Are you tired of trying to find the best frying pan with so many options on the market? We know how frustrating it can be cooking eggs with a low-quality or inefficient nonstick pan. But it can be just as frustrating trying to find the best option.
There are many features to look for when trying to find the best frying pan for your cooking. Whether you’re looking for a pan without Teflon or PFOA chemicals, or one that’s broiler and oven-safe. There are a lot of different options!
But, we researched so you don’t have to! We’ve put together a list of the best frying pans on the market and the most important features to look for.
Our Top Picks
Home Kitchen Land earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Non-Toxic Cookware of 2023 | ||||
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 | Best Overall Anolon Advanced Nonstick Fry Pan |
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 | Best Budget Utopia Kitchen’s frying pan |
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 | Best for Beginners Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet |
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 | Best Professional Tramontina Professional Fry Pan |
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 | Best High-End All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Pan |
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 | Most Eco-Friendly GreenPan Nonstick Fry Pan |
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What is a Frying Pan?
A frying pan is a flat-bottomed pan with low sides that flare out. It has a round shape similar to a skillet, with a diameter between 8 to 12 inches. It also has a long handle and no lid.
Frying pans are used for frying, searing, or browning on a stovetop. But, there are also electric frying pans.
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Choosing The Best Frying Pans
When buying a frying pan, make sure you keep these details in mind to find the best option on the market.
Material
First, consider the material of your frying pan. There are many different materials used for frying pans including cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper, and aluminum. Every material has different benefits and purposes.
For example, stainless steel pans or an enameled cast iron pan are the best materials for retaining heat. They’re perfect for long simmer or boiling water.
Aluminum is durable and a good heat conductor. Copper is also a good heat conductor, so both of these materials are very responsive to temperature changes.
Nonstick Pans Coating
Some pans have nonstick coatings that are either Teflon or ceramic. For example, hard-anodized aluminum nonstick pans have a nonstick coating that makes them perfect for cooking delicate foods or to fry eggs or pancakes.
On the other hand, some other nonstick pans have a seasoning that makes them nonstick like cast-iron or carbon steel pans.
Size
Next, consider what size is right for your cooking needs.
Dimensions
Frying pans come in a wide range of sizes from 4.75-inches to 14-inches.
- Smaller nonstick pans are great for frying a single egg or small portions.
- Whereas bigger nonstick pans are ideal for preparing family-sized portions or one pan meals.
If you want to start with a single pan, pick one that’s between 8 to 10 inches. This is the perfect size for cooking one or two chicken breasts, sautéing vegetables, and turning out scrambled eggs for breakfast.
For an example of various sizes, Le Creuset offers a frying pan in 8, 9.5, 10, 11, and 12 inches.
Depth
Depending on what you’ll be cooking, you may need a regular or deep frying pan.
Compatibility
Then, consider how you’ll be using your frying pan.
If you want a lot of cooking versatility, consider an oven-safe frying pan. Oven-safe cookware is perfect if you want to bake with your frying pan. Also, make sure you check the temperature limit.
For example, this All-Clad stainless steel fry pan with Copper Core is oven-safe up to 600°F and this Amazon Basics Cast Iron Skillet is oven-safe up to 400°F.
If you want to be able to pop your frying pan in the dishwasher for easy cleanup, make sure it’s dishwasher-safe.
Some pans can go in the dishwasher while others need hand washing. For example, this Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Fry Pan is dishwasher-safe.
Finally, make sure to check if your frying pan is compatible with your cooktop.
- If you have an induction cooktop, make sure your pan is induction-compatible. For example, this T-Fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan works well on induction. Whereas, this Calphalon pan isn’t induction-ready.
- If you have a glass-top stove, you’ll need a flat-bottomed frying pan that won’t scratch the surface. For instance, the Calphalon Contemporary Fry Pan has a smooth flat bottom.
Related Reading: Best cookware for glass top stove.
Handles
You should also consider the handles.
Depending on the material of the handle, it could affect the pan’s heat resistance in the oven.
- Some pans like this All-Clad model, have heat-resistant stainless steel pan handles.
- While other models like the Anolon have Suregrip handles.
- Some other pans have cool-grip handles that make them more comfortable to grip when cooking.
Frying pans can also have removable handles. This is helpful because you can remove them and place the pan in the oven. It’s also practical if you have a small storage space in your kitchen.
A lot of frying pans have handles attached with rivets to make them sturdy like this Tramontina pan. These are permanently attached handles that don’t need to be tightened. However, they do need more cleaning care to prevent bacteria buildup around the rivets.
Whereas rivetless handles are easier to clean because no food or bacteria can get stuck. They also ensure less interference from rivet heads for easier cooking.
Brands
There are many different cookware brands to choose from. You should do your research to find your favorite. These are some of the top-rated and best selling brands for frying pans:
- Ninja Foodi
- Le Creuset
- GreenPan
- Copper Chef
- Saladmaster
- Caraway
- T-fal
- Ozeri
- Misen
- Tramontina
- Nordic Ware Restaurant
- All-Clad
Warranty
Different brands have different warranty terms and lengths. Make sure you check the terms for your pan to see what’s covered.
A warranty can protect you if you run into any issues with your frying pan within a certain time. For instance, All-Clad has a limited lifetime warranty and Tramontina has a lifetime warranty.
Check the manufacturer’s website to find the details about the warranty before you buy. If you’re unsure, contact the seller.
Budget
Finally, there are different options to consider depending on your budget.
There is a widely varied price range for frying pans. As an example, this Anolon 10-inch fry pan is $60 compared to this Le Creuset pan which is $180.
Make sure you consider a price tag in your budget.
The Best Frying Pans Of 2023
After considering your features, check out our list of the top 6 frying pans on the market. We’ve spent hours researching expert advice, honest customer reviews, and manufacturer specs.
These are our favorites picks based on value for price, quality, and efficiency.
1. Anolon Advanced Nonstick Fry Pan
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a pro chef, every kitchen needs a reliable nonstick frying pan. And this Anolon Advanced fry pan is exactly that.
First of all, it has a stylish design that won’t show damage. The heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum exterior provides durability for a long-lasting finish. You won’t see any signs of wear when using this pan!
Plus, it provides even heating for efficient cooking performance. With an even heat distribution, there won’t be any cold or hotspots in your pan.
We also love the bright chrome handle that stays cool. It’s also slip-resistant with a rubber grip. So it’s comfortable to handle for any cooking tasks.
What We Like
Triple-Layer Nonstick
This frying pan has a triple-layer high-quality nonstick interior coating. So you can enjoy healthy oil-free cooking. With three layers of strength, this nonstick coating is also metal utensil safe.
You won’t have to worry about damaging this pan with any of your metal utensils.
Flared Rims
.The sloped sides on this frying pan have flared rims for dripless pouring. This makes it easy to transfer liquids out of the pan without making a mess! It also helps to guide food for you to toss or flip pancakes with ease.
Lifetime Warranty
With Anolon’s lifetime warranty, you can trust that this pan really will be reliable in the kitchen. You won’t have to worry about any defects as well as performance issues with this warranty!
What We Don’t Like
Incorrect Surface Size
A few reviewers have noted that their nonstick pans aren’t the exact size that their pans were meant to be. The surface area is 2 inches smaller than the advertised size. Make sure you contact the seller before you use your pan if you receive an incorrect size.
Additional Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
| Available Sizes | 10-inches |
| Coating | PTFE nonstick surface |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Induction Ready | No |
| Oven Safe | Yes up to 400°F |
2. Utopia Kitchen’s frying pan
For a quality frying pan that doesn’t break the bank, look no further than this 11-inch pan from Utopia Kitchen.
The top-rated aluminum alloy construction of this fry pan makes for a highly durable professional-quality performance. You can cook like a pro with this pan!
It has a nonstick coating that’s free from PTFE, lead, and cadmium. In other words, there are no nasty chemicals or toxic fumes that can leak into your food during cooking.
Plus, its induction-ready base is suitable to use on any stovetop surface! This includes electric and ceramic cooktops as well as glass-top or gas.
What We Like
Superior Heat Transfer
The aluminum construction provides superior heat transfer as well as excellent heat retention. So you can let it simmer on low or no heat, and your dish will stay warm while the pan retains the heat.
Deep Base
With a depth of 4.5cm, this pan is a lot deeper than your average frying pan. Which means that you can deep fry your favorite foods in this fry pan! This offers a lot of versatility if you want to cook with a variety of options.
Bakelite Riveted Handle
The bakelite handle ensures a firm grip. And it’s riveted too for extra strength. It won’t loosen over time or risk falling off while you’re cooking.
What We Don’t Like
Handles Are Hard To Clean
Although the rivets provide strength for the handle, many users say it makes the handle hard to clean. Food can easily build up around the rivet-heads and can require extra care when cleaning your pan.
Additional Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
| Available Sizes | 11-inches |
| Coating | Nonstick interior |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Induction Ready | Yes |
| Oven Safe | No |
3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
When you’re just starting on your cooking journey, you need a pan that’s easy and efficient to use. The Lodge Pre-Seasoned cast iron skillet is a high-performance skillet that requires little maintenance and care.
Most cast iron pans require seasoning. But this lodge cast iron pan is pre-seasoned and doesn’t need any prep or cooking oil. It’s ready to use as soon as it arrives.
Plus, it has high-quality food-release capabilities. There won’t be any food stuck to the base of your cast iron pan when frying.
Finally, this cast iron skillet with seasoning can withstand extremely high heat. So you can use it on almost any cooking surface and at any temperature, including a campfire!
What We Like
Easy To Clean
Because it’s pre-seasoned cast iron, this skillet is super easy to clean. The seasoning doesn’t have any stickiness that even the best cast iron cookware usually has. You wipe it with a paper towel or use a soft nylon sponge to quickly clean any food residue.
Durable
The cast iron material of this pan is built for durability and a long lifespan. Cast iron can withstand years of everyday use without any wear or damage. This skillet will be with you for a very long time!
Compatibility
This cast-iron skillet is compatible with any stovetop surface. You can use it on glass, ceramic, gas, electric as well as an induction cooktop. This makes your cast iron pan a good choice for any cooking tasks!
What We Don’t Like
Heavy To Use
The cast iron construction makes it a heavier pan compared to many other fry pans. This can make it harder to handle in the kitchen. Especially if you’re flipping burgers, cooking eggs for breakfast, or frying other foods.
Additional Specs
| Material | Cast iron |
| Available Sizes | 11-inches |
| Coating | Nonstick |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Induction Ready | Yes |
| Oven Safe | Yes up to 500°F |
4. Tramontina Professional Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
This Tramontina frying pan is perfect for the professional kitchen with a price that suits home cooks.
This NSF-certified commercial-grade pan has a heavy-gauge aluminum build for superior performance and durability. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of daily use in a professional kitchen. This makes it a perfect choice for a pro cook or a busy home chef cooking food for the whole family.
With three solid rivets, the handle is tightly secured onto this pan. Therefore you can enjoy added support when cooking.
Plus, it’s a dishwasher-safe pan. So you can pop it straight into the dishwasher when you’ve finished cooking for a quick cleanup.
What We Like
Satin Finish
The satin exterior finish adds an elegant and stylish look to this professional frying pan. It adds a perfect touch to any cook’s kitchen. Some users even hang their pan up so they can display the pretty satin finish in their kitchen.
Removable Handle Grip
The cast stainless steel frying pan handle has a removable silicone grip. This is helpful if you want to bake with your fry pan in the oven! It makes the handle a lot easier to clean too. You can remove the grip and clean any food build-up on the stainless-steel without any hassle.
Easy Food Release
With a reinforced high-performance nonstick coating, food will easily slide out of this frying pan. Transferring food from the pan to the plate as well as flipping pancakes is made easy with this pan!
What We Don’t Like
Coating Peels Off
The coating on this nonstick pan can peel off. Some users note they noticed slight peeling as well as cracking after several uses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to take proper care of the coating on this pan to avoid peeling.
Additional Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
| Available Sizes | 10-inches |
| Coating | Nonstick |
| Dishwasher Safe | N/A |
| Induction Ready | No |
| Oven Safe | Yes up to 400°F |
5. All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Pan
For home cooks that want only the best, this pick is for you.
Handcrafted in the USA, this stainless steel high-end frying pan offers a professional level of cooking performance. The superior tri-ply construction offers fast and even heating for effortless food cooked evenly.
This pan features All-Clad’s revolutionary bonding process for a great quality that’s built to last. It won’t warp or tarnish, so you can enjoy this stainless steel pan feeling brand new for years to come.
Plus, it has a flat base with flared sides for an easy flipping or tossing experience.
What We Like
Superior Heat Response
The stainless steel tri-ply construction of this frying pan features a responsive aluminum core bonded with two layers of stainless steel. This offers precise heat control for an effortless cooking experience. Even the most novice chef can cook a restaurant-quality meal in this fry pan.
Stylish
This stainless steel frying pan has a mirror-polished feel that will keep shining for years. The stylish quality finish on this frying pan will add a nice touch to your kitchen.
No-Spill Rim
You won’t need to clean your stovetop from any liquid spills! The crafted flared rim makes pouring easy in this fry pan. So you can transfer liquids or sauces without any trouble.
What We Don’t Like
Uncomfortable Stainless Steel Handle
Some reviewers felt that the handle on their fry pan was uncomfortable to hold. The stainless steel handle has a deep valley with sharp edges that are uncomfortable to grip.
Additional Specs
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Available Sizes | 8, 10, 12, 14-inches |
| Coating | Nonstick |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Induction Ready | Yes |
| Oven Safe | Yes up to 500°F |
6. GreenPan Paris Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan
For a home chef that wants to keep their cookprint low in the kitchen, this GreenPan frying pan is the one to consider! GreenPan is a pioneer brand of healthy, safe ceramic non-stick cookware that’s friendly to the environment.
The advanced Thermolon ceramic coating is manufactured without PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadmium. It offers high-quality non-stick capabilities without any blistering, peeling, or release of harmful toxins. You can enjoy the easy release of food without any toxic chemicals leaking into your food.
Plus, this ceramic frying pan is dishwasher, oven, and broiler safe, and even metal utensils safe. So it can stand up to any daily demands in the kitchen!
Read Also: The 6 Best Ceramic Cookware Sets of 2023
What We Like
Scratch-Resistant
The hard-anodized aluminum exterior provides maximum strength, making it resistant to scratches and abrasive agents. You can use metal utensils as well as a scourer without any fear of it scratching!
Distributes Heat Evenly
The anodized aluminum core in this frying pan ensures that heat distributes evenly along the entire nonstick surface of the pan. You don’t have to position your pan in any particular spot to get your food to cook evenly. Because this pan will spread the heat for you.
Quick to Heat Up
With an aluminum core, this pan heats quickly! So you won’t have to waste time waiting for your pan to get hot. You can get straight to stir-frying your vegetables, eggs, or other foods!
What We Don’t Like
Stains After Use
Reviewers noted that the nonstick surface of the pan can be stained easily with certain cooking oil. Make sure you read the care instructions carefully before using your ceramic frying pan.
Additional Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
| Available Sizes | 8, 10, 12, 12.5-inches |
| Coating | Ceramic |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Induction Ready | No |
| Oven Safe | Yes up to 600°F |
Frying Pans Comparison Chart
| Product | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anolon Advanced Nonstick Fry Pan | Aluminum | 10-inches | PTFE nonstick surface |  | | Yes up to 400°F |
| Utopia Kitchen’s frying pan | Aluminum | 11-inches | Nonstick interior | |  | |
| Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | Cast iron | 11-inches | Nonstick | | | Yes up to 500°F |
| Tramontina Professional Nonstick Fry Pan | Aluminum | 10-inches | Nonstick | | | Yes up to 400°F |
| All-Clad Stainless Steel Nonstick Pan | Stainless steel | 8, 10, 12, 14-inches | Nonstick | | | Yes up to 500°F |
| GreenPan Paris Ceramic Nonstick Pan | Aluminum | 8, 10, 12, 12.5-inches | Ceramic | | | Yes up to 600°F |
Jump to the Full Frying Pans Reviews
FAQs about Frying Pans
Here is a quick summary of answers to the most common questions before you choose your new frying pan.
How Do You Clean a Frying Pan?
To clean your pan daily you can simply use a sponge with soapy water.
If your pan has stubborn stains, let it soak in water overnight. If you have a nonstick pan, make sure you don’t scrub it when cleaning. This can damage the coating.
There are specific cleaning methods for different pan materials like copper or stainless steel. You should also be careful when cleaning a cast-iron skillet. You don’t want to remove the seasoning. Check this article to know how to clean your cast iron skillet.
When your pan has baked-on grease, there are several cleaning methods you can use. You can use boiling water with dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar and dish-soap.
Can Frying Pans Go In the Oven?
Yes, most frying pans are oven-safe.
But, each pan has a different oven-safe temperature. The temperature limit can depend on many factors such as the material, coating, or brand. Cast iron and stainless steel for instance can withstand very high temperatures.
However, we don’t recommend putting a nonstick pan in the oven. Even if the manufacturer says the pan is oven safe, it may still shorten its lifespan.
Can You Deep Fry in a Frying Pan?
Yes, you can.
However, it’s not the safest method. This is because a frying pan isn’t designed for deep frying and doesn’t have high sides.
But, you can still deep-fry small pieces of food like chicken or french fries. For safety reasons, make sure you never leave a pan of hot oil unattended.
Make sure that any ingredients are completely dry before you immerse them in the oil for deep frying. Residual liquid can lead to excess oil splatter and can be dangerous when cooking foods.
Also, only deep fry in small batches and lower your ingredients carefully into the oil to avoid hot oil splatter.
Which Oil Is Best for Pan Frying?
Based on whatscookingamerica, oil that contains higher amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats is ideal for pan frying (1). As well as minimal or no saturated fats and trans fats.
Plus, it’s important to choose an oil with a very high smoking point when frying. As most foods are fried between 350 to 450F, it’s best to use an oil with a smoking point above 400F.
If you’re unsure about the smoking point, you can often tell by the color of the oil. Oils with a high heat smoke point are lighter in color.
Examples of oils with a high heat smoking point include avocado oil, corn oil, palm oil, or sunflower oil.
Ready To Fry
We know that it can be hard to choose the right frying pan with so many options available. But, knowing the right features to look for can help you find the perfect pan for your cooking tasks.
Finding the best frying pan for your kitchen can save you a lot of hassle.
Keep in mind the most important features including the material, whether cast iron or carbon steel. Don’t forget the coating on nonstick frying pans. You should also consider the size and compatibility of your frying pan.
If you found this article helpful, please let us know in the comments below! Or share it with your friends.
About the Author
Since always, I am passionate about food; I enjoy writing and want to share my passion and offer quality articles to my readers. On Homekitchenland, I like to research, review, and compare kitchen appliances, write product reviews, and develop recipes.
