re: you dont need a gimmick to cook a steak

I use the alton brown method. heat up the cast iron to 500 in the oven, put on the stove on high, about 45 seconds each side then put the skillet in the oven still at 500 for 2-3 minutes each side. rest under foil for 5 or so minutes.

comes out perfectly red and dripping after those 5 minutes. after about 10 or so times doing it I've gotten a pretty solid crust everytime.