We independently and virtually review, test, research, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Home » Kitchen Cooking » Best pans for steak

Best pans for steak

by Dino Paccino
Last Updated: February 20, 2023

Best Steak Pans Top Picks

1. Editor's Pick - Misen Grill Pan
2. Best Carbon Steel - Made In Blue Carbon Steel Grill Frying Pan
3. Best Budget - ESLITE LIFE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Grill Pan
4. Best Nonstick - Caraway Fry Pan
5. Best Flat Cooking Surface: - HexClad 12" Hybrid Griddle Pan

List of 6 Top Rated Pans for Cooking Steak 2022

1. Misen Grill Pan

Editor’s Pick for the Best Cast Iron Steak Pan

Our top pick for this list is this marvelous Misen grill pan. After all, nothing beats a cast iron pan when it comes to cooking steak. Cast iron pans are ensure even heat distribution and retain it for longer as well. Once your cast iron is fully hot, lay your steak meat on top to hear that delicious sizzle that will create the most crispy, mouthwatering outer layer.

After we tested it in our lab, we noticed that the thick, cast iron core and its state-of-the-art enamel coating ensures that this pan is high-heat friendly and extremely durable. The four separately fired layers of enamel on top of the cast iron makes this pan practically indestructible and leaving deep grill marks on your meats and vegetables.

It is compatible with all stovetops and its wide handles are comfortable to the touch and keep your hold study even when you have oven mitts on.

Pros

This cast iron pan retains ample high temperatures and heat for the perfect deep, dark grill marks. It ensures even cooking for your steak.
Its layers of separately fired enamel on top of the cast iron pan makes it indestructible and resistant to extremely high temperatures.
We tested its sturdy wide handles that were comfy to hold and kept the grip stable.
It can be used to cook the perfect pan seared steak as well as vegetables.
It is more affordable than competitor frying pans and cast iron skillet.

Cons

This cast iron pan is not dishwasher safe and you will have to wash it with hand using soap and warm water.
Like any other cast iron skillet, this pan for steak can be heavy and chunky to carry, especially with food in it.
This cast iron frying pan may not be used to cook other foods like soups, stews, etc.

2. Made In Blue Carbon Steel Grill Frying Pan

Best Carbon Steel Fry Pan for Cooking Steak

Looking for the best of both worlds when it comes to cookware? This Made In carbon steel fry pan is just the treat for you. It is uniquely designed with holes in the bottom for that deep sizzle and burn that leaves behind the perfect grill marks.

This carbon steel pan combines the best of stainless steel and cast iron, but it is also lighter than your average cast iron skillet. It is extremely conductive and we tested its 62 perforations or those bottom holes that allow the flames to make direct contact with your food, leaving it with an ideal sear. This pan is especially great for outside cooking!

It can tolerate heat up to 1200*F and is ultra sleek and super lightweight. After seasoning it prior to use, you can enjoy the perfect steak or grilled veggies.

Pros

This terrific carbon steel frying pan comes with all the benefits of cast iron but is half the weight.
Its 62 perforations allow for the flame to touch your food directly and leave behind a perfect grill mark.
This carbon steel pan can tolerate up to 12oo*F of heat.
It makes grilling outside easy and fun.
This carbon steel pan is made and manufactured in France.

Cons

This frying pan is not dishwasher friendly.
It requires pre-cooking seasoning.
You should avoid cooking with acidic ingredients in this frying pan as it can strip the seasoning off your carbon steel and you will have to re-season it.
This can be a little pricey.

3. ESLITE LIFE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Grill Pan

Best Budget-Friendly Frying Pan for Steak

Steak pans can be extremely expensive, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a budget-friendly, durable option that will give you the same perfect sear like any other expensive frying pan. This ESLITE nonstick grill pan is a fantastic investment for those that want the perfect seared steak on a budget. Though, some think that budget-friendly means poor quality but we carefully tested this pan in our lab and it withstood every test and passed with flying colors!

Its interior is completely coated with high performance nonstick granite coating which makes it easy to cook in with little oil. It is free of PFOA, PTFEs, lead, and cadmium, which makes it extremely healthy for those who are a bit more diet conscious.

This frying pan can be used on all types of stovetops as we tested it and its handles are also heat resistant and easy to grab while even cooking. Enjoy the juiciest steaks perfectly cooked on this heavy duty cast aluminium frying pan that is as good as its competitors but comes with an impressively affordable price tag!

Pros

This steak frying pan is extremely budget-friendly.
It is a nonstick pan that is easy to clean and requires very little fat to cook your food in, thanks to its high performance nonstick granite coated interior.
It is 100% PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium free.
This frying pan is compatible with all stovetops.
This frying pan makes the cooking process easier thanks to its double pour spouts that make it easy to pour out excess oil and help with cleaning.

Cons

You will have to screw on its handle yourself using the tools provided in the box as it is not fit flush.
Some buyers have complained that the small well on the griddle side pools the oil to the center leaving your steaks or other foods dry on the corners.
Some negative reviews state that the food bits may get stuck on the service of the cooking pan

4. Caraway Fry Pan

Best Nonstick Pan to Cook Steak

This stunning Caraway pan isn’t just pretty to look at; it is a fantastic addition to your kitchen and it gives your steaks that perfect sizzle. Thanks to the smooth ceramic coating inside, this pan is the best nonstick variety for searing or cooking your steaks.

After we tested its performance, we were pleased that it requires very little oil or butter to prepare your steaks in and this frying pan does not weigh too much so it is easy to transfer your searing veggies to your plate or other meats as well. Its is also 100% PTFE free and its mineral based coating does not leave behind harmful chemicals glued to your food.

Its nonstick aluminium core construction is super durable and it comes with a stunning stainless steel handle that is easy to hold, comfortable to the touch, and heat resistant. Additionally, this frying pan is oven safe up to 550*F and releases up to 60% less COs compared to traditional nonstick cookware.

Pros

The smooth ceramic interior ensures that your steaks are not stuck to the bottom
It requires very little oil or butter to cook your meats or vegetables in and its lightweight ensures that you can transfer food to your plate with ease.
It is free of PTFEs and other toxic metals and chemicals
This pan can also be used in the oven up to 550*F.
It released up to 60% less CO2 compared to most nonstick coatings.
This pan can be used to cook steaks on all types of cooktops.

Cons

Some users have complained that it requires more oil than otherwise advertised to cook steaks and keep them from gluing to the bottom.
Black marks left from burnt food may be hard to clean without peeling the inside coating off.
This pan can be expensive.

5. HexClad 12" Hybrid Griddle Pan

Best Flat Cooking Surface Pan for Steaks

The smooth, flat bottomed Hexclad hybrid griddle pan provides ample cooking surface for even two steaks at a time. It is comes with the special Hexclad patented hexagon design that is created through a laser etching process giving you all the benefits of a stainless steel pan and a nonstick surface.

You only need to use little oil or butter to cook your steaks in. It is also 100% PFOA free and can also be popped in your oven up to 500*F. Be it a stove top or an induction range, you can use this frying pan for searing steaks with ease. It is extremely easy to clean and completely scratch resistant so don’t be afraid to use your metal utensils when cooking your steaks on this pan.

This grill pan is built to last thanks to its try-ply construction with the first and third layers as stainless steel that help keep it nonstick, while the aluminum in between the layers perfectly conducts heat and distributes it evenly.

Pros

This stainless steel pan with a flat bottom provides ample cooking space for multiple steaks and vegetables.
It features the patented Hexclad hexagon design that allows you the benefits of stainless steel as well as nonstick surfaces.
This frying pan is oven safe and can be used on all stovetops.
It is dishwasher friendly and can even be scrubbed with a scorching and steel wool pad.
You can use metal utensils on this frying pan without fearing scratches.
It is completely PFOA free.
Hexclad offers a lifetime warranty for this pan.

Cons

Some users have mentioned that its nonstick surface can stain easily when cooking with ingredients such as turmeric which may leave behind its color.
There are some negative reviews about its uneven heat distribution.
Its bottom may not be 100% flat and the oil may pool toward the outer edges of the pan.
This pan is quite expensive

6. Sardel 12.5" Carbon Steel Skillet

Best Spacious Frying Pan for Steak

Cooking steaks for the family? This carbon steel Sardel pan features a 12.5″ diameter that allows you to cook multiple steaks at the same time and still leaves some room to heat up or cook your vegetables. As it is a carbon steel pan, it combines the best features of cast iron and stainless steel, but unlike cast iron, it is not chunky or heavy and is easy to clean and maintain.

As you season it, this pan will develop a slick nonstick coating and a slightly darker color the more you cook with it. This helps retain the heat and gives your meat the perfect sear.

It is compatible with all stovetops and thanks to its light weight, you can transfer the food to the plate with ease.

Pros

This pan provides ample cooking surface area to prepare multiple steaks and vegetables for the family.
It's carbon steel design combines the best features of cast iron and stainless steel, but unlike cast iron, it is extremely lightweight and just as durable.
This frying pan is compatible with all cooktops
It is naturally nonstick and only has to be seasoned once.
This pan for steak also features easy to grip handles.

Cons

This carbon steel pan requires pre-seasoning before your start cooking your steaks in it
It is not dishwasher safe, so you will have to wash it with warm water and avoid non-scratch pads
It can be a little pricey.

Factors to Consider When Buying Best Pans for Grilled Steak

Before you purchase your very own steak pan, take the time to consider some important factors that will help you make the most of your steak grill pans. After all, these can be pricey so you want one that suits your stovetop and cooking needs.

Material

The best type of pan to use when cooking steaks is cast iron due to its thick bottom surface and the ability to heat up quickly while also retaining the heat for a longer period of time. This allows for the perfect sear. You can also get carbon steel pans that combine the best of stainless steel and cast iron, but are lightweight and naturally nonstick. Cooking steaks is also possible in ceramic-mineral based pans and some nonstick options, but whichever you buy, just make sure that its bottom is stable and thick enough to sear a steak and not burn it.

Price

It goes without saying that before you purchase your steak pan, make sure that you have checked its price point. If you are on a budget, you may want to look at more affordable brands and options that provide similar benefits to more expensive competitors. A heavy duty carbon steel or cast iron steak frying pan can be pricey but there are several cheaper alternatives that you can pick instead.

Stove Type

It is important to check what type of stove or cooktop you use at home before you buy your steak pan. Induction stoves are more and more common these days but they also require certain ferrous metal pans that can conduct heat from the stove. Therefore, before you purchase your pan, make sure that it is compatible with whichever stove type you have installed at home.

Size

If you are cooking for family or if you like certain larger steak cuts, be sure to purchase a pan that can actually fit your delicious steak in. Some smaller varieties can either only fit one size or a single steak, while others feature a larger diameter and can fit multiple large steaks inside.

FAQs about the Best Pans for Cooking Steak

Whats the best pan to prepare a steak in?

The best pan to prepare a steak in is undoubtedly cast iron pans. This is because of their thick, indestructible make that allows for excellent heat retention and heat distribution. It can reach very high temperatures without smoking up the whole house and it is also very durable, making it a top choice for searing and preparing steaks in.

Can I cook steak in a regular frying pan?

Yes, you can cook your steaks in a regular frying pan if you do not have a grill pan available. You can use a cut of 1″ steak for best results when cooking in a regular pan. Make sure you heat your meat on each side for 3-6 minutes for a good sear.

Can I cook steak in a non stick pan?

Yes, you can cook steak in a non stick pan but it is not advisable. For the ideal sear, steaks should be cooked on a preheated pan that is set on high. Unfortunately, nonstick pans may get damaged at such high temperatures and their Teflon coating may begin to wither when reaching temperature up to or higher than 570*F.

Is cast iron better for searing?

Yes, cast iron is better than all other options for searing as it retains heat perfectly and can tolerate high temperatures which makes it ideal for searing.

Our Recommendation

Our top choice for the best pans for cooking steak is the Misen Grill Pan. This cast iron pan is an all-rounder thanks to its excellent build that is indestructible and can survive extremely high heat, making it an ideal choice for steaks.

Our second pick for this list is the Made In Blue Carbon Steel Grill Frying Pan which is a top carbon steel choice and combines the best of stainless steel pans and cast iron. But, unlike cast iron, it is lightweight and easy to carry and maintain.

Finally, our third best choice is the ESLITE LIFE 9.5 Inch Nonstick Grill Pan as it provides eco-friendly, PFOA-free cooking surface and comes under an incredibly affordable price tag

Why Trust Kitchen Infinity?

Our writers and reviewers thoroughly research every aspect of kitchen appliances or home improvement products so you can make a well-informed decision when investing in these products. We evaluate top quality products from several brands within budget friendly price ranges and contrast consumer reviews, surveys, satisfaction forms, brand performance, and annual appliance rankings. We go to great lengths to ensure that your next buy is worth every penny!

Dino Paccino

Dino is a lifelong writer and home improvement specialist. He enjoys bringing cutting-edge information on home renovation and remodeling to Kitchen Infinity.