9 Best Pans for Steak in 2024
A tender cut of high-quality sirloin, tenderloin or ribeye deserves to be cooked in the best pan for steak on the market. Not only will it enhance your dining experience, but using one of the best pans for frying steak will make the entire cooking process much smoother.
With such a large variety of materials out there, trying to choose the right pan for your steak-cooking endeavors can seem daunting. What material is best? What brands are most durable? To answer all your questions, we’ve rounded up what we’ve found to be the best pans for cooking steak — nine copper, cast iron or stainless steel pans that are all high-performing options with unique benefits.
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- Best Stainless Steel Pans for Steak
- Best Overall Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Skillet
- Best Value Stainless Steel Grill Pan for Steak: KitchenAid 10.25-Inch 3-Ply Stainless Steel Non-stick Round Grill Pan
- Runner Up Best Value Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Skillet with Helper Handle
- Best Professional-Grade Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: Demeyere Atlantis Proline 9.5" Stainless Steel Fry Pan
- Best Cast Iron Pans for Steak
- Best Overall Cast Iron Pan for Steak: Staub Square Cast Iron 12" Grill Pan
- Best Value Cast Iron Pan for Steak: Ayesha Curry 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Most Elegant Cast Iron Pan for Steak: Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set
- Best Copper Pans for Steak
- Best Value Copper Frying Pan Set: Anolon Nouvelle Copper Luxe 8.5" & 10" Frying Pan Set - Onyx
- Best Professional Grade Copper Pan for Steak: Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet
Best Stainless Steel Pans for Steak
Stainless steel pans are versatile, durable pans to have around whether you’re buying the best frying pan for steak or just in search of a pan that will last you for many years. The best stainless steel cookware heats quickly and evenly and can withstand almost anything you throw at it. So pull out your metal utensils, crank up the heat and get cooking with a stainless steel pan next time you’re in the mood for steak.
1. Best Overall Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Skillet
The Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Skillet is perfectly weighted, heats quickly and features flared rims for clean pouring. Its wide surface area makes it one of the best pans for browning steak, sautéing and more. The ergonomic handles complete the streamlined, functional cooking experience you’ll enjoy while using the Hestan ProBond skillet.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
This product stands out for its wide surface area and functional, beautiful design. You’ll find it’s one of the best pans for frying steak, cooking pancakes and more.
2. Best Value Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: KitchenAid 10.25-Inch 3-Ply Stainless Steel Non-stick Round Grill Pan
Achieve grill marks worthy of a steakhouse when you cook up steaks on the KitchenAid 10.25-Inch 3-Ply Stainless Steel Non-stick Round Grill Pan. This budget-friendly, long-lasting grill pan features a triple-layer non-stick coating for effortless cooking and clean-up. The round design maximize the cooking surface area for perfect grilling, and the raised ridges aid in separating fat from meat and reserving juices.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
Beautiful char marks on everything from steaks to burgers and a highly effective non-stick layer make us love this KitchenAid grill pan. Who doesn't want top-quality cookware with an affordable price tag?
3. Runner Up Best Value Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: Cuisinart Multiclad Pro 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Skillet with Helper Handle
An extra generous cooking surface, user-friendly details like a cool-touch handle and consistent, even heat distribution make the Cuisinart Pro 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Skillet with Helper Handle one of the best pans for steak. If you're searching for a more affordable option but don't want to sacrifice quality, this pan will tick all your boxes.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We find this ultra-wide Cuisinart skillet perfect for big batches of scrambled eggs, pancakes or large steaks. The drip-free pouring rim and cool-grip handles make it that especially user-friendly pan you reach for every day.
4. Best Professional-Grade Stainless Steel Pan for Steak: Demeyere Atlantis Proline 9.5" Stainless Steel Fry Pan
The Demeyere Atlantis Proline 9.5" Stainless Steel Fry Pan is a professional-grade fry pan suitable for gas, electric and induction stoves. Made from seven layers of high-quality stainless steel, this pan is ideal for searing steaks to perfection, and the pan’s handles remain cool to the touch even at high temperatures.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
Chef Angela-Michelle thinks the Demeyere fry pan is a top-performing pan that can be used for almost any cooking task, from sautéing vegetables to making a roux or cooking meat. She particularly likes the weighted bottom, which provides even heating while cooking.
Best Cast Iron Pans for Steak
While copper pans are expert heat conductors, cast iron pans have a different superpower: heat retention. Cast iron pans are many a chef’s pick for the best pan for steak (not to mention best fry pans in general) because they get hot and maintain that heat, allowing for perfect searing and even finishing. The best cast iron pans are also incredibly durable and, with proper seasoning, can develop a non-stick coating that rivals stainless steel pans.
5. Best Overall Cast Iron Pan for Steak: Staub Square Cast Iron 12" Grill Pan
Discover one of the best frying pans for steak when you pick up the Staub Square Cast Iron 12" Grill Pan. This beautiful cast-iron grill pan, which comes in a cheery red or sleek gray exterior, uses the power of cast iron to retain heat, and the pan’s design distributes it evenly. The grilling grooves collect fat for healthier cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Induction, oven and grill safe up to 500°F.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We love this beautiful heirloom pan and think it’s one of the best pans to cook steak because of its size, durability and exquisite quality.
6. Best Value Cast Iron Pan for Steak: Ayesha Curry 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan
The Ayesha Curry 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan gives you all the versatility of a cast-iron pan but incorporates user-friendly features that make this pan perfect for cooks new to cast iron. With excellent heat retention and even distribution, steaks come out perfectly with beautiful char marks, and you don't even have to fire up the grill.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
With its unbeatable price tag,the Ayesha Curry 10-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan is our favorite pan for everything from steaks to vegetables to paninis. It comes pre-seasoned for ease of use and has built-in pour spouts for foods that are flavorful and juicy while never greasy.
7. Most Elegant Cast Iron Pan for Steak: Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set
The Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set is not your mother’s cast iron skillet. Its notable octagonal shape creates six pour spouts and a snug-fitting lid that locks in flavors, while the unique metal handle is quick-cooling for easy handling. This high-quality skillet is a contender for the best frying pan for steak because of its weight and quality construction, producing a perfect sear on steaks.
Why This Product Is Chef-Approved
In Chef Nick's Finex cast iron review, he determined that this cast iron frying pan is a go-to for searing, roasting and braising. He particularly likes the quick-cool handle and versatility of the pan for all kinds of cooking.
Best Copper Pans for Steak
Copper has been prized for hundreds of years for its powers of conductivity and even heating, but it may be one of the types of pans you are most unfamiliar with. Traditional copper pans are expensive to produce and must be used carefully, but there are many modern options that combine copper’s best qualities with more durable materials for everyday use. Copper pans are some of the best pans for steak because they conduct heat quickly and evenly, providing an even sear and precise temperature control.
8. Best Value Copper Frying Pan Set: Anolon Nouvelle Copper Luxe 8.5" & 10" Frying Pan Set - Onyx
This sleek set of frying pans is a steal of a deal that delivers in the kitchen. The Anolon Nouvelle Copper Luxe 8.5" & 10" Frying Pan Set in Onyx both feature smooth, non-stick surfaces and a copper core for premium heat conduction. If you’re a new home cook looking for some of the best pans for steak, this duo is one of the best cookware sets to add to your kitchen.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We picked this set because it’s one of the best pans for steaks, eggs, vegetables and more. Made with high-quality materials and in two convenient sizes, these pans have become two of our kitchen favorites in no time.
9. Best Professional-Grade Copper Pan for Steak: Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet
The elegant Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet combines style with function for a one-of-a-kind copper pan perfect for cooking steak. This skillet is made of five layers of non-reactive stainless steel and a 100% copper core. Thanks to the copper core, you’ll notice even browning and quick searing in this induction-compatible copper skillet, making it one of the best pans for cooking steak. It’s even oven safe up to 600°F and available in three sizes for all of your cooking needs.
Why This Product Is Cozymeal-Approved
We love the Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet for many reasons. Top among them are its durability, elegant design and user-friendly construction.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
When it comes to the best pan for steak, copper, cast iron and stainless steel frying pans all have their benefits. Hopefully, this simple guide to the best pan for steak helped you narrow down your options to a few stand-out pieces of cookware that will last you for years.
For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out gourmet frying pans in the Cozymeal Shop.
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