A skillet is a kitchen essential.
This one pan can be used to prepare a wide range of dishes, be it scrambled eggs or an amazing steak.
If you want a restaurant-style steak at home, a high-quality skillet and the right seasonings and cut of meat is a must-have.
The best skillet for steak will be the one that can endure high temperatures, is well-built, and is low maintenance, so it can also be used as multi-purpose cookware.
Here we have listed some of the best skillets for getting the perfect crispy, brown steak;
- Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (12.5 inches)
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (12 inches)
- Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron (11-3/4 inch)
- Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Covered Skillet (12 inches)
- Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet ( 10 inches)
Skillet Vs.Pan: Which is Better for Steak
| Skillet | Pan |
| Shape: The shape is the most evident difference between the two. A skillet is a shallow pan with slanted sides. It is also called a fry pan or frying pan. | Shape: On the other hand, a pan has straight edges and deep sides. It is also called a Sauté pan. |
| Cooking Space: A skillet offers lesser cooking space than a sauté pan of the same size because of its slanted edges. For example, a skillet of 12 inches will have roughly 10 inches of cooking surface. | Cooking Space: A sauté pan has the same cooking surface as the diameter. A sauté pan of 12 inches will have the exact 12 inches of cooking surface. |
| Suitability: It’s good for recipes that need only a small amount of oil or fat. The slanted sides of a skillet make it easier to flip, toss or stir the ingredients so that everything is cooked evenly and quickly. | Suitability: The straight sides of a pan make it better suited for cooking certain ingredients which require liquid. |
| Usage: Skillets are good for stir-frying and sautéing.It is good for searing meat or making a saucy pasta recipe. | Usage: Sauté pans are perfect for shallow frying and braising as their vertical edges would prevent any liquid from spilling out. |
Based on our above analysis, we have concluded that a skillet is better for cooking steaks as a steak needs to be seared at low flame and requires only a small amount of oil and seasonings.
Related reading: Best Oil To Season Cast Iron Skillet – Click Here For More.
The Types of skillet
Skillets mainly come in three different materials.
Each is a valuable choice based on a person’s particular culinary taste.
Cast Iron Skillets
It is considered one of the most durable materials in cookware.
It is most suitable for cooking steaks, as these skillets retain heat for long periods, but it takes longer to heat up than other materials.
If taken good care of, a cast-iron pan can last a lifetime.
It will get better at cooking with time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Retains Heat: Excellent at retaining heat | Heat-up Time: It takes a long time to heat up. |
| Chemical Free: Free of synthetic chemicals and is considered healthier. | Heavy: Cast iron utensils are heavier than other metals. |
| Heath Benefit: Using a cast-iron pan may add a little iron to your food, which is another health advantage. | Handle Burn: As cast iron takes a lot of heat to warm up, the utensil handle, which is not made of cast iron, will also be exposed to that much heat, and it may burn easily. |
| Durable: Iron cookware is highly durable and can last a lifetime. | Re-seasoning: Cast Iron pan requires re-seasoning to avoid rusting. |
Carbon Steel Skillets
It’s another cookware material; this one requires a little extra maintenance.
It was more expensive than a Cast Iron one.
Many cheap copies are available in the market that does not heat up well.
Carbon steel skillet heats up quickly and reacts to temperature change.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooking Surface: This skillet has a smooth surface and improves searing. | Heat distribution: It distributes and holds heat well. |
| Lightweight: They are lightweight and easy to use. | Reaction to temperature change: Reacts quickly to temperature changes. |
| Chemical Free: They are free of chemicals. | Handle: The handle can get hot in the cooking process. |
| Non-stick Surface: It will develop a non-stick surface as time passes. |
Stainless Steel
This material is highly responsive to temperature change, and you can cook anything in it except acidic foods.
They are also quite expensive in comparison to other alternatives.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooks everything: Anything can be cooked in it, but it’s not good for foods that take a long time, like steaks | Expensive: It is more expensive than Cast Iron and Carbon steel. |
| Easy to use: This material is easy and convenient to use. | Not suitable for steaks: It’s not good for foods that take a long time, like steaks. |
| Easy Cleaning: The utensils of this material can be easily cleaned and care dishwasher safe. | |
| Heating time: Stainless steel utensils are highly reactive and heat up quickly. |
Best skillet for steak
You can achieve restaurant-style results at home using the proper techniques, spices, and utensils.
Here we will help you find the best utensils for searing a perfect steak at home.
1. Utopia Kitchen pre-seasoned cast iron skillet (12.5 inches)
This Cast iron cookware heats up fast and is excellent at retaining heat for a long time.
This ensures even heat distribution across the pan, and your steak cooks to become perfectly tender.
Base
It has a heavy base and offers a smooth surface for cooking.
It has two handles, one is longer, and the other is a helper handle for easy carrying.
It also has two spouts for pouring out the oils and gravy.
Size
It is round and has a 17*12.5*2.3 inches cooking surface.
It weighs 7.94 pounds.
Seasoning
It comes pre-seasoned and can be used on gas, electric, or ceramic glass top stoves.
It will also be good for campfires.
Cleaning
It can easily be cleaned with soapy water.
It’s recommended to re-season it after a few uses.
It can also be washed in a dishwasher.
It comes with a care and maintenance manual so it can be kept in good shape for a long.
2. Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet (12 inches)
It is one of the favorite cookwares of the top chefs.
If you are a steak fan, this one is a great option.
Heat Retention
This one offers superb heat retention and even heat distribution to give your steak a good sear.
Handles & Spouts
As cast iron skillets are heavy, they come with two handles that will help you lift the pan easily.
It has got a silicon holder that will protect your hands from heat.
It also has got two spouts on the sides for easy pouring.
Size & Weight
It weighs around 8 pounds and is 18 inches* 12 inches *2.2 inches in size, which allows a wide enough cooking space for a steak.
Seasoning
This pan is seasoned in the factory with vegetable oil and comes to you pre-seasoned.
This seasoning makes the cooking surface non-stick and enhances the flavor of your steak.
Cooking surface
This skillet can be used on a stove, oven, grill, induction cooker, and open flame, making it suitable for almost any surface.
Maintenance
Just use warm water and soap mixture to clean it.
Re-season it regularly to maintain it in good shape for a long time.
Store it dry to prevent rust.
3. Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron Skillet (11- ¾ inch)
The most attractive feature of this skillet is its beautiful Caribbean color.
Heat Conduction
This skillet gives a high cooking performance through high heat conduction and retention.
This skillet is perfect for cooking a crispy brown, juicy steak for a steak lover.
Besides searing steak, it is also suitable for stir-frying and even baking.
Designing and Construction
It is individually cast in sand molds for premium quality and durability.
It has a solid iron handle and a helper handle for easy grip, lifting, and carrying.
It also has a spout on the side for easy pouring.
Its unique color makes it a beautiful addition to any kitchen and is good enough to be presented on a dining table.
Size
It’s quite heavy with a weight of around 7.5 pounds. Its size is 13.2*11 ¾* 1.7 inches, offering an ideal cooking space.
Seasoning
This pan does not require any seasoning.
Its black enamel cooking surface will develop a natural patina after a few times, making it ideal for cooking.
Cooking Surface
It’s specially designed to be used in high temperatures and can endure high heat.
So this skillet can be used in nearly all heat sources like the stovetop, induction, grill, oven, or broiler.
Cleaning & Maintenance
It’s recommended not to wash it in a dishwasher and use soapy water to wash it with your hands.
The enamel coating makes the cleaning even easier.
4. Tramontina Enameled Cast Iron Covered Skillet (12 inches)
This Tramontina pan comes with some amazing features, which are as follows;
Related Readings: Roasting Pan vs. Dutch Oven – Click here.
Heat Conduction
Along with providing excellent heat conduction, it also provides slow and even heats distribution and retention.
It’s perfect for crispy on the outside and tender on the inside steak.
Design and Construction
It has a modern style, yet it retains an old-fashioned charm.
It has a lid to seal in the flavors.
It has a flat bottom and durable construction to ensure the best cooking performance.
Its lid is enameled with porcelain and has a stainless steel knob.
Handles
It has a long and short handle for easy carrying and lifting.
It also has two spouts for the ease of pouring any gravy or liquid.
Its enameled cast-iron skillet has a smooth matte black cooking surface.
Size of the skillet
It’s got 19.4*12*4.5*inches dimensions and weighs around 12.58 pounds which offers an ideal cooking space and surface for cooking a steak and sautéing recipes.
Maintenance of the skillet
The enamel coating makes it easy to clean and can be easily cleaned with warm water and soap.
It’s not dishwasher safe.
5. Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet
This brand has an amazing product, and this carbon steel skillet is perfect for steaks.
It’s also pre-seasoned with oil.
Size
It has several size options, but 12 inches is good for searing steaks.
Thickness
Its thickness helps retain heat for longer than usual and heats up quickly.
Also, it shows great cooking performance in high and low temperatures.
Maintenance
It’s not dishwasher safe and is recommended to wash with soap and warm water.
Usage
It can be used on stovetops, gas or electric and induction stovetops, grills, and open fires.
6. Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Skillet 11 7/8 inches
This is another pan for steaks that heats up fast and retains that heat.
It’s also got a non-stick coating.
It’s good at preserving the vitamins and minerals in the food through its temperature control ability.
Handle
It has an extra-long steel handle attached to the pan’s body for easy flipping, sautéing, and stirring and will also keep you safe from the heat.
It’s lightweight and has a wide surface that can cook up to three steaks.
Cleaning
It can be easily cleaned with warm water and soap, or you can wash it in a dishwasher.
7. Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 12-inch Skillet with Glass Cover
This skillet is suitable not only for steaks but for many other recipes as well.
Glass lid
It will lock in the nutrients and vitamins while your food cooks with its lid on.
Its glass cover will seal the moisture, and you will get a juicy and tender steak.
Size
It’s 12 inches in diameter and has sloped sides, further increasing the cooking space.
Durability
It’s a heavy-duty pan with a hard-anodized aluminum built, a material stronger and more durable than stainless steel.
Best Material for Pans
Pans can be found in various types of materials in the market, but the best steak pans are made of a type of certain type of material, including;
- Stainless steel
- Iron, Aluminum
- Carbon steel
Here we will discuss each of them in detail;
Stainless Steel
This material is used in many different utensils as it is non-reactant to acidic and alkaline foods.
Another important quality of stainless steel pans is that they are dishwasher safe and can be put in the oven or broiler.
It’s also got an attractive shiny look, is durable, and can be used for any cooking, making a stainless steel pan a good choice.
Aluminum Pans
Aluminum pans are lightweight, but natural aluminum reacts to certain acidic foods, which may give your food a metallic taste.
To counter this problem, aluminum pans are anodized or lined with an anon-stick coating.
This gives them stainless steel non-stick interior, making them attractive, adding to their strength, and making cleaning easier.
Lightweight aluminum is a practical choice if you want a large-sized pan or griddles and pots.
Carbon Steel
These pans are most often found in professional kitchens because of their durability and efficiency.
They are designed for high-performance cooking.
They can be used for any cooktop.
For work, carbon steel is the preferred material for omelet pans and crepe pans.
Some disadvantages of carbon steel pans are that the pans made of this material are mostly used for a single purpose only.
They can’t also be washed in a dishwasher.
Non-Stick
Non-stick pans are the most popular because they can effortlessly release any food sticking to the utensil’s surface.
You can cook without any oils or liquids in a non-stick pan.
They are known for their exceptionally easy cleaning.
Monon-stick pans can be used on any heat source and are oven-safe.
However, if you want some browning on your food, then a non-stick pan might not be the right pan.
Also, a non-stick layer is prone to scratching and damage.
They are also not recommended to be washed in a dishwasher.
Cast Iron
Enameled Cast iron pans are a good alternative to non-stick pans.
Cast iron is highly durable and can be used for searing and browning meat dishes.
It is also extremely oven safe.
However, this pan material’s downside is that it may cook unevenly, and cleaning a new cast iron pan can be tough.
It also needs seasoning from time to time to avoid rust.
It is also not dishwasher safe at all.
Best Frying Pan for Steak
The Granite Stone Diamond Nonstick Family Frying Pan may be the best frying pan for steak.
It’s a 14 inches wide pan and can be used on most cooktops.
The cooking surface of this pan is non-stick, smooth, and made of a rough granite coating, an extremely durable material.
It is also dishwasher safe, but it is recommended to be hand washed.
Related Reading: Reason Why Pans Wraps In The Oven – Click Here To Learn More.
The Bottom Line
A skillet or a pan can be used for searing a perfectly juicy steak, but a skillet is better suited for this purpose.
This article discusses the differences between the two and the pros and cons of the different materials used to make them.
Our top pick is the Lodge’s Cast Iron skillet, as it ticks all the boxes.
It has a 12 inches wide cooking space, is excellent at heat retention, comes pre-seasoned from the factory, and its maintenance is easy.
This makes it our best choice.
