Our Top 13 Picks for Frying Pans

Best Overall Frying Pan

Price: $129 for 12"

The Made In Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan is made from 100% carbon steel, which is known for its excellent heat distribution and durability. It is also naturally nonstick, so you can cook with little or no oil. The pan is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can use it to sear, roast, or bake.

However, carbon steel pans require more care than other types of pans. They need to be seasoned before use, and they need to be cleaned and dried carefully after each use. If you are not willing to put in the extra effort, then a carbon steel pan is the best choice for you.

Best Budget Frying Pan

Price: $43.94

Compared to other frying pans on the market, the Judge Essentials Radiant Frying Pan is available at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent choice for value-conscious cooks. In addition to being fairly reasonable, the pan is built to last with 25 years of warranty making it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.

Best Carbon Steel Frying Steel

Price: $44.99 for 12"

This pan is made from 100% carbon steel, which is known for its durability and even heat distribution. It is also pre-seasoned, so you can start cooking right away. It is also more affordable than some other high-end carbon steel pans, such as those from Mauviel or Made In.

However, there are a few things you should consider while choosing your pan. Choose a pan that is large enough for your needs and look for a handle that is comfortable to hold and oven-safe.

Best Stainless Steel Frying Pan

Price at Amazon: $129 for 12"

Made in Cookware Stainless Clad Frying Pan is a top contender for the best stainless steel frying pan on the market, and for good reason. It boasts a five-ply construction that ensures even heat distribution and durability.

One of the key advantages of this pan is its versatility. It can be used for a wide variety of cooking tasks, from searing and sauteing to pan-frying and simmering. However, these pans can seem a bit heavy and are usually on the more expensive side. 

Best Cast Iron Frying Pan

Price at Amazon: $19.90

The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is the best cast iron skillet based on experts. It comes in various sizes and is compatible with almost any cooktop, including induction, grill, and campfire. These skillets are also very affordable compared to other cast iron skillets on the market. Once seasoned, these are relatively easy to care for.

However, we found that fried eggs usually tend to stick on these pans so it's best if you use a non-stick frying pan for your eggs. As a more affordable and versatile pan, we recommend this for all home cooks.

Best Nonstick Frying Pan

Price at Amazon: $28.04

The Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan reigns supreme in the realm of non-stick cookware because of its unbeatable combination of affordability, durability, and user-friendliness.

The pan boasts a non-stick coating that makes cleaning a breeze, saving you precious time and effort. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your kitchen journey, this versatile pan is your trusty companion for whipping up delectable eggs, searing succulent steaks, or sauteing an array of vegetables. Its 10-inch diameter provides ample space for culinary creativity, allowing you to tackle a variety of dishes with confidence.

Best Ceramic Frying Pan

Price at Amazon: $95 for 10.5"

The Caraway Frying Pan boasts a non-stick, chemical-free ceramic coating that is derived from sand. This coating is free of PFOA, PTFE, and other harmful chemicals, making it a safe and healthy option for cooking.

Similarly, the Caraway Frying Pan comes in a variety of vibrant colors, adding a touch of personality to your kitchen. It's also oven-safe up to 550°F, making it versatile for various cooking tasks, from searing steaks to roasting vegetables.

While the price tag might seem slightly higher than some other frying pans on the market, the Caraway Frying Pan's quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment. The pan is built to last, with a sturdy stainless steel construction and a reinforced ceramic coating.

Best Spurlge Frying Pan

Price: $179

Made with a five-ply clad construction and a stainless steel cooking surface, the Hexclad boasts exceptional heat distribution and searability, allowing for both delicate cooking and achieving a perfect Maillard reaction. It's oven-safe up to 500°F, making it versatile for various cooking techniques.

The high price of this pan is justified by the quality construction and design that will ensure a long-lasting performance. The stainless steel surface also resists scratches and wear. Compared to pans that require frequent replacements, the Hexclad's durability makes it a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Best Enameled Cast Iron

Price at Amazon: $249

Sure, here is a 200-word write-up about why Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is the best enameled frying pan among others in the market in terms of features, price, uses and cleaning.

One of the key features of the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet is its beautiful, durable enamel coating. This coating eliminates the need for seasoning, which is often required with traditional cast iron skillets. The enamel coating also makes the pan incredibly easy to clean, as food won't stick to the surface.

Best Pan for Crepes

Price at Amazon: $183.95

the Le Creuset Cast Iron Crepe Pan is the best crepe pan on the market because of its high-quality materials, design, versatility, and brand reputation. If you are looking for a pan that will make perfect crepes for years to come, then the Le Creuset Cast Iron Crepe Pan is the perfect choice.

The 10.75-inch enameled cast iron pan is specifically designed for making crepes. It features a low profile with sloped sides that allow for easy flipping of crepes. The nonstick enamel surface makes it easy to release crepes from the pan and also makes cleanup a breeze.

Best Aluminum Frying Pan

Price at Amazon: $27.64

Constructed from heavy-gauge 3003 aluminum, this pan offers excellent heat distribution and resistance to warping, even at high temperatures. Similarly, its 12-inch diameter offers ample cooking space for searing steaks, pan-frying vegetables, or whipping up fluffy omelets. 

The pan is not oven-safe, but the included silicone sleeve provides heat protection up to 600°F, making it appropriate for stovetop-to-oven transitions for finishing dishes or keeping them warm. Plus, the pan is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup.

Best Hard-Anodized Frying Pan

Price: $54.99

The Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan with Silicone Sleeve is a versatile and durable cookware option that we consider the best hard-anodized frying pan on the market. It is made from a hard-anodized aluminum construction that is twice as strong as traditional nonstick pans.

The silicone sleeve that comes with the pan helps to protect the pan's handle from heat. It also helps to prevent the pan from slipping on the stovetop.

Best Frying Pan Set

Price at Amazon: $349 

Made In 3-Piece Stainless Frying Pan Set is the best choice for home cooks who are looking for a versatile and durable set of pans. The pans are made from high-quality stainless steel, which is known for its even heat distribution and resistance to warping.

The set includes three different sizes of pans, 8, 10, and 12 inches. The 8-inch pan if perfect for searing a filet mignon or frying up a morning egg. You can use the 10-inch pan for a large potion of veggies or two chicken breasts. Finally, the 12-inch pan can cook up an entire pack of bacon without even trimming the strips.