Comparison: Best Pan For Searing (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When it comes to achieving a perfect sear—crisp, caramelized, and full of flavor—the right pan makes all the difference. From cast iron to stainless steel and non-stick alternatives, each type offers unique advantages for heat retention, even cooking, and ease of use. This comparison explores key considerations like material, durability, maintenance, and versatility to help you choose a pan that excels at searing meats, fish, or vegetables. Whether you’re a home cook or a seasoned chef, understanding these differences ensures you invest in a tool that delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for budget pick:
SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan for Stove Tops -
Best for stainless classic:
Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet -
Best for lightweight searing:
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan Skillet -
Best for hybrid durability:
WhatsClad 10" Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan -
Best for searing flour:
Wegmans Pan Searing Flour -
Best for best overall:
Blue Diamond Hybrid Nonstick Stainless Steel 10” Frying Pan -
Best for premium searing:
Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan -
Best for multi-functional:
Our Place Large Always Pan 2.0-12.5” (4 Qt) Nonstick -
Best for cast iron kit:
Cuisinel Cast Iron Square Grill Pan + Glass Lid + Pan Scraper + Handle Cover – 10.5" Pre-Seasoned Ridged Skillet – Grill -
Best for pro-grade carbon:
De Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan – 14” Diameter
Product Comparison: Best Pan For Searing
Budget pick
SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan for Stove Tops, Versatile Griddle with Pour Spouts, Square Big Cooking Surface, Durable Skillet Indoor & Outdoor Grilling. PFOA Free, 9.5 Inch
SENSARTE
- Nonstick & Easy to Clean: The Switzerland ILAG nonstick coating is very effective in preventing anything from sticking to the surface, even with minimal oil, and also makes cleaning a breeze, just wipe it with a paper towel or rinse it with water. Free of PFOA and PFOS.
- Sturdy & Durable: This grill pan is made of die cast aluminum, stury and no warp. The bakelite handle features comfortable to grip and stays cool to the touch.
- Versatile Griddle Pan: This is a versatile tool to sear, sauté, bake, broil, braise or fry. You can cook steak, bacon, grill cheese, chicken breast and veggies indoor or outdoor, no matter the weather is hot or cold, wet or dry.
- Good for All Cooktops: This grill skillet can be used on gas, electric, induction and glass or ceramic cooktops. The thick high magnetic conductive stainless steel base helps distribute heat evenly and quickly.
- Perfect Grill Marks: The raised ribs leave perfect grill marks for a great presentation and keep the fat down in the grooves. The pour spouts on either side of the pan make it easy to drain those excess fats and liquids.
Stainless classic
Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet, Chef's Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Collection, 722-24
Cuisinart
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: enjoy mirror finish, classic look and professional performance. Aluminum encapsulated base heats quickly and spreads heat evenly– eliminating hot spots
- PREMIUM COOKING: stainless steel cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Measurement markings for ease of use, drip free pouring, and flavor lock lid
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: cool grip handles are solid stainless steel riveted handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip
- CLEAN UP: dishwasher safe for an easy clean up
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free
Lightweight searing
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan Skillet, Use on Induction, Stove and Grill, Durable, Even-Heating, for Searing, Grilling, Oven Use, and Campfire, Indoor/Outdoor
Merten & Storck
- NEW YORK MAGAZINE’S The Strategist: Selected as the top budget-friendly carbon steel option, noted for being “a no-nonsense kitchen workhorse with a humble price to match.”
- TRUSTED CARBON STEEL ESSENTIAL: Lightweight, pre-seasoned carbon steel pan with excellent heat control, natural nonstick performance, oven- and induction-safe, and ready to cook right out of the box.
- PRE-SEASONED & READY TO COOK: Arrives pre-seasoned with natural oils for immediate nonstick performance—no additional seasoning or extra prep needed.
- CAST IRON ALTERNATIVE: Delivers the same high-heat searing, browning, and durability as cast iron—but in a lighter, more agile form with faster heating and easier handling.
- OPTIMIZED FOR HIGH-HEAT COOKING: Perfect for searing, grilling, and frying—this pan delivers intense heat for crisp edges, rich flavor, and pro-level results on steaks, eggs, fish, and more.
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL COOKTOPS: Works seamlessly with induction, gas, electric, ceramic stovetops—and also performs great in ovens, grills, and campfires.
- ERGONOMIC TRIPLE-RIVETED HANDLE: Sturdy steel handle is riveted for maximum strength, giving you a secure, comfortable grip—even when cooking over open flame or lifting heavy meals.
- SAFE FOR METAL UTENSILS: Tough surface resists scratches from spatulas, tongs, and other cooking tools.
Hybrid durability
WhatsClad 10" Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan, 3-Ply Stainless Steel Skillet, 2-Layer Coating, PFAS & PTFE Free, 9H Hardness & Corrosion Resistance, Dishwasher Safe, Induction Compatible-Black
WhatsClad
- Rapid & Even Heat Distribution: Built with a fully clad, hybrid 3-ply stainless steel core and 2-layer ceramic coatings, this frying pan heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly across the entire cooking surface. The inner aluminum core is sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel, eliminating hot spots. Perfect for searing a steak to a crust while locking juices inside or cooking an evenly-cooked, delicate omelet
- Dual-Layer Ceramic Nonstick: Experience a new level of cooking with our premium ceramic pan, featuring a double-layer, diamond-infused coating. This is more than just a non-stick surface; it's engineered for superior performance and durability. With an impressive 9H hardness, this ceramic nonstick frying pan is highly resistant to scratches from tough foods like shells or bones, ensuring a flawless finish and excellent food release. Plus, it resists discoloration, even after simmering rich red sauces
- Durashield Etched Rim: Featuring our exclusive etched stainless steel inner ring, this ceramic frying pan is engineered to resist edge chipping. By subtly raising the stainless steel above the coating it creates a protective buffer zone against accidental utensil bumps and scrapes. This makes the edge up to 2X more durable, preventing chips or peels for long-lasting performance. Precision micro-etching boosts surface friction by 20%, reducing food escapes while you toss
- Built to Last: Unlike traditional ceramic nonstick pans that are useless once their coating wears off, our hybrid frying pan is built to last a lifetime. Its robust, full-clad construction of food-grade stainless steel fully encapsulates the aluminum core, so you can continue to use the pan with peace of mind even if the ceramic coating wears off over time. This design provides exceptional stability and resistance to warping, dents, and separation, a clear upgrade from flimsy disc-bottom pans
- Healthy & Non-Toxic Skillet: Our hybrid ceramic skillet has been independently tested and verified to be free from 509 known PFAS substances, is FDA compliant, and is PTFE-free. Made from food-grade, natural materials, our ceramic coating never releases harmful fumes even if accidentally overheated—safe for birds, children, and pregnant women—while its ultra-smooth surface lets you cook with 35% less oil for healthier, more sustainable meals
- Stay-Cool Handle: The handle is often the weakest point of a cooking pan, but not ours. Our double-riveted stainless steel handle won't detach from heat fatigue like thin-welded handles, ensuring a safe cooking experience. The handle's hollow core and heat insulation keep it cool to the touch. Its ergonomic, curved contour delivers a comfortable, strain-free grip and secure, non-slip control, even with wet hands. This handle delivers unwavering safety and comfort for every meal
- Polished Flared Edge: Designed with a gently flared edge, this nonstick skillet makes pouring sauces, soups, or pan juices effortless—no messy drips down the side. We've also meticulously finished the edge to be smooth and comfortable to the touch, so you don't have to worry about accidental finger cuts or scratches when handling the pan. Whether plating a delicate reduction or transferring broth, enjoy clean, controlled pouring every time
- All-Stove Ready: This egg frying pan is ready for any kitchen. The 430 magnetic stainless steel outer layer ensures quick and efficient heat transfer on induction cooktops, while also working seamlessly on gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen stoves. It's the perfect choice for renters, students, or frequent travelers—no matter what kind of stove you have now or in the future, this pan will always be ready to cook
Searing flour
Wegmans Pan Searing Flour, 10 Ounce, (Pack of 2)
Wegmans
- Brown Rice Pan Searing Flour
- Gluten Free
Best overall
Blue Diamond Hybrid Nonstick Stainless Steel 10” Frying Pan, PFAS-Free Ceramic Diamond Surface Skillet, Diamond Bond Powerful Searing, Dishwasher Safe, Stay-Cool Handle, Induction Ready, All Cooktops
Blue Diamond
- DIAMOND BOND HYBRID TECHNOLOGY: Our proprietary technology fuses tri-ply stainless steel with a laser-etched, diamond-textured surface and a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating. This combination delivers 10X more durability, 6X faster heat response, and 4X longer-lasting nonstick.
- STAINLESS STEEL 10 INCH FRYING PAN: Includes a hybrid coated 10” skillet—perfectfor searing, meat, chicken, fish, pancakes, eggs and more.
- BUILT FOR LASTING DURABILITY: Heavy-duty, scratch-resistant construction withstands850°F oven/broiler use (glass lids to 425°F). Cast riveted stay-cool handles provide secure grip and control, while chip-resistant, wrapped rims facilitate clean pouring. Tempered glass lids lock in flavor, and dishwasher-safe design makes cleanup effortless.
- 10X MORE METAL UTENSIL SAFE: Incredibly scratch resistant and built to last through countless meals.
- 4X MORE NONSTICK: Diamond-reinforced nonstick works with the 3-ply stainless steel bodies for daily durability & effortless food release.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Most messes wipe clean, but this skillet is dishwasher safe for an even easier cleanup.
- 6X FASTER HEAT RESPONSE: This pan is optimized for uniform heating on all stovetops, including induction Oven and broiler safe up to 850°F.
Premium searing
Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch
Lodge
- YOUR NEW GO-TO GRILL PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast iron can handle any kitchen cooktop, oven, grill, and open flame. Crafted in America with iron and oil, its naturally seasoned cooking surface creates an easy-release and improves with use
- SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps prevent your pan from rusting. Lodge pre-seasons all cast iron cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil: no synthetic coatings or chemicals. The more you use this stove top griddle the better the seasoning will get!
- RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It is simply oil that has not fully carbonized. With regular use and care the spot will disappear. If you do notice rust simply scour the affected area with steel wool, rinse, dry, and rub with vegetable oil
- COOKING VERSATILITY: Our grill pans have unparalleled heat retention that gives you edge-to-edge even cooking every time you use your grill pan. Cast iron cookware is slow to heat up but retains heat longer which makes cast iron ideal for pan-frying and roasting, these delicious moments are cast to last
- FAMILY-OWNED. Lodge is more than just a business; it is a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material
Multi-functional
Our Place Large Always Pan 2.0-12.5” (4 Qt) Nonstick, Toxin-Free Ceramic Cookware | Patented 10-in-1 Aluminum Frying & Sauté Pan | Safe for Oven, Induction & All Cooktops up to 450°F | Steam
Our Place
- BIGGER SIZE OF OUR CLASSIC ALWAYS PAN: For larger-family dinners, batch cooking, and — of course — hosting, the Always Pan is perfect for making your favorite recipes that need a little more space. This 12.5-inch pan can sauté, fry, roast, boil, bake, braise, sear, strain, serve, and store.
- ALL-IN-ONE COOKING POWER: With over 45 patents promising quality and ingenuity, the Always Pan replaces 10 traditional cookware pieces, from frying pans to saucepots, making it the ultimate multitasker in the kitchen.
- HEALTH-CONSCIOUS, TOXIN-FREE COOKING: The Always Pan is crafted without PTFEs, PFOAs, other PFAS, as well as other potentially toxic materials like lead and cadmium, ensuring safer and healthier meals for you and your family.
- SUPERIOR NONSTICK PERFORMANCE: Experience the benefits of Thermakind, our more advanced ceramic nonstick coating that is 50% longer lasting, like effortless food release and easy cleanup.
- QUALITY AND DURABILITY: Built with premium stainless-steel handle and aluminum body, the Always Pan is compatible with all stovetops, including induction. It also features a sturdy lid, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to your kitchen.
Cast iron kit
Cuisinel Cast Iron Square Grill Pan + Glass Lid + Pan Scraper + Handle Cover – 10.5" Pre-Seasoned Ridged Skillet – Grill, Stovetop, Fire, Indoor/Outdoor Use – for Grilling, Frying, Sauteing
Cuisinel
- EASY TO CLEAN & MAINTAIN – After every use, cast iron should be hand washed, dried thoroughly on the stove at medium heat and seasoned with natural oils; Do not put in dishwasher and do not air dry
- SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP – Each dutch oven and skillet is crafted with seasoned cast iron that can outlast years of regular cooking and washing for long-term reliability
- PRECISION HEAT DISTRIBUTION – This cast iron skillet and dutch oven has a smooth finish to help provide even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying, even on grills, stoves or induction cooktops
- PRECISION HEAT DISTRIBUTION: This cast iron skillet has a smooth finish to help provide even heat distribution for improved cooking and frying, even on grills, stoves or induction cooktops
Pro-grade carbon
De Buyer MINERAL B Carbon Steel Fry Pan – 14” Diameter, 10.25” Cooking Surface – Ideal for Searing, Sauteing & Reheating – PFAS, PFOA & PFOS Free – Made in France
De Buyer
- CARBON STEEL FRY PAN – The MINERAL B Fry Pan is perfect for searing meat, sauteing vegetables, reheating leftovers, or cooking eggs. It’s made of carbon steel, which is one of the most natural cooking materials, praised by chefs around the world.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS – Lighter, more heat responsive than cast iron & better adapted to high heat than stainless steel. Naturally non-stick after seasoning, this pan is free from PFAS, PFOA, and PFOS and made without any chemical coatings.
- EASY TO SEASON – Handwash to remove the beeswax coating, dry. Gradually heat to med-hi. Apply a thin layer of oil to coat bottom & sides. Heat approx. 10 mins. or until it begins to smoke. Cool 10 mins., drain & wipe dry. Reheat to med-hi for 2 mins.
- USE & CARE – Hand wash only & avoid harsh soaps that can strip the seasoning. Can be used on all cooking surfaces, including induction. Oven safe for up to 10 min at 400F.
- ROOTED IN FRENCH CULINARY TRADITION – Crafted with passion and precision since 1830, we design and manufacture premium cookware, bakeware and kitchen tools that elevate the cooking experience for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which pan is best for searing on induction cooktops?
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan Skillet is induction-compatible and ideal for searing.
What nonstick option is PFAS-free for searing?
Blue Diamond Hybrid Nonstick Stainless Steel 10” Frying Pan is PFAS-free and suitable for searing.
Which pan offers a traditional searing surface?
Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan provides a classic cast iron surface for searing meats.
What hybrid pan combines nonstick and stainless steel?
WhatsClad 10"Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan merges nonstick and stainless steel for searing.
Which pan has a grill-like design for sear marks?
SENSARTE Nonstick Grill Pan features ridges for distinct sear marks.
What stainless steel pan is best for searing?
Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet is a durable stainless steel option for searing.
Which carbon steel pan is pre-seasoned for immediate searing?
Merten & Storck Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel 10” Frying Pan is ready to use for searing.
What large pan allows searing and multi-tasking?
Our Place Large Always Pan 2.0 offers a spacious 12.5” surface for searing and versatility.
