A frying pan is basically an essential kitchen tool for any chef or home-based cook.
However, not just any type of frying pan will do. You need a top-quality pan that is made with a solid construction, has a sturdy handle, a reliable non-stick surface, and can provide you with fast and effective heating and cooking performance.
Whether you are preparing bacon and eggs for breakfast, sautéing shrimp, or searing meat or fish, a reliable frying pan will make your cooking so much easier.
The 6 Best Frying Pans
- All-Clad 3D Stainless Fry Pan
- Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Dome Lid Stainless Steel Frying Pan
- Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware
- Cook N Home 02404 Frying Pan
- WaxonWare Nonstick Fry Pan & Skillet (Our Top Pick)
- Mauviel M’Heritage M150S Copper Round Frying Pan
Our Top Pick for the Best Frying Pan
Our top pick for the best frying pan is the WaxonWare Nonstick Fry Pan & Skillet. This high-quality pan from WaxonWare has a lot of amazing features which makes it a “must-have” frying pan for your kitchen.
The innovative break-through non-stick technology stops any food from sticking to the pan’s surface, the solid die-cast aluminum alloy construction is built to last.
The Bakelite “cool-touch” handle with an attractive swirl pattern makes for safer handling. With a fast and effective heating performance, the WaxonWare frying pan is extremely good value for money.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Frying Pan
Frying pans range in size from 8, 10, or 12-inches in diameter, which is important to note as the size will determine how many people you can cook for.
Here is a good guide for choosing the right sized pan that will fit your cooking needs:
- 8-inch fry pan = cooking for 2 persons
- 10-inch fry pan = 3 persons
- 12-inch fry pan = 4-5 persons
- 12½-inch fry pan = 6 persons
As there are so many frying pans available, there is always the danger that you may end up spending your money on the wrong type of frying pan that does not last very long or does not suit your cooking needs. So here are some important features to consider as you search for your new frying pan.
Frying pans can be made out of a lot of different materials such as stainless steel, light-weight aluminum, heavy-duty cast-iron, or beautiful copper.
Some pans may come with a lid such as the All-Clad 3D Stainless Fry Pan. While others may not have a lid such as the Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware.
The frying pan’s handle may also vary. Some manufacturers, such as Calphalon, design their pan with a long, arched brushed stainless steel handle which is securely riveted to the pan and it is very comfortable to grasp while you are maneuvering the pan on the stove.
If you need to cook a lot of food which will make the pan extra heavy, look for a pan that has 2 handles such as the Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Dome Lid Stainless Steel Frying Pan. It has an extra-long handle and a loop-style side handle. Cooks Standard also uses a new air-flow technology that makes the pan’s handles a lot cooler to touch when you are cooking on a hot stove.
Non-Stick Frying Pans
One of the most important things to consider in regards to a frying pan is its non-stick ability. The best type of non-stick coating is durable and reliable. A non-stick coating should allow you to effortlessly remove all types of food, especially eggs, pancakes and fish that are notorious for being stubborn and hard to remove from the pan’s surface.
Another highlight of using a pan that has a non-stick coating is that it is the healthier option. If you are looking to create low-fat meals, non-stick frying pans allow you to cook your food with little or no oil or butter, which means you can still have delicious tasting food without having to worry about your waistline.
These days most frying pan manufacturers offer you very good quality non-stick pans and they are also very safe to use. You do not have to worry about any nasty toxins or chemicals leaching into your food. Some manufacturers have even raised the bar in non-stick coatings such as the German company WaxonWare.
Their innovative approach to non-stick coating by using break-through technology has resulted in a frying pan/skillet that has a superior non-stick surface that provides you with maximum food release every time.
Construction
– Stainless Steel
It is very easy to see why stainless steel continues to be one of the most popular types of cookware material. Aside from looking absolutely stunning in your kitchen with either a brushed surface or highly polished mirror finish, stainless steel has a high level of durability. It does not easily react with food, and it is also very versatile.
You can cook all types of food in a stainless steel pan. It is compatible with most ovens, even with induction cooktops.
Some stainless-steel pans, such as the All-Clad 3D Stainless Fry Pan or Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Dome Lid Stainless Steel Frying Pan takes stainless-steel to a whole new level. They are made out of a 3-ply bonded 3-layer stainless steel construction that includes an aluminum core that increases the strength of the pan’s exterior and improves heating and cooking.
Even though stainless-steel pans such as the All-Clad 3D Stainless Fry Pan has a superior natural non-stick resistance. Baked-on food can be hard to remove, so you may have to soak the pan before cleaning it or putting it into the dishwasher.
– Cast Iron
Cast iron is one of the toughest and most long-lasting materials. A frying pan made out of cast iron can be more expensive. However, it rewards you with a superior level of heating and cooking. Not often but cast iron tends to heat up slowly, but it can maintain and conduct heat very well.
If you want to sear a steak, then a cast-iron pan is an excellent choice. Cast-iron is very heavy and can be susceptible to corrosion if it is not maintained properly. However, if you look after the pan, it will pretty much last forever.
If you like the look of cast-iron and you like to sear your meat, then why not try the new alternative to cast-iron, die-cast-aluminum, which is tagged as the New Cast Iron!
The German manufacturer WaxonWare makes their frying pans out of die-cast aluminum, which has the same heavy-duty properties as cast-iron and still delivers that consistent heat distribution. It provides the ideal environment for searing and sautéing. However, you do not have to maintain the pan as much as a cast-iron pan and it is also not as heavy.
– Aluminum
If you want a frying pan that is lighter than cast-iron and stainless-steel but still sturdy and durable and can provide you with excellent heat conductibility, then check out an aluminum pan.
The days of the flimsy aluminum pan are fast disappearing. As well as being a lighter material, aluminum is more affordable than stainless steel or cast-iron.
When you pick the frying pan up, you may still think it is very flimsy, but a lot of manufacturers that favor aluminum make their pans out of thick, heavy-gauge aluminum, such as the Cook N Home 02404 Frying Pan, which feels solid in your hand and still has some weight to it.
– Anodized Aluminum
Hard-anodized aluminum is extremely durable and it is 80% harder than stainless steel and ensures consistent heating results, such as the Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware.
Anodized aluminum frying pans offer you a lot of cooking versatility as you can use them on all types of stoves, gas, electric, electric ring, halogen, or glass-ceramic stovetops, and they can be used in the oven. However, you may not be able to use the pan in temperatures over 450°F.
The other downside of using an anodized aluminum frying pan is that you cannot put the pan in the dishwasher. So you have to wash it by hand.
– Copper
If you have not discovered the many charms of copper cookware, then why not start with a copper pan? You will not be disappointed. Copper frying pans have a beautiful surface that shines with brilliance and brings that timeless classic quality to your kitchen.
As well as its stunningly beautiful exterior, which you will want to show off at the dining table to all your family and friends, copper has excellent heating conductibility properties and can be used for cooking sensitive foods such as sauces.
You do not have to worry about the copper leaching into your food as the interior is made of stainless steel such as the Mauviel M’Heritage M150S Copper Round Frying Pan, which has an interior that is made from the highest-grade 18/10 stainless steel.
The downside of using copper is that it requires a lot of maintenance to keep its shiny surface looking great. The bottom can stain after a few cooking sessions and it also cannot be put in the dishwasher.
6 Best Frying Pans – Reviews
1. All-Clad 3D Stainless Fry Pan
With a stylish low-profile design, a high cooking performance, and lifetime durability, the All-Clad 3D Stainless Fry Pan is the ideal cooking tool for your kitchen. Whether you are searing a steak or creating a crepe, this superior pan delivers excellent cooking results.
The All-Clad frying pan has a wide flat base that allows the pan to sit firmly on your stove-top. The super-strong 3-ply construction which includes alternating layers of stainless steel and a thick-gauge aluminum core ensures a fast and even heat distribution without any hot spots.
Even though the frying pan does not have a non-stick coating, All-Clad uses a special starburst finish on the pan’s stainless steel interior that guarantees a high stick resistance and will not react with your food.
If you are new to the wonders of stainless steel pans, this type of material can take some getting used to especially if you are frying bacon and eggs which can be very hard to remove from the pan’s surface. All-Clad recommends that before you add your food, heat the pan first, add the oil, heat the oil until it is very hot, then add your food to the pan.
By practicing this simple but very effective tip, your food will be quick and easy to remove.
As well as providing you with effortless cooking experience, the US made frying pan will definitely stand out in your kitchen. It has a highly polished mirror surface. The contoured stainless steel handle is comfortable to hold and is permanently secured to the pan with stainless steel rivets.
The tightly fitting lid with its sturdy handle locks in moisture and heat to thoroughly cook your food to perfection.
An all-round cooking tool, the All-Clad frying pan is oven and broiler safe up to 600°F. It is also induction compatible.
When you have finished cooking, the frying pan can go straight into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. All-Clad has designed a top-quality fry pan that is both beautiful and durable. They also offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- High-quality design
- Made in the US
- Strong and durable 3-ply bonded stainless steel construction
- Versatile frying pan
- Beautiful polished mirror finish
- Delivers consistent cooking results
- Fast and even heat distribution without any hot spots
- High non-stick resistance
- Wide flat base
- Sturdy contoured handle
- Tightly fitting lid
- Oven and broiler safe up to 600°F
- Induction compatible
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Heavy
- No non-stick coating
- Expensive
2. Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Dome Lid Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Calling all cooking enthusiasts! Proudly made in the US, the Cooks Standard Multi-Ply Clad Dome Lid Stainless Steel Frying Pan is crafted from the highest quality materials and delivers excellent cooking results.
The 12-inch fry pan is made from strong 3-ply 18-10 stainless steel. The multi-element alloy aluminum core guarantees faster heating and excellent heat distribution, and the brushed scratch-resistant metal exterior looks very stylish.
To provide you with a safer and more comfortable cooking experience, Cooks Standard raises the bar for the cookware industry by introducing their new air-flow technology. The riveted stainless-steel handle has an open V-shaped design that keeps the handle cooler and more comfortable to hold while you are cooking on the stovetop.
For easy maneuverability, there is an additional loop side handle that makes the pan very easy to move around on the stovetop and allows you to safely lift and also carry the pan even when is full.
Even though the handles are designed to stay cooler to the touch, it is recommended that you use potholders or oven mitts. To trap in the heat for efficient cooking results, the dome-shaped stainless-steel lid fits perfectly onto the pan.
The cookware can be used on all stovetop surfaces, including induction, and it withstands an oven’s heat up to 500°F.
Although the pan does not have a non-stick coating, the pan is very easy to clean. However, if you do get food or grease stuck on the surface and it proves to be stubborn and hard to remove, pour a cup or 2 of water in the pan and heat to just about boiling and use a utensil to loosen up the baked-on food.
The fry pan can be put in the dishwasher and the pan is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Great price
- High-quality frying pan
- High-level heat distribution
- Solid 3-ply stainless steel construction
- Generous cooking surface
- Attractive brushed exterior
- Air-flow technology for cool-to-the-touch handles
- Secure-fitting dome lid
- Oven safe up to 500°F
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- No non-stick surface
- Not broiler-safe
3. Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware
For a great everyday pan, the Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Cookware allows you to cook a wide range of food, from omelets to grilling fish or preparing a stir-fry.
The pan features an ultra-sleek, curved contemporary design and it is made from strong and durable hard-anodized aluminum, and the black multi-layer non-stick finish allows you to cook food without any sticking to the bottom of the pan.
The flat, wide surface heats up quickly and provides a good amount of room for preparing small meals. You can rely on the frying pan to brown food to perfection, simmer sauces and fry bacon and eggs without any scorching. You do not need to use butter and very little oil, which means you can prepare healthier meals.
The long, arched brushed stainless steel handle is securely riveted to the pan and it is very comfortable to grasp. If you are simmering a sauce or frying some fritters, the pan has 3.2-inch high, sloping sides that stop any liquid from spilling over the edges and keeps your food inside the pan until you are ready to serve your latest culinary creation.
This frying pan can be used on a wide variety of stoves, gas, electric, electric ring, halogen, or glass-ceramic stovetops. It should be used with nylon, coated, or wooden utensils to protect the nonstick surface from getting damaged.
The pan is oven-safe to 450°F, and although it can go into the dishwasher, it is not suited for dishwashers that have very high temperatures. It is very easy to clean, just use warm soapy water. Calphalon offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Durable hard-anodized aluminum
- Sleek, curved contemporary design
- Heats up quickly
- Excellent non-stick ability
- Very good frying performance
- Do not need to use butter and minimal oil
- Long easy-to-grasp handle
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cooking
- Not a lot of surface area for large meals
- Pan cannot tolerate temperatures over 450°F
- No lid
4. Cook N Home 02404 Frying Pan
A solid frying pan with excellent heat conductibility, the Cook N Home 02404 Frying Pan is a great choice for cooking all types of meals. Whether you want to brown your favorite pieces of meat, fry bacon, and eggs, or fried rice, the Cook N Home frying pan is your No.1 go-to pan for everyday cooking.
The thick heavy-gauge aluminum material provides fast and even heat conductivity without any hot-spots. There is plenty of room in the bottom of the pan for a small to a medium-sized meal. And the 2.2-inch high sides stop any liquids from splashing over the sides during the cooking process.
The double premier grade non-stick coating is lead and cadmium-free so you do not have to worry about any chemicals or toxins leaching into your food. The coating allows you to remove your food easily and provides a quick clean-up after you have finished cooking.
The funky green color will brighten up your kitchen and the silicone handle is comfortable to hold and stays-cool to the touch. The pan has been specially designed for induction stoves and it can be washed in the dishwasher.
Even though the pan has a double non-stick coating, Cook N Home recommend that you do not use metal utensils as it will scratch the nonstick coating. Overheating will damage the nonstick coating, and if you put a hot pan in cold water, it will reduce the nonstick coating life span.
Pros
- Superior heat conductibility
- Excellent price
- Very good non-stick coating
- Ideal for frying and sauteing
- Plenty of surface space
- Lightweight
- Designed for use on induction stoves
- Silicone stays-cool handle
- Attractive bright green exterior
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not broiler-safe
- Not oven-safe
- Handle can come loose
- Not ideal for high temperatures
- No lid
- Green color can fade
5. WaxonWare Non-Stick Fry Pan & Skillet
With an innovative approach to cookware design, Germany’s finest frying pan manufacturer WaxonWare has created a pan that provides you with an excellent alternative to cast iron. If you love to cook, you need the WaxonWare Non-Stick Fry Pan & Skillet, which takes the art of cooking to a whole new level.
Firstly, there is the special Marbellous high quality non-stick 3-layered coating on the salmon-colored surface, which is 5 times more effective than other non-stick coatings on the market and ensures maximum food release every time.
If you have been disappointed by other non-stick coatings before, then you will be impressed with the marvelous coating. It uses breakthrough nanotechnology to atomically harden the resins that cause the weakening of any many coating systems, and WaxonWare’s marble-based coating is 100% PFOA, lead & cadmium-free.
This superior level of non-stick coating gives you a lot of cooking versatility, you can saute, deep fry, stir fry, bake, boil, grill, and braise with very little amounts of oil so the food can cook in it own juices, which results in tastier and healthier meals.
WaxonWare’s dedication to creating a superior frying pan and skillet also extends to its construction, which is the highest grade die-cast aluminum alloy that has the strength of cast-iron. The pan is built to last and will not warp in high temperatures, and it provides fast and even heat distribution.
The strong and powerful magnetized induction bottom means you can use the pan on any cooking surface. You can even use metal utensils, which makes it one of the best induction fry pans on the market.
The pan is very attractive with a salmon-colored interior and a chocolate brown exterior. Handling the pan is great too as the soft-touch Bakelite handle always stays cool and is ergonomically designed for a safer grip. And as there are no rivets from the inside, the pan is very easy to clean.
And just when you think it could not get any better with this amazing frying pan, WaxonWare offers a 3-year limited warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked! If the 8-inch fry pan is too small, WaxonWare also makes a 9.5-inch pan with a lid and an 11-inch pan with no lid.
Pros
- Excellent frying pan and skillet
- Very good value for money
- Superior marble-based 3-layer non-stick coating
- Great alternative to cast-iron
- Durable highest grade die-cast aluminum alloy
- Fast and even heat distribution
- High cooking performance
- All cooking surfaces compatible
- Soft-touch Bakelite handle
- Anti-warp resistant
- Easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
- Three-years limited warranty
Cons
- No lid
- Cannot use it in the oven
- Not recommended for use on high heat
6. Mauviel M’Heritage M150S Copper Round Frying Pan
If you love the look of copper and want to incorporate some timeless heritage appeal into your kitchen, the Mauviel M’Heritage M150S Copper Round Frying Pan will have you cooking in style. It is easy to see why this copper pan is a favorite with many professional chefs.
As well as its exquisitely beautiful 1½mm thick copper body and a durable easy-to-clean stainless steel interior, the Mauviel M’Heritage frying-pan heats up fast, has excellent heating conductivity, and also delivers perfect cooking results every time.
The frying-pan offers you a lot of cooking versatility as it is compatible with gas, electric, halogen, and induction cooktops, and can also go into the oven.
In order to maintain the stunning quality of this copper frying pan so that you can hand it down as a precious heirloom, hand-wash the pan and do not put it into the dishwasher. The solid handle is made from stay-cool cast stainless steel and it is securely riveted to the pan.
This heavy-duty design is important as it gives you just the right amount of balance for comfortable handling while you maneuver the pan on the stovetop or carry the pan from the stove to the kitchen counter.
As well as offering you a superior level of heating and cooking versatility, the round frying pan’s copper surface is highly polished and shines with almost ethereal beauty. So you will want to bring the pan to your dining table and proudly showcase it to your family and friends.
The frying pan also comes in an 11.8-inch size. Mauviel offers a limited lifetime warranty on this stunning piece of cookware.
Pros
- High-quality frying pan
- Excellent value for money
- Exquisitely beautiful thick copper body
- Durable easy-to-clean stainless steel interior
- Superior level of heat conductibility
- Heats up fast
- Delivers perfect cooking results
- Can use it on a wide range of stoves and in the oven
- Solid stay-cool cast stainless steel handle
Cons
- Expensive
- Handle is very heavy
- No lid
Our Top Pick for the Best Frying Pan
Our top pick for the best frying pan is the WaxonWare Nonstick Fry Pan & Skillet. This high-quality pan from WaxonWare has a lot of amazing features which makes it a “must-have” frying pan for your kitchen.
The innovative break-through non-stick technology stops any food from sticking to the pan’s surface, the solid die-cast aluminum alloy construction is built to last.
The Bakelite “cool-touch” handle with an attractive swirl pattern makes for safer handling. With a fast and effective heating performance, the WaxonWare frying pan is extremely good value for money.
Check the price on Amazon
