We often consider the cut of the meat piece as the most important factor for a good steak. But there are several other contributors who play equally important roles in the process, such as the cookware you’re using. The best steak pans will retain the juice perfectly and help you achieve the preferred doneness level without any trouble.
You will want to go for a pan that has deep troughs and tall peaks. These are the ones that will help you achieve excellent char marks. In addition, they will allow the fat and oil to be separated from the meat and render into the base. This will make sure that your food doesn’t cook directly in the fat. Note that the shallower the grooves, the fainter the char marks, and the greasier the end result. Besides, the material of the cookware will also determine how the steak turns out. We will discuss all these critical factors in our article and review some of the most efficient steak pans in the market. Choose your steak pan wisely.
Best Pick
The Lodge L8SK3 Cast Steak Pan is known for its efficient pre-seasoned cast iron skillet measures 10.25 inches in diameter. It is excellent in heat retention and provides even temperature throughout the pan surface. The steak pan comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, so you will not have to go through the trouble before cooking. All in all, it makes a fantastic product, serving home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Budget Pick
This 12.5 inches steak pan by Utopia is as excellent at functionality as it is affordable in price. It is made of cast iron and offers superior heat retention features. It is pre-seasoned in the factory but will perform better if you season it with vegetable oil before cooking. Designed for versatile cooking, the steak pan will provide you with great value for money.
Quick Comparison: Top 15 Steak Pans in 2021
| Product Name | Material | Size | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge L8SK3 Cast Steak Pan | Cast Iron | 10.25 inches | A+ |
| Utopia Pre-Seasoned Steak Pan | Cast Iron | 12.5 inches | A+ |
| Lodge 17L8SGP3 Steak Pan | Cast Iron | 10.5 inches | A |
| Victoria Square Steak Pan | Cast Iron | 10.75 inches | A+ |
| MasterPan Steak Pan | Cast aluminum | 8 inches | A |
| Cooks Standard Nonstick Steak Pan | Hard-Anodized Aluminum | 11 inches | A- |
| Rachel Ray Brights Square Steak Pan | Hard-Anodized | 11 inches | A |
| All-Clad E7954064 Steak Pan | Aluminum | 11 inches | A |
| Cuisinel Steak Pan | Aluminum | 10.5 inches | B+ |
| T-Fal E83407 Steak Pan | Cast iron | 12 inches | A- |
| Backcountry Steak Pan | Cast iron | 10 inches | A |
| Cooksmark 1151012 Steak pan | Cast iron | 10 inches | B+ |
| Caannasweis Griddle Steak Pan | Aluminum | 11 inches | B |
| Le Creuset Enameled Steak Pan | Granite | 10.25 inches | B+ |
| Calphalon 1876982 Steak Pan | Cast Iron | 11 inches | B |
Lodge L8SK3 Cast Steak Pan boasts quality that has been uncontested for decades. It is made in the USA and has won a name for itself all over the world. It is made of cast iron and pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. It is round in shape and comes in a diameter of 10.25 inches. With the incredible heat retention and uniform heat distribution, the pan shows promise in the kitchen.
The steak pan can withstand a high temperature without releasing any toxic elements into your food because it is brutally tough in its build.
Moreover, it is a highly versatile product equipped to cook steak, sear, saute, broil, fry, bake, and so much more. Professional chefs admire it for its heavy-duty performance. When well taken care of, the steak pan can serve you for years on end without any hitch.
Caring for this steak pan is also relatively easy. Cast iron pan needs to be washed by hand with mild to no soap. Use lukewarm water in the cleaning process. Then dry thoroughly with a paper towel or a cloth. Once it’s dry, rub the pan with a bit of vegetable oil, preferably while it’s still a little warm.
Highlighted Features:
This ready-to-use, factory seasoned steak pan by Utopia stands as a class of its own. On top of that, the 12.5 inches pan surface is enough to cook as many as 3 steaks at a time, saving a ton of your time and effort in the kitchen. So it makes a wonderful pick if you’re preparing food for your friends and family.
Its heavy base allows uniform heat distribution. So your steak is not likely to burn or be overcooked in some parts while remaining undercooked in others.
Another great feature it brings to the table is its wonderful heat retention. So not only will it cook your food perfectly at high temperatures, but it is also designed to keep the steak warm for a long time. And if you’re like us and hate the idea of cold steak, then this is just the product for you.
It comes seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, which sends all your health worries out of the window. And its factory seasoning is equivalent to 10-15 seasonings at home. So the product can be used straight out of the box. However, to maintain the consistency of its performance, make sure to season it with vegetable oil every once in a while.
Highlighted Features:
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan is another top-notch cast iron option for people shopping on a budget. Don’t be fooled by the price, this Cast Iron Pan still provides an awesome cook for your steak.
This 10.5” square-shaped pan’s most notable feature is its grill ribs that help to lift up the steak. When cooked at a high heat, these ribs give off excellent char marks that help to add flavor to your steak.
This Lodge Pan is versatile in that it can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or even over your campfire. It also comes pre-seasoned so that you’ll get that flavorful first cook. People love that this pan is very easy to clean as it needs to be washed by hand only using mild soap and that’s it!
Highlighted Features:
Victoria Square Steak Pan checks all the boxes to claim its position in our list of the best steak pans. It’s a complete package both in design and performance. The steak pan comes with grills on its surface, which will leave fine char marks on your steak. The square grill measures 10.25 inches in both length and breadth, equipped to cook two to three steaks at a time.
The pan has excellent heat retention. It can hold heat for as long as 15 minutes, keeping your food warm and delicious for longer than most of its competitors.
Moreover, it features a curved and long handle that ensures a secure grip. It is suitable for cooking on a stovetop, oven, induction, ceramic, and even campfire. This universal compatibility further enhances its appeal among users around the world.
In addition, the steak pan comes boasts ready-to-use seasoning with a 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil coat. This natural coating is healthy both for you and the pan. It has been praised by professionals and chefs worldwide. You can use the pan right out of the box. However, to enhance durability, you will need to season it from time to time.
Highlighted Features:
The MasterPan Non-Stick Grill Pan uses a 100% die cast aluminum construction to evenly cook your meats. Pans made of die cast aluminum are extremely sturdy and won’t cause your pan to warp.
It’s also a fantastic heat conductor that will ensure your meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly so that there are no cold spots. This high-quality pan is non-stick and stain resistant as well so that your leftover bits won’t stain this pan over time.
It uses a double layer non-stick coating that allows food to easily slide off the pan. It requires you to use less oil while cooking and it cooks fast and evenly. This pan comes in a great size with plenty of cooking surface space. It is oven safe as well however, it only can withstand a maximum of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
A neat feature of this grill pan is that its wooden handle can conveniently fold which enables you to save space storing it away after.
Highlighted Features:
The Cooks Standard Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan is a durable grill pan that will deliver an amazing cook on your meats. Its anodized nonstick surface is harder than stainless steel and uses a heavy-gauge aluminum body to ensure that meats are evenly and thoroughly cooked through.
This Square Grill Pan measures out to 11” by 11” and has rounded corners for a smooth finish. People love that they don’t need a lot of oil or fat to cook their meat in this pan because of its nonstick surface. It also comes with a stainless steel handle that is comfortable to hold.
Cleaning this grill pan is a breeze too. Although hand-washing it is recommended for better longevity, it also is dishwasher safe, which is great news for busy families. It’s oven-safe as well if you want to finish off cooking your steak or chicken in the oven.
The overwhelming majority of people love this grill pan and negative comments are hard to find..
Highlighted Features:
Celebrity chef Rachel Ray brings her talents to the cookware industry by offering her Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Griddle Grill. Like most grill pans, this one is also very durable and provides an even heating of your meats.
This square-shaped grill features some unique details. Starting with its grill ridges, it offers you four different squares within the grill to cook your meats. The grill ridges are different in that they are divided into four sections and are diagonally-facing instead of the ridges just encompassing the entire grill and running in one direction.
Another distinct feature is its bright-orange handle that is wrapped in silicone to make it easier to grip and hold. You can easily transport this grill pan to the oven where it is oven safe up to a maximum temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
People really enjoy using this grill pan because of its durability and the sections with which you can cook your meats. There is plenty of cooking surface space and it is very easy to clean after using it. Simply clean it by hand or place it in the dishwasher for convenience.
Highlighted Features:
8. All-Clad E7954064 Steak Pan
The All-Clad Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill is a spacious square grill pan that works efficiently at cooking your steak. You’ll get plenty of cooking space with this 11-inch pan that can fit and cook lots of different meats on it simultaneously.
This Anodized Square Grill features a scratch-resistant surface and a nonstick coating that allows your meat to cook without sticking to the surface. It has grill ridges to help raise your steak while cooking it to leave it with some beautiful and tasty char grill marks. And because of its anodized aluminum build, you can expect a very fast and even cooking of your steak.
If you want to finish off cooking your steak in the oven, you can do so up to a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The pan has a contoured stainless steel handle that is comfortable and easy to hold. Once you’re done cooking your steak, cleanup is easy as it’s recommended to wash it by hand but you can also use the dishwasher.
Highlighted Features:
Cuisinel Steak Pan sells a lot of promise with its highly functional and equally stylish product. The pan is square in shape and has a diameter of 10.5 inches. It is big enough if you’re catering to two to three people. It is also effortless to sear meat on this pan surface. The griddles on the surface also leave excellent char marks. You can expect a beautiful crust as an end result.
The product is highly versatile, and the possibilities are endless with this one. You can use it for cooking steaks, vegetables, grill, saute, and so much more.
Its super seasoned surface is even equipped for cooking foods such as burgers and fish feels. In addition, the base of the pan has great heat distribution. You can expect uniform heat throughout the pan, with minimal risk of burning or overcooking. It can also hold the heat for as long as fifteen minutes, providing wonderful heat retention.
However, note that the product is not safe for dishwashers and air dryers. So you’ll have to hand wash them with some detergent and warm water. Afterward, dry it on the stove with medium heat; use some vegetable oil for seasoning. Frequent seasoning will improve the pan’s durability, and it can serve you for years to come.
Highlighted Features:
10. T-Fal E83407 Steak Pan
The T-fal Pre-Seasoned Nonstick Durable Cast Iron Skillet is simply the best steak pan to cook your steak in. Let’s start with its beautiful cast iron design that is quite honestly, the best type of pan you can cook your steak in because of its great heat retention.
This T-fal Cast Iron Skillet does an excellent job at heating your steak evenly and gives off an amazing sear. You can finish off your steak in the oven in this skillet as it can withstand up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit of heat.
People also love this skillet because it comes pre-seasoned for the first use. To maintain a seasoned use, it also comes with step-by-step instructions to do so. The more you cook using this skillet, the more this skillet will become seasoned to perfection too.
Users of this skillet also love its large size and extra-long handle so that your hand never gets too close to the skillet.
Highlighted Features:
Backcountry Steak Pan secures its spot on our list with great performance, design, and ease of use. It is a heavy cast iron pan that is cheaper than many of its competitors with illustrious offerings. We have always found the features of this product to be of high quality. It comes with a heavy cast iron base that provides wonderful heat retention and even cooking. All your steaks will cook uniformly, without catching any hot spots.
In addition, the pan is pre-seasoned with vegetable oil. It also has a non-stick coating on its surface. There are griddles on top of the pan, which separates the steak from oil and other fat content.
It quickly drains the grease. This is as healthy as it gets. Moreover, the pan features pouring spouts to help you drain out any oil or food content after cooking. This makes cleaning very easy.
The pan is equipped for multiple purposes. Aside from cooking steak, you can also use it to prepare bacon, all cuts of meat, vegetables, and more. The pan measures 10 inches in diameter, and 2 inches in depth. It has a usable cookware surface measuring 8.5 inches, which gives you enough space to cook a large steak comfortably.
Highlighted Features:
12. Cooksmark 1151012 Steak pan
The COOKSMARK Nonstick Deep Square Grill Pan is a 10-inch non-stick copper grill pan that cooks your steaks to your liking. This grill pan is 100% safe as it is lead and cadmium free.
This COOKSMARK Grill Pan uses a smooth copper coating to cook your steaks. It features grill ribs that raises your steak as you cook it and gives it nice char-grill marks for more flavor. The copper coating allows your food to easily slide off once it’s done cooking and because of this, needs less oil or fat in the pan to cook with.
On top of its design, people love this grill pan because it cooks their steaks quickly and evenly. That’s because this grill pan features an aluminum core that helps to cook the food faster and more consistently. This grill pan is also safe in the oven and is able to withstand heating temperatures of up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since this grill pan uses a copper and aluminum build as opposed to cast iron, it is noticeably lighter and only weighs 2 pounds.
Highlighted Features:
13. Caannasweis Griddle Steak Pan
The last type of pan cooking surface is a stone coating and that’s what you get with the Caannasweis Griddle Pan. This stone pan is lead and cadmium free and offers a non-stick coating.
This griddle pan is on the smaller side at only 9.5 inches but cooking on it is a joy. The stone coating is made high-quality aluminum alloy material and this produces a fast heat transfer for a quick steak cook.
Not only does this cook steaks well, it’s very versatile in that it can cook other things too including eggs, pancakes, potatoes, and burgers, to name a few. As great as this griddle pan is, it is not oven safe, so do not make that mistake!
Highlighted Features:
There’s plenty to like about the Le Creuset Enameled Steak Pan. It is slick in design, crafted to fit right into modern kitchens. Its non-stick coating is free of any toxic elements and PFOA. The even heating enameled cast also ensures that there aren’t any hotspots on the surface, the meat cooks evenly throughout.
The pan comes in a beautiful black and orange finish, making it an elegant addition to your kitchen. The pan features a long handle supported by a helper handle on the opposite side, both in polished orange finish.
These strong iron handles are designed to provide secure grips, ensuring the safety of the cook. The exterior is enameled as well. It prevents any sort of cracking or chipping in the pan. The pan is truly designed to serve you for years.
In addition, the pan comes with ridges that are tall enough to separate any oil or greasy content from the meat. So you’ll be able to cook low-fat steaks. It’s the best way to indulge in a guilt-free plate. After you’re done cooking, simply put it in the dishwasher and the pan will be clean as new.
Highlighted Features:
If you’re looking for something to cook your steak with fine char lines, then this wonderful offering by Calphalon might be the right pick for you. It is made of hard-anodized aluminum, with a fine non-stick coat on the top, ensuring quick release and low-fat cooking. It is also designed for durability, promising to serve you for years to come.
The pan surface comes with three layers of non-stick coating, of which two layers provide durability and the third layer ensures quick release.
This enhances the product’s appeal among users who are looking for something that is low maintenance. In addition, the product comes with a long and brushed stainless steel handle that ensures a secure grip. This steak pan is safe to go into the oven and grills, making it a suitable unit for cooking gourmet dishes.
We were left thoroughly impressed with this steak pan. On the downside, it will not last as long as its cast-iron competitors. The base is also thinner than cast iron products, which reduces heat retention and uniform heat distribution.
Highlighted Features:
Things to Consider Before Buying a Steak Pan
Material Used
Material has a tremendous influence on cookware, and steak pans are no exception. It determines the weight and heat retention of a pan, its performance, durability, and much more. Each material comes with its own list of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular materials for steak pans.
- Cast iron
You might notice that most of the steak pans on our list are made of cast iron. It is one of the best materials for the job. They do excellent work in searing steaks and cooking them thoroughly. Moreover, cast iron can withstand high temperatures for a long time without releasing any harmful fumes or warping the cooking surface. Iron being one of the best heat conductors, these cast iron pans provide incredible heat retention and heat distribution capabilities.
On the downside, cast iron steak pans will need to be seasoned before you cook every time. While some pans come pre-seasoned from the manufacturers, seasoning them again improves durability and performance. It will also improve the non-stick coat with time. In addition, keep in mind that cast iron pans are heavier than most of their competitors and stand at a higher price point.
- Aluminum
Another good material for steak pans is aluminum. They typically come with a non-stick coating and a thick base, which allows excellent heat retention. It also offers highly durable professional-grade surfaces that are designed to serve you for years on end. Moreover, the thick material also holds heat nicely, allowing you to make nice steaks for your family right at home.
- Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a lot lighter and thinner than cast iron and provides equally well searing ability. However, its heat retention is moderate. The pan will heat up fast, but it will also cool down pretty fast. Like cast iron steak pans, carbon steel pans will also need to be seasoned before cooking. This is done to increase their durability and protect them from rusting.
Heat Distribution
Steak enthusiasts know that a good steak cooks evenly on all sides. And the best steak pans will ensure that there is uniform heat distribution in the pan. It will eliminate any hot spot on the surface, allowing some parts to be overcooked while others remain undercooked. Meat that remains undercooked or raw on some parts is hard to chew through and unsafe for consumption. So make sure that the pan you’re using offers uniform heat distribution and longer heat retention. This will not only cook the steak perfectly but also keep it in perfect condition for a while.
Grill Ridges
Not every steak pan comes with grill ridges but for ones that do, they add character and a level of flavor depth to your steaks. Grill ridges are vertical abrasions on the surface of the steak pan.
When you cook a steak on it, it is raised and sits on these ridges and if you cook it long and hot enough, these ridges will leave char grill marks on the steak. These char grill marks taste a bit burnt but add excellent flavor to your steaks or other meats.
Size
The size of your steak pan can also influence your decision. Steak pans don’t all come in the same size or the same shape so you’ll need to factor that in your decision making. If you’re cooking for one or two people, you can get away with a steak pan that is smaller in size (9-10 inches).
However, if you’re cooking for a family, you might want to opt for something bigger (10+ inches) because the amount of space on the surface will dictate how many steaks you can cook. Another thing to consider is the weight of the steak pan. Cast iron pans are notorious for being very heavy because of its heavy-duty material and if you plan on transferring it between the stovetop and the oven frequently, you might want a lighter pan.
Oven-Friendly
If you’re one that likes to start cooking in your pan but finishing it off in your oven, you also want to check if your steak pan is oven-friendly. But beyond that, you’re also going to want to specifically check what the maximum temperature you can cook with your steak pan.
Some steak pans have very high heat capacity, even as high as 600 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can only withstand 350 degrees. So, if you plan on cooking at higher temperatures, you definitely should check to see how much heat it can withstand in the oven.
Cleaning
Cleaning your steak pan can sometimes be a chore and it can also be very convenient. If you don’t clean up certain steak pans right away after using it, the bits can get stuck to the surface of the pan and be a bit stubborn to clean off. Even worse, it can damage the surface of your steak pan if it’s not scratch or stain resistant.
For steak pans that have to be cleaned by hand, all it takes is usually warm, soapy water. But, lots of steak pans today are dishwasher-friendly and this can be a huge time-saver for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a griddle pan good for making steak?
While griddle pans are equipped for all kinds of cooking, they are ideal for preparing steak and vegetables. They have raised ridges that leave fine char marks on the steak. These grill marks look not only beautiful but also leave excellent crusts which are rich in flavor. In addition, griddle pans are designed to flash fry steaks and vegetables at a high temperature within a short time.
Which pan will be best for searing meat?
When it comes to searing meat, you should opt for a pan that can withstand extremely high temperatures. Cast iron pans and stainless steel pans are especially good in serving this purpose. This is the primary reason why we chose most of our pans in cast iron material. However, note that pans that come with an enamel coat are not good for searing meat. The coating breaks in a high temperature, and they are likely to release unhealthy elements into your food.
Can you prepare steak in a regular fry pan?
The answer is yes. You can cook steak in a regular pan right out of your kitchen counter. In fact, you can prepare steak in a plain metal piece if the temperature and seasoning are right. Pretty much the only thing that you need is a pan that can withstand the temperature, and you’re good to go. However, the results may not always be as appealing. Not all frying pans are made of a thick base, and the thin ones can lose heat pretty fast. They may also have hot spots that will overcook some parts of the steak and undercook others. And this is enough to ruin your cooking experience as well as appetite. So although you can use any pan for cooking steak, you’d want to get one that’s equipped for this particular cooking technique.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a steak in your home is now easier than ever thanks to steak pans. You don’t need a big, outdoor barbeque grill to cook your steaks, as you can now do it from your own kitchen by using a steak pan.
There are plenty of great steak pans out there that you can choose from. We’ve introduced you to the 10 best steak pans and also the biggest considerations when it comes to choosing one that works for you.
Just know that with any one of our top 10 choices, you really can’t go wrong but be sure you have thought about what you want from a steak pan first before buying one. Everyone’s considerations are different and by thinking everything through, you’ll be happy to buy a steak pan that cooks your steaks perfectly and will last you a very long time.
