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What could be better than learning to cook your perfect steak in the perfect steak pan – and what could be more delicious! Steak is such a crowd pleaser, it’s popular with diners all over the world, and if you want to make a good impression on a dinner guest, a steak dinner using a pan is most definitely the way to go!
Pan frying is a great option for how to cook your steak, not just for quality – it’s also the quickest way of cooking steak – and time is always of the essence, which is why I’m giving you options for the best pan to cook steak with good heat retention.
Contents
- If You’re in a Hurry – My Tops Picks at a Glance
- The Best Pans for Cooking Steaks Reviews
- Features to Consider for the Best Pan-to-Cook Steak
- FAQS
- How Do You Choose a Good Steak?
- How Do You Prepare a Steak for Frying in Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pans?
- How Do You Prevent Your Steak From Sticking to a Cast Iron Skillet Pan?
- How Do You Prevent Your Steak From Drying Out in Pans?
- How to Minimize Splatter When Frying Using a Cast Iron Frying Pan?
- What’s the Most Searched Recipe for Pan Fried Steak?
- What Type of Steak Is Best for Health and Nutritional Value?
- Is Pan Frying the Only Way to Cook Steak?
- What’s the Best US Online Butcher for Steaks?
- What Sauces Go Well With Steak, and Where Can I Find the Recipes?
- What Wine Pairs Well With Steak?
- What Other Foods Go Well With Steak?
If You’re in a Hurry – My Tops Picks at a Glance
Moreover, the best meals are made with the best cookware. In my buying guide, I will walk you through the varieties of frying pans and describe how heat conductivity well they work for cooking steak.
Whether you like your steak rare or well done, I’ve got all the info here to achieve a perfectly cooked steak using the best pans for searing steak with excellent heat conduction.
The Best Pans for Cooking Steaks Reviews
1. Best Frying Pan for Steak Overall – Lodge 10.5 Inch Square Cast Iron Pan
This Lodge 10.5 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan was an easy number one for me as the best pan for cooking steak – customers rave about it and for a good reason too, mainly due to superb heat conduction.
At 10.5 inches square, this frying pan is big enough to fry 2-3 steaks at a time due to a good heat retention. Its first USP, though, is that, like all Lodge cookware, this cast iron comes already seasoned in 100% vegetable oil, ripe for use in cooking steak recipes from the get-go!
Unlike the other pans with heat conductivity, this also means that this is the best carbon steel pan for steak has a nearly non-stick surface, without the possible harmful fumes that are rumored to be given off from chemically treated non-stick pans for high heat searing.
With an extra generous cooking surface, I also love how this cast iron frying pan features grill ribs, which allow your steak to be elevated, allowing your steak drippings to collect at the bottom, ready for making your steak pan sauce! Alternatively you can just lose the drippings for a healthier steak.
As a virtually indestructible piece of cookware pan that can last for generations, this carbon steel pan is a lifelong investment to distribute heat evenly for searing steaks.
Compared to a stainless steel pan, its ability to retain heat distribution is unparalleled in the world of cast iron grills. The best pans can be used equally well in the kitchen or over the campfire.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned cast iron
- Has grill ribs
- Cast iron skillet for really long term use
- Excellent heat retention
- Can be used on a campfire
- Affordability
Cons
- Not perfectly non-stick
- Foundry seasoned, ready to use upon purchase
- Use on all cooking surfaces, grills and campfires
- Oven safe
2. Best Nonstick Pan – Ozeri ZP17-20 8 Stone Earth Frying Pan
I love this Ozeri ZP17-20 8 Stone Earth Frying Pan too – it has an unprecedented non-stick performance – without the risk of exposure to all the nasty chemicals said to be released when cooking from traditional non-stick surfaces, despite having a high heat retention.
The best pans have a smooth but hardened and scratch-resistant coating which is super easy to clean. In contrast to the other steak pans, it even boasts a magnetized base for use with rapid heat transfer induction stoves for high heat searing. The cooking surface of this pan can also reach high temperatures when searing steak.
I also like that this frying pan has a comfortable handle which is coated with heat-resistant silicone, unlike the cast iron pans with heat conductivity.
It’s a best seller not just for home cooking, but with trained chefs too, due to heat conduction.
Pros
- Favored by trained chefs
- 100% free of toxic chemicals
- Easy to clean
- Good, comfortable handle
Cons
- Only 8 inches
- Utilizes a stone-derived coating from Germany that is 100% free of APEO, GenX, PFBS, PFOS, PFOA, and...
- Eco-friendly pan delivers unprecedented non-stick performance without risk of exposure to these...
- Features a hardened scratch-resistant coating that is super easy to clean.
3. Most Affordable -Lodge 742341 Miniature Skillet
My7 number 3, Lodge 742341 Miniature Skillet made from the same makers as those from my number 1, has all the qualities, such as being cast iron and already seasoned for high heat searing. This means this carbon steel pan features excellent ability to retain heat distribution, additional flavor, and is super easy to clean.
There are 3 differences in the pans with heat conductivity for cooking. The main one being that you can only cook one steak at a time due to its small three and a half inch size.
On the plus side however, this carbon steel frying pan is a skillet, so instead of pan frying your steak you can also saute or broil it for a different finish due to a superb heat retention.
In comparison to a stainless steel pan for steak, you’d pay a smaller price for a smaller piece of cast iron cookware. Despite that, it has a large cooking surface and high heat conduction for better browning for cooking steaks.
Pros
- Made with cast iron pan
- Pre-seasoned cast iron
- It’s a skillet, distributing heat from both the bottom and the sides
- Very affordable
Cons
- Only suited to cooking one steak at a time
- Cast iron provides superior heat retention and is unparalleled for even cooking
- Skillet is 3.5 inches in diameter. suitable for small batch melting, mini individual deserts or...
- Mini skillet is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil; no synthetic coatings or chemicals for a natural,...
4. 10” Stone Derived Granite Frying Pan
Call us vain, but my article would be amiss without featuring a copper pan that was super pretty!
It’s no surprise that this 10” Stone Derived Granite Frying Pan red-speckled beauty made my Top 5 for cooking steak – and not just for it’s looks. Its smooth cooking surface lets you achieve an evenly cooked steak due to high heat searing.
Compared to a cast iron frying pan, the interior of this non-stick pan is made out of durable heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum core, with a magnetized base for use with rapid heat transfer induction stoves. It sports patented Thermo Spot technology, which allows an even heat distribution base and features anti-warping for cooking.
In contrast to a cast iron skillet pans, this pan has a superior and longer lasting nonstick coating for heat conductivity. Furthermore, this frying pan achieves that non-stick coating perfection without all those nasty chemicals rumoured to be released from other non-stick cookware surfaces.
I also love the ergonomic wooden handle, which is comfortable to grip and stays cool when cooking steak.
Pros
- Great design
- 10 inches big
- Special technology for even heating
- Chemical-free
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Pricier than your average frying pan
- ULTRA NON-STICK & EASY TO CLEAN – Granite coating makes the pan both nonstick and scratch...
- ECO-FRIENDLY & HEALTHY COOKING – 100% free of PTFE and PFOA and less oil is needed in cooking.
- INDUCTION COMPATIBLE – Suitable for all four types of stove tops including induction, gas,...
5. Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Deep Square Grill PanPros
If you’re looking for a good grill pan with good heat retention that isn’t as heavy as the cast iron skillets when cooking steak, then you need look no further than my number 5.
Instead of heavy cast iron pan for steak, it’s made with hard anodized aluminium (more on this in my buyer guide). This copper pan allows even heating and is non-stick.
This Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Deep Square Grill Pan is another option for the best frying pan because it has ridges along the bottom. It can conduct heat quickly, giving those lovely sear marks to your steak while allowing the fat to drip away, and has deep sides to minimize splatters for cooking steaks.
Unlike the other cooking pans, this pan also features a comfortable silicone over stainless steel handle.
Pros
- Light to handle
- Ability to retain heat evenly
- Ridges to allow the release of meat fats
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- As it’s not a cast iron pan, the food doesn’t retain its heat as well
- INDOOR GRILL ANYTIME: Durable, hard-anodized nonstick grill pan provides fast, even heating for...
- OVEN LOVIN': Oven safe to 400 degrees F, this nonstick grill pan makes for easy stovetop-to-oven...
- GET A GRIP: Double-riveted handle with colorful silicone grip makes it easy to move this nonstick...
Features to Consider for the Best Pan-to-Cook Steak
My buying guide concentrates on steak served up straight. By the end of my guide and FAQ section, you will know exactly how to prevent your steak sticking to the right pan and how to prevent it drying out. I cover frying pans, and grill pans and skillets.
(A skillet is simply a steak pan with slanted sides for cooking and ensuring even heat distribution. The slanted sides mean it’s perfect for stir-frying, or when you’re moving ingredients around a lot in the pan.)
First, let’s take a look at your good old frying pan. Your typical frying pan is usually made from aluminium or stainless steel and can feature a non-stick coating that will do wonders for your steak cooking.
Comparison Table
| Product | Color | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Lodge 10.5 Inch Square Cast Iron | Black | Induction Stovetop Compatible |
| Ozeri ZP17-20 8 Stone Earth | Anthracite Gray | Gas, Electric, Induction Stovetop Compatible |
| Lodge 742341 Miniature Skillet | Black | Dishwasher Safe |
| 10” Stone Derived Granite | Red Copper Stone | Organic |
| Hard-Anodized Nonstick 11-Inch Deep Square | Gray with Blue Handles | Gas Stovetop Compatible |
Aluminium
Aluminium is one of the best metals for conducting heat – far better than stainless steel pans in fact. This means aluminium pans will brown the sides of the steak more quickly, sealing in the juices right away! Aluminium also heats evenly across the surface of the pan while producing lovely grill marks.
There’s a particular aluminium which is a far superior frying pan material than your standard aluminium, and that’s anodized aluminium. It’s a better heat conductor than stainless steel, and it’s also scratch-resistant. Although it’s very strong, this pan also surprisingly lightweight. The drawback is that it takes a little longer to heat than other materials.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel frying pans are generally more expensive than your aluminium ones. Stainless steel pans are sturdy, durable and cheap. When cooking steak, they maintain their heat well, which results in even cooking and is great for searing your steak.
Stainless steel pans are better for novice cooks, since they adjust to temperature changes quickly and has a wide cooking surface.
Teflon
Frying pans usually feature a non-stick coating, commonly known as Teflon. Its popularity is drawn from how easy it is to clean due to its smooth surface, meaning ingredients do not stick to the pan. This pan requires little oil or butter, making it a healthier way for you to cook your steak using pans.
Originally Teflon got its nonstick properties from a toxic, nearly indestructible chemical, usually referred to as PFOA. These days, however, Teflon and similar brands are PFOA-free. If you’re unsure or worried, I recommend reading the label.
Grill Pans
Carbon steel grill pans are usually either made from aluminium with a non-stick surface, or they are cast iron. A cast iron skillet gets extremely hot and also retains heat for a long time, so if you decided to cook a well done steak, the heat is unlikely to dissipate too much when the steak hits the plate.
Some cast iron skillets come already seasoned. Seasoning of cookware is the process of treating the surface with heated fat in order to make a corrosion-resistant and stick-resistant coating in pans.
The drawbacks to a cast iron frying pan are that it takes longer to conduct heat up than a stainless steel pan and that they’re more susceptible to hot spots.
As you can see by now, there are pros and cons to using a cast iron skillet. You will have to weigh pre-seasoned cast iron pans up against your personal requirements. Consequently, my top 5 featured pans offer options across the board.
In general, a grill pan is a better choice than a frying pan. Not just because you can grill outdoors but also because it’s that much healthier. Foods absorb a lot of fat when fried, even with low fat foods. When your steak is grilled using carbon steel however, the fats get extracted from the meat.
The best frying pan is a heavy-duty one with a thick base. When cooking steaks, a thick base allows it to absorb and distribute heat more evenly than a thinner pan, and will do away with “hot spots”. All the pans in my top 5 have that thick base that is good in retaining heat.
FAQS
How Do You Choose a Good Steak?
For a special occasion, choose a fillet steak. It’s the most prized of cuts. Although it’s very thick, it’s also the leanest and most tender. It comes from the lower middle of the back, and it’s so tender because it does the least work. It tends to be more difficult to cook because it’s thicker.
Sirloin is another strong favorite. Sirloin is cut up to about 2cm thick with a very thin layer of fat running along the top. It’s moderately tender and very affordable. It has no bones, which is a plus for many people. And if you’re going to go for sirloin, go for top sirloin.
Rump is larger, with a firmer texture than sirloin, and is considered to have more flavor. Despite not being as tender as sirloin, it has a deep mineral savouriness. But what you’ll love about it is the price.
Rib-eye steaks are large and slightly rounded. Whilst they carry more fat than other steaks, the juice, and flavor often make up for it. It gets its amazing flavor from the fat marbling in pans, which you will see throughout the cut.
How Do You Prepare a Steak for Frying in Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pans?
I recommend that you tenderize your steak, bashing your steak with a heavy mallet to soften the fibers, making the meat easier to both chew and digest.
Season your steak according to taste. Options include but are certainly not limited to salt and pepper. You don’t have to marinade it, but I do recommend letting it get to room temperature before cooking. You can cook your steak in butter or in oil.
How Do You Prevent Your Steak From Sticking to a Cast Iron Skillet Pan?
To prevent your steak from sticking to cast iron skillet pans, you need to add some sort of fat (any butter, marge, or oil) into the pan before you add your steak.
How Do You Prevent Your Steak From Drying Out in Pans?
Don’t cook your steak straight from the fridge – let it get to room temperature before cooking. You should also allow the steak to rest after cooking. This allows the collagen in the meat to thicken the juices as the steak cools ever so slightly.
How to Minimize Splatter When Frying Using a Cast Iron Frying Pan?
If you want to minimize splatter when cooking steak using a cast iron skillet, there are several ways. I recommend using a splash guard. Or, using a pair of tongs, set a folded paper towel in the pan to mop up excess juice. Another method is to sprinkle a bit of flour in when the oil starts to bubble.
What’s the Most Searched Recipe for Pan Fried Steak?
One of the most searched-for recipes for pan fried steak is the Martha Stewart one, which you can find displayed on her website. Another well-loved favorite is Gordan Ramsay’s, which again can be found on his website.
What Type of Steak Is Best for Health and Nutritional Value?
Red meat such as beef steak is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and can form part of a healthy balanced diet. When it comes to beneficial nutrients, there’s actually no difference between a steak that’s cooked rare or well done using pans.
Is Pan Frying the Only Way to Cook Steak?
Pan frying using a cast iron skillet is by no means the only way to cook steak, but it is by far the most popular. You can also cook steak in an oven or slow cooker or halogen oven. Poaching, sauteing and broiling your steak are the other options.
What’s the Best US Online Butcher for Steaks?
To find a good online butcher for steaks, we suggest you head over to urbantastebud.com.
What Sauces Go Well With Steak, and Where Can I Find the Recipes?
The most popular steak sauces include peppercorn sauce and steak Diane. Why not head over to the five best steak sauces for details.
What Wine Pairs Well With Steak?
Always go with your diner’s favorite if you can, but if they don’t have a favorite and they like red wine, I suggest a big bold Cabernet Sauvignon.
The reason red wine is so favored for pairing with steaks is that its molecules soften the fat in the steak on pans to release its flavor.
What Other Foods Go Well With Steak?
You can really take your pick here! Thick fries, jacket potato, salad, roasted vegetables…the list goes on… Need some steak recipe inspiration? Have a look at these delicious steak recipes!
Richmond Howard started Meal Prepify in 2019 and has helped over a million people learn how to meal prep, get better at meal planning, and create a kitchen they love to use. He’s an avid home chef and loves to bbq, grill out, and make awesome food for family and friends. He’s been featured on MSN, Renaissance Periodization, and Good Financial Cents.
