The Ultimate Pan Size Guide

Frying pans are a kitchen essential, but with so many sizes available, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. The best frying pan for you will depend on your household size, cooking style, and storage space.

The most common frying pan sizes are 8, 10, and 12 inches, but they can range from 5 to 14 inches. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three pans of varying sizes: small, medium, and large.

Small frying pans (around 7-8 inches) are perfect for cooking single servings, like one fried egg or a small steak. Medium pans (10 inches) are great for cooking 2-3 servings and for preparing quick meals like grilled cheese. Large pans (12 inches and above) are ideal for batch cooking and preparing family meals without overcrowding the pan.

Other factors to consider when choosing a frying pan size include weight, maneuverability, and price. Smaller pans are generally lighter, easier to handle, and more affordable. On the other hand, larger pans retain heat better and are more versatile.

So, which pan size is the must-have? It depends on your specific needs and cooking style. A good starting point is to have at least one small, one medium, and one large pan to cover all your cooking bases.

Best for eggs: 6-8 inch pans

If you're a fan of eggs, a non-stick skillet is an absolute essential. For solo cooks, an 8-inch pan will do the trick, but if you're regularly cooking up a crowd-sized scramble, you might want to opt for a 10 or 12-inch pan.

Non-stick pans are a must for eggs because eggs are notoriously sticky. When cooked in the wrong type of pan, they leave a crusty, unsightly residue that's almost impossible to clean off. A non-stick pan ensures you get a perfect omelette, scramble, or fry every time.

When choosing a non-stick pan for eggs, look for something lightweight and slick, that's easy to manoeuvre and flip. A good non-stick pan will have even heat distribution, a sturdy, non-slip grip, and a handle that stays cool, even when using high temperatures.

• Tramontina Professional Fry Pan (8-inch)
• CAROTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet (8-inch)
• T-fal Professional VX3 Brushed Nonstick Fry Pan (8.5-inch)
• Zwilling Madura Plus 8-Inch Pan
• Misen Nonstick Pan (8-inch)

Best for single servings: 8-10 inch pans

If you're cooking for one, an 8-inch skillet is the perfect size. It's also a great choice if you're reheating leftovers for one, as they'll dry out in a standard-size skillet.

An 8-inch skillet is ideal for searing a fillet of fish, a pork chop, steak, or chicken breast, and it'll make less of a mess than a 10-inch skillet. You can also use it for making two eggs at breakfast.

An 8-inch skillet is also the only way to make an omelette. If you ever want to cook and eat an omelette, you need an 8-inch nonstick skillet.

Crepes are also easier to make in an 8-inch skillet. A lot of crepe recipes call for a 10-inch pan, but it's a lot easier to make them in a smaller skillet.

An 8-inch skillet is also tortilla-sized. A standard corn tortilla is 6 inches in diameter, the perfect size to fit flat in the bottom of an 8-inch skillet. No matter the material of the pan, an 8-inch size is the perfect tool for warming tortillas.

An 8-inch skillet is also easier to clean and lift. Less surface area means less pan to clean and less weight to lift. This is especially helpful when it comes to cast iron—a 10-inch cast iron skillet can be too heavy to move around easily.

You can also use an 8-inch skillet for toasting nuts and spices.

Best 8-inch and 10-inch pans

The GreenPan Paris 8-Inch Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan won a test of the best nonstick skillets—the 8-inch version is perfect for omelets and crêpes.

The Lodge 8-Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a classic cast-iron skillet that comes in a small size, perfect for making desserts, toasting nuts, and more.

The All-Clad Stainless Steel 8-Inch Fry Pan is another top choice.

The Cook N Home Professional Marble Fry Pan is a set of 8-inch and 10-inch nonstick pans. They are made of thick gauge aluminum, which provides even heat conduction and prevents hot spots. The nonstick coating makes food release and cleaning easy and is cadmium and lead-free. The soft handles are comfortable and stay cool during cooking. They are induction compatible and dishwasher safe.

The Farberware Kitchen Ease Nonstick Frying Pan Set includes 8-inch, 10-inch, and 11-inch pans. They are dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best for families: 12-14 inch pans

For larger families, a 12-14 inch pan is ideal. These pans are great for cooking in batches and can handle larger quantities of food, making them perfect for family meals. They are also versatile and can be used for a range of cooking tasks, from frying and browning to roasting.

A 12-inch pan can fit three medium-sized pork chops, for example, while a 10-inch pan can only fit two. A 12-inch pan is also a good option if you want to cook one-pan meals without overcrowding the pan.

If you're looking for a pan that can handle family-sized portions, a 12-14 inch pan is a great choice. These pans are typically deeper than average frying pans, making them suitable for stir-frying vegetables, shallow-frying chicken, and even reheating pre-cooked rice.

When it comes to materials, cast iron and carbon steel are popular options for larger pans. These materials have excellent heat retention and are very durable. However, they can be heavy, so if you're looking for something lighter, stainless steel or non-stick aluminium pans are also available in these sizes.

Keep in mind that larger pans will also be heavier and may be more difficult to manoeuvre. They will also take longer to heat up and cool down compared to smaller pans. However, they retain heat for longer, which can be useful if you're cooking multiple dishes.

Overall, a 12-14 inch pan is a great addition to your cookware collection if you're cooking for a family or larger group. They offer versatility, durability, and the capacity to handle larger quantities of food.

Best for storage: 10 inch pans

If you're looking for a pan that's a breeze to store, a 10-inch pan is a great choice. Here's why:

Maneuverability and Storage

10-inch pans are more compact and easier to maneuver than their larger counterparts. Their smaller size makes them ideal for kitchens with limited space. They can be easily moved between burners and fit comfortably in standard-sized cabinets. If you have a narrow stovetop or limited cabinet space, a 10-inch pan is a perfect fit.

Weight

In addition to their smaller size, 10-inch pans are also lighter in weight. On average, they weigh 29% less than 12-inch pans. This makes them easier to handle, especially when transferring food from the stove to the oven. If you want a pan that you can effortlessly flip and toss, a 10-inch option is the way to go.

Heating

The smaller surface area of a 10-inch pan means it heats up faster and more evenly than a larger pan. This is particularly advantageous when cooking foods that require precise temperature control, such as delicate sauces or fluffy omelets. You'll spend less time waiting for your pan to reach the desired temperature, and you'll get more consistent results.

Cost

When it comes to cost, 10-inch pans are generally more affordable than their larger counterparts. This is especially true when comparing pans made of the same material. So, if you're looking for a high-quality pan that won't break the bank, a 10-inch option is a smart choice.

Versatility

While 10-inch pans excel in many areas, it's important to consider their limitations. For example, if you frequently cook for a large family or batch cook, a larger pan might be more suitable. 10-inch pans are great for single servings or smaller portions, but they may not accommodate larger quantities of food or multiple ingredients at once.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a pan that's easy to store, maneuver, and handle, a 10-inch pan is an excellent choice. It heats up quickly and evenly, making it perfect for precise cooking. Additionally, its smaller size and weight make it a breeze to store and use, even in compact kitchens. So, if you're looking for a versatile and cost-effective option, a 10-inch pan should be at the top of your list.

Best for versatility: 12 inch pans

Best for versatility: 12-inch pans

A 12-inch pan is a versatile option for cooks, offering several advantages over its smaller counterparts.

Firstly, 12-inch pans can handle more ingredients and are ideal for batch cooking. For instance, you can cook three medium-sized pork chops in a 12-inch pan, whereas a 10-inch pan will only fit two. This makes 12-inch pans perfect for larger families or households.

Secondly, 12-inch pans are excellent for one-pan meals as they provide ample space to cook without overcrowding the ingredients. This is particularly important because overcrowding a pan can lead to inconsistent cooking and a steaming effect that prevents the desired golden brown crisp from forming.

Thirdly, 12-inch pans retain heat for longer. This makes them suitable for searing and roasting, as they can effectively cook larger cuts of meat.

While 12-inch pans are heavier and pricier than 10-inch pans, they are a worthwhile investment for those seeking a versatile pan that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.

For those who want a single pan that can do it all, a 12-inch option is the way to go.

Frequently asked questions