Best Stainless Steel Pans: Top-Rated Cookware

Stainless steel pans are a great option for any kitchen, whether you're a professional chef or a beginner home cook. They are non-reactive, meaning they can cook acidic foods without imparting flavour and don't require seasoning. Stainless steel pans can beautifully brown meat and are simple to clean. They can also transition seamlessly from the stovetop to the oven.

When shopping for stainless steel pans, you'll find 3-ply and 5-ply options, indicating the number of bonded metal layers. 3-ply pans tend to be lightweight and less expensive, but may not distribute heat as evenly and are more prone to scratches. 5-ply pans are pricier and heavier, but will generally conduct heat more evenly and be more durable.

Some of the top-rated stainless steel pans include the Made In 12-Inch Frying Pan, the Misen 12-Inch Stainless Skillet, the Tramontina 12-Inch Tri-Ply Clad Fry Pan, and the All-Clad D5 12-Inch Fry Pan. These pans offer a range of features, from comfortable handles to high heat resistance, and have received positive reviews for their performance and durability.

Best budget stainless steel pans

If you're looking for a budget-friendly stainless steel pan, you're in luck! There are several options available that offer high-quality performance without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best budget stainless steel pans on the market:

Tramontina Tri-Ply 12-Inch Stainless Steel Pan

The Tramontina Tri-Ply stainless steel pan is an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option. This pan features a triple-ply construction of stainless steel and aluminium, ensuring efficient heat distribution. It has a comfortable, riveted handle and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. At a price point of around $50, it offers exceptional value for money without compromising on performance.

Ninja Everclad Stainless Steel 10.25-Inch Fry Pan

The Ninja Everclad stainless steel fry pan is another great budget option. This pan heats up quickly and evenly, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, and stir-frying. It has an ergonomic handle for comfortable handling and is oven-safe. While it is on the heavier side, weighing in at 3.5 pounds, the Ninja Everclad fry pan offers exceptional performance at a reasonable price.

Misen 12-Inch Stainless Skillet

The Misen 12-inch stainless skillet is a fantastic budget-friendly option that delivers impressive performance. With 5-ply construction, it offers excellent heat conduction, heating up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit in just five minutes. The oval-shaped handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, and the pan is oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. At a price point below $100, the Misen skillet is an excellent choice for those seeking high performance at an affordable price.

OXO Mira Series Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that's perfect for beginner cooks, the OXO Mira Series Tri-Ply stainless steel fry pan is an excellent choice. This pan offers durability and even heating, making it versatile for various cooking tasks. It has a comfortable curved handle and sloped sides for easy flipping and pouring. The OXO fry pan is also oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and is easy to clean. At a price point of around $80, it's a great value option.

Amazon Basics 2-Piece Stainless Steel Pan Set

For an extremely affordable option, the Amazon Basics 2-piece stainless steel pan set offers remarkable performance. These pans are exceptionally lightweight, making them easy to handle and manoeuvre. They conduct heat well and are oven-safe up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. While the set is priced at less than $50, the performance and durability may vary over time, as the pans are quite light.

When choosing a budget-friendly stainless steel pan, it's important to consider factors such as heat distribution, ease of handling, oven safety, and durability. While you may have to compromise on some features, you can still find high-quality pans that offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.

Best high-end stainless steel pans

When it comes to high-end stainless steel pans, you want to look for a few key features. Firstly, opt for a 5-ply construction, which means the pan has five layers of metal that will heat up quickly and evenly. You'll also want to ensure the pan is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. Additionally, look for a pan with an ergonomic handle that is easy to grip and manoeuvre.

All-Clad D5 12-Inch Fry Pan

This pan is a top choice for high-end stainless steel cookware. It has a 5-ply construction, which means it's made with five layers of bonded steel and aluminium. This construction allows the pan to heat up quickly and evenly, and it's suitable for all cooktops, including induction. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to lift and manoeuvre, and the gently flared rims make pouring liquids a breeze. However, it is the most expensive option on our list.

Demeyere Industry Stainless Steel Fry Pan

The Demeyere Industry Stainless Steel Fry Pan is another excellent choice for a high-end stainless steel pan. This pan is made in Belgium and is a favourite among professional chefs. One of its standout features is its oversized cooking surface, which makes it perfect for larger cuts of meat or one-pan meals. Despite its large size, the pan feels well-balanced and easy to handle, even with its cast iron helper handle. It also heats up incredibly quickly and produces a beautiful sear.

Made In 12-Inch Frying Pan

The Made In 12-Inch Frying Pan is a great option if you're looking for a high-end pan that won't break the bank. This pan is designed to mimic the performance of a restaurant kitchen pan, and it delivers on that promise. It has a 5-ply construction, which means it heats up quickly and evenly. The handle is designed to stay cool, and the pan is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops. While it doesn't have a helper handle, it's still a great choice for those seeking a high-quality stainless steel pan.

Misen 12-Inch Stainless Skillet

The Misen 12-Inch Stainless Skillet is another excellent choice for a high-end stainless steel pan. This pan offers a great combination of performance and value. It has a 5-ply construction, which means it heats up quickly and evenly. The oval-shaped handle is comfortable and secure to grip, and the pan is oven-safe up to a whopping 800 degrees Fahrenheit. While it doesn't have a helper handle, it's still a fantastic option for those seeking a high-performing stainless steel pan.

Best stainless steel pans for beginners

Stainless steel pans are a great option for beginner cooks as they are non-reactive, durable, and can cook a variety of dishes. Here are some of the best stainless steel pans for beginners:

OXO Mira Series Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan:

This pan is a great option for beginners as it is inexpensive and provides the performance required in a more experienced kitchen setting. It has sloped sides, a comfortable curved handle, and is oven-safe up to 600°F. It also scored well in durability testing, showing only slight physical shifts during thermal shock tests. It is easy to clean and is dishwasher-safe.

Tramontina Gourmet 12-Inch Tri-Ply Clad Fry Pan:

This pan is a budget-friendly option that performs well and is lightweight. It has a comfortable riveted, tapered handle and is induction-compatible. It is also dishwasher-safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.

Made In 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan:

This pan is a good choice for beginners as it is well-designed, heats evenly, and is comfortable to hold. It has a flat handle that makes it easy to shift, flip, and pour. It is also oven-safe up to 800°F and dishwasher-safe.

Misen 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet:

The Misen skillet is another good option for beginners as it is affordable, has a comfortable oval-shaped handle, and heats up quickly. It is oven-safe up to 800°F and dishwasher-safe.

When choosing a stainless steel pan, consider factors such as heat conduction, ease of handling and tossing, oven-safety, and ease of cleaning. Additionally, look for fully-clad pans, which have a cooking surface and walls made from bonded metal layers, as they provide better heat distribution and are more durable.

Best stainless steel pans for oven use

Stainless steel pans are a great option for oven use as they can handle high temperatures and are very durable. Here are some of the best stainless steel pans for oven use:

Best Overall: Made In 12-Inch Frying Pan

This pan is designed to mimic the performance of a restaurant kitchen without the hefty price tag. It has a 5-ply construction that heats up quickly and stays hot for longer. The handle is designed to stay cool, and the pan is compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops. While it doesn't have a helper handle, it is dishwasher-safe and comes in various sizes, making it a great choice for oven use.

Another Favorite: Misen 12-Inch Stainless Skillet

The Misen 12-inch stainless skillet is a great option for oven use as it is oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a 5-ply construction that heats up quickly and evenly distributes heat. The oval-shaped handle is comfortable and secure to hold, making it easy to maneuver. It is also dishwasher-safe and comes in different sizes, making it a versatile choice.

Best on a Budget: Tramontina Gourmet Tri-Ply Clad Fry Pan

If you're looking for an affordable option, the Tramontina Gourmet Tri-Ply Clad Fry Pan is a great choice. It is the most affordable option on the list, but it doesn't compromise on performance. This pan has a 3-ply construction and is compatible with induction stovetops. The handle is comfortable to hold, and the pan is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. It is also dishwasher-safe and comes in different sizes, offering a great balance of performance and value.

Best High-End Pan: All-Clad D5 12-Inch Fry Pan

If you're willing to splurge on a high-end pan, the All-Clad D5 12-inch Fry Pan is an excellent choice. It has a 5-ply construction that heats up quickly and evenly distributes heat. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to lift and maneuver, and the gently flared rims make pouring liquids a breeze. This pan is compatible with all cooktops, including induction and ceramic, and is dishwasher-safe.

Another Great High-End Pan: Demeyere Industry Stainless Steel Fry Pan

The Demeyere Industry Stainless Steel Fry Pan is a favorite among professional chefs, and for good reason. It has a rivetless design, so food won't get stuck, and the oversized cooking surface makes it ideal for larger cuts of meat. The pan heats up quickly and has excellent heat distribution. It is also dishwasher-safe and compatible with induction stovetops, making it a high-end choice for oven use.

Best stainless steel pans for induction hobs

If you're looking for the best stainless steel pans for induction hobs, there are a few great options to consider. Here are some detailed reviews and recommendations to help you choose the right ones for your needs:

Stellar Eclipse 3-Piece Saucepan Set

This saucepan set is an ideal choice for family meals. The set includes 16, 18, and 20 cm saucepans with lids, offering a range of sizes perfect for batch cooking. The pans are made with 3-ply material, which means they heat up quickly and efficiently. They are also surprisingly lightweight, easy to handle, and oven-safe up to 240°C. The quality is impressive, and the handles stay cool even during extended use. The only downside is the steep price tag, but if you're looking for a high-quality and long-lasting set, this could be a worthwhile investment.

Prestige Eco 5-Piece Saucepan Set

If you're looking for an eco-conscious option, the Prestige Eco set is a great choice. These pans are made from recycled aluminium and feature a tough, plant-based non-stick coating. The set includes 16, 18, and 20 cm saucepans with lids, as well as 20 and 24 cm frying pans. The soft-grip handles stay cool, and the pans are oven-safe up to 150°C. While the capacity of the pans is not the largest, they are lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. The speckled green finish gives these pans a unique look, and they are also fully recyclable at the end of their life.

GreenPan Mayflower Saucepan Set

The GreenPan Mayflower set offers both functionality and style. With wooden stay-cool handles and a Scandinavian-influenced design, these pans will look great on display in your kitchen. The set includes 16, 18, and 20 cm saucepans with lids, providing generous capacities for cooking. The aluminium bodies heat quickly and evenly, and the non-stick coating ensures that food slides out effortlessly. While they are not dishwasher-safe, the non-stick coating makes hand washing a breeze.

Made In 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

This skillet is a top-rated option and offers excellent performance and comfort during use. It heats evenly and is responsive to changes in heat, making it ideal for searing chicken breasts and sautéing. The handle is comfortable to grip, and the simple and utilitarian design is solid and durable. It is induction-compatible and oven-safe up to 800°F. While it doesn't come with a lid, it is a reasonably priced option at around $100.

Tramontina 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Tramontina skillet is a great choice. This skillet performed well in all tests, heating evenly and responding to temperature changes effectively. It seared chicken breasts evenly and handled real-world cooking tasks with ease. The sides slope up gradually, reducing the usable floor area for searing, but this is a minor drawback considering its affordable price of less than $50. It is induction-compatible and oven-safe up to 500°F.

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