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The Best Frying Pans for Your Kitchen

black frying pan full of cooked vegetables on top of a cutting board and wooden table

Out of all the cookware you use, one of the most versatile and trustworthy is the frying pan. Frying pans can fry eggs, sear steak, and everything in between. More likely than not, it’s your go-to whenever there’s food that needs to be cooked, so investing in a high-quality one will be worth it.

We’ve rounded up some great frying pans for your use,  so keep on reading.

What to Look for in a Frying Pan

Here are some factors to consider before buying:

  • Size: Depending on what you’re cooking, you may need a bigger or smaller pan to get the job done.
  • Handle: A hot handle on your heated pan is unpleasant and can cause you harm. Make sure you get a cool, ergonomic handle that will feel comfortable.
  • Nonstick: Nonstick pans are usually the most preferred option for cooks. From searing food to cleaning up, they make the process a whole lot simpler. However, make sure that the nonstick coating on your pan is free of toxins.

Top Pick: Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet

dark gray frying pan with white speckles and a wooden handle

Looking for a great frying pan for your day-to-day use? This one from Sensarte has a Swiss non-stick coating that’s SGS-approved and PFOA-free, so you won’t need to worry about intense scrubbing of excess food during cleanup. The interior is made out of cast aluminum, which is robust and easy to clean.

The stainless steel bottom is highly conductive, allowing for even heating throughout the food for proper cooking. The handle has a woodgrain design, which is lightweight to hold and will stay cool during cooking. Additionally, you can use this pan in an oven at up to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s dishwasher safe.

Best Value: Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set

three stacked black frying pans in different sizes

If you’re looking for a complete frying pan set, Utopia Kitchen provides one of the most bang-for-your-buck options out there. You get three different sizes of frying pans in this set—an 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch pan. These pans are coated with a nonstick layer that’s PFOA-, lead-, and cadmium-free. Their induction bottom ensures adequate heat distribution and works on both electric and gas stoves.

These pans are built for durability. They’re made with professional-grade aluminum and have riveted handles that won’t wobble.

Best Value

Best Quality: T-fal Specialty 3 PC Initiatives Nonstick

three stacked black frying pans in different sizes with red logos in the center

If you’re looking for a high-quality frying pan set to add to your cooking arsenal, this is the one. You’ll get an 8-inch, 9.5-inch, and 11-inch frying pan in this set. These pans have a ProGlide nonstick coating that’s free of PFOA, lead, and cadmium, and they have riveted handles that provide a secure grip on the pan. These pans can be used in ovens up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most prominent feature of these pans is their heat indication. The center ring turns red when the pan is preheated properly, which can be a huge benefit if you want to perfect your cooking. Rest assured that your food will be cooked properly, as its heat base provides excellent distribution to all areas of the pan.

Best Quality

T-fal Specialty Nonstick 3 Piece Fry Pan Set 8, 9.5, 11 Inch Cookware, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Black

These pans will ensure proper cooking and there's a size for all your go-to meals.

Best With Lid: Cuisinart 622-30G Chef’s Classic

black frying pan with a chrome handle and clear handled lid

Many frying pan sets don’t include lids, but this one from Cuisinart does. However, there’s more to this pan than just an included lid. The hard-anodized exterior is harder than stainless steel, nonporous, and spreads heat evenly. Moreover, its use of titanium to toughen its Quantanium nonstick coating will ensure its longevity in your kitchen. The pan has a drip-free rim and can handle 500 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven.

Best With Lid
Jonah Chin Jonah Chin
Jonah Chin is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy where he's able to openly share his thorough product considerations, critiques, and recommendations for you to benefit from. When he's away from the keyboard, he enjoys competing in sports like wrestling and playing instruments like the guitar. Read Full Bio »
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