Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- December 9, 2023 , Last updated on : December 10, 2023
While eating steak at a restaurant is very expensive, making one for yourself is surprisingly cheap. The bulk of the cost lies with the searing pan that you need to buy. However, if you get the best pan for searing steak, then this will be a one-time investment. Additionally, homemade pan-seared steaks are surprisingly tastier than the overpriced ones in restaurants if you can get it right.
Buying guide for the best pans for searing steak
Not every pan can be used for cooking a nice steak. The best searing pans will have a few specific characteristics which you need to check. While you can sear a steak in other pans, they will not turn out as good. Here is a buying guide for the best pans for searing steak.
Compatibility
First and foremost, the pans need to be compatible with the type of stovetop you have in your kitchen. While you can use every pan on a gas stove, if you have an electric or an induction cooker, you need to check for compatibility. If you want optimal temperature control when searing your steaks, go for an electric stove with a compatible pan.
Material
The material that a pan is made from plays a big part in determining whether the steak will turn out good afterward. However, pans made from different materials have different costs. The best pans for searing steak are usually made from cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Functionality
You can also check the pans for additional features like oven-safe and dishwasher-safe to make your life easier. For example, pans usually get really greasy after you have seared a steak; a dishwasher-safe pan will make cleaning easier after you are done cooking.
The best pan to sear steaks will allow you to impress a lot of guests easily. However, it will also fit your budget and meet your requirements. However, finding the best pans for searing steak through trial and error can be a hassle. That is why we have selected some of the popular pans on the market and ranked them based on personal experience and user reviews.
List of the best pans for searing steak
WMF Frying Pan
Lodge L8SK3
Jean-Patrique Griddle Pan
Le Creuset Skillet
Lodge L8SGP3
All-Clad D3
Backcountry Grill Pan
ESLITE LIFE Grill Pan
Matfer Bourgeat Pan
All-Clad HA1
WMF Frying Pan
Material:Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Compatibility: Gas, electric, induction, oven
If you are looking for the best pan for steak, then look no further. The WMF Frying Pan is perfect for people who cook steaks on a regular basis. It has a durable, nonstick coating that not only ensures that your steak does not stick to the pan but also lasts longer.
The WMF Frying Pan stands out from the crowd because of its ability to quickly change temperature and retain it. As a result, you can sear your steak to perfection with it. Additionally, it is oven-safe and can withstand temperatures up to 400°C.
Pros:
Can handle very high temperatures
Durable nonstick coating
Precise temperature control
Versatile options
Cons:
Not dishwasher safe
The only drawback of the WMF Frying Pan is that it is not dishwasher-safe. As a result, you need to wash the pan by yourself after cooking to ensure it lasts a long time. However, if dishwasher-safe pans do not interest you, this is the best pan for searing steak that you can get.
If you prefer skillets over frying pans when searing steak, the Lodge L8SK3 is one of the best skillets for steak that you can buy. It stands out from other skillets on the market because it comes preseasoned with natural vegetable oil and is very easy to maintain.
While most skillets are usually not compatible with induction stovetops, the Lodge L8SK3 stands out from the crowd. Additionally, it has unparalleled heat retention, so you can sear your steak while saving energy as well. Lastly, the skillet’s superior durability will ensure it is a one-time investment.
Pros:
Preseasoned with vegetable oil
Compatible with induction stovetops
Unparalleled heat retention
Long lasting durability
Cons:
The handle gets hot
The biggest drawback of the Lodge L8SK3 is that the handle gets hot when you are searing your steak. As a result, you cannot take it off the stove without using a towel or handle cover. Other than that, its features, combined with its durability, make it the best pan for searing steak.
‘The Whatever Pan’ from Jean-Patrique is one of the best pans for searing meat. Not only does it heat up quickly to your preferred temperature, but it also distributes the heat evenly. As a result, no portion of your steak will be overcooked or undercooked.
The Jean-Patrique Pan has an outstanding nonstick coating that does not have any toxic material that may sip into your steak. Additionally, it has functional griddle lines that allow you to sear your steak and create a unique texture and crust.
Pros:
Heats up quickly
Even heat distribution
Functional ridges
Non-toxic material
Cons:
Hard to clean
The biggest drawback of The Whatever Pan also comes from the griddles, which makes the pan harder to clean. Other than that, the extraordinary heat conduction, combined with its toxin-free build, makes it one of the best pans for searing steak.
The Le Creuset Skillet is perfect for those who want that distinctive sear marks on their steak. While griddle marks are not necessary for a steak to taste good, those marks make it seem like the steak was prepared by a professional. Other than that, the biggest selling point of the Le Creuset Skillet is that it is comparatively light, even though it is made from cast iron.
Design-wise, this skillet distinctively stood out from the crowd. However, looks alone cannot sell cookware. They need to be able to complete the task that you bought it for effectively. We loved the heat retention of this skillet, so you can cook meat and fish with ease.
Pros:
Creates distinctive sear marks
Lightweight build
Easy to clean
Cons:
Very expensive
While the Le Creuset Skillet is, without a doubt, one of the best pans for searing steak, it is very expensive. As a result, it falls behind in the price-feature ratio. But if you can meet its price tag, the Le Creuset Skillet will ensure your steaks excel in both presentation and taste.
While most griddle pans have a hard time distributing heat evenly, the Lodge L8SGP3 does it flawlessly. It will ensure that no part of the steak is overcooked or undercooked after you are done searing it. Additionally, it has a durable cast iron build that will ensure it lasts a long time, provided you clean and maintain it properly.
The heat retention of this pan is outstanding. It can go from the oven directly to the table without any issues. Since it comes pre-seasoned from the box, it only gets better the more you use it. Furthermore, you will need less oil to cook your meat with this pan.
Pros:
Distributes heat evenly
Durable build
Functional griddles
Cons:
Hard to maintain
The Lodge L8SGP3 is preferable for professionals or experienced home cooks who know how to handle a cast iron pan properly. This is because it needs to be cleaned and properly seasoned with oil after usage to unleash its true potential. So, if you can maintain it, the Lodge L8SGP3 is the best pan for searing steak that you can buy.
If you want a pan that can handle very high temperatures, the All-Clad D3 is one of your best choices. It can be used in broilers as well since it can resist temperatures up to 600°F. It has a stainless steel exterior for longevity and an aluminum core for durability. Additionally, it is dishwasher safe, so it can be cleaned easily.
We loved the easy-to-clean cooking surface of the All-Clad pan. You can cook all you want on it. Afterward, you can simply rinse it off using water and detergent. You can consider them as an investment for your kitchen since they are so easy to maintain and will last a lifetime.
Pros:
Can handle very high temperature
Double layered durable build
Easy to clean
Cons:
Does not have a nonstick coating
The All-Clad D3 is ideal for those who like to sear their steak with a lot of seasoning and oil. Otherwise, the steak will stick to the pan because it does not have a nonstick coating. If that does not matter to you, then its versatility and durability make it one of the best pans for searing steak.
The Backcountry Grill Pan is one of the few options that come with a tempered glass lid. So, if a pan with a lid is one of your requirements, you can go for this. Additionally, it has a longer handle that does not get hot easily when you are cooking. Lastly, it retains seasoning, so your steak will taste better the more you use it.
If you want distinguishable grill marks on the fish or meat that you are cooking, then this is the grill pan that we will suggest for you. Another good functionality of the grill grates of this pan is that it stops the meat from sitting in the drippings when you are cooking it. As a result, your steak will not be greasy.
Pros:
Comes with a tempered glass lid
Gets better with the use
Longer handle
Cons:
Needs to be used regularly
If you do not plan to cook a steak or use the Backcountry Grill Pan on a regular basis, then it is not a good option for you. However, if you use it on a regular basis, it will not get better with time. As a result, it is one of the best pans for searing steak.
The ESLITE LIFE Grill Pan comes with tongs, which is an ideal accessory required for searing steak. Other than that, the pan itself has a high-performing nonstick coating that will ensure you can cook your steak with ease. Additionally, the handy pouring spouts let you easily drain extra oil and seasoning after you are done searing your steak.
The excellent nonstick coating on the pan not only makes it easier to cook on the pan but also makes it easier to clean it. You can simply rinse it off with water and wipe it down with a cloth. However, do not use it in a dishwasher since the force of the water will damage the nonstick coating.
Pros:
Comes with tongs
High-performance nonstick coating
Functional pouring spouts
Cons:
Low capacity
The only drawback of the ESLITE LIFE Grill Pan is its low capacity, so you can only sear one steak at a time. However, if you only cook for one or two people, the low capacity will not be an issue. Additionally, you can always cook in batches. Other than that, its functionality makes it one of the best pans for searing steak.
The Matfer Bourgeat Pan is one of the best commercial pans that can be used easily in residential kitchens as well. It has excellent temperature control, so you can sear your steaks to perfection. Additionally, no harsh chemicals were used in its production, which makes it free from harmful substances.
Not only can you control the temperature of the pan accurately, but it can also ensure an even distribution of that exact temperature. This means that your steak will be cooked evenly, and there will be no cold spots or burnt sides. Overall, we think this pan is ideal for both amateur and professional chefs.
Pros:
Excellent temperature control
Free from harsh chemicals
Durable construction
Cons:
Looks could be better
While the handle is welded onto the pan, the welded part is visible on the pan, which deteriorates its look. However, if the looks of the pan do not matter to you, only its performance does, then this is the best pan for searing steak you can get.
The All-Clad HA1 has a safe nonstick coating that not only makes it easier to sear steaks but is free from PFOA as well. Other than that, it has functional raised ridges that give your steak those attractive sear marks. Additionally, the ridges also ensure that the sear is perfect and all the fats are released from the steak.
We loved the steel bottom on this pan. It serves two purposes. Firstly, the steel bottom makes the pan compatible with electric stoves. Lastly, it makes the pan more durable. It is expertly crafted to ensure there is no wobble when it sits on a flat countertop.
Pros:
Safe nonstick coating
Functional raised ridges
Secure handle
Cons:
Does not work on induction cookers
The biggest setback of the All-Clad HA1 is that it does not work on induction cookers. This is the main reason this pan comes last on our list, even though it is an outstanding grill pan. So, if you do not own an induction cooker, it is the best pan for searing steak that you can buy.
The best pan for searing steak will be the one that fits your requirements under your specific budget. For example, if you want a pre-seasoned pan, the Lodge L8SK3 is the one for you. Alternatively, if you want a lightweight cast iron pan, go for the ‘The Whatever Pan.’ If you liked this list, check out our top picks of the best frying pans for fishand camping frying pans.
