Stainless steel frypans excel at searing and browning—providing the perfect crust on meats and enhancing flavours. Not only highly durable and able to withstand high cooking temperatures, stainless steel frying pans come with either a polished, lustrous appearance or matte finish giving a contemporary look to cookware that other frying pans may lack. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, stainless steel frypans are a great investment.
Features to consider when purchasing a stainless steel pan
Material and Construction: Look for frypans made from high-quality stainless steel. The grade of stainless steel is often indicated by a numerical value, such as 18/10, which refers to the percentages of chromium and nickel in the steel. Higher percentages of these elements generally result in better corrosion resistance and durability.
Clad Construction: Consider frypans with clad construction, which typically consist of multiple layers of metal usually with an aluminium core for heat conductivity. Clad pans distribute heat more evenly and offer better temperature control. Look for frypans with a thick, multi-layered base for efficient heat distribution for better cooking results free of heat spots.
Thickness: Opt for frypans with a thick base. A thicker base frying pan ensures even heat distribution and reduces the risk of hot spots. Thin pans may heat unevenly, leading to food sticking or burning.
Handle design: Pay attention to the handle design and make sure it is comfortable to hold. Riveted handles tend to be more secure than welded ones. Additionally, look for handles that are oven-safe, so you can transfer the frypan from the stovetop to oven if needed.
Lid: Consider whether the frypan comes with a lid. A well-fitting lid can help retain heat, speed up cooking, and allow for steaming or simmering. It also allows for less mess, reducing the need for a splatter guard. If you want to have an additional lid for your frying pan we have a range of universal cookware lids available.
Size: Choose a size that accommodates the amount of food you usually cook and fits your stove top burners. Consider the number of people you usually cook for and the types of dishes you typically prepare. The most commonly purchased frying pan sizes range from 20-30cm in diameter.
Benefits of using a stainless steel frypan
- Incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, making them a long-lasting option for cookware.
- Provides even heat distribution, reducing the risk of hot spots and allowing for precise cooking control.
- Stainless steel frypans have a sleek and timeless design, adding a touch of elegance to your kitchen.
- Stainless steel is a safe and non-toxic material for cooking, without any concerns of harmful chemicals leaching into food.
- Versatile and suitable for a wide range of cooking techniques such as searing, sautéing, frying, and deglazing.
- Work well with all stovetop types, including induction, making them a versatile option for various kitchen setups.
- Stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it won't alter the taste or quality of your food, ensuring pure flavours.
Brands we love and trust
Tefal: Offer stainless steel frying pans with durable construction and excellent heat distribution at an affordable price point. All Tefal frying pans also include their signature Thermo-Spot technology, which indicates when the pan is preheated to the ideal temperature for cooking.
Essteele: A highly popular cookware brand in Australia, Essteele frying pans are made in Italy and designed to last. Their Per Amore range and Per Salute ranges feature 18/10 stainless steel bodies with heavy gauge aluminium cores, the latter of which also has a copper sheet integrated in the base for greater conductivity and a classy finish.
Scanpan: Scanpan frypans made from stainless steel are known for their exceptional heat conductivity, allowing for precise temperature control. Experience professional-grade cooking performance with the Scanpan HaptIQ range, featuring a multi-layer construction for even heat distribution. For everyday use, the Scanpan Impact range offers excellent durability and compatibility with all stovetops. If you desire innovative design and exceptional non-stick performance, the Scanpan Pro IQ range combines stainless steel construction with a PFOA-free non-stick coating.
Circulon: Circulon frying pans also offer stainless steel options that are designed with a unique combination of a stainless steel base and a non-stick interior, allowing for even heat distribution and excellent food release—a reliable choice for everyday cooking.
Le Creuset: The famed Le Creuset frying pans are meticulously crafted with a tri-ply construction, providing efficient and even heat distribution without any hot spots.
Swiss Diamond: Swiss Diamond frying pans are another excellent choice of stainless steel pans. Offering excellent heat distribution and offers a sleek and modern design, adding an aesthetic appeal to your kitchen.
De Buyer: The De Buyer frying pan is highly regarded for its exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding heat conductivity. With its robust construction, these pans are built to endure demanding kitchen environments while delivering superior cooking performance.
Other cookware and accessories to consider when purchasing a stainless steel frying pan
Stainless steel woks
Stainless steel saucepans
Stainless steel cookware
Splatter Guards
Spatulas
Tongs
Cookware Cleaners
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to season a stainless steel pan?
Stainless steel pans do not require seasoning as unlike carbon steel they will not rust.
Why should I consider a stainless steel pan over a non-stick pan?
This is a question frequently asked by our customers. The short answer is a stainless steel pan is better for high-temperature flash cooking, those cooking with metal utensils wanting a durable pan that will last for years without needing to be replaced and prefer to cook with a non-reactive cooking surface that is free of synthetic material. The downside is that stainless steel pans require more cooking oil to ensure ingredients don't stick, can be more time consuming to clean and can be challenging to cook with delicate ingredients like fish or egg that tend to stick to the cooking surface.
