How to Find the Best Frying Pan That Is Worth Investing In

Trying to find new kitchen equipment can be time-consuming and frustrating.

We want to make shopping for kitchen cookware, utensils, and even storage as uncomplicated as possible. If you are looking for any type of kitchen equipment, then let us help you. In this article, we are going to walk through the process of finding the best frying pan, a true kitchen staple.

Why Every Kitchen Needs a Frying Pan

This kitchen tool is a classic item that no kitchen can do without. It is commonly used to sauté onions, fry bacon, and eggs, or braise sauces.

There is something that can be done with a frying pan at nearly every meal. If you don’t currently have one of these pans, then you need to consider getting one. If you are interested in getting a frying pan for your kitchen, then let’s get into the details of how to find the best frying pan for you.

What to Look for In a Frying Pan

Before heading off to the store, we need to set out some parameters to keep this a simple and straightforward process. The best way to do this is to list out the features that make up a quality frying pan. Once these are apparent, it will make it extremely easy to find the product that works for you.  

The following is a list of features that should be considered when selecting a new frying pan:

Durability

If you are going to give any quantity of your hard-earned money to purchase a kitchen tool, then you ought to get a lot of use out of the tool. Opt for frying pans that are recognized as durable. This may be a particular brand name item that is known for producing quality products, or it could simply be the type of material used to make the product.  

A great way to know if a pan is durable or not is to check the reviews. Look at what customers are saying about the pan’s longevity and durability and allow that information to inform you about your decision.

Versatility

Make sure you select a frying pan that will work alongside your stove and oven. For instance, an induction stove-top will not work with every type of pan. Also, cast iron does not work quite as well on a glass stove-top. Consider these factors as you peruse pan options.

Material

This is probably going to be the most important feature to consider as you select your new frying pan. When you select a particular material for your frying pan, you are in some ways selecting the other features listed. To help you decide what material is best for you and your kitchen, let’s look at them all side by side.

Aluminum – Pros

• This material heats up quickly
• This material is inexpensive
• This material is lightweight

Aluminum – Cons

• This material can cause discoloration to certain types of food
• This material can react to certain types of food
• This material is easy to scratch and dent

Anodized Aluminum – Pros

• This material is easy to clean
• This material is good at conducting heat
• This material is non-toxic
• This material is not easy to scratch
• This material is very durable

Anodized Aluminum – Cons

• This material does not last long
• This material is expensive
• This material is not designed to be used on high heat
• This material is not lightweight
• This material is not safe for use in a dishwasher

Carbon Steel – Pros

• This material heats up quickly
• This material is durable

Carbon Steel – Cons

• This material is difficult to clean and maintain

Cast Aluminum – Pros

• This material is inexpensive
• This material does not rust
• This material does not stick to food
• This material is safe for use in a dishwasher
• This material will heat and cool quickly

Cast Aluminum – Cons

• This material will warp easily
• This material is reactive to certain types of food

Cast Iron – Pros

• This material is durable
• This material conducts and retains heat well
• This material can last a long time

Cast Iron – Cons

• This material is expensive
• This material is not lightweight
• This material can rust
• This material can stick to food

Ceramic – Pros

• This material is non-toxic and non-stick
• This material is easy to clean
• This material conducts and retains heat well

Ceramic – Cons

• This material is not durable

Copper – Pros

• This material is stylish
• This material conducts and retains heat well

Copper – Cons

• This material is reactive to certain types of foods
• This material can leach toxins into food
• This material is difficult to clean
• This material is not durable and can be scratched and dented very easily

Enameled Cast Iron – Pros

• This material retains heat well
• This material will not rust as long as the enamel remains
• This material is available in multiple colors

Enameled Cast Iron – Cons

• This material can chip and scratch easily
• This material does not heat up quickly
• This material is expensive
• This material is heavy 
• This material is not fully non-stick

Fully-clad Stainless Steel – Pros

• This material is durable
• This material conducts and retains heat well
• This material is easy to clean
• This material does not react to food

Fully-clad Stainless Steel – Cons

• This material is expensive
• This material is heavy

Nonstick – Pros

• This material can help reduce the need for cooking with fat
• This material is easy to clean
• This material is inexpensive
• This material will not stick to food

Nonstick – Cons

• This material can be scratched easily, rendering the pan useless or dangerous
• This material can leach toxins
• This material is not always safe for use in an oven or a dishwasher

Stainless Steel – Pros

• This material does not peel or chip
• This material is durable
• This material is typically safe for use in an oven

Stainless Steel – Cons

• This material can be affected by certain types of acidic foods
• This material can be difficult to clean
• This material does not conduct heat very well
• This material takes time to learn how to cook with

Price

Before you set out on your frying pan shopping adventure, set yourself a budget. This kitchen tool is available in a wide range of prices, so there is no reason to overspend.

Size

You may want to consider how large of a pan you need for your kitchen. Frying pans are available in different sizes, so make sure you get the size that is best for you.

The Frying Pans You Should Consider

Now that we have gathered all the information about why every kitchen needs a frying pan and have listed out the features to look for in a frying pan, we can begin to search for the best pans available today.

The Best Aluminum Frying Pan – Update International Natural Finish Aluminum Pan

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan can be used on a stove-top and in an oven. Because it is made of aluminum, it will not work on an induction stove.

Is This Pan Durable?

Yes, most customers consider this to be a durable pan.

What Do Customers Love About This Pan?

Customers love how lightweight, inexpensive, and wonderful this frying pan is to use. Some have commented that it does take some time to learn how to use it right, but it is worth the effort.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Inexpensive
• Non-toxic
• Conducts heat very well

Cons

• It is not dishwasher safe
• It will stick to food

The Best Anodized Aluminum Frying Pan – Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Skillet

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan is designed to be used on a stove-top and in an oven.

Is This Pan Durable?

Yes, it is stronger than stainless steel and can handle a lot of wear and tear.

What Do Customers Love About This Pan?

Customers love that this pan is non-stick and lightweight.

Pros

• Non-stick
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean

Cons

• It is not dishwasher safe
• Non-stick material can be scratched off

The Best Budget Frying Pan – Blue Diamond Cookware Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan is designed for use on a stove-top, in an oven, or in a broiler up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is This Pan Durable?

This pan is advertised as heavy-duty.

What Do Customers Love About This Pan?

Customers are raving about how this inexpensive pan is durable and has a great non-stick surface.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Non-stick
• Non-toxic
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• It cannot be used on an induction stove
• Small size

The Best Cast Aluminum Frying Pan – Carote Nonstick Skillet Frying Pan

How Versatile is This Pan?

While this is not an oven-safe pan, it can be used on all types of stove-tops.

Is This Pan Durable?

Yes, the die-cast body makes this a very durable option.

What Do Customers Love About This Pan?

Customers love the non-stick quality of this pan and how easy it is to clean.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Available with a lid
• Handle stays cool

Cons

• Not oven safe

The Best Cast Iron Frying Pan – Butter Pat Joan Cast Iron Skillet

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan can be used on any stove-top and in an oven.

Is This Pan Durable?

Cast iron pans are very durable when cleaned and seasoned properly.

What Do Customers Love About This Pan?

Customers love the look of this pan and the way it cooks so well.

Pros

• High-quality product
• Returns accepted within 45 days

Cons

• Shipping can be slow
• Expensive

The Best Ceramic Frying Pan – Always Pan

How Versatile is This Pan?

The design of this pan makes it very versatile. It can be used to cook almost anything on any stove-top. It cannot, however, be set in an oven.

Is This Pan Durable?

The aluminum body gives this pan a little extra durability, but its ceramic coating is something that should be cared for in the extreme. If it is scratched or chipped, this item will not work as well.

Pros

• Non-toxic
• Non-stick
• It can be used with a variety of cookware accessories
• Lightweight
• Reduces the amount of oil or fat needed to cook

Cons

• Easy to scrape or chip
• Not safe for use in an oven or dishwasher
• Should not be used over high heat
• Should not be used with metal utensils

The Best Copper Frying Pan – Brooklyn Copper Sauté

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan is designed for braising and sautéing on a stove-top or in an oven heated up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It cannot be used on an induction stove.

Is This Pan Durable?

This pan is designed to be more durable than any copper pan

Pros

• Beautifully designed
• 15-day warranty

Cons

• It is not dishwasher safe
• It is very expensive

The Best Fully-Clad Stainless Steel Frying Pan – Heritage Steel Shallow Wok

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan can be used to cook or fry almost anything on any stove-top, including induction stoves, and can be set in a hot oven.

Is This Pan Durable?

Yes, this pan is designed to withstand many years of cooking.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Dishwasher safe
• Oven safe
• Ergonomic handle
• Lifetime warranty
• Handle stays cool on a hot stove-top
• Non-reactive

Cons

• Expensive

The Best Non-stick Frying Pan – Swiss Diamond Nonstick Fry Pan

How Versatile is This Pan?

This pan can be used on any type of stove-top and in an oven.

Is This Pan Durable?

Yes, it is made from durable metal. The part that is not durable is the non-stick coating.

What Do Customers Love About This Pan?

Customers love how well the non-stick coating works and how sturdy it is built.

Pros

• PFOA free
• Ergonomic handle
• Oven safe

Cons

• Hand wash only
• Do not use metal utensils with this pan

In Conclusion

As you can see, finding the best frying pan can be a little daunting, that is, if you don’t have a guide to help you. Hopefully, this article will be that guide for you. Use it to make this decision so much easier.