Most Useful Skillet Size: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

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In the realm of culinary arts, possessing the correct equipment is crucial for success. A vital component of any kitchen is a skillet. Skillets are available in several dimensions, but what’s the most practical size? We dedicated numerous hours to research and experimentation to discover the answer.

Skillets are versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including sautéing, frying, and searing. A good skillet should be able to distribute heat evenly, maintain temperature, and be easy to clean. When it comes to size, it’s important to consider your cooking needs and the size of your stove.

Here are some critical things to consider when choosing the most useful size skillet:

Cooking Needs: Consider what you’ll be using the skillet for. If you’re cooking for a large family or often entertain guests, a larger skillet may be more useful. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller skillet may suffice.
Stove Size: The size of your stove should also be taken into account. If you have a smaller stove, a larger skillet may not fit comfortably. A smaller skillet may be more practical for those with limited stove space.
Storage Space: Consider where you’ll be storing your skillet. A larger skillet may take up more space in your kitchen, while a smaller skillet may be easier to store.

Based on our research and testing, we’ve found that a 10-12 inch skillet is the most useful size for the average home cook. This size allows for versatility in cooking and can accommodate larger meals when needed. However, it’s important to consider your individual cooking needs and stove size before making a purchase.

In the next section, we’ll dive deeper into the benefits of a 10-12 inch skillet and provide some recommendations for high-quality options.

Table of Contents

Best Skillets

As avid home cooks, we know the importance of having a reliable skillet in our kitchen arsenal. Whether you’re searing a steak, sautéing vegetables, or making a frittata, a good skillet can make all the difference. But with so many sizes and materials to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to invest in. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best skillets to help you make an informed decision. From cast iron to non-stick, here are our top picks for the most useful skillet sizes.

8-inch skillet
10-inch skillet
12-inch skillet

Each of these sizes has its own unique benefits, and we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you find the perfect skillet for your cooking needs.

Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set – 3 Piece Induction Bottom – 8 Inches, 9.5 Inches and 11 Inches – (Black)

If you’re looking for a versatile frying pan set that can handle all your cooking needs, the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set is a great option. It includes three different sizes – 8 inches, 9.5 inches, and 11 inches – to suit your varying cooking needs. We’ve tried and tested this set and here’s what we think.

Pros

The set includes three different sizes, making it versatile and perfect for cooking for families or larger groups.
The induction bottom of the frying pans is suitable for all types of cooking, including electric and ceramic cooktops, making it a great investment for all kinds of kitchens.
The professional-grade aluminum makes the frying pan durable, light-weight and sturdy, ensuring that it lasts for a long time.

Cons

The pans are not oven-safe, so you’ll need to transfer food to another dish if you want to finish cooking it in the oven.
The pans are not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to hand wash them, which can be time-consuming.
The handles get hot when the pans are used for a long time, so you’ll need to use oven mitts or a towel to handle them.

In terms of cooking experience, we found that the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set performed really well. The high-quality double-coated nonstick interior allowed for easier cooking and cleanup, and we didn’t have to worry about food sticking to the pans. The Bakelite handles are ergonomically designed and riveted strongly to the pan for safety and comfort. We found that the pans heated up quickly and evenly, which made cooking a breeze.

Overall, we would highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set to anyone looking for a versatile, durable, and high-quality frying pan set. It’s perfect for everyday cooking and can handle all your cooking needs.

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet

If you’re looking for a nonstick frying pan that is durable, easy to clean, and compatible with different stoves, you might want to consider the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet. We highly recommend this skillet due to its outstanding features and excellent performance.

Pros

The Swiss non-stick coating is safe, healthy, and SGS approved, making it perfect for cooking healthy meals.
The bakelite handle with woodgrain design is comfortable to grip and stays cool while cooking. It’s also oven safe to 302°F.
The high magnetic conductive base made of stainless steel helps distribute heat evenly and quickly, making it suitable for all stoves, including induction cooktops.

Cons

The non-stick coating may peel off after prolonged use.
The skillet may warp if exposed to high heat for extended periods.
The 8-inch skillet is relatively small and may not be suitable for cooking larger meals.

We’ve used this skillet for various cooking tasks, including frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, and cooking chicken breasts. The skillet heats up quickly and evenly, and the food doesn’t stick to the surface. We also appreciate how easy it is to clean the skillet. We just wipe it with a paper towel or rinse it with water, and it’s good to go. If you prefer, you can also put it in the dishwasher.

One thing to note is that the non-stick coating may peel off after prolonged use, so it’s essential to be gentle when cleaning the skillet. We also noticed that the skillet may warp if exposed to high heat for extended periods, so it’s best to avoid using it on high heat settings.

Overall, we highly recommend the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet for its great quality and service. It’s a durable, easy-to-use skillet that can help you cook healthy and delicious meals.

The Whatever Pan Cast Aluminum Griddle Pan for Stove Top

If you’re looking for a versatile and impressive alternative to traditional cast iron grill pans, the Whatever Pan by Jean Patrique is your best bet. Made of cast-aluminium, this grill pan sears, sizzles, and grills its way into becoming a kitchen favorite. It’s lighter than cast iron but every bit as impressive, making it the best new option for all your cooking needs.

Pros

The deep 4.5cm sides of the grill pan prevent spills and splatters from leaving your kitchen counters or ovens in a mess.
The Whatever Pan adapts to various heat sources, including gas, induction, ceramic, electric, and even camping fires, making it a highly versatile cooking tool.
The Whatever Pan is built to work just as beautifully inside your oven as it does on your hob. It’s suitable for temperatures up to 250°C / 482°F, making it easy to start your meals on the stove and finish them off in the oven without having to switch between different pans.

Cons

The handles of the grill pan get hot, so it’s necessary to use oven mitts or a towel while cooking.
The Whatever Pan is not dishwasher safe, so it needs to be washed by hand.
The size of the grill pan may not be sufficient for cooking larger meals.

We highly recommend the Whatever Pan Cast Aluminum Griddle Pan for Stove Top by Jean Patrique. This grill pan is perfect for all your cooking needs, from searing steaks to grilling vegetables. Its deep sides prevent spills and splatters, and its non-toxic non-stick finish allows for healthier cooking with less oil. The Whatever Pan adapts to various heat sources and is suitable for use both on the stovetop and in the oven, making it a highly versatile cooking tool. Although the handles of the grill pan get hot, it’s a small inconvenience to bear for such a great product. The Whatever Pan is not dishwasher safe, but it’s easy to clean by hand. Overall, it’s a must-have addition to any kitchen.

SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable saute pan, the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

The Swiss non-stick coating is imported and SGS approved, making it safe and healthy to use. Plus, it’s PFOA-free and smokeless, allowing you to cook with little oil for a healthier diet.
The pan is suitable for all stoves, including induction. The high magnetic conductive stainless steel base and die-cast aluminum core ensure quick and even heating.
The pour spout is super handy for soups and oils, and the woodgrain bakelite handle stays cool while cooking.

Cons

The pan is not oven safe, so you’ll need to transfer your food to a different dish if you want to finish it in the oven.
The pan is relatively heavy, which might make it difficult to handle for some users.
The pan is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to wash it by hand.

We’ve been using the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The pan heats up quickly and evenly, and the non-stick coating works well. We’ve used it to saute vegetables, fry eggs, and make stir-fries, and it’s worked well for all of these tasks.

One thing we love about this pan is the pour spout, which makes it easy to pour liquids without spilling. We’ve used it to make soups and stews, and it’s worked great. The woodgrain bakelite handle is also a nice touch, as it stays cool while cooking.

Overall, we think the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and durable saute pan. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid choice for most home cooks.

LOLYKITCH 8 Inch Tri-ply Hybrid Stainless Steel Non-stick Frying Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet that can handle all your cooking needs, the LOLYKITCH 8 Inch Tri-ply Hybrid Stainless Steel Non-stick Frying Pan is a great option to consider.

Pros

The tri-ply construction ensures fast and even heat distribution throughout the pan, making it ideal for searing, sauteing, and frying.
The honeycomb pattern on the stainless steel surface not only looks stunning, but it also makes the pan scratch-resistant and metal utensil safe.
The PFOA-free US Whitford coating is high heat tolerant and repels water and oil, making it easy to clean after cooking.

Cons

The handle may not be comfortable for some users.
It may be harder to clean than other hybrid pans.
Some users have reported issues with food sticking to the pan, but this can be avoided by following the instructions provided.

We recently had the opportunity to use the LOLYKITCH 8 Inch Tri-ply Hybrid Stainless Steel Non-stick Frying Pan in our kitchen, and we were impressed with its performance. The pan is well-constructed and feels sturdy in our hands. The tri-ply construction ensures that heat is evenly distributed throughout the pan, so our food cooked quickly and evenly.

The honeycomb pattern on the stainless steel surface not only looks great, but it also makes the pan scratch-resistant and metal utensil safe. We were able to use our metal utensils without worrying about damaging the surface of the pan.

The PFOA-free US Whitford coating is high heat tolerant and repels water and oil, making it easy to clean after cooking. We were able to wipe the pan clean with a paper towel after cooking, and it looked like new. We also appreciated that the pan is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

While we found the handle to be comfortable, some users may find it less so. Additionally, some users have reported issues with food sticking to the pan, but we found that following the instructions provided resolved this issue.

Overall, we would recommend the LOLYKITCH 8 Inch Tri-ply Hybrid Stainless Steel Non-stick Frying Pan to anyone looking for a versatile, durable, and easy-to-clean skillet that can handle all their cooking needs.

Imarku Frying Pan

We highly recommend the Imarku Frying Pan for those who are looking for a versatile, non-stick skillet that is easy to clean and maintain.

Pros

The honeycomb non-stick surface ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easy to cook and clean.
The ergonomic handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool on the stovetop, making it easy to handle.
The pan is compatible with all cooktops, including halogen stoves, ovens, gas, ceramic, and induction.

Cons

The pan is a little heavy, which may make it difficult for some people to handle.
The pan is not dishwasher safe, so it must be cleaned by hand.
The pan may scratch easily if it is not handled properly.

The Imarku Frying Pan is a high-quality, non-stick skillet that is perfect for cooking a variety of dishes. The honeycomb non-stick surface ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easy to cook and clean. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool on the stovetop, making it easy to handle. Additionally, the pan is compatible with all cooktops, including halogen stoves, ovens, gas, ceramic, and induction.

One of the best things about the Imarku Frying Pan is its honeycomb non-stick surface. This unique surface ensures that food doesn’t stick to the pan, making it easy to cook and clean. The inner surface of the pan is etched with a precise concave-convex texture to ensure an even distribution of oil droplets, which helps reduce fat and calorie intake.

Another great feature of the Imarku Frying Pan is its ergonomic handle. The handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool on the stovetop, making it easy to handle. Additionally, the pan is compatible with all cooktops, including halogen stoves, ovens, gas, ceramic, and induction.

However, the pan is a little heavy, which may make it difficult for some people to handle. Additionally, the pan is not dishwasher safe, so it must be cleaned by hand. Finally, the pan may scratch easily if it is not handled properly.

Overall, we highly recommend the Imarku Frying Pan for those who are looking for a versatile, non-stick skillet that is easy to clean and maintain. Its honeycomb non-stick surface and ergonomic handle make it a pleasure to use, and its compatibility with all cooktops ensures that it can be used in any kitchen.

SENSARTE Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile skillet that can cook multiple foods at once, then the SENSARTE Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan is a great choice. With its Switzerland ILAG nonstick surface, this skillet is very effective at preventing food from sticking to the surface, even with very little oil, and cleaning it is a breeze.

Pros

Naturally Non-Stick – SGS approved. Healthy and safe, 100% non-toxic, free of PFOA, PFOS, APEO, lead, cadmium and other toxic materials that can leach into your food, safe for you, your family and the environment.
3-in-1 Design – 3 section square grill pan can cook 3 different foods at the same time, and these dividers prevent food from mixing. One pan is comparable to three pans, perfect for making sandwiches, bacon, steaks, burgers, wings, sausages, pancakes and more.
Raised Ridges & Recessed Circles – Raised ridges leave the perfect grill marks and keep the fat in the grooves. Recessed circles make great for pancakes, burgers, frying perfect eggs, etc.

Cons

Not Oven Safe – This skillet is not oven safe, so you’ll need to transfer your food to an oven-safe dish if you need to finish cooking it in the oven.
Hand Wash Only – This skillet is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it to keep it clean.
Slides on Glass Cooktops – This skillet tends to slide on a glass surface, which can make it difficult to stir or get food off.

We recently used this skillet to cook bacon, eggs, and pancakes, and we were impressed with how well it performed. The raised ridges left perfect grill marks on the bacon and the pancakes cooked evenly across the surface. The dividers in the skillet made it easy to cook multiple foods at once, and we were able to cook our entire breakfast in just one pan.

The skillet is made of die-cast aluminum, which makes it sturdy and durable, and it won’t warp in 10 years. The Bakelite handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool to the touch, so you won’t burn your hands while using it. The skillet can be used on gas, electric, induction, and glass or ceramic cooktops, and the 4.5mm thick high magnetic conductivity stainless steel base helps distribute heat evenly and quickly.

Overall, we highly recommend the SENSARTE Nonstick 11-Inch Square Grill Pan to anyone looking for a versatile skillet that can cook multiple foods at once. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and built to last.

Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is a great option. Its pre-seasoned cast iron material is perfect for evenly cooking a variety of different meals, and it’s suitable for both stovetop and oven use. Plus, cooking with cast iron can increase iron content in your food by up to 20%.

Pros

The skillet’s superior heat retention will keep your food warm for a long time.
It’s easy to clean and maintain – just hand wash before first use and dry immediately, and rub with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash.
The skillet’s large size is perfect for cooking for gatherings or meal prep.

Cons

The skillet is quite heavy, which may be difficult for some users to handle.
It’s not dishwasher-safe, so you’ll need to wash it by hand.
Cast iron cookware is less smooth than non-stick cookware, which may take some getting used to for some users.

In our experience, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is a great investment for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile skillet. Its pre-seasoned cast iron material allows for even cooking and increased iron content in your food, and its superior heat retention will keep your meals warm for longer. While it may take some getting used to for those accustomed to non-stick cookware, its easy maintenance and large size make it a great addition to any kitchen.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the most useful skillet, there are a few key features to consider. We recommend taking the following factors into account before making a purchase:

Size

The size of the skillet is an important consideration. A larger skillet may be more versatile, allowing you to cook larger quantities of food or prepare multiple dishes at once. However, a smaller skillet may be more convenient for everyday use and take up less storage space.

Material

The material of the skillet can affect its performance and durability. Cast iron skillets are known for their excellent heat retention and even cooking, while stainless steel skillets are durable and easy to clean. Non-stick coatings can make cooking and cleaning easier, but may not be as durable as other materials.

Handle

The handle of the skillet should be comfortable and easy to grip. Look for a handle that stays cool during cooking and is securely attached to the skillet.

Shape

The shape of the skillet can also affect its usefulness. A skillet with sloped sides may be better for flipping and stirring food, while a skillet with straight sides may be better for searing and sautéing.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the skillet. While a high-end skillet may offer superior performance and durability, it may not be necessary for everyday use. We recommend choosing a skillet that fits your budget and meets your cooking needs.

Overall, the most useful skillet will depend on your individual cooking needs and preferences. By considering the size, material, handle, shape, and price of the skillet, you can choose a product that will meet your needs and provide excellent results.