The humble frypan is the most frequently used pan in many kitchens. It can be used for anything from frying, searing, to browning food for that perfect caramelisation. Whether it is eggs for breakfast or a salmon fillet for dinner, the frypan does it all beautifully.
Because the frypan is not an item in the kitchen that will collect dust, finding the right pan to suit your cooking style and needs is important. When selecting the best frypan for you, there are a few factors to consider from pan size to the type of material used for construction. Read on to find out more about the different types of frypans, materials used, cooktop compatibility, and which 5 frypans tops our list as the ideal choice for most chefs.
Which Frypan Size Do I Need?
A medium frying pan is ideal for cooking several ingredients or portions without crowding. It is better suited for frying a couple of chicken breasts, several eggs at once or stir-frying vegetables. This is the ideal pan size for cooking for two to four people.
Large Frypan - 28cm and aboveA large frypan is great for cooking a feast! With its generous size, this pan offers optimal heat retention and allows you to effortlessly cook without overcrowding, making it ideal for frying bacon, large fish fillets, cooking fried rice, making a pan pizza, and more. These are the family sized frypans for cooking four or more serves.
Which Frypan Material is Right For Me?
When choosing the best frypan for your kitchen, one of the key elements to consider is the material used. The construction of the pan plays a big part in the taste and appearance of your food; a good frypan could elevate your signature dish to greater heights while a subpar frypan may take more effort to master and maintain. Below, we list a few of the most common frypan materials to help you select the right one for you and your needs.
Stainless Steel FrypansFrypans made of stainless steel are highly durable yet lightweight, ideal for daily use in a busy kitchen. Sear steaks beautifully or achieve a crispy layer of skin on your chicken with these handy frypans. Featuring a smooth, tough, and non-porous surface, these frypans do not stain easily, are not reactive to acidic food, and require very low maintenance.
Generally, stainless steel frypans are suitable for use on all cooktops including induction unless stated otherwise. However, stainless steel by itself does not conduct heat well, so look for a stainless steel pan that includes a conductive material base to ensure even cooking. Additionally, delicate types of food tend to stick to these frypans, so seasoning your stainless steel pan is a necessity.
Non-stick FrypansIf you love to cook but you're often deterred by food sticking to your pan, a non-stick frypan should be your ideal choice. With nonstick frying pans, it's possible to easily make pancakes, crepes, or cook eggs, fish and other delicate foods without the worry of them sticking to your pan. These pans feature a non-stick surface to ensure your food releases effortlessly. This also means not much oil is needed when cooking, providing a healthier option for those on a diet.
Additionally, food does not burn easily on non-stick frypans, and cleaning is a breeze thanks to the non-stick coating. However, these lightweight pans are not suitable for high heat cooking and instead work best on low and medium heat. Also, be sure to only use utensils made from silicone or nylon on these frypans to ensure the non-stick coating remains intact.
Cast Iron FrypansThe cast iron frypan is perfect for stir-frying, long-cooking, braising, and even baking in the oven. This heavy and thick skillet pan is great for high heat cooking with even heat distribution and retention, creating perfect cooking results with ease. Free from chemicals, you can rest assured that your meals will be safe from harmful components when you cook with these frypans. These frypans are also suitable for use on all cooktops, providing the ultimate convenience.
Nevertheless, cast iron skillets will need to be seasoned with oil to create a non-stick coating to ensure your food releases easily from your pan. Once seasoned, cleaning your pan is effortless and you'll simply need to wipe down any residue after cooking. If washing is needed, your skillet will need to be seasoned again to restore the non-stick coating on your pan.
Frypan Handles
There are various methods of fastening handles onto frypans, but riveted and welded handles are most commonly seen. Which one is better? Both of these fastening methods produce a sturdy and secure handle. The difference is that welded handles create a flush internal surface of your pan, making it easier to clean. Meanwhile, oven-proof and removable frypan handles offer the convenience of stove to oven cooking, making them perfect for baking bread, pan pizza, and more.
Our Pick of the Top 5 Frypans
Best Frypan for Versatility: Wolstead Stonetek Non Stick Frypan
The Wolstead Stonetek Non Stick Frypan Set would be our first choice. Crafted from double-forged aluminium, this frypan offers exceptional heat distribution making it perfect for various cooking techniques. The non-stick speckled granite-like surface allows for healthier cooking with minimal oil while still retaining the delicious flavours of your food. This set includes both a 24cm and a 30cm frypan — each equipped with two riveted handles for stability and ease of use. The Wolstead Stonetek frypans are truly a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen
At a glance:- Made from double-forged aluminium for even heat distribution
- Suitable for all stovetops including induction
- Ideal for everyday sauteing, pan frying, toasting, and oven baking
- Oven safe up to 180°C
Best Pan for Clean Cooking and Use: Tefal Renew Black Ceramic Induction Frypan 28cm
The Tefal Renew Black Ceramic Induction Frypan stands out as a champion of clean cooking practices. Crafted with sustainability in mind, this frypan is made from at least 77% recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice. The INCOCERAM ceramic seal ensures exceptional non-stick cooking performance without the use of harmful chemicals like PFOA, lead, and cadmium. Its Thermo-Signal™ technology indicates the perfect preheating temperature with a vibrant red centre promoting energy-efficient cooking. Compatible with all stovetops including induction, this frypan is not only versatile but also recyclable. With a generous 28cm diameter, this frypan offers ample cooking space for a variety of dishes, making it a reliable choice for eco-conscious cooks.
At a glance:- Made from aluminium with INCOCERAM ceramic coating inside and out
- Free from PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- Compatible with all stovetops including induction
- Made in France
Best Frypan for Performance and Aesthetics: Scanpan HaptIQ Frypan 24cm
The Danish made Scanpan HaptIQ Frypan 24cm is the perfect combination of high performance and designer appeal for your stovetop. Featuring Scanpan's exclusive Stratanium+ non-stick coating, these pans are unique in their slightly rough surface. This surface is extra durable, metal utensil safe, and hard wearing so you can achieve extra crispiness when frying. The mirror polished finish of the exterior also gives this Scanpan frypan an elegant edge when performing on your stovetop. Your family and friends will be sure to notice this pan for its high performance and design aesthetic.
At a glance:- Made in Denmark
- Durable and stylish polished stainless steel exterior and aluminium core for fast heat dispersion
- Stratanium+ non-stick technology that's highly durable and PFOA-free
- Distributes heat evenly and quickly
- Suitable for all stovetops including induction
- Metal utensil and Dishwasher safe
Best Frypan for High Heat Cooking with Low Toxicity: Essteele Per Amore Open French Skillet with Helper Handle 30cm
When it comes to healthy and safe cooking, the Esteele Per Amore Open French Skillet is our top choice. The multi-clad construction with a fast-heating aluminium core ensures even heat distribution from base to rim giving you precise heat control. The Per Amore stainless steel frypans are also more versatile as they can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques including high-heat searing and browning. These pans do not contain the non-stick coating which can degrade at high temperatures and potentially release harmful chemicals. The sealed rims are designed for easy pouring, while the stainless steel body is safe for use with metal utensils, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
At a glance:- Made from durable 18/10 brushed stainless steel interior
- Heavy gauge aluminium core for superb heat performance
- Riveted cast stainless steel handle to comfortably lift and maneuver the pan
- Suitable for all stovetops including induction
- Metal utensil safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Oven safe 260°C
- Made in Italy
Best Frypan for Indoors and Outdoors Cooking with Extra Depth: Lodge Logic Cast Iron Skillet 26cm
USA made Lodge Logic Cast Iron Skillet 26cm is a high performance skillet. What makes a skillet different from a frypan is the added depth for tossing and sautéing. While this may be a heavy pan compared to most, it is built to last a lifetime and withstand even the toughest temperatures. This pan will perform well on your stovetop and over an open fire for decades to come. This pan also arrives professionally pre-seasoned by Lodge themselves and will continue to develop its natural non-stick properties with age. From stovetop to oven and campfire, there isn't a dish that cannot be perfected in this pan.
At a glance:- Made from cast iron
- Extremely durable - lasts a lifetime with proper care
- The high sides and heat-retentive qualities of cast iron provide even cooking
- Ideal for high heat cooking to seal in the flavour of meat, poultry, seafood or vegetables
- Suitable for all stovetops including induction
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