop: NEW Le Creuset Cast-Iron Rectangular Skinny Grill Pan, $99.95 (Orig. $185)

The latest version is also on sale for $99.95 (originally $185) and comes in 10 different colors. (Note: This one is not a final sale item and can be returned, but we’re betting that you’ll love it.)

Although a grill pan might not give you the same smokey flavor that an outdoor grill can, charred meats aren’t necessarily a good thing. According to research and government reports by the National Institute of Cancer, cooking meat at a high temperature, particularly over an open flame where fat can drip and create smoke, can cause the formation of HCAs (heterocyclic amines) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).

These chemicals have been found to increase the risk of cancer by causing changes in DNA. HCAs are mostly found in meats cooked at high temperatures, while PAHs are often found in smoked foods, cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes.

Of course, other trusted brands besides Le Creuset make grill plans, including Lodge, Staub and Nordic Ware. However, Le Creuset is a favorite amongst chefs (even Julia Child was said to be a fan!), and its grill pan doubles as a serving dish, thanks to its enameled outer coating.

You can use your grill pan to make these grilled honey mustard chicken strips by Damn Delicious, grilled pork tenderloin with chimichurri sauce by Modern Proper or Tuscan steak with marinated cherry tomatoes by Half Baked Harvest. No matter what you cook on your new pan, you know it will be deliciously (and safely) grilled.

If you enjoyed this article, In The Know also rounded up all of The Pioneer Woman’s cookbooks for tasty home cooking.

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