This Popular Hack for Juicier Steak Is Actually a Myth, But We Found 9 Tools That Do the Trick

Steak lovers and home cooks alike have likely heard that the best way to keep a steak juicy is to sear the meat on both sides to lock in moisture, but it’s actually a myth. While searing can do a lot to produce a flavorful, brown crust on your steak, it unfortunately doesn’t guarantee that your steak will come out juicy. In fact, all cooking processes will cause your meat to lose moisture from the heat necessary to cook it to a safe, edible temperature. But that doesn’t mean you have to forgo dreams of a juicy, tender steak cooked exactly how you like it. 

There are plenty of products on the market that can help meat retain moisture during the cooking process and make sure you’re getting the juiciest steak possible. Meat thermometers, for example, can ensure you’re not overcooking your meat, while different types of tongs can prevent punctures that cause juices to run. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best products that reviewers claim kept their meats tender, starting at just $9. 

The Best Amazon Products to Keep Steak Juicy

• ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer, $11, originally $15
• Escali AHS1-4 Easy Read Dial Thermometers, $17
• KitchenAid Gourmet Meat Tenderizer, $9, originally $22
• JY Cookment Meat Tenderizer, $13, originally $24
• Hinmay Stainless Steel Scissor Tongs, Set of 2, $15, originally $20
• Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $20, originally $34
• Hestan ProBond Collection Professional Stainless Steel Frying Pan, $160, originally $200
• Vpcok Direct Sous Vide Precision Cooker, $42, originally $60
• MegaWise Vacuum Sealer Machine, $27, originally $35

ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer

The best way to prevent overcooking and drying out your steak is to determine exactly when your meat is done. A simple meat thermometer with a clear reading, like this one from editor-loved brand ThermoPro, can save your steak before it makes it to your plate. This digital model determines the internal temperature of your food in under four seconds, with an accuracy of 1°F. Once the food-grade stainless steel probe reads the meat’s temperature, a clear reading will show up on the screen and lock in after the probe is removed from the food. This thermometer is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it degrading from exposure to moisture. To determine which temperature your meat should be cooked to, follow our steak doneness guide based on how you like to eat your steak. 

Escali AHS1-4 Easy Read Dial Thermometers

If you prefer something a bit simpler, these small dial thermometers are another good option and provide easy-to-read results. Each dial features three meat measurements — Rare, Medium, and Well Done — for a more straightforward reading that’ll help you determine if your steak is cooked to your liking. The 2.25-inch metal probe is safe to use on the grill or in the oven and can be washed in the dishwasher. This 4-piece set is also an excellent go-to if you’re looking to cook multiple steaks at once. 

KitchenAid Gourmet Meat Tenderizer

Tenderizing your meat before cooking is another great way to ensure your steak stays juicy because it breaks down the muscle fibers that, when undisturbed, can make the meat tough or hard to chew. This traditional meat tenderizer by KitchenAid is made from durable, lightweight aluminum with a textured side for tenderizing a variety of meats, as well as a smooth side for flattening cutlets. For just $9, it’ll quickly and efficiently get the job done. 

JY Cookment Meat Tenderizer

For more intense tenderizing that also helps marinate your steak, try this meat tenderizer with 48 stainless steel blades. This chef-grade tenderizer doesn’t just break down tough and chewy connective tissues, but it also creates channels within your steak to allow a marinade to absorb more deeply and more quickly. The result is a juicy, tender steak packed with flavor. 

Hinmay Stainless Steel Scissor Tongs, Set of 2

Use tongs that are designed to grip and turn meat to ensure the meat isn’t accidentally punctured during the cooking process, thus letting juices escape. This set of 10-inch and 12-inch tongs is specifically designed to get a good grip on food without spearing your meat. The tongs themselves are made from a stainless steel metal that is heat-safe up to 1,112°F, while the scissor-like design is wide enough to comfortably grip thicker cuts. Reviewers note that they love the durability of these tongs, especially at this price point, with one reviewer saying that the longer tongs are the perfect size for grilling while the shorter pair work well in the kitchen. 

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron pans are a typical chef go-to when cooking steak because they retain heat extremely well, guaranteeing your steak cooks evenly. Lodge cast iron skillets are some of our favorites because of their superior browning abilities and consistently even heat distribution. This model in particular comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil and can be used on a variety of cooktops like your stove, oven, or grill. One reviewer noted that this pan makes a particularly delicious steak and wants to get more in different sizes. 

Hestan ProBond Professional Stainless Steel Frying Pan

If you’re not up for the care a cast iron skillet requires, a quality stainless steel pan is another excellent option for preparing a juicy steak because it’s durable and handles high heat well. Hestan's suite of cookware always seems to perform well in our stainless steel cookware tests. The pan conducts heat evenly, so you don't need to fret about an uneven steak. And we like how comfortable the handles are. Not only is this 11-inch frying pan induction compatible, but it is also incredibly easy to clean, thanks to its all-stainless construction. It's the kind of pan that should last a lifetime.

Vpcok Direct Sous Vide Precision Cooker

For those who truly want to cook the juiciest steak possible, opt for a sous vide. Though not the most conventional method of cooking, the water bath of a sous vide allows for the ultimate temperature control when preparing a steak, ensuring it is perfectly cooked to your exact preference. This particular sous vide is not just affordable when compared with other models, but it’s designed to accurately control temperature for even cooking. A clear digital reader at the top allows you to view temperatures easily, while a green light indicator lets you know when your water has reached the desired temperature. Efficient water circulators within this sous vide control temperature without breaking down the fibers of your food, and the tool itself can get water up to 198.5°F. 

MegaWise Vacuum Sealer Machine

When preparing steak with a sous vide, it’s important you also have a quality vacuum sealer to prevent water from ruining your meat during the cooking process. This under-$40 vacuum sealer will create an airtight seal around various foods within 10 to 20 seconds. It also features a “dry” or “moist” mode, allowing you to seal in your steak with a marinade. Aside from sous vide cooking, this vacuum sealer comes in handy when freezing steak, preventing freezer burn which can also impact tenderness and moisture levels. Reviewers love the versatility of this vacuum sealer, with several saying it works particularly well for keeping water out during sous vide cooking.