Marianne Martinez
Frying pans are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in your kitchen. They can be used for anything from frying eggs to searing steaks. When choosing a frying pan, it's important to consider what you'll be cooking and select a pan that suits your hob type. Non-stick pans, for example, are a popular choice for their ease of use and ability to fry delicate foods like eggs and fish fillets without sticking. However, they are generally less durable and not suitable for high-heat cooking. Cast iron pans, on the other hand, are highly durable but require more maintenance and are not suitable for all hob types. Stainless steel pans are a great in-between option, offering excellent durability and performance for browning and searing, as well as cooking sauces and frying vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium, ceramic-coated |
| Coating | Non-stick, ceramic, Teflon, PTFE, bronze |
| Size | 4.75-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 14-inch, 15-inch, 24cm, 28cm, 30cm |
| Hob type | Induction, gas, electric |
| Features | Flared sides, bent lip, coated rivets, oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, durable, eco-friendly, scratch-resistant, lightweight, stay-cool handle |
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What You'll Learn
Non-stick frying pans
One of the best non-stick pans on the market is the Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan. It offers excellent value for money, with good heat distribution and manoeuvrability, often outperforming pans that are much more expensive. The Tramontina Professional non-stick pan is also available in a variant made specifically for Walmart, with minor aesthetic differences but identical functionality.
Another great option for a non-stick pan is the Ozeri pan, which features flared sides, a bent lip, coated rivets, and a super-slick coating. It heats evenly and feels balanced and substantial. However, the smooth stainless steel handle can be slippery to grip when wet or greasy, so it is recommended to use a dish towel when handling it.
If you're looking for a straight-sided non-stick pan, the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Pro 10-Inch Nonstick Pan is a good choice. It has a slick cooking surface, a bent lip, and a riveted handle. However, its straight sides can make it difficult to flip food with a silicone spatula.
For those who prefer a traditional non-stick coating, the Swiss Diamond HD Nonstick pan is a good option. It cooks pancakes evenly and allows fried eggs to slide out with minimal effort. The Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO frying pan is another durable option, coming in five different sizes. Its non-stick coating endured exceptionally well in tests, and it also cooked food evenly.
When choosing a non-stick pan, it's important to consider the type of coating. Non-stick pans typically have either a Teflon (plastic) or ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings are natural and hard but more fragile, while Teflon coatings are a form of plastic. It's also important to avoid scratching non-stick pans and to avoid heating them above 400 °F to reduce potential health risks.
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Cast iron frying pans
Lodge Cast Iron manufactures cast iron pans in the USA and pre-seasons them with 100% natural vegetable oil. Their skillets are safe to use in the oven, on the stove, grill, and over a campfire. Lodge's skillets are also PFAS-free, PFOA-free, and PTFE-free, and are made with just iron and oil. The skillets come in various sizes, including 7", 10.25", and 12".
Solidteknics also manufactures wrought Australian iron cookware that is suitable for all heat sources, from induction to campfires. Their products are built to last and come with a multi-century warranty.
When buying a cast iron frying pan, consider the number of people you usually cook for, as this will determine the size of the pan you need. Additionally, cast iron pans require more maintenance than other types of pans, so be prepared for the extra care needed to keep them in good condition.
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Carbon steel frying pans
One of the key benefits of carbon steel pans is their durability. They can withstand super-high temperatures for hours and are suitable for use on gas, electric, induction cooktops, or even an open fire. With proper care, a carbon steel pan can last a lifetime. Additionally, carbon steel pans have natural non-stick properties, although they need to be seasoned before they can fully realise their non-stick capabilities. The seasoning process can be time-consuming but is essential for unlocking the pan's full potential.
When it comes to specific brands, Mauviel and OXO offer excellent carbon steel pans. The Mauviel pan is particularly notable for its lightweight design and easy food release, while the OXO pan is a budget-friendly option that is highly non-stick. Another brand worth considering is Smithey, which offers hand-forged carbon steel skillets that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
When purchasing a carbon steel pan, it is important to keep in mind that they are not suitable for handling acidic sauces for long periods as this will eat away at their seasoning. Additionally, while carbon steel pans are generally non-stick, they may not be as non-stick as Teflon-coated pans. However, with proper seasoning and use, a carbon steel pan can become more non-stick over time.
Overall, carbon steel frying pans are a great choice for those seeking a durable, lightweight, and non-stick option. With their superior heat retention and responsiveness, they are a favourite among professional chefs and home cooks alike.
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Stainless steel frying pans
When choosing a stainless steel frying pan, it's important to consider factors such as size, handle design, and heat distribution. Stainless steel skillets typically come in 10-inch and 12-inch sizes, with the smaller size being perfect for sautéing small batches of vegetables or protein, and the larger size ideal for bigger recipes. The handle design can vary, with some featuring upward-sloping handles that may be more comfortable for taller individuals but could be a bit too high for shorter people to handle comfortably. Ridges on the handles can add leverage and prevent the skillet from rolling, but some users may find them uncomfortable.
In terms of specific product recommendations, the All-Clad D3 Stainless Fry Pan is a popular choice and has been consistently rated as one of the best stainless steel pans by both professionals and home cooks. It features a large cooking surface due to its gently sloped edges, and it heats evenly thanks to its aluminum core. The All-Clad brand is known for its high-quality construction and durability, and their pans are used in many professional kitchens and culinary schools. Another option to consider is the Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan, which has been praised for its performance, price, and ease of cleaning. This pan has held up over months of long-term use and is wide enough to cook multiple portions without crowding.
For those on a budget, the Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply 10-inch Fry Pan is a great option, offering good performance and design at a lower price point. The Ninja EverClad Commercial-Grade Stainless Steel Fry Pan is another budget-friendly choice that heats quickly and adapts well to temperature adjustments. Finally, for those seeking a premium option, the Le Creuset signature stainless-steel frying pan combines a durable stainless steel exterior with a tough non-stick coating, delivering crisp and flavoursome results.
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Frying pan size
Frying pans come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 4.75-inch pans, perfect for frying a single egg, to 14-inch skillets, ideal for preparing family-sized meals. The size of the frying pan you choose depends on the number of people you usually cook for and the type of food you plan to prepare.
Small frying pans, ranging from 4.75 to 6 inches, are ideal for cooking a single egg or two. If you're looking for a pan to cook for one or two people, a medium-sized pan between 8 and 10 inches is a good option. These pans are perfect for cooking a couple of chicken breasts, sautéing vegetables, or making scrambled eggs.
For cooking larger quantities of food or for a family, consider a generously sized frying pan of 12 inches or more. These pans provide ample surface area for cooking burgers, steaks, or pork chops for multiple people. They are also suitable for shallow frying or sautéing, as they offer more space for tossing and flipping food.
Additionally, consider the type of food you'll be cooking. Non-stick pans are ideal for cooking eggs, fish fillets, and other delicate dishes, while iron pans are better for high-temperature cooking, such as searing steaks. Stainless steel pans are a versatile option, suitable for cooking sauces, frying vegetables, and browning or searing meats.
When choosing a frying pan size, it's also important to consider the space you have available for storage and the size of your stovetop burner or cooktop. Ensure that the pan you choose is compatible with your cooktop, especially if you have an induction cooktop, and always follow the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations.
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Frequently asked questions
The best frying pan for you depends on your needs and preferences. Here are some highly-rated options:
- Lodge Seasoned Steel Skillet: lightweight, combines cast iron's cooking power with carbon steel's lightweight construction, and comes pre-seasoned.
- All-Clad Stainless-Steel Fry Pan: creates a perfect sear without food sticking, though food will stick if not used properly.
- Le Creuset: sturdy, reliable, and long-lasting.
- Ninja non-stick frying pans: flat bottom and high sides make them flexible for cooking a variety of dishes.
- Mauviel copper saute pan: a pan that gets better with age, ensuring beautiful, even cooking.
Frying pans come in a wide range of sizes, from 4.75-inch pans (great for frying a single egg) to 14-inch skillets (ideal for preparing family-sized portions). If you're buying just one pan, go for something between 8 to 10 inches, which is perfect for cooking a chicken breast or two, sautéing vegetables, or making scrambled eggs.
A good frying pan is indispensable in the kitchen due to its versatility. When choosing a frying pan, consider the following:
- Heat distribution: The pan's material and build affect how evenly it distributes heat. Cast iron, for example, is known for holding heat evenly.
- Maneuverability: Consider the weight, balance, and comfort of the handle since you'll be moving the pan around a lot during cooking.
- Maintenance: Some pans, like carbon steel, require more maintenance and care than others.
