Egg pans come in a variety of sizes, from mini pans designed to cook a single egg to larger pans that can cook up to six eggs at a time. The most common sizes are 8, 10, and 12 inches in diameter, with the 10-inch option being the most popular as it can cook up to four eggs at once without being too large for smaller batches.
The size of the pan you choose will depend on how many eggs you typically cook at once and how much space you have in your kitchen. If you have a small kitchen or only cook for one or two people, a smaller 8-inch pan may be best. If you cook for a larger family or group, a 12-inch pan will be more suitable.
In addition to size, it's important to consider the material and coating of your egg pan. Non-stick pans are a popular choice for eggs as they make cleanup easier and help prevent sticking. Cast iron pans are also a good option as they heat evenly and can develop non-stick properties over time with proper seasoning.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Size | 3-4 inches for a single egg, 6-8 inches for a mini pan, 8-10 inches for a small pan, 10-12 inches for a medium pan, 12-14 inches for a large pan |
Material | Stainless steel, aluminium, ceramic, cast iron |
Weight | Lighter pans are easier to manoeuvre but heavier pans are more durable |
Dishwasher safe | Most pans are dishwasher-safe except for cast iron |
What You'll Learn
Non-stick egg pans
Non-stick pans are a great option for cooking eggs, as they prevent eggs from getting stuck to the bottom of the pan. They are also versatile and can be used for a variety of egg dishes, from fried and scrambled eggs to frittatas and omelettes.
When choosing a non-stick egg pan, consider the size that best suits your needs. If you regularly cook one or two eggs, an 8-inch pan or smaller may be ideal, while a 10-inch pan is a popular size for cooking up to four eggs. For feeding a larger crowd, a 12-inch pan might be a better option.
Best Overall Egg Pan
The Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan is a durable and easy-to-clean option that can withstand temperatures up to 500°F. It has a strong handle and some heft to it, making it a versatile choice for various dishes.
Best Ceramic Egg Pan
The GreenPan Valencia Pro Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 5-Piece Incredible Egg Set comes with a variety of accessories, including a glass lid, two silicone egg rings, and a silicone spatula. The comfortable handle and non-stick coating make it easy to use, but note that the non-stick coating may wear over time.
Most Durable Egg Pan
The Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 10.25" Fry Pan is a sturdy and durable option with a strong handle for easy movement. It distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for hard frying eggs. It is also oven-safe up to 500°F.
Best Egg Pan for Flipping and Scrambled Eggs
The Tramontina USA Professional Fusion 10" Fry Pan has flared edges that make flipping food a breeze. Its smooth interior and non-stick surface ensure that your omelette or frittata won't break apart. It also has good heat distribution, making it suitable for cooking multiple eggs at once.
Best Egg Pan for Baked Eggs and Frittatas
The Lodge 10.25" Pre-Seasoned Skillet is a cast iron pan that heats evenly and retains temperatures well. It has a short handle and a helper handle, making it easier to grasp and transfer from the stove to the oven. It comes in various sizes to suit your needs.
Best Non-Stick Egg Pan for One Egg
If you're looking for a pan specifically for cooking a single egg, the GreenPan Mini Ceramic Non-Stick Round Egg Pan is a great option. At 5 inches in size, it is perfect for cooking one egg, and its non-stick surface makes cleanup a breeze.
Other Recommendations
- Carote Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet: An 8-inch non-stick pan that is perfect for cooking two eggs. It has received over 23,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
- Gotham Steel Mini Egg Pan: A lightweight and oven-safe option made with a ceramic and titanium coating for a super non-stick surface.
- MyLifeUNIT Aluminum 4-Cup Egg Frying Pan: This pan has four circular indents, ensuring perfectly round fried eggs and keeping them separate if cooking multiple eggs.
- Rad USA 8-Inch Radical Pan: The unique lip on this pan makes it excellent for flipping omelettes.
- All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan: A stainless steel option with a heavy aluminum bottom that retains heat well. It can withstand temperatures of up to 600°F and is ideal for achieving crispy fried eggs.
When using non-stick pans, it is important to follow proper care and maintenance instructions. Hand-washing is generally recommended over dishwashing to extend the life of the non-stick coating. Additionally, avoid stacking non-stick pans with other cookware to prevent scratching.
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Ceramic egg pans
Size
Material and Coating
Heat Distribution
Look for a ceramic egg pan with even heat distribution to ensure your eggs cook evenly. Aluminum is a common material used in the construction of ceramic egg pans, as it heats up quickly and evenly.
Handle
A comfortable and secure grip is essential when handling a hot pan. Look for a ceramic egg pan with a stay-cool handle that is silicone-wrapped or has a silicone grip. This will provide a slip-free and comfortable grip while you're cooking.
Oven Safety
If you plan on using your ceramic egg pan in the oven, check the oven-safe temperature rating. Most ceramic egg pans are oven-safe up to temperatures of around 350°F.
Cleaning and Care
Hand washing is generally recommended for ceramic egg pans to extend the life of the coating. Using silicone or nylon utensils can also help maintain the non-stick properties and prevent scratches. Some ceramic egg pans are dishwasher-safe, but it's always best to check the manufacturer's instructions.
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Individual egg pans
Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Aluminum Fry Pan
This 11-inch pan is a great option for those seeking a reliably nonstick, scratch-resistant, and induction-safe pan. With its sleek all-black construction, the Zwilling Madura Plus offers professional-level heat distribution and retention thanks to its sturdy forged aluminum construction. The three layers of DuraSlide granite nonstick coating ensure that your eggs will slide off like butter, making it easier to clean as well. It is also dishwasher-safe, adding convenience to your post-cooking routine.
Le Creuset 8-Inch Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan
While Le Creuset is known for its cast iron cookware, they also offer excellent nonstick options like this 8-inch fry pan. This pan has been a favourite of Allrecipes Allstar Alyson Richardson since 2012, which speaks to its durability. It features a slightly textured, triple-reinforced coating that promotes even browning and searing. The pan is oven-safe up to 500°F and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. While it is a bit pricey for its size, its potential to last over a decade makes it a worthwhile investment.
Tramontina Professional Fry Pan (8-inch)
This 8-inch fry pan is a popular choice for those seeking an individual egg pan. It promises even heating and easy food release, making it ideal for cooking eggs without the hassle of sticking. The rivetless design and ergonomic handle provide a comfortable grip, while the heavy-gauge aluminium construction ensures even heat distribution.
T-fal One Egg Wonder 4.75" Aluminum Non-Stick Frying Pan
If you're looking for a truly individual-sized egg pan, the T-fal One Egg Wonder is a perfect choice. With its compact 4.75-inch size, this non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking a single egg to perfection. It features a comfortable handle and a black exterior, making it a functional and stylish addition to your kitchen.
GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 5" Square Egg Pan
For those who want an even smaller option, the GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick pan measures 5 inches, making it perfect for cooking single servings. Its square shape offers a unique twist on the traditional egg pan, and its PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating ensures easy food release. The stay-cool handle adds to the convenience, and it's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
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Stainless steel egg pans
Stainless steel cookware is a popular choice for many cooking tasks, but it is not the best option for cooking eggs. Stainless steel pans are usually good quality, highly versatile, lightweight, and easy to clean. However, eggs are notoriously sticky, which can make them difficult to flip or clean from stainless steel pans.
If you want to cook eggs in a stainless steel pan, you will likely need to use a generous amount of oil or butter. To make a stainless steel pan non-stick, you can add a few tablespoons of canola oil to a hot pan, swirl it around for a few minutes, and then drain and let the pan cool completely.
There are many non-stick egg pans on the market that are better suited for cooking eggs. These include:
- Mini frying pans: These are usually around 4 inches in diameter and are perfect for cooking one egg at a time. Examples include the Restaurantware Mini Frying Pan and the Capri Stainless Steel Nonstick Mini Fry Pan/Skillet.
- Standard egg pans: These are usually around 8 inches in diameter and can be used to cook one to two eggs at a time. Examples include the Calphalon Triply Stainless Steel 8-Inch Omelette Fry Pan and the Mueller DuraClad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 8-Inch Fry Pan.
- Larger egg pans: These are usually 10 inches or more in diameter and can be used to cook up to four eggs at a time. Examples include the Tramontina USA Professional Fusion 10" Fry Pan and the Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 10.25" Fry Pan.
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Oven-safe egg pans
When shopping for an oven-safe egg pan, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a pan made from a nonstick material that conducts heat evenly and efficiently. Look for PFOA-free coatings, as PFOA materials can be considered toxic. The size of the pan is also a key factor – a pan with a diameter of 10 inches can cook up to four eggs at a time, while an 8-inch pan or smaller will be easier to clean if you're only making one or two eggs.
Best Overall Egg Pan: Le Creuset Toughened Nonstick PRO Fry Pan
This pan is worth the splurge, offering both durability and easy cleanup. It has a strong handle, can withstand temperatures up to 500°F, and sears beautifully. While it is one of the more expensive options, starting at $104, it excels in performance and versatility.
Best Value: Nordic Ware Cookware
This affordable and lightweight pan, starting at $37, is highly manoeuvrable and heats up quickly and evenly. It has a silicone handle for easy grip and is oven-safe up to 400°F. However, it is not induction-compatible and should be hand-washed for best results.
Best for Baked Eggs: Caraway Frying Pan
The Caraway Frying Pan is a stylish and practical option, free of PTFE and PFOAs. Its mineral-based, nonstick ceramic coating allows for easy egg cooking without the use of oil or butter. It is oven-safe up to 550°F, making it perfect for baked egg dishes. However, hand washing is recommended.
Best for Flipping and Scrambled Eggs: Tramontina USA Professional Fusion 10" Fry Pan
With flared edges and a smooth interior, this pan, starting at $34, makes flipping food a breeze. Its nonstick surface and heat distribution make it ideal for cooking multiple eggs at once. It is oven-safe up to 400°F.
Best for Durability: Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium 10.25" Fry Pan
The Ninja Foodi NeverStick Premium Fry Pan, starting at $50, is a sturdy and durable option. It has a sturdy handle for easy movement and distributes heat evenly. The pan is oven-safe up to 500°F and can be hand-washed or put in the dishwasher.
When choosing an oven-safe egg pan, consider your specific needs in terms of size, ease of handling, and the types of eggs you plan to cook. With these options, you can elevate your egg game and enjoy perfect eggs every time!
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Frequently asked questions
Egg pans can vary in size, with mini pans designed for single eggs being around four inches, and larger pans for multiple eggs or other dishes measuring up to 10 or 12 inches.
An eight-inch pan is a good size for making omelettes, as it allows the eggs to be forced upward and cook thickly and fluffily.
A 12-inch pan is ideal for feeding larger groups. You can cook up to six eggs in one go, or use it for other dishes like oven-baked meals, pizzas, or galettes.