The Best Frying Pans To Buy In 2024 – Tried and Tested

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If you’re overwhelmed by the incredible number of frying pans on the market, fear not! Our comprehensive review of the best home frying pans is here for you. Whether you’re setting up your kitchen for the first time or looking to upgrade your existing cookware, you’ll find valuable information here.

As passionate home cooks, we regularly test various tools and accessories and have evaluated a wide range of frying pans to ensure they are suitable for home use. We’ve researched and tested different materials, including non-stick, stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, and electric frying pans, and evaluated their performance on various cooktops.
We aim to provide accurate and reliable information about today’s best frying pans. We’ve assessed each frying pan’s durability, ease of use, and overall value for money, so you can make an informed decision without feeling rushed or pressured by advertising.

So, keep reading to discover which frying pan will perfectly fit your home cooking needs.

What is a frying pan?

A frying pan is a flat-bottomed cooking vessel with slightly sloping sides for frying, searing, and browning food. It is typically made of stainless steel, aluminium, cast iron, or copper and comes in various sizes and shapes. A frying pan usually has a long handle for easy manoeuvrability and may feature a lid. It is a versatile and essential piece of cookware found in most kitchens and is used for cooking a wide range of dishes, from eggs and pancakes to meats and vegetables.

What is the difference between a frying pan and a skillet?

The terms “frying pan” and “skillet” are often used interchangeably, and there is no definitive difference between the two. However, some consider a skillet to have higher sides and a larger cooking surface than a frying pan, while others consider it the same. Some people may prefer the term “frying pan” for smaller sizes and “skillet” for larger sizes, but this is not a hard and fast rule.

Ultimately, whether you refer to your cookware as a frying pan or a skillet comes down to personal preference, and the two terms can be used interchangeably in most cases.

What are the different types of frying pans?

Several different types of frying pans are available on the market, each made from various materials with unique properties that affect their performance. Here are some of the most common types of frying pans:

1. Non-stick frying pans are coated with a non-stick material that prevents food from sticking to the surface. They are easy to clean and suitable for cooking delicate foods. We have written a comprehensive guide on non-stick, non-toxic frying pans.
2. Stainless steel frying pans are durable, easy to clean, and often have a sleek, modern design. However, they are not non-stick and may require the addition of oil or butter to prevent food from sticking.
3. Cast iron frying pans are known for retaining and distributing heat evenly. They require seasoning to maintain their non-stick properties and may be heavy.
4. Ceramic frying pans are made from non-toxic, non-reactive material and are often free from harmful chemicals. They are non-stick and easy to clean but may not be as durable as other types.
5. Electric frying pans are plugged into an electrical outlet and heated using an electric heating element. They are versatile and easy to use but may not offer the same control over heat levels as stovetop frying pans.

What to look for in a fry pan?

When shopping for a frying pan, several factors must be considered to ensure you get the best one for your needs. Here are some things to look for in a frying pan:

1. Material: The material of the frying pan affects its durability, heat distribution, and non-stick properties. Consider which material is best suited for your cooking needs and preferences.
2. Size and Shape: Frying pans come in different sizes and shapes. Consider the type of dishes you plan to prepare in the pan and choose a size and shape that will accommodate those dishes.
3. Handle: The frying pan handle should be comfortable to grip and stay cool to the touch while cooking. It should also be securely attached to the pan.
4. Non-Stick Coating: If you plan to cook delicate foods, a non-stick coating is essential. Look for a high-quality non-stick coating that is safe, durable, and easy to clean.
5. Heat Distribution: The frying pan should distribute heat evenly to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
6. Price: Frying pans come in a wide range of prices, and the cost will depend on the material, size, and brand. Consider your budget and choose the best quality frying pan you can afford.
7. Brand and Warranty: Look for a reputable brand that offers a warranty or guarantee. Knowing that the frying pan is high quality and lasts for years will give you peace of mind.

Which frying pans are best?

With so many options available, selecting a frying pan or skillet that will meet your needs and provide value for your money can be challenging. That’s why it’s essential to identify the top-performing pans and skillets on the market to ensure you make a wise purchase decision. The following list highlights the seven best frying pans and skillets that are highly recommended and will satisfy your home cooking needs. Choose from this list to find a high-quality frying pan or skillet you won’t regret adding to your kitchen collection.

1. Eslite Life Nonstick Skillet Cookware Set

The Eslite life frying pan set offers a versatile cooking solution with three different pan sizes – 8 inches, 9.5 inches, and 11 inches. Each pan features an eco-friendly non-stick granite coating, among the best coatings available. This coating makes cooking and cleaning a breeze, providing a hassle-free cooking experience.

The pans are reinforced with die-casting aluminium, which conducts heat quickly and evenly. This feature helps to prevent hot spots that could result in unevenly cooked food. The pan’s handle is made from heat-resistant bakelite, which offers a comfortable grip while staying cool to the touch during cooking. With its non-stick surface, even heat distribution, and comfortable handling, the Eslite Life frying pan set is an excellent choice for any kitchen.

2. WaxonWare Non-Stick Frying Pan & Skillet

The 11-inch WaxonWare non-stick frying pan doubles as a skillet and comes with a glass lid. This pan also comes in a 9.5-inch size to fit your cooking needs. The pan is coated with a PFOA-free nonstick layer, providing a smooth cooking surface that is easy to clean.

The nonstick layer has a 3X layer design, making it highly durable and long-lasting. The handle is designed to stay cool, ensuring safe and comfortable handling during cooking. The pan is constructed from die-cast aluminium, making it highly durable and easy to use.

Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze with this pan, thanks to its non-stick surface. The WaxonWare non-stick frying pan is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile, high-quality pan that provides even cooking and easy cleaning.

3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

The classic Lodge cast-iron frying pan is available in a wide range of sizes, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your cooking needs. One of the most popular sizes is the family-sized 13.25-inch pan, suitable for any stove surface.

The pan is seasoned with 100% vegetable oil without any added synthetic coating or chemicals. This makes it a healthy and safe cooking option. With proper care, a cast-iron frying pan or skillet can last for years, making it a smart investment for your kitchen.

Lodge has been producing quality frying pans and skillets for over 120 years, providing them with a wealth of experience in crafting durable and reliable cookware. By choosing a Lodge cast-iron frying pan or skillet, you can be confident that you’re purchasing a high-quality product that will last a lifetime.

4. Stone Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri

The Ozeri Stone Earth frying pan is a premium eco-friendly cookware option that features a stone-derived coating manufactured in Germany that is free of harmful chemicals. This pan is designed to keep your family safe while delivering excellent performance. The coating is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, making cooking and clean-up a breeze.

In addition to the 12-inch size, this pan is also available in 8-inch and 10-inch sizes, and there are seven different colour options to choose from, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your kitchen.

The pan is constructed from heavy-gauge aluminium with a magnetized base, ensuring quick heat distribution. The non-stick coating is made from high-quality stone earth materials, providing a durable, long-lasting non-stick surface that is dishwasher safe and compatible with all stovetops. Choose the Ozeri Stone Earth frying pan for high-quality, eco-friendly cookware that delivers excellent performance and durability.

5. Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet

The Utopia Kitchen cast iron skillet set includes three different size pans – a 10-inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch pan – all pre-seasoned with soy-based oil, ensuring they are ready to use right out of the box. Cast iron pans are known for their durability and weight, making them a long-lasting addition to your kitchen collection.

You’ll be able to cook with your cast iron skillet for years with proper care. However, it’s important to clean it correctly. Cast iron is not dishwasher safe, and it’s recommended not to use soap. The benefit of cast iron is its ability to distribute heat evenly, making it an excellent choice for dishes that require consistent heating.

While cast iron pans may take longer to heat up, they are great at retaining heat, ensuring that your food stays hot even after you’ve turned off the stove. The Utopia Kitchen cast iron skillet set is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting, high-quality cookware that delivers excellent performance.

6. Michelangelo Nonstick Frying Pans

The unique Michelangelo nonstick frying pan features a blue granite, stone-derived coating and a wooden handle. This high-quality pan is made with durable aluminium and features a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean non-stick coating that won’t crack or chip over time.

The Michelangelo non-stick frying pan is available in two sizes – 9.5 inches and 11 inches – making it easy to find the perfect fit for your cooking needs. The pan heats up quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of burnt food and a damaged frying pan.

In addition to its excellent performance, the Michelangelo non-stick frying pan is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. With its unique blue granite coating and elegant wooden handle, this pan offers both form and function. Choose the Michelangelo non-stick frying pan for a high-quality, stylish cookware option that delivers excellent performance and durability.

7. Cuisinart 622-30G Chef’s Classic Skillet

The Cuisinart 622-30G frying pan is widely recognized as one of the best for home use. Constructed from highly resistant anodized aluminium, this pan features a quantum nonstick interior that ensures food won’t stick to the surface. This pan is suitable for a wide range of cooking applications, with or without oil, and delivers exceptional results every time.

The Cuisinart 622-30G is part of a line of cookware that includes sauciers and grill pans, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. With its durable construction and exceptional non-stick performance, this frying pan is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality cookware that delivers exceptional results.

8. T-fal Specialty Nonstick 5 Quart Pan

T fal’s Heat Mastery System is the secret ingredient of T-fal Specialty Nonstick 5 Quart Pan for perfectly cooked meals every time. This system includes three essential elements: a superior and long-lasting non-stick coating, an anti-warping, a heated base, and patented Thermo Spot technology. This frying pan is suitable for all stove tops except induction and is oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The T fal frying pan is dishwasher safe and PFOA, lead, and cadmium free. Plus, it comes with a lifetime limited warranty, ensuring you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals for years.

9. Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet

For those searching for a durable and long-lasting frying pan, the Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is an excellent choice. It features a high magnetic conductive stainless steel base that is both flat and thick, ensuring even and quick heat distribution. The nonstick pan interior is made from sturdy cast aluminum, ensuring it can withstand heavy use.

The pan also boasts a bakelite handle with a woodgrain design, making it comfortable to grip and easy to hold while cooking. The handle stays cool while cooking, ensuring your safety and comfort. The Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is oven-safe up to 302°F, allowing for versatile cooking options. Choose this pan for a reliable, durable, and high-performing addition to your kitchen.

10. Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set

The Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set is a three-piece set with 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frying pans, ensuring you have the right size for all your family’s varying cooking needs.

The induction bottom of the frying pans makes them suitable for all types of cooking, including electric and ceramic cooktops. The professional-grade aluminium construction of the frying pans makes them durable, lightweight, and sturdy.

The Utopia Kitchen frying pans feature a high-quality double-coated nonstick interior, which allows for easier cooking and cleanup. These pans are also PFOA, lead, and cadmium-free, ensuring you can confidently cook.

The Bakelite handles of the frying pans are ergonomically designed and riveted strongly to the pan for safety and comfort.

Is it worth buying a frying pan to use at home?

it is worth buying a frying pan for home use. A frying pan is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, including frying, sautéing, and searing. You can easily cook delicious meals for yourself and your family with a good-quality frying pan.

In addition, a frying pan is relatively affordable and can last years if properly cared for. Investing in a good quality frying pan can save you money in the long run, as you won’t have to keep replacing cheaper, low-quality pans that wear out quickly.

For us, a frying pan is a valuable addition to a kitchen, and it is worth investing in one you can use to cook at home.

How to season a frying pan?

Seasoning a frying pan is simple and can help create a nonstick surface for easier cooking and cleaning. To do this, first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, apply a thin layer of vegetable shortening or lard to both the inside and outside of the pan, being sure to coat everything except the handles. Place the pan in the oven for around 45 minutes to an hour, then remove it and allow it to cool and dry completely. It’s important to note that only certain types of frying pans can be seasoned, such as cast iron, carbon steel frying pans, and some stainless steel frying pans with a nonstick surface. Before attempting to season your frying pan, check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it is suitable for seasoning.

How long does a frying pan last?

Investing in a high-quality frying pan can be a wise choice as it has the potential to last for a very long time, especially if you opt for a cast-iron frying pan. However, on average, most frying pans are expected to last around five years. Cheaper nonstick frying pans are notorious for having a shorter lifespan and may need to be replaced more frequently. For this reason, purchasing higher-quality frying pans built to last and offer greater value for money is worth it in the long run.

Can you put frying pans in the dishwasher?

It’s generally recommended to avoid putting frying pans in the dishwasher as this can potentially cause damage or reduce the lifespan of the pan. Some nonstick frying pans may not come clean in the dishwasher, while others may rust or become damaged. Cast iron pans, in particular, can rust and lose their seasoning if placed in the dishwasher. To ensure the longevity of your frying pans, it’s best to clean them by hand with a non-abrasive sponge and mild dish soap. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them to prevent rusting.

How to clean a frying pan?

There are plenty of ways to clean a frying pan, depending on your pan type. For most pans, using a non-scratch cloth or sponge is recommended to wash the pan with soap and water. However, the cleaning process is different if you have a cast iron pan. For a cast iron pan, rinse it out, remove any remaining food particles, and then heat it on the stove until it is completely dry. Using soap on a cast iron pan can damage its seasoning, so it is best to avoid it. All other pans can be washed normally, taking care not to scratch any nonstick surfaces.

What size frying pans are best?

The frying pan size you should buy depends on your needs and preferences. A bigger pan may be more suitable if you frequently cook for a large group of people. However, a smaller pan may be more practical if you mostly cook for yourself or a small family. The most commonly purchased size is the 12-inch pan, but it’s always a good idea to have a variety of sizes on hand for different types of dishes. Ultimately, the decision of what size frying pan to buy should be based on your specific cooking needs and habits.

Is it safe to use scratched frying pans?

When a frying pan gets scratched, the pan itself isn’t the issue. Rather, the possibility of the coating ending up in your food can cause health concerns, depending on the nonstick coating on the pan. As a general rule, if your nonstick pan is scratched, it’s better to replace it rather than risk having bits of the coating come off and mix with your food.

How many frying pans do I need?

It ultimately comes down to personal preference, but according to many professional chefs, it’s recommended to have three frying pans in your kitchen, each of a different size. This ensures you have the appropriate size pan for any recipe or number of servings you cook for.

What is the difference between a nonstick and stainless steel frying pan?

The main difference between a nonstick frying pan and a stainless steel frying pan is the coating. A nonstick pan has a special coating that prevents food from sticking to the surface, making it easier to cook and clean. On the other hand, a stainless steel frying pan does not have a nonstick coating and relies on its smooth surface to prevent food from sticking. Stainless steel pans are typically more durable and versatile than nonstick pans, but they can be more difficult to cook with, especially for delicate foods like eggs and fish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a good frying pan is essential for anyone who loves to cook. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, investing in a high-quality frying pan can make a huge difference in your food’s quality and overall cooking experience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. By considering factors such as material, size, and durability, you can find the perfect frying pan to meet your needs. Remember, a good frying pan can last you for years, so it’s worth investing in one that is durable and reliable. We hope this guide has provided useful information and recommendations to help you choose the best frying pan for your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through a link.