Best Skillet for Frying: Top Picks for Perfectly Cooked Meals

Edit: Right now Lodge is offering 50% off their skillets, cookware, etc. Click Here To Take Advantage Of The Deal

In the realm of culinary arts, possessing the appropriate utensils can significantly impact your cooking experience. A skillet is a crucial implement in any cook’s arsenal, especially if frying is on the menu. It’s important to ensure you’re equipped with the top skillet suited for such tasks.

Skillets come in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles, so it’s important to consider what you’ll be using it for before making a purchase. Here are some critical things to keep in mind when looking for the best skillet for frying:

Material: The material of the skillet can affect how evenly it heats and how well it retains heat. Cast iron and stainless steel are both popular choices for skillets, but non-stick coatings are also available.
Size: The size of the skillet you need will depend on what you plan to cook. If you’re frying up a few eggs for breakfast, a small skillet will do the trick. But if you’re cooking for a family or want to fry larger items like chicken, you’ll need a larger skillet.
Shape: The shape of the skillet can also affect how well it cooks your food. A flat-bottomed skillet is best for frying, as it provides a larger surface area for your food to cook evenly.

After researching and testing various skillets, we’ve compiled a list of the best skillets for frying. So whether you’re making fried chicken, fish, or even donuts, we’ve got you covered.

Table of Contents

Best Skillets for Frying

Looking for the perfect skillet to fry up your favorite foods? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the best skillets for frying based on our own experiences and customer reviews. Whether you’re looking for a non-stick option or a cast iron skillet, we’ve got you covered. Check out our top picks below:

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
T-fal Non-Stick Fry Pan
All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan
Calphalon Classic Nonstick Fry Pan
GreenPan Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan

Each of these skillets has its own unique features and benefits, so be sure to read through our list to find the perfect skillet for your frying needs. Happy cooking!

HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 12-Inch Fry Pan with Tempered Glass Lid, Stay-Cool Handle, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Induction Ready, Compatible with All Cooktops 12″ Pan + Lid

If you’re looking for a high-quality skillet for frying, then the HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 12-Inch Fry Pan with Tempered Glass Lid is an excellent option. We’ve used this pan ourselves and found it to be a great addition to our kitchen.

Pros

The tri-ply construction of high-quality aluminum between two layers of stainless steel provides even heat distribution and excellent cooking performance.
The patented hexagonal nonstick surface allows you to sear food without using too much oil, grease, or butter.
The pan is easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.

Cons

The pan is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some people.
The price is a bit high compared to other frying pans on the market.
The nonstick surface can wear off over time if not properly cared for.

Overall, we highly recommend the HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 12-Inch Fry Pan with Tempered Glass Lid. It’s a versatile and durable pan that can handle all your frying needs.

The pan features a tri-ply construction of high-quality aluminum between two layers of stainless steel laser-etched with the patented hexagonal nonstick surface. This provides the ideal hybrid cooking performance and heat distribution.

The surface is metal-utensil resistant and, while hand-washing is highly recommended, cleanable with your dishwasher or steel wool pads. The tempered glass construction also helps protect against accidental drops or falls.

In terms of the cons, the pan is a bit heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some people. Additionally, the price is a bit high compared to other frying pans on the market. Finally, the nonstick surface can wear off over time if not properly cared for.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality skillet for frying, the HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 12-Inch Fry Pan with Tempered Glass Lid is an excellent option. It’s durable, versatile, and provides excellent cooking performance.

Granitestone 12 Inch Frying Pan

We highly recommend the Granitestone 12 Inch Frying Pan for anyone looking for a durable and long-lasting frying pan that is easy to clean.

Pros

The nonstick surface is generously coated 3 times with nonstick coating, and reinforced with minerals to ensure foods and sticky sauces won’t stick to your frying pan while cooking for years on end, without oils or butters needed.
The Tri-Ply design consists of a thick aluminum core clad in between 2 layers of stainless steel, ensuring quick and even heating throughout the frying pan from end to end.
This frying pan is oven safe up to 500 degrees and compatible with all types of stovetops- Gas, electric, halogen, ceramic, and induction – allowing you to cook virtually anywhere you’d like.

Cons

The handle could be more comfortable to hold.
The pan is a bit heavy, which may make it difficult for some users to handle.
It is a bit pricier than other frying pans on the market.

If you’re looking for a frying pan that can handle all of your cooking needs, the Granitestone 12 Inch Frying Pan is an excellent choice. Its triple reinforced stainless steel construction makes it incredibly durable and long-lasting, while the nonstick surface ensures that your food won’t stick to the pan. The pan is also oven safe up to 500 degrees and compatible with all types of stovetops, making it incredibly versatile.

The Tri-Ply design of the pan ensures quick and even heating throughout the frying pan, allowing you to cook your food to perfection every time. While the handle could be more comfortable to hold, it is designed to remain cool to the touch while on or off the stove, keeping your hands safe while cooking.

Overall, the Granitestone 12 Inch Frying Pan is an excellent investment for anyone looking for a high-quality frying pan that will last for years to come. Its durable construction, nonstick surface, and compatibility with all stovetops make it a versatile and reliable choice for any home cook.

T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set 10, 12 Inch Oven Safe 400F Cookware, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe Grey 2-Piece

If you’re looking for a reliable and durable skillet for frying, the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set is definitely worth considering. We’ve been using this set for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance.

Pros

The hard anodized exterior and forged design make this skillet set durable and long-lasting.
The non-stick coating ensures that food slides smoothly, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
The Thermo-Spot technology is a unique feature that lets you know when the pan is properly preheated, ensuring perfect results every time.

Cons

The set is not induction compatible, which may be a dealbreaker for some.
The non-stick coating may wear off over time with frequent use.
The set is a bit on the heavier side, which may be inconvenient for some users.

The T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set is a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen. The set includes two pans – a 10-inch and a 12-inch – that can withstand oven temperatures up to 400°F and are suitable for all stove tops except induction. The riveted silicone handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, making it easy to cook a variety of recipes.

One of the standout features of this skillet set is the Thermo-Spot technology, which turns solid red when the pan is properly preheated. This ensures that your food is cooked evenly and perfectly every time. Additionally, the hard anodized exterior and forged design make this skillet set durable and long-lasting.

Cleanup is a breeze with the non-stick coating, which ensures that food slides smoothly and doesn’t stick to the pan. However, it’s important to note that the non-stick coating may wear off over time with frequent use.

Overall, we highly recommend the T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set for anyone looking for a reliable and durable skillet for frying. It’s versatile, easy to use, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

Blue Diamond Cookware Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick 12″ Frying Pan Skillet

If you’re looking for a versatile frying pan that can handle everyday meals, the Blue Diamond Cookware Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick 12″ Frying Pan Skillet is a great option. Here are the pros and cons we’ve found after using this pan:

Pros

The diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating is incredibly durable and lasts 10 times longer than conventional coatings, making it a great investment.
The heavy-duty forged base ensures that the pan doesn’t warp or wobble over time, and it heats up quickly and evenly.
The pan is oven and broiler safe up to 600°F (with lids up to 425°F) and is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

Cons

The pan is not induction compatible, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.
The handle can get quite hot when cooking at high temperatures, so be sure to use a potholder or oven mitt.
The pan is quite heavy, which may be difficult for some users to handle.

Overall, we highly recommend the Blue Diamond Cookware Diamond Infused Ceramic Nonstick 12″ Frying Pan Skillet. Its durable coating and heavy-duty construction make it a great investment, and it’s versatile enough to handle a wide range of cooking tasks. Whether you’re frying up eggs or searing a steak, this pan is up to the task.

GOTHAM STEEL 14 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans with Lid

If you’re looking for a large frying pan that’s easy to clean, safe for your family, and can handle your cooking needs, then the GOTHAM STEEL 14 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans with Lid is an excellent option.

Pros

The nonstick ceramic surface makes cooking healthy and easy. You don’t need to use minimal or no oil or butter, and the surface is designed to conduct heat properly, so your food cooks evenly.
The non-toxic coating is free of harmful chemicals like PFOA, PFOS, PFAS, PFTE, lead, or cadmium, making it safer for your family.
The pan is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Food slides right off when used on low and medium heat, and the ceramic coating is stain and scratch-resistant.

Cons

The pan may not be suitable for high-temperature cooking as it is only oven safe up to 500˚F.
The stock pot is not compatible with induction ovens.
The pan’s heating surface may have different temperatures around the pan, making it difficult to cook evenly.

The GOTHAM STEEL 14 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans with Lid is easy to handle, sturdy, and can handle all your cooking needs. The ergonomic handles stay cool to the touch, offering maximum comfort while cooking. It’s compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, and halogen stovetops, and the fry pans and saucepans are compatible with induction ovens.

The pan is a great gift for college grads, newlywed registry, housewarming for new renters and homeowners, or someone who enjoys cooking with well-made cookware. Plus, it comes with a 10-year guarantee, making it a reliable investment.

In summary, the GOTHAM STEEL 14 Inch Non Stick Frying Pans with Lid is an excellent option for anyone looking for a large frying pan that’s easy to clean, safe, and can handle their cooking needs.

Cuisinart 12-Inch Skillet

If you’re looking for a skillet that can handle all your frying needs, the Cuisinart 12-Inch Skillet is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The sloped sides and extra-large surface area make it easy to cook a variety of foods, from bacon to pancakes and eggs.
The nonstick interior is reinforced with titanium, which makes it durable and easy to clean.
The cool grip handle stays cool on the stove top, providing a safe and solid grip.

Cons

The skillet is a bit heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users.
The nonstick coating may wear off over time, especially if you use metal utensils or cook at high temperatures.
The skillet is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to clean it by hand.

We’ve been using the Cuisinart 12-Inch Skillet for several months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The sloped sides and extra-large surface area make it easy to cook a variety of foods, from bacon to pancakes and eggs. The nonstick interior is reinforced with titanium, which makes it durable and easy to clean. We also appreciate the cool grip handle, which stays cool on the stove top and provides a safe and solid grip.

One thing to keep in mind is that the skillet is a bit heavy, which may make it difficult to handle for some users. Additionally, the nonstick coating may wear off over time, especially if you use metal utensils or cook at high temperatures. Finally, the skillet is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to clean it by hand.

Overall, we think the Cuisinart 12-Inch Skillet is a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile and durable frying pan. Just be sure to take care of it properly to ensure that it lasts for years to come.

OXO Good Grips Pro 10″ Frying Pan Skillet

If you’re looking for a reliable frying pan that can handle all your frying needs, the OXO Good Grips Pro 10″ Frying Pan Skillet is worth considering. With its durable hard-anodized body and superior non-stick coating, this skillet can deliver excellent heat conduction and incredible scratch-resistance. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe and oven safe up to 430°F, making it easy to use and clean.

Pros

The non-stick coating holds up for years of performance using less oil.
The stainless steel handle gives you a secure and long-lasting grip.
The rolled edges offer drip-free pouring for simple, mess-free transfers.

Cons

Not compatible with induction stovetops.
The pan may warp if exposed to high heat for extended periods.
The 10″ size may not be suitable for larger families or meal prep.

In our experience, the OXO Good Grips Pro 10″ Frying Pan Skillet is a great option for everyday frying needs. The non-stick coating is truly superior, making it easy to fry foods with minimal oil and clean up afterwards. The stainless steel handle is comfortable to hold and feels sturdy in your hand, providing a secure grip while cooking. We also appreciate the rolled edges, which make pouring liquids a breeze without making a mess.

One downside to note is that the skillet is not compatible with induction stovetops, so keep that in mind if you have that type of cooktop. Additionally, while the hard-anodized body is durable, it may warp if exposed to high heat for extended periods. Finally, the 10″ size may not be suitable for larger families or meal prep, so consider the size you need before making your purchase.

Overall, we would recommend the OXO Good Grips Pro 10″ Frying Pan Skillet to anyone in the market for a reliable and easy-to-use frying pan. Its superior non-stick coating, comfortable handle, and drip-free pouring make it a great choice for everyday use.

CAROTE 8 Inch Nonstick Skillet Frying Pan with Lid

CAROTE 8 Inch Nonstick Skillet Frying Pan with Lid is a great addition to your kitchen cookware.

Pros

The nonstick granite material ensures that your daily cooking is always safer and healthier.
It is easy to clean, just wipe it with a paper towel or rinse it with water.
Suitable for all stoves, including induction, and heats up quickly and evenly with extended bottom design.

Cons

It is not oven safe.
The nonstick coating may start to wear off after some time.
The handle may get hot when cooking.

This skillet is perfect for those who want to reduce their fat intake and stay away from a smoky kitchen. It requires less oil and releases less smoke when cooking, making it a great choice for those who want to cook healthy meals. The nonstick granite material is SGS and EUROFIN approved, PFOS/PFOA free, and ensures that your daily cooking is always safer and healthier.

The skillet is easy to clean, just wipe it with a paper towel or rinse it with water, and you’re good to go. It is suitable for all stoves, including induction, and heats up quickly and evenly with extended bottom design. The high magnetic conductive stainless steel base allows the nonstick cookware to work on all cooktops, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.

However, the skillet is not oven safe, so you cannot use it to bake or roast food. The nonstick coating may start to wear off after some time, so you need to handle it with care. The handle may get hot when cooking, so you need to use a potholder or oven mitt to avoid burns.

Overall, CAROTE 8 Inch Nonstick Skillet Frying Pan with Lid is a great choice for those who want to cook healthy meals and reduce their fat intake. It is easy to clean, suitable for all stoves, and heats up quickly and evenly. If you’re looking for a high-quality skillet that will last for years, this is the one for you.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best skillet for frying, there are a few key features you should consider to ensure that you get the right product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Size

The size of the skillet is an important consideration. If you’re cooking for a large family or group, you’ll want a larger skillet to accommodate more food. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for one or two people, a smaller skillet may be more appropriate. Consider the size of your stovetop burners as well, as you’ll want a skillet that fits comfortably on them.

Material

The material of the skillet is another important factor to consider. Skillets can be made from a variety of materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and non-stick coatings. Cast iron skillets are durable and can be used on any heat source, but they require seasoning and can be heavy. Stainless steel skillets are lightweight and easy to clean, but they don’t retain heat as well as cast iron. Non-stick skillets are great for cooking delicate foods, but they may not last as long as other types of skillets.

Shape

The shape of the skillet is also important. A skillet with sloped sides is great for flipping and tossing food, while a skillet with straight sides is better for cooking foods that require more liquid, such as stews or sauces.

Handle

The handle of the skillet is another important consideration. Look for a handle that is comfortable to hold and stays cool to the touch. Some skillets come with a second handle, which can make it easier to lift and maneuver the skillet.

Maintenance

Consider how easy the skillet is to clean and maintain. Some skillets require special care, such as seasoning or hand washing, while others can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

In summary, when choosing the best skillet for frying, consider the size, material, shape, handle, and maintenance requirements of the skillet. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a skillet that meets your needs and helps you create delicious meals.