Any grilling enthusiast can easily choose the right skillet and premium quality steak pan to prepare juicy and moist steak. The grill pan is an effective way for people who love cooking vegetables and meat on a skillet to get a desirable result on a stovetop or in an oven. But how will you know which pan is best for frying steak so you will get reliable results every time? So, what’s the best pan for steak or any other grilling task?
The steak pan you are going to choose should be able to tolerate high flames or temperatures, have exceptional heat distribution and retention. It should be easy to clean, durable and flexible. Investing in a good quality frying pan will be your companion for many of the cooking tasks in your kitchen.
A good quality steak frying pan requires much less cleanup than traditional grilling skillets. By using it, you can grill fresh meat with or without marinade, primarily for cooking, or for added flavor and moistness. Some people are fond of adding to the caramelization that builds up when roasting a steak. That way, you can get extra tenderness in your steak by using it at a lower temperature.
Best Pan to Cook Steak For The Money
But, dozens of options under different sizes, coatings and designs, materials can confuse you. Therefore, it is important to look at the number of options to be sure of your choice. All you need to do is go through the right buying guide and some of the top seller steak pans on stores. To make your task easier, here we tested and researched this list and come up with some of the best steak pans.
1. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan For Steak: Best Overall
The lodge has been crafting premium quality cookware and accessories for over the years. The company is built on high-quality cookware using seasoned cast iron and carbon steel. The USA based company also provide the best pan for searing steak, named Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan.
This 10.5-inch grill pan with a modern twist on a timeless classic has also been made of seasoned cast iron. This square-shaped pan features perfect sized grill ribs that lift food and collect cooking drippings.
The product has a natural easy-release finish, versatility, and durability, making it one of the finest cookware. The skillet is designed to sear, bake, broil, braise, fry, and sauté, whatever you want. No matter what cooking object you are going to use because it can be used on all cooking surfaces from stovetop to oven, grills and campfires.
The best part about the pan is that it is supreme in even heating and heat retention. This seasoned pan is brutally strong for decades of cooking. In addition to that, it has a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use and will be long-lasting.
Also, the black color pan with perfect grill marks allows grease to drain away from the food while cooking. The pan is perfect for cooking bacon, steaks and more, and is ready to use.
What we like:
- Cast iron material itself is known for its durability, versatility, and heating qualities.
- It is a versatile pan for searing, sautéing, broiling, baking, etc.
- The tough grill marks help achieve desirable food.
What we don’t like:
- Cleaning and caring for the pan is difficult.
2. ESLITE LIFE 11 Inch Grill Pan For Steak: Runner Up
ESLITE LIFE is another leading cookware and skillets brand. The grill pan offered by the company is ideal for cooking with little oil for a healthy diet as it has coating both inside & outside. Due to the non-stick granite coating, it is easy to cook and clean. It has a green, natural, smokeless and durable surface with a great non-stick effect that is 100% PFOA & Cadmium free. Another notable factor, it has a 4.5mm thickened bottom compatible with induction & stovetop.
And, it provides a stable heat distribution & heat retention, saving energy and time. The aluminum body with appropriate weight can ensure uniform heat indulgence and prevent hot spots. Since it has a 2mm thick body of aluminum, you can use it on gas, electric, halogen or induction stoves except in ovens and dishwashers. The pan has equipped with parallel lines that keep extra fat away from the food and spread the grease to the sides so you don’t get an oily meal.
Moreover, it enables getting grill marks on your food while searing. However, it is perfect for grilling burgers, searing steaks, chicken, bacon and more. The thing you’ll love the most in this cookware is its handle that is suitable for staying cooling and grasping while cooking.
Plus, its glass lid allows you to check the cooking process while locking in flavor. You’ll also get a silicone kitchen tong that is made of 304 stainless steel and features a ring-pull locking system.
What we like:
- The lid that comes with the pan is ergonomic which provides stability, collects heat and enables viewing of the entire cooking process.
- It has matchless quality, performance and is perfect for versatile cooking.
- Very easy to clean and care.
What we don’t like:
- Less affordable.
3. Jim Beam JB0159 Skillet For Steak
If you’re looking for a pan for versatile usage, this would be an excellent option, since it can be used on all cooking surfaces, campfires, grills or BBQ. This pre-seasoned ready to use grill pan has ridged surface that allows you to get those perfect grill marks while draining the excess fat away.
It is one of the best pans for frying steak, chicken, fish, in an oven, over the stove or on a BBQ. This thoughtfully designed skillet is made of cast iron, which is considerably durable, ergonomic, and free from toxic chemicals. Well, it is not odd for a cast iron skillet to be used for decades without showing much wear or tear.
The best part, the pan is round with lift up ridges that meet the highest standards of functionality and quality. However, it is built for sustained and long-lasting use. The biggest benefit of choosing Jim Beat Cast iron pan is that when it is used regularly and seasoned, it’s fairly non-stick to prevent potentially harmful substances.
This oval-shaped grill pan also has a health benefit, which mean during cooking it tends to leach a little amount of iron into food. Another notable aspect, it has equipped with mitten handles that protect the finger, wrists and hands from getting burnt. The mitt won’t tear and offer the perfect grip to hold the pan easily. That mean, you can avoid accidental burns.
What we like:
- It has a pre-seasoned rigged surface.
- The pan has mitten hands to avoid accidental burns.
What we don’t like:
- There is not enough room in the pan to prepare a large food batch.
4. Sakuchi 11 Inch Grill Pan For Steak
Next, we have an 11-inch grill pan by Sakuchi that is made of premium-quality cast aluminum with excellent corrosion resistance. Having an aluminum thick body, it is perfectly suitable for ceramic, gas, halogen, electric or induction stoves. Also, it provides a rapid heating up and stable heat distribution. The grill pan with Eco-friendly non-stick coating is easy to clean without leaving food residues, free from PFOA, LEAD and CADMIUM, making it healthier & good grill pan for steak.
This red color, aluminum pan also has heat resistant handles that are suitable for holding and staying cool while grilling. The ideal handle lengths and curved radians will help you achieve desirable results. Furthermore, it features a hanging ring which is perfect for storage. As it is made of cast aluminum, it ensures better durability.
Like the previous pan, it has no rivets so that you can clean it well. The pan also features parallel ridges that offer more than 50% oxygen contact between the pan and food, holding the gravy and leaving the finest grill marks on food. Further, it features double pour spouts on both sides that can filter out excess grease, allowing you to prepare healthier food.
Before supplying, this non-stick skillet has passed the 10% quality test. For your long-lasting use, the company provides a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can start cooking by low to medium heat for better cooking results. It is advisable to use a soft scouring pad or sponge to clean its surface.
What we like:
- Its thick aluminum body provides a stable heat distribution and even cooking.
- The grill pan has a heat-resistance handle and is free from any harmful chemicals.
What we don’t like:
- The pan requires proper installation, which might be difficult.
5. Bruntmor 10 Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan For Steak
Bruntmor offers a 10-inch Cast Iron Grill pan that lets you enjoy healthy delicious seared meat, grilled vegetable, chicken or fish. It has equipped with a curved, long handle that is great for easier handling and leverage.
This square grill pan is oven-safe up to 500 degrees F. Apart from that, it is also dishwasher safe, you can also hand wash it with water and soap. Since it is made of high-quality material, it will last for a long time. The best pan for steak allows you to sear foods with less risk of burning as it is unmatched in heat retention and even heating.
The eye-catching design, colour with sturdy stick handle makes pan one of the prior choices of many users. The handle also makes it easy to hold, carry when you’re transferring or sautéing it from the stovetop to the oven.
However, it is designed for high-heat searing and sautéing, and for slow cooking. So, yes this is going to be the best option for those who want to invest little in a grill pan.
What we like:
- The grill steak pan features easy grill draining.
- The pan is safe for dishwasher cleaning and oven use.
How to choose the best Pan Grill Pan for Steak?
There are many aspects to be kept in mind when buying grill pan steak, vegetables, meat, fish or anything else. These include size, shape, coating, material, and many more. Let’s talk about them in-depth:
1. Material
Material is a crucial aspect when looking for cookware for versatile cooking. A grill pan can be made of stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. According to their pros and cons, you can choose the perfect fit that suits your cooking skills.
For instance: stainless steel grill pan is an ideal option for those who expect long-lasting functionality & durability. Plus, it is one of the budget-friendly options and a good source of heat retention. Ceramic grill pans can withstand high temperatures without cracking or wrapping, therefore becoming the prior choice of users.
Not only that, but it also maintains even heat distribution and cooks evenly. Talk about cast iron, a grill pan made of cast iron is a great choice to retain temperatures effectively. Moreover, it is much more affordable than ceramic but not as durable and non-stock as the latter. But, you’ll go for options offered by the trustworthy brand to avoid rust tear and wear.
2. Design
The most common design you’ll find in a grill pan is a flat design with the side lines up against the bottom of the pan. Even this type of grill pan has holes in the ridges that enable your steak to pan out, making the steak juicy and healthy. You’ll get a ribbed grill pan that has bigger grooves instead of tinier ridges. All the juices released by the steaks will be trapped in this groove, which allows the pan to marinate them during cooking.
Another grill pan design that will be available is a crinkle-shaped or ribbed-crepe pan. These types of plans usually have a large space between their ribs. Using these pans, you can cook healthy food without any added fat as it can put all the fat in one fat tray while cooking.
3. Size
Next, you need to see enough size in your grill pan as it affects what you will be able to cook on it. The grill pan comes in a variety of sizes, 22, 36, 37 cm, etc. If you’re preparing a meal for two people, you’ll need a 22cm grill pan. To prepare a large batch of food at once, you need a large grill pan that is between 36 and 40 cm across.
Hopefully, the given top five Grill Pans and Buying Guide will help you choose a perfect one that meets your cooking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions people ask about a good steak pan:
- Can I use a regular pan for cooking steak?
Steaks are quite simple to prepare in a normal pan. For the best results, use a steak pan that is at minimum 1 in (2.5 cm) thickness and cook it for 3 to 6 minutes on each side. In order to enhance the flavor of your steak, experts recommend basting it with butter and seasonings before serving it with a variety of sides, such as broccoli, mashed potatoes as well as a side salad.
- Do I need to oil a steak pan?
Turn the stovetop burner up to high and keep the pan there until it reaches a very high temperature. One tablespoon of butter and two tablespoons of olive/ canola oil should be added to the pan, and the butter should be watched for browning. Turn the heat down to medium and cook the steak for four to six minutes on one side.
- Which material is best or a steak pan?
A cast-iron pan, tri-, carbon steel fry pan or even five-ply stainless steel pan is ideal for steak. It’s impossible to sear a steak properly without them because of their ability to achieve extremely high temperatures and maintain that heat.
- Can I use an aluminum steak pan for cooking steaks?
The steak you cook in the pan will taste different depending on the quality of the pan. Make use of a heavy-bottomed, twelve-inch pan. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is my preferred method of creating a crust on steaks, but an oven-safe aluminum pan will do the trick in a pinch. That’s right, the oven in your house.
- How much time is required for cooking a steak in a pan?
Let the steak sear for three minutes without turning it. Cook for two minutes per side for rare, or 3–4 minutes for medium rare. For best results, take the steaks out of the pan and then let them rest for a few mins on a cutting board or platter before serving.
- How to season a steak on a pan?
You can’t go wrong with black pepper & kosher salt when seasoning a steak. As a finishing touch, you can sprinkle on some finishing salt, like flaky sea salt. To prepare flavored salt for your steak, mix in some chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage with your salt.
Hi, my name is Ashley Robinson. I’m a food blogger and a part time chef in Food & Drink Junction, Denver. With my blog I’m sharing information & tutorials about different kinds of cooking pans.
