10 Best Pans For Cooking Steak – Top Picks

Every steak pan we have mentioned is tried and tested to ensure it is good and reliable to make perfect steaks. You can choose from any of these pans for steaking based on multiple options and requirements.

Best Pan For Steak
Best Pan For Steak (TheLadyChef)

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Tested and Approved: The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is the best pan for steaks as it offers the best features in terms of durability, affordability, and cast iron build. As for performance, the pan delivered impressive results in cooking steak with excellent browning thanks to its excellent cast iron that ensures even heat distribution.

The sear marks on steaks, vegetables, and sandwiches not just make them catchy, but also delicious. You don’t even need a large quantity of oil as most steak pans are already pre-seasoned or have a nonstick coating that doesn’t require oil. If you live alone or have a small family, you can check out one of the best round griddle pans for steak, as it will accommodate all your requirements, and you will also be able to cook various dishes in it, including eggs, and pancakes.

To help you choose the ideal steak pan, we have some excellent performing cast iron and aluminum pans for cooking steak. For a smooth cooking experience in your kitchen, you can also look at these infrared cooktops we’ve tested.

10 Best Pans For Steak – At A Glance

  1. Best Cast Iron: Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
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  2. Best Stainless Steel: All-Clad BD55110 D5
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  3. Best Compact: Jim Beam JB0159
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  4. Best Design: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  5. Best Griddle Pan: Rachael Ray Griddle Pan
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  6. Best Grill Pan: GOURMEX Toughpan Induction Grill Pan
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  7. Best Nonstick: MasterPan Nonstick Grill Pan
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  8. Best Eco-Friendly: Cuisinart GG30-20
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  9. Best Large: Calphalon Square Grill Pan
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon
  10. Best Budget: Cooks Standard Square Grill Pan
    Read ReviewBuy at Amazon

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Best cast iron pan for browning meat

Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle
Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

Specifications

  • Model: Pre-seasoned Cast iron
  • Material: Cast Iron
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 16.12” x 10.68” x 2”
  • Brand: Lodge
  • Diameter: 10.25 inches

What We Like

  • Firm handle
  • Multiple uses
  • Healthy Pre-seasoning
  • Retains heat

What We Don’t Like

  • Comparatively heavy

The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet deserves to be on the top of our list due to its unparalleled cooking ability. With a diameter of 10.25 inches, it is an easy-to-use steak pan for all individuals. You’ll love this pre-seasoned steak pan as the cast iron ensures even heating while cooking so that no parts of the steak are left uncooked or undercooked. Moreover, its excellent heat retention ensures that your food remains hot and fresh even after turning off the flame.

The assist black handle, which has a firm non-slip grip on the side of the steak pan, gives easier access while dishing out hot food or taking out freshly baked food from the oven. This steak is not only limited to the stove but can also be used to cook food in the oven, over the campfire, and on the outdoor grill.

Overall, this is the best cast iron pan for steak I’ve come across as it provides multiple uses such as sautéing, frying, and grilling food, has been pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, and works great with induction cooktops.

You can also buy this pan at Walmart

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All-Clad BD55110 D5

Best Stainless Steel Frying Pan for Steak

All-Clad BD55110 D5
All-Clad BD55110 D5

Specifications

  • Model: BD55110 D5
  • Material: 18-10 Steel
  • Color: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 18.3” x 10.5” x 4.5”
  • Brand: All-Clad

What We Like

  • Wide flat base
  • Highly polished
  • Safe fry pan
  • Oven safe

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited warranty provided

With a heavy-duty build, this All-Clad steak pan helps fulfill all your cravings in the comfort of your home. Featuring a spacious, broad flat base and a low-profile shape this 10-inch steak pan gives enough space to place steak pieces conveniently. The 5-ply construction has alternate layers of stainless steel, making it ideal for even heating throughout the cooking duration.

Being one of the best stainless steel pans for steak, it has a highly polished surface that offers superior nonstick to deliver easy maintenance and does not react with food. Even though the heat-resistant handle remains cool during a regular grilling session, it gets quite hot to touch after a few minutes of cooking.

You can use this All-Clad BD55110D5 in an induction cooktop and broiler. Rest assured, it is also oven-safe up to 600 degrees.

You can also buy this pan at WalmartWilliams Sonoma


Jim Beam JB0159

Best compact cooking pan

Jim Beam JB0159

Features & Specs:

  • Brand: Jim Beam
  • Model: JB0159
  • Material: Iron
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 3.24 lbs.
  • Dimensions:  12.25 x 7.25 x 2 inches

What We Like

  • It is sturdy enough
  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Mitt handle to protect your fingers

What We Don’t Like

  • The sides are not high
  • It gets rusted with time

Jim Beam’s JB0159 is one of the best grill pans for grilling steaks thanks to its ridged surface which gives perfect grill marks by draining extra fat from your steak. The heavy-duty cast iron gives steady and perfect cooking while requiring little to no oil.

Using this pan you can prepare BBQ, steak, fish, chicken, and sauteed veggies. The wood trivet allows you to serve food conveniently. The pan is more than enough for preparing food for a couple. Its cast iron is durable enough to work without wear and tear for decades.

The best thing about the Jim beam is its healthy nonstick coating that doesn’t allow the food to stick to the pan. However, its sides are not high enough to prevent food spills, especially when you sauté the veggies. The pan’s mitten handle is good enough to protect your fingers and wrists from burning. The thin and non-slip grip helps you to hold the pan easily.

You can also buy this pan at WalmartKmart


Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

Best Design Skillet to Cook Steak

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Iron Handle Skillet
Le Creuset

Specifications

  • Model: LS2024-2659
  • Material: Cast Iron
  • Color: Marseille
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Dimensions: 13” x 14.8” x 3”
  • Brand: Le Creuset

What We Like

  • Striking color
  • Requires less oil
  • Provides steady heat
  • Large loop handle

What We Don’t Like

  • Quite expensive

From pizzas and vegetables to steaks you can cook or bake almost anything in the Le Creuset Cast iron skillet. With a striking Marseille color, this steak pan is a must-have accessory to brighten your kitchen.

Unlike other cast iron steak pans, this Le Creuset skillet is an excellent choice thanks to its optimized enamel interior which provides steady heating while you cook, and the enamel reduces wear and tear, dulling, and staining.

The large loop handle on one side of the steak pan facilitates you when lifting the hot pan or serving food. This Le Creuset Iron Handle Skillet is the best pan to use for steak as it provides a convenient cleanup, is dishwasher safe, and provides superior heat retention.

You can also buy this pan at WalmartEverything Kitchens


Rachael Ray Griddle Pan

Best Griddle Pan to Cook Steak

Rachael-Ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Griddle Pan
Rachael-Ray

Specifications

  • Model: Brights
  • Material: Hard Anodized Aluminum
  • Color: Gray with orange handles
  • Weight: 2 pounds
  • Dimensions: 19” x 10.75” x 3.25”
  • Brand: Rachael Ray

What We Like

  • Highly affordable
  • Beautiful grill marks
  • Lifetime warranty
  • High-quality nonstick

What We Don’t Like

  • Small handle

The Rachael Ray Steak pan not only acts as a perfect replacement for an indoor grill but also provides a remarkable cooking experience. It includes a durable hard-anodized nonstick material that provides quick heating and the raised ridges give an authentic steak taste. The premium nonstick area slides down the food quickly without any effort or having to scrap it off.

Furthermore, the double-riveted orange handle covered with silicone makes it easier to move around the kitchen as it has a firm non-slip grip. The pan is exceptionally durable and heats food quickly and evenly without leaving any cold spots on the food. Washing up this steak pan is quite easy, as all you have to do is either wash it manually with soap or put it in the dishwasher for a quick cleanup.

You can also buy this pan at WalmartTarget


GOURMEX Toughpan Induction Grill Pan

Best Grill Pan for Steak

GOURMEX Toughpan Induction Grill Pan
GOURMEX Toughpan

Specifications

  • Model: Toughpan
  • Material: Cast Aluminum
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2.25 pounds
  • Dimensions: 11.02” x 11.02” x 1.57”
  • Brand: Gourmex  

What We Like

  • High-quality material
  • Multiple uses
  • Free from chemicals
  • Fast and easy care

What We Don’t Like

  • No lid for covering

The Gourmex Toughpan, as the name suggests, is constructed from heavy-duty cast aluminum material to ensure it sticks around your kitchen for a long time. This cast iron grill pan is covered with a nonstick and anti-scratch coating to ensure no scratch marks from spoons ruin the pan’s interior. Thanks to this coating, the pan will not rust or warp even after daily cooking.

It is also compatible with all heat sources, so whether you cook on gas, electricity, or coal, there is nothing that this Gourmex Toughpan can’t handle. This steak pan is 100% chemical-free. Washing this induction grill pan doesn’t require much effort as you can rinse it thoroughly with soap, and then dry it off.

You can also buy this pan at Sears


MasterPan Nonstick Grill Pan 

Best Nonstick Pan for Searing Steak

MasterPan Non-Stick Stovetop Oven Grill Pan
MasterPan

Specifications

  • Model: Stovetop Oven Grill Pan with Heat-in Steam-out Lid
  • Material: Cast Aluminum
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 4.75 pounds
  • Dimensions: 15” x 12.25” x 2.1”
  • Brand: MasterPan  

What We Like

  • Transparent lid
  • Even heat distribution
  • Wide grill ridges
  • Releases steam

What We Don’t Like

  • The lid is not tight enough

MasterPan has quite a reputation in the market for being one of the cast aluminum pan manufacturers and providing the best pan for searing steak. This steak pan has a superior nonstick layer and is also stain-resistant thanks to its triple layer of PFOA-free GRANITEC coating.

The even heat distribution further contributes to the efficient cooking of food, leaving no spots of undercooked food. Additionally, the food slides easily on your plate, making cooking more effortless and enjoyable. You can place the steak pan on the stove oven, which will retain heat inside to create an oven-like feeling so that the food turns out to be hot and crisp along with the steam.

This steak pan also includes broad and low ribs on the interior, leaving behind a beautiful aesthetic on the food and a must-have for an excellent food presentation for lunch or dinner.

You can also buy this pan at WalmartMasterpan


Cuisinart GG30-20

Best Eco-Friendly Grill Pan for Making Steaks

Cuisinart GG30-20
Cuisinart GG30-20

Specifications

  • Model: GG30-20
  • Material: Hard Anodized Aluminum
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2.84 pounds
  • Dimensions: 11.6” x 19.5” x 3.95”
  • Brand: Cuisinart  
  • Diameter: 11 inches

What We Like

  • Superior heating
  • Nonstick surface
  • Chemical-free
  • 100% recycled

What We Don’t Like

  • Edges are not high

The Cuisinart Cast Aluminum Square grill pan is also unique and manufactured using 100% recycled materials and printed with soy ink full of minerals.

This 12-inch steak pan is also oven-safe, and offers superior heat conductivity, resulting in less energy use and even heating to your steak. Moreover, the stainless steel handle is 70% recycled to keep it cool while you cook.

This Cuisinart Square grill pan is the best pan for steak we have come across. It is not only chemical-free but also contributes to healthy eating and an economically friendly environment.

You can also buy this pan at WalmartHomeDepot


Calphalon Square Grill Pan

Best Large Pan for Making Large Steaks

Calphalon Contemporary Hard Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware
Calphalon

Specifications

  • Model: Contemporary
  • Material: Hard Anodized Aluminum
  • Color: Silver/Gray
  • Weight: 2.75 pounds
  • Dimensions: 20” x 11.5” x 1.5”
  • Brand: Calphalon  
  • Diameter: 11 inches

What We Like

  • Heavy-gauge aluminum
  • 2 layer durability
  • Deep ridges
  • Healthier food

What We Don’t Like

  • Too pricey

Are you looking for a steak pan that is more spacious to accommodate more food for your big family? The Calphalon steak pan includes the finest quality heavy gauge aluminum, assuring high durability. With three layers of nonstick coating – 2 layers of durability, and a third layer for easy release of food – you will get an excellent cooking experience without scraping off or the steak breaking into pieces.

The deep ridges are worth it as they deliver an authentic taste for your steak, leave beautiful grill marks on it, and cook it evenly, so it becomes a pretty shade of brown. Not to forget the sturdy stainless steel handle, which has an impressive design that provides a firm non-slip grasp and remains cool while you cook whatever your heart desires.

You can also buy this pan at Williams SonomaCrate & Barrel


Cooks Standard Square Grill Pan

Best Budget Steak Pan

Cooks Standard Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan
Cooks Standard

Specifications

  • Model: Cooks Standard
  • Material: Hard Anodized Aluminum
  • Color: Black
  • Weight: 2.50 pounds
  • Dimensions: 19” x 11” x 1.5”
  • Brand: Cooks Standard
  • Diameter: 11 inches

What We Like

  • Hard Anodized surface
  • Multiple uses
  • Ideal for large families
  • Even heat distribution

What We Don’t Like

  • Not induction compatible

Cooks Standard’s 11-inch square grill pan has already made a name in the market as it offers a perfect blend of durability and affordable pricing. Featuring a hard anodized surface that is durable, and more rigid than stainless steel, it is a sturdy pan. It is the best griddle for steak with a perfectly ridged surface as it leaves beautiful aesthetic marks for unique food presentation. This large pan can easily cater to big families.

It has the finest aluminum cores that evenly distribute heat across the food. Additionally, the nonstick coating makes cleaning easy and delivers exceptional cooking performance.

So, the Cooks Standard square grill pan is an excellent choice as it works perfectly well on gas, electricity, glass, and even ceramic. Moreover, it is dishwasher safe and does not require much cleanup time.

You can also buy this pan at Walmart


Tips for Buying the Best Steak Pan

Have you seen how Lodge has made its place in the market by offering an all-in-one steak pan that has everything from the material, color, and coating to affordable pricing? But are you satisfied with the Le Creuset pre-seasoned steak pan, which has the best modern design available in the market and is known to be versatile?

And what about the eco-friendly Cuisinart Square Grill pan, made from recycled materials and soy ink? Do you feel that you should contribute to saving the environment? With various varieties and competition between different brands, choosing the best frying pan for grilling steak can become challenging. 

What’s the worth? There’s no need for you to worry as we have got you covered. You won’t have a hard time figuring out when you finally have to choose the best cast-iron pan for steak after reading our detailed buying guide we have written just for you.

Pan size

Searching for a suitable steak pan size and affordability can be time-consuming. Choosing a large steak pan has its benefits, as you can cook more food and have more space for more significant pieces of steak.

However, if you live alone or do not use a steak pan daily, you can opt for a small or a round steak pan as it will be enough to fulfill your requirements quickly.

Material

A steak pan should be manufactured from high-quality and durable material. This way, your steak pan will last a long time and reduce wear and tear. The best frying pans for steak include Cast Iron or Cast Aluminum. These materials are well-known and appreciated by everyone for providing even heating to the steak while it is being cooked.

Eco-Friendly

Are you a person who would like to contribute to an eco-friendly environment by purchasing a steak pan made from recycled material? If yes, you have the Cuisinart Square Grill Pan option, which is made from 100% recycled material and handles. Although manufactured with recycled material, it is one of the best-performing steak pans.

Price

Deciding the price range you want is necessary if you have a fixed budget and only invest a specific amount. If you’re looking for options for the best pan for steak cooking in a particular range, there’s no need to worry as we have provided you with plenty of options from which you can choose.

There’s no need to panic, as low prices do not mean that the quality and the longevity of the steak pan will be compromised.

Nonstick coating

non-stick pans for cooking steak
nonstick pans for cooking steak

Having a nonstick coating on the interior of your steak pan is a must-have as it not only distributes heat evenly while cooking but also retains heat for a particular time after the heat has been turned off. This ensures that your food will remain warm, and you won’t have to face the hassle of heating it again.

Color

Often, steak pans are available in neutral dark colors such as grey, black, or silver. However, if you prefer colorful steak pans that light up your kitchen, you can check out steak pans by Le Creuset, as they deliver a range of color options, including striking colors such as Flame and Marseille.

Chemical-free  

Most brands mentioned above offer a steak pan free from PFOA and other chemicals. Chemical-free steak pans help you eat a healthy low-fat diet, and such steak pans require very little or no oil while cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Is it best to put a steak in the freezer for 20 minutes before putting it in the pan to fry?

According to steak lovers’ expert opinion, cooking a steak directly from the freezer without thawing it tastes more delicious. Also, a frozen steak loses less moisture and cooks evenly without leaving some parts raw.

What type of pan is best for steak?

You should opt for a cast iron or a cast aluminum pan to cook steak as both of these pans can reach a very high heat level and retain the heat, which is essential for you to cook the steak evenly.

What cut of steak is best for pan frying?

If you are cooking on a stovetop, it is recommended that you choose boneless steaks, which are between one and one-and-a-half inches thick. Thicker cuts like New York Strip steak or boneless rib-eye also work fine.

What is best for frying steak in an aluminum or stainless steel fry pan?

An Aluminum fry pan heats up faster, is safer, and holds against higher temperatures. It also features a nonstick coating and does not contain harmful chemicals. On the other hand, a Stainless Steel fry pan is durable and compatible with metal surfaces. It has high heat retention and is versatile, meaning it can be used for various purposes such as frying, cooking, sauteing, and boiling.

Hello!! My name is Adalynn I love to eat, travel, and eat some more! I am married to the man of my dreams and have a beautiful little girl whose smiles can brighten anyone’s day!