No matter how skillful you are, if you don’t have the best pan, it is impossible to prepare a delicious juicy steak. The best pan for cooking steak is made from reliable material that evenly distributes heat, maintains the ideal cooking temperature, and above all, prevents the steak from burning. Now, the question is how to find the right steak pan? Well, you are right; it can be quite confusing as markets are flooded with a variety of pans, each offering unique features and durable quality. However, you have to buy the best pan for cooking steak, which is good enough for your needs. We have selected these best steak pans depending on the build quality, material, features, user reviews, and price.
Best Pans for Cooking Steak – Comparison Table
Product Image | Product Name | Pan Weight | Pan Material | Pan Size | Price |
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan | 6.5 lbs. | Cast Iron | 10.5 inches | ||
Cuisinart 622-30G Chef’s Classic Nonstick Pan | 4 lbs. | Hard-Anodized |
| ||
Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 8 lbs. | Cast Iron | 12.5 inches | ||
Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Square Grill Pan | 2.75 lbs. | Hard-Anodized Aluminum | 11 inches | ||
Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Pan | 2 lbs. | Hard-Anodized Aluminum | 11 inches | ||
Mauviel M’Heritage M250C 2.5mm Copper Pan | 10.4 lbs. | Copper |
| ||
Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Pan | 4.7 lbs. | Stainless Steel | 12 inches | ||
Carote 8 Inch Nonstick Pan | 8 lbs. | Aluminum | 8 inches | ||
BackCountry Cast Iron Square Steak Pan | 4.04 lbs. | Cast Iron | 8 inches | ||
MSMK 12-inch Large Nonstick Pan | 5.74 lbs. | Aluminum | 12 inches |
Best Pans for Cooking Steak- Top 10 for 2022
[acf field=”listschema”]1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan- Best Cast Iron Pan for Steak
Quick Features
- Cast Iron material
- 6.5 lbs. pan weight
- 10.5 inches pan diameter
- Oven Safe
Best known for its durable build quality, Lodge has been producing cast iron pans for more than a century. It’s the warmth, adaptability, simple finish, and toughness that make it one of the best cast iron pans for steak. This is a versatile pan used on various cook tops, in a pot and can easily cook nutrients slowly without burning them.
One of the best and perhaps the most important features of this steak pan that it allow you to cook meat at higher temperatures and also keep your favorite dinner warm for a long time. Whether you want to use it in your kitchen or a camp, the pan will never disappoint you.
Cast iron is known for even heat distribution from the floor over the side walls. Featuring trendy dark shading cuts, it offers an almost non-stick cooking surface and is perfectly oven safe. This best square pan is seasoned and ready to use and ideal for cooking steaks, bacon, and more.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Perfect heat retention and even heating
- It can be used on all cooking surfaces
- Affordable price
- Strong handle
Cons
- Hand wash only
2. Cuisinart 622-30G Chef’s Classic Nonstick Pan
Quick Features
- Hard Anodized material
- 4 lbs. pan weight
- 12 inches pan diameter
- Oven safe to 500°F
One of the most popular brands in kitchenware products, Cuisinart has been producing high-quality products for more than five decades. This nonstick skillet is an ideal option for those who are looking for healthy foods as it doesn’t retain any fat even when your food gets cold. The interior of the pan has been manufactured with reinforced titanium to preserve food freshness while preventing sticky fats from holding to the walls.
This best skillet is anodized and hard as compared to other stainless steel products. The best part is it is non-porous and dense too. In other words, it is durable enough to withstand the high temperature of up to five hundred degrees. When it comes to heat distribution, the hard-anodized construction spread the heat perfectly and helps to eliminate hot spots. There is also a large glass cover to lock in flavors and conveniently displays the tempting dish inside.
The sloped sides of the cooking pan maximize the cooking surface. This best pan for cooking steak also features cook grip handles crafted from stainless steel that stays cool on all stovetops to provide a safe and solid grip. Last but not least, the pan comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Solid stainless steel riveted stick handles
- Quantanium nonstick interior
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Easy to clean
- Drip-Free Pouring
Cons
- Nonstick coating is not durable
3. Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Quick Features
- Cast Iron material
- 8 lbs. pan weight
- 12.6 inches pan diameter
- Superior Heat Retention
Featuring 12.5 inches of cooking surface, this best-cast iron skillet is a popular fast heat up and excellent heat retention. These features ensure even heating distribution to cooking steak perfectly from both sides. The cooking pan has a heavy-duty base along with a smooth cooking surface to provide delicious steak conveniently.
One unique feature of the pan is its two handles. There is one long handle along with the opposite helper handle for convenient carrying and lifting. Also, it has a keyhole on the long handle to hang it for easy storage. There are two spouts for the effortless pouring of excess cooking oil.
The perfectly sized wide diameter offers an ample cooking space to cook more than one steak at a time. You can use the pan on various heat sources, including electric, gas, induction, and ceramic-glass top stoves. Though the frying pan is easy to clean, it is not dishwasher safe. Don’t forget the re-seasoning process after a few uses.
Pros
- Durable cast iron construction
- It can be used on various stovetops
- Solid handles
- Great even heat distribution
- Two spouts
Cons
- Hand wash only
4. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Square Grill Pan
Quick Features
- Aluminum Material
- 2.75 lbs. pan weight
- 11 inches pan diameter
- Dishwasher-safe
Manufactured from heavy gauge aluminum construction, this best pan for cooking steak ensures even heat distribution and retains heat for a long time to keep your food warm. One of the best features of the pan is its three-layered PFOA-free non-stick coating for the ultimate cooking experience. The first two layers offer a lasting base, whereas the top layer helps in effortless food release.
The best part is you can use almost any instrument, including plastic, nylon, and wooden utensils, with this pan. Though the coating is durable enough in case of any inconvenience, it is backed by a lifetime warranty. The steak pan features a long, brushed, durable stainless steel handle, which is also oven safe.
Another great feature is the tempered glass lid allows you to monitor your food status without removing the lid. The glass lid is oven safe, which is also, helps to keep the dishes warm before serving. Also, the domed design lids are covered with wide metal bands to strengthen and stabilize them.
Pros
- Durable PFOE-free Nonstick Coating
- Effortless Cleanup
- Durable 3 ply nonstick interior
- Oven safe
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Do not use under the broiler
5. Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Pan- Best Lightweight Cooking Pan
Quick Features
- Hard-Anodized aluminum construction
- 2 lbs. pan weight
- 11 inches cooking surface
Featuring 11 inches cooking surface with hard-anodized aluminum construction, this Rachel Ray grill pan has a raised cooking surface and deep sides. The cooking pan is an excellent option to prepare healthier foods. It comes with a reliable non-stick interior coating for effortless food release without adding any fats or oils during cooking. The raised sides also help fat drip away from the food.
In fact, deep sides are extremely useful to prepare fried steak. Its durable, the hard-anodized nonstick grill offers fast and even heating for indoor stovetop grilling. The best part of the pan is that it is dishwasher safe, which makes it ultra-convenient to clean after use. This pan is oven safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it a perfect pick for stove-top-oven indoor grilling.
The rubberized double riveted and color-coordinated handles offer a comfortable grip and are also oven safe to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the best features of Rachael Ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Pan is its ultra-lightweight of only 2 lbs for effortless carrying and food release.
Pros
- Rubberized double-riveted handles
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Dishwasher Safe
- Deep sides and ridges
- Fewer spatters
Cons
- Only for rubber utensils
6. Mauviel M’Heritage M250C 2.5mm Copper Pan- Best Copper Pan for Steak
Quick Features
- Copper Material
- 10.4 lbs. pan weight
- 11 inches pan diameter
- Oven Safe
Established in 1830, Mauviel is a French family business and one of the most reputable manufacturers of copper cookware on the market. Copper is incredibly popular in professional cooks as it is 2X more conductive as compared to aluminum and 10X more conductive than stainless steel. The durable copper construction ensures even heat distribution and perfect heat retention to provide maximum control and best cooking results.
This M20C copper cookware is a combination of two materials. The 100 copper body features 2.5 mm thickness and is also bonded to an ultra-thin stainless steel exterior. This exterior is non-reactive, hardwearing, and excellent for all types of cooking activities. The best part is it is easy, highly durable, and easy to clean.
Another great feature of this steak pan stays cool cast stainless steel durable handles that come with an iron electroplated finish. These handles are firmly riveted to the pan body with stainless steel rivets. Other notable features include straight sides, lifetime warranty, and dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Cast iron stainless steel handles
- Superior heat conductivity
- Tri-ply non-stick coating
- Dishwasher safe
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not for induction cookers
7. Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel Pan- Best Stainless steel pan for cooking steak
Quick Features
- Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel material
- 12 inches pan diameter
- 4.7 lbs. pan weight
- Oven safe to 500°F
The Cooks Standard 12-Inch Multi-Ply Clad Stainless Steel pan with dome lid is manufactured of two layers. The first later is 18/10 stainless steel, and another one is aluminum core along walls and base. This best pan for cooking steak comes with an airflow technology that makes the durable handle stay cool. The combination of stainless steel with aluminum material provides durability along with the even heat distribution.
The unique dome-shaped lids perfectly trap moisture and circulate air to provide your perfectly cooked steak. You can conveniently use the pan on ceramic, glass, gas, induction, and electric stovetops. Also, this pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Cleaning the pan is effortless as it is dishwasher safe.
The large size of the pan makes it a perfect choice for multiple uses, including frying, sautéing, and many more. It has riveted handles that stay cool and comfortable due to the airflow technology. The exterior of the stainless steel pan is mirror polish, whereas the bottom is scratch resistant with brushed treatment.
Pros
- Two-layered construction
- Airflow technology
- Solid stainless steel riveted handles
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Flat base for even heat distribution
Cons
- No nonstick coating
8. Carote 8 Inch Nonstick Pan
Quick Features
- Aluminum material
- 1.36 lbs. pan weight
- 8 inches pan diameter
- Swiss nonstick coating
If you are tight on budget but still want to buy the best steak pan for cooking steak, this Carote 8 Inch Nonstick Pan is made for you. Featuring a Switzerland-made high-quality nonstick coating from ILAG, the pan offers super nonstick properties. The steak pan is manufactured with a four-layered nonstick coating based on DURIT high-level technology. The best thing about the coating is that it is scratch and abrasion-resistant.
Its thick and enlarged bottom works best with all stoves, including gas, glass, and induction stoves. The body of the pan is manufactured with Die-cast material, which durable, sturdy, and easy to clean. Also, the flat base provides ideal heat distribution to prepare a perfect steak. Besides performance and durability, the Carote 8 Inch Nonstick Pan offers a fantastic appearance.
One of the best features of this steak pan is the wood effect handle. This Bakelite handle is ultra-comfortable to hold and also stay cool even at high temperatures. If you are not satisfied with the pan performance or there is any quality problem, it is backed by full 12 months warranty for your convenience.
Pros
- Suitable for All Stovetops
- Eco-friendly Granite Coating
- Full 12-month warranty
- Wood Effect Handle
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Comes in a plastic wrap
9. BackCountry Cast Iron Square Steak Pan
Quick Features
- Cast Iron material
- 4.04 lbs. pan weight
- 8 inches pan diameter
- Oven Safe
BackCountry Iron’s Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned 8 inch steak pan is a durable, handmade pan featuring a proprietary metallurgical alloy. Manufactured with cast iron, the pan offers excellent heat retention for even cooking. You can use the pan with various cooking surfaces, ovens, grills, and stovetops.
The pan surface comprises iron micro-globules, which ensure that the seasoning on the pan adheres conveniently and quickly. It is an ideal choice for high heat and double oven/stove techniques. You can use it on all cooking surfaces, including induction, gas, electricity, and even the fire pit, without worrying about the performance.
Though this steak pan is not dishwasher safe, it is effortless to clean. You can use warm water with dish soap to clean the pan. The handle is created with nylon-based cloth, which is comfortable to hold and convenient to slide on and slide off.
Pros
- Superior heat retention
- Easy to clean
- Nylon based cloth handles
- Work with all stovetops
- Flat bottom
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
10. MSMK 12 inch Large Nonstick Pan
Quick Features
- Aluminum material
- 5.74 lbs. pan weight
- 12 inches pan diameter
- Diamond and titanium non-stick coating
Featuring modern, deep color blended with value-driven functionality, this steak pan brings reliable performance with aluminum construction for even heating, searing, browning, and frying different types of foods. It comes with a durable coating for an improved cooking surface; the smart pan has a diamond and titanium non-stick technology. In fact, it is effortless to release the stickiest foods without any hassle.
This pan features sloped sides for convenient flip and swirl. The flattering edges help in easy slide out of the steak. Made with heavy aluminum and stainless steel, the pan allows even heat distribution and perfectly cooked steak. The smooth stainless steel pan works best on different stovetops, including electric, gas, or ceramic.
Featuring a cast stay-cool stainless steel long handle, the pan is easier to grab and perform flipping maneuvers effortlessly. The pan is oven safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional features include the stainless steel base, dishwasher safe, glass, and limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Suitable for all stovetops
- Easy food release
- Cast stainless steel handle
- Dishwasher safe
- All stainless steel bottoms
Cons
- The lid handle gets hot
Read Also: Best Pot for Gumbo – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Pans for Cooking Steak – Buyer’s Guide
Before you make any decision, it is better to consider some essential factors that will surely help you to choose the best pan for your needs.
1. Best Material for Steak Pan
There are different types of material used in manufacturing steak pans. Take a look at these best materials and choose the one that suits your needs.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel steak pans are one of the most popular pans on the market. Best known for their even heat distribution, durability, and even cooking, stainless steel pans create an ideal searing atmosphere for your steak. Also, these pans are scratch and rust-resistant. Not only are they easy to clean, but you can easily use them at high temperatures without any hassle.
Carbon Iron
Another excellent material for steak pans, carbon iron, helps to retain most heat out of the manufacturing materials to ensure evenly caramelized and beautifully browned steak. You can effortlessly create excellent aromas and flavors over time with cast iron pans. The best thing about this material is that it is compatible with all types of cook tops and stoves.
Carbon Steel
This is a lighter version of cast iron with almost similar cooking properties. They are ideal for searing and also available in different levels of thickness. Remember, a thickly layered pan is great for cooking steaks as they can hold maximum heat for a long time.
Copper
Copper is another excellent material used in manufacturing steak pans. However, it is essential to check whether they are lined with stainless steel or tin. Stainless steel lining is better as tin heats up too fast and is not perfect for cooking at the high-temperature need for searing steak.
2. Durability
When you are buying any product, the first thing is that you want to use it for a long time. That’s why it is essential to choose the steak pan made from high-quality material. If you are buying a cheap pan with ordinary material, you are wasting your money. Make sure you choose a durable steak pan to enjoy consistent performance for a long time.
3. Weight
In fact, one of the most neglected factors is the weight of the pan. Don’t forget to consider the pan weight as a heavyweight pan lasts longer as compared to the lightweight. Not only it retains heat for a long time, but it also distributes it evenly. Another great aspect of the weighty pan is that it can withstand regular bumps, scratches, and accidental pans. However, it can hard to handle such steak pans. If you find the lightweight steak pan with lightweight, it can be the best choice.
4. Size
The steak pan size limits the food amount that you can prepare on it. Steak needs consistent turning when being cooked on pans to ensure that all sides are cooked perfectly. The pan size you should consider must hold enough steaks to feed the number of individuals you are cooking for. If you choose a small steak pan, you will surely last a long time in the kitchen because you will have to cook each steak separately.
In case you are preparing steak for a large crowd, choose the one with a large size that can fit more than one steak at one time and also leave space for turning them to enable uniform cooking.
5. Handles
Handles are important, especially for heavy pans such as multi-ply or cast iron pans. The pan type you choose influences the handle. You should choose the handle that has some kind of insulation. It may be a silicone cover or ventilation gap to slow the heat spreading. For instance, stainless steel pan naturals slow at heating up when cooking a steak.
A perfect handle is always integrated into the pan’s body, and it also works as an extension of the bowl. If you choose a screwed-on or riveted pan, consider the one with at least three rivets for secure attachment. Make sure the handle is dishwasher safe to prevent any inconvenience during cleaning. However, hand washing is best to extend the lifespan of the steak pan.
6. Versatility
Besides using a steak pan on the cook top, it can be used for grilling or roasting the meat in the oven. Make sure the pan you choose can withstand high temperatures (over 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Always choose a pan that works best on charcoal grills, induction cookers, electric ovens, and many others.
If your steak pan has vertical sides, it can be used for sautéing. A pan with slanting sides works best for flipping pancakes and omelets. Make sure to pick the most versatile pan to enjoy multiple dishes.
7. Easy to Maintain and Clean
You are going to use the steak pan almost every day. Make sure it is easy to maintain and clean. Cast iron pans are durable, but they also need more care as compared to other steak pans. For instance, they should be hand washed and also dried immediately after use. To maintain their finish, you must season it regularly.
Stainless steel pans are effortless to maintain as they are scratch and rust-resistant and can be cleaned easily. Hard-anodized pans are dishwasher safe, which makes them easy to clean. However, if you use the wrong utensils, it can damage the coating of the pan.
8. Price
It is wise to set a budget to buy the best pan for cooking steak. They are countless pans with different prices. Of course, you don’t want to buy a cheap pan with ordinary material and low performance. Also, buying an expensive one is not a wise decision when there are budget-friendly steaks pans available on the market. Though it depends on your skill level and requirements, you should set a budget and then look for a pan that fits your criteria.
Best Pans for Cooking Steak – FAQs
[acf field=”faqschema”]1. What is the best pan for cooking steak?
A pan that can withstand extremely high temperatures is the best choice for steaks. Consider stainless steel or cast iron pan for best performance. Don’t choose enamel-coated pans as their coating cannot withstand high temperatures.
2. Is a small pan good for cooking steak?
Well, it depends on your needs, but during cooking steak, you need to turn it in consistently. So, if you choose a small steak pan, you will spend more time as you have to prepare each steak separately. On the other hand, a large steak pan allows you to prepare more than one steak effortlessly at a time.
3. Which is the best material for the steak panhandle?
Stainless steel handles work best for steak pans as they are durable, easy to clean and last for a long time.
The Bottom Line
There is nothing better than enjoying a perfectly cooked steak. However, having the best pan for cooking steak is essential. Never buy a premium pan at a high price if you are a new user. There are many affordable pans available with decent quality and cooking performance. Consider three things to make the right choice, the manufacturing material, your skill level, and the pan price, and you are good to cook a delicious juicy steak.Â