If you do not have space for a charcoal grill or cannot afford a new one, the best pan for steaks can do an equally good job. Made from heavy-duty cast iron, they take longer to heat up. However, once hot, they retain heat for long, making them perfect for grilling or searing meats. They also last longer than standard pans and will work on most stovetops. These include gas and electric stovetops, to name a few.
Therefore, if you are updating kitchen cookware of late, do not forget to add a pan for steaks to the mix. It will improve how you grill, sear, or saute meats at home during mealtime. They also eliminate the need for charcoal or gas grills while barbecuing at home. We have reviewed a few top-rated models that you will enjoy having at home. All are durable, food-safe, and retail online at a pocket-friendly price.
Are you in a hurry?
The three options below are our three top picks:
Best Overall
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan with Assist Handle
To have the best experience searing beef at home, you will need a spacious pan that retains heat for long periods. It should also come pre-seasoned and have a cool-touch handle that you can use safely in your home. Lodge offers these benefits. It has a robust 10.5-inch design made from thick cast iron. The material heats up fast and retains heat well for even cooking. In addition, it is food grade and a pre-seasoned design that works over campfires, grills, and other cooktops. Thus, you can fry, sear, bake, saute, and stir fry meat; it is hassle-free.
High-End Pick
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Utopia Kitchen has three pans measuring 10/8/6-inches that you can use to fry/ saute meats on most cooktops. Whether you use charcoal or gas, this set will help you to cook delicious meals. All pans are cast iron with a soy-based oil seasoning that prevents food from sticking and burning. Thus, although rougher than other non-stick pans and pots, these work seamlessly every time. They are also durable and easy to clean. Use water, soap, and a brush to clean them after use. Season with oil afterward if needed. Unfortunately, these pans for steak are not dishwasher safe.
Amazon Smart Oven, a Certified for Humans Device – plus Echo Dot
Budget Pick
Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Square Griddle Pan
The Cucina from Rachel Ray is famous for its deep square design, which holds more food than others. If you are on a tight budget, it is also a top pick. The pan has 11-inch hard-anodized design with a non-stick coat that stops food from sticking. It also has a thick base that heats evenly and ridges that provide an authentic steakhouse sear. Nobody will be able to tell that you used a pan to grill or sear your slab of beef. The riveted handle is sturdy and has a cool-to-touch silicone grip for safety. It is oven safe up to 400 degrees and is dishwasher safe with a warranty.
Benefits of Pans for Stakes
Cooking stake in pans is growing in popularity worldwide because of its many benefits. Although I still believe that steak should be grilled, that’s not always convenient; here are a few reasons why you should make the switch today.
Cost-Effective: The best charcoal and gas grills cost over 500 dollars, which is a significant initial investment for people. Then, you have to spend money on gas or charcoal, which drains the pocket further. With a pan for steaks, you do not have to buy a separate cooktop. All you need is a durable pan, which comes cheap online, to cook. If you are starting or have a tight budget, they are the best.
Authentic Sear: Made from robust materials such as cast iron, pans for steak, do a great job on most stovetops. They heat quickly and spread heat evenly for quick and even cooking. Most brands also have ridges that create authentic sear marks on meats and enhance flavors. You will not be serving “fake” grilled meats. They make an authentic sear.
Easy to Use: With a grill, you have to keep tubs of the heat and watch out for flares, which can be dangerous. With a pan for steak, however, these are non-issues. You grease it, add a slice of meat, and cook it to your desired consistency without worrying about flares and other issues. These pans also have solid handles (riveted) and are cool to the touch. The risk of burning yourself while using one at home is low.
About the Best Pans for Steak – What to Look for in One
Material: The material used to make steak pans is critical as it influences the experience you will have at home. For the best results, look for a steak pan made from a fast-heating material that retains heat for long periods. It should be durable, fast heating, and have a non-stick coat that prevents food from burning. While aluminum is a good candidate, cast iron is the best as it is heavier and comes pre-seasoned with oil. As such, it rarely burns food. It also heats quickly and cooks steak evenly, as its rough structure retains heat far longer than aluminum.
Size: You need a product that can prepare enough food for you and your family. Do not opt for a small pan if you have many people who enjoy grilled or seared meat at home. If you live alone, you can order a smaller yet functional pan.
Maintenance: Is the pan for steaks that you are planning to buy dishwasher safe? Does it come pre-seasoned, or do you have to season it every time you are grilling meat at home? Low maintenance pans are the best as you will spend most of your time eating than cleaning pans. Look for a model that comes pre-seasoned. These are ready to use off the shelf. Also, look for a product that you can clean quickly by hand or in a dishwasher without damage or losing its non-stick ability. Check available brands and buy the best.
Top 5 Best Pans for Steak Lovers
There is no doubt that buying a pan for steak is a good idea considering the pros they offer. However, with fake product flooding this niche, finding the best one is nowadays hard. We have solved this issue for you. Check out our top 10 picks.
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan
Features:
- Cast iron shell.
- Pre-seasoned interior.
- Sturdy handle (solid).
- 10.5 inches wide.
- Oven-safe design.
- USA-made pan.
- Multifunctional design.
- Ribbed bottom.
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you have probably come across the Lodge brand. It is one of the most trusted makers of cookware as it uses quality materials and technologies. This pre-seasoned grill pan comes ready to use. It has a non-stick coating that plays two roles. First, you can grill or sear meats without food sticking and burning. It is excellent for beginners. Second, the layer protects the pan from scratching or rusting, which is not common, as it is 100% cast iron. You are getting a durable product that will help you to cook delicious meals for years.
This pan for steaks can satisfy the needs of a small family as it is large (10.5 inches). It also has a cool look (black), and an oven-safe design is suitable for baking. In addition, you are getting a multifunctional pan that can handle more than one cooking job efficiently. Finally, this USA-made pan works well on most cooking surfaces. You can use it on a gas or charcoal grill at home with excellent results. While camping, you can also use it directly over a campfire to stir fry, bake, fry, sear, or saute meats to your heart’s desire.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
This pre-seasoned Lodge pan is affordable, durable, and has a solid handle for carrying heavy food. Made from cast iron, it is durable. Cast iron does not dent over time and is easy to clean by hand after use. It is also less susceptible to rust.
2. Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Features:
- Set of three pans.
- Pre-seasoned interior.
- Hand wash safe.
- Long lasting cast iron.
- Three sizes (6/8/10 inches).
- Do not burn food.
- Easy to clean.
- Sturdy handle.
With this set of pre-seasoned Utopia Kitchen skillets, you will cook like a professional, considering the quality of Utopia Kitchen. You get three pans measuring 6 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches. As a result, you have a variety of pans for different recipes or different quantities of food. All three pans are cast iron – a food-grade material that heats quickly and retains heat for long. Cast iron is also resistant to rust and has a soy-based non-stick coat that prevents food burning.
Cast iron does not leach harmful chemicals into food, making it one of the best materials for kitchens. It is easy to clean by hand and does not contain additives such as Teflon, which tends to burn at high temperatures. As such, you can use it to saute or fry foods on a gas range or a campfire without ruining their structure or performance in any way. While cleaning Utopia Kitchen pans, you should avoid using soap as it can damage its seasoning. A stiff brush and warm water are all you will require to keep them clean.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
This set of three pans from Utopia Kitchen are suitable for people who sear, saute, or fry foods often. They have a long-lasting design (cast iron), which comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. While they lack ribs, they do a good job always.
3. Cooks Standard Hard Anodized Nonstick Square Grill Pan
Features:
- Robust aluminium core.
- Ribbed bottom.
- Measures 11x11 inches.
- Oven safe up to 500F.
- Unique square shape.
- Riveted handle.
- Hand/dishwasher safe.
This pan for steak measures 11x11 inches, making it one of the largest on our list. It also has a unique square shape that comes in handy while cooking large slices of beef. As such, it is an excellent alternative to gas grills, especially if you have a tight budget. Here are other notable attributes that have made it a sought-after pan. The hard anodized material used to make it is harder than stainless steel. It can withstand a high level of physical abuse without warping or breaking. You can also use it over a fire for as long as you want.
The heavy gauge aluminum core of this pan for steak is beneficial in two ways. It not only boosts the strength of the pan but also eliminates hot spots while cooking. As a result, your meat will cook quickly and evenly. Cooks Standard is induction-ready, unlike traditional ones. It is oven safe up to 500F and has a hand/dishwasher safe design that is easy to clean.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
Cooks Standard is large, durable, and has an aluminium core that boosts its efficacy. It can fry, saute, or grill steak on most stovetops, including induction cooktops. It is oven safe up to 500F and has a non-stick coat that delivers exceptional results.
4. Bruntmor Store Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Features:
- 12-inch cooking pan.
- Pre-seasoned cast iron.
- Non-stick interior.
- Broil, bake, braise, saute.
- Dual handle design.
- Drip-free spouts.
- Good heat retention.
Bruntmor Store offers around 12-inches of cooking space, which is ideal for individuals with large families. The pan is non-stick and has an oven-safe design that you will enjoy using at home and during outdoor trips. Pack it in a bag and carry it to a camping site to cook tasty meals over campfires. Like other brands on this list, this cast iron skillet comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. Unpack it, clean, add butter, fire it up, and add your meat and other ingredients to cook.
Due to its strength and non-stick interior, Bruntmor Store supports most cooking methods. Apart from grilling steak, you can use it to broil, bake, braise, saute, or fry foods too. Cleaning it is also effortless. After use, hand wash with a brush and warm water to clean food debris and left-over oils. Then, dry the pan and rub it with cooking oil to season.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
While you have to season this pan after use to retain its efficacy, it is a worthwhile pan to have at home. Made from cast iron, it has a durable design that comes pre-seasoned and ready to use. It is also rustproof, food-grade, and has a spacious design (12 inches) that can satisfy most people.
5. Rachael Ray Cucina Hard-Anodized Nonstick Grill/Deep Square Griddle Pan
Features:
- 11-inch design.
- Oven safe up to 400 degrees F.
- Hard anodized design.
- Comfortable handle.
- Non-stick interior.
- Ribbed design.
- Double riveted handle.
Rachael Ray products are famous for their charming designs. The Cucina pan does not disappoint in this regard. It has a cool-looking 11-inch design that “excels” in the kitchen. Its hard-anodized design, for instance, is durable. It can withstand bangs and high temperatures without warping or chipping. It also heats quickly and evenly and is safe to use in ovens up to 400 degrees F. Therefore, if you enjoy baked potatoes alongside your steak, the product is for you.
The design of the handle of the Rachael Ray Cucina makes it effortless to handle while cooking. While it is solid metal, it does not burn hands, as it has a cool-touch silicone sleeve, which is also non-slip. The handle also has a sturdy double rivetted design that supports heavy loads without snapping.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Verdict:
Even though thinner than other brands, this is a durable product. It works on all stovetops and has a comfortable handle that makes cooking fun. You will love using one.
Final Thought
The fact that you do not have a grill does not mean you cannot prepare delicious stakes at home. Pans for stakes such as the best we have reviewed herein work equally well. They are 100% food-grade, durable, and non-stick.
