When it comes to cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference. One essential tool in any kitchen is a skillet. Skillets are versatile, allowing you to cook everything from pancakes to stir-fry to steak. But with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs.

When looking for the best skillet to buy, there are a few critical factors to consider. First, you’ll want to think about the material. Skillets can be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick coatings. Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to consider what you’ll be using the skillet for and what your personal preferences are.

Size is another crucial factor to consider. Skillets come in a range of sizes, from small 6-inch pans to large 14-inch pans. The size you choose will depend on how much food you typically cook and how many people you’re cooking for.

Finally, you’ll want to think about the handle. A comfortable, sturdy handle is essential for safe and easy cooking. Some skillets come with two handles, which can make them easier to maneuver, while others have a single long handle.

After researching and testing various skillets, we’ve compiled a list of the best skillets to buy. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, these skillets are sure to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.

Here are our top picks:

1. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – This classic cast iron skillet is perfect for searing, sautéing, and frying. It’s pre-seasoned, so you can start using it right away, and it’s durable enough to last for generations.

2. All-Clad Stainless Steel Skillet – If you’re looking for a high-quality stainless steel skillet, this one from All-Clad is an excellent choice. It’s made from durable, tri-ply stainless steel and features a comfortable handle and easy-to-clean surface.

3. T-fal Non-Stick Skillet – For those who prefer a non-stick surface, this skillet from T-fal is a great option. It features a durable non-stick coating and a comfortable handle, making it easy to cook and clean.

No matter which skillet you choose, investing in a quality pan will make all the difference in your cooking. Happy cooking!

Best Skillets

As avid home cooks, we know the importance of having a reliable skillet in the kitchen. From frying up eggs to searing a steak, a good skillet can make all the difference in the outcome of your dish. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best skillets on the market. We’ve tested and researched various skillets to bring you our top picks. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, here are our top choices for the best skillets to buy.

• Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
• All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan
• T-fal Titanium Advanced Nonstick Fry Pan
• Calphalon Classic Nonstick Fry Pan
• GreenPan Paris Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan

GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid – Non Stick Frying Pans Nonstick Deep Frying Pan, Nonstick Pan, Cooking Pan, Nonstick Skillet, 100% PFOA Free Ceramic Pan, Dishwasher Safe, Copper

If you’re looking for a versatile and healthy cooking option, the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is worth considering.

Pros

• The nonstick surface is ultra non-stick, reinforced with diamonds, and coated 3x for the ultimate food release. No oil or butter is needed, making for healthier eating and hassle-free cleanup.
• The pan is super durable, made with the strongest material on earth, and can withstand metal utensils, spatulas, spoons, whisks, and even electric beaters while delivering years of outstanding, nonstick use.
• The deep multipurpose pan is perfect for searing, sautéing, braising, and pan roasting or use it to make flavorful pan sauces and gravies. Designed to respond quickly to changes in cooking temperature, this professional pan features high sides to contain spatters and keep foods inside as you stir and toss them over high heat.

Cons

• The pan is not compatible with induction cooktops.
• The pan is a bit heavy and may be difficult to handle for some users.
• The pan may not be suitable for cooking larger meals due to its 5.5-quart capacity.

This saute pan is 100% healthy and PFOA free, derived from minerals and reinforced with diamonds, making it free of PFOA, PFOS, lead, and cadmium for an eco-friendly, healthy experience. The tempered glass lids let you monitor food as it cooks, and the lids fit tight to seal nutrients for more flavorful results and are oven safe. The stainless-steel handles are cool to the touch on the stovetop while the ergonomic design provides a safe and solid grip.

Overall, the GOTHAM STEEL 5.5 Qt Saute Pan with Lid is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, nonstick, and healthy cooking option. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, this pan is sure to meet your needs.

SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet

If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable sauté pan, the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet is a great option.

Pros

• The Swiss non-stick coating is SGS approved and PFOA-free, making it safe and healthy for cooking with little oil.
• The high magnetic conductive stainless steel base allows the pan to work on all cooktops, including induction.
• 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, limiting its versatility in the kitchen.
• The capacity of 4.3 quarts may be too large for some users.
• Some users may prefer a pan with a higher temperature limit than 302°F.

We were impressed with the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet’s ability to cook evenly and quickly on all stovetops. The pour spout was especially useful for minimizing spills and splatters, and we appreciated the convenience of the glass lid for monitoring our cooking progress. Cleanup was a breeze, thanks to the nonstick surface and lack of rivets.

Overall, we would recommend the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet for anyone in need of a versatile and durable sauté pan.

DIIG Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet, the DIIG Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning up a breeze.
• Heats quickly and evenly, saving you time and energy.
• Ergonomic bakelite handles stay cool while cooking, adding convenience and slip resistance.

Cons

• Not suitable for use in the oven.
• Not dishwasher safe.
• Some customers have reported issues with the handle being too heavy.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the DIIG Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid and were impressed with its performance. The granite stone coating not only looks great, but it also provides a great non-stick effect, making cooking and cleaning up a breeze. We were able to cook a variety of dishes, from eggs to steak, with ease.

The skillet heats up quickly and evenly, thanks to its heavy-duty nonstick skillet with a 3-layer metal thicken induction compatible bottom. This even heat distribution allows for quick and efficient cooking, saving you both time and energy.

We also appreciated the ergonomic bakelite handles, which stayed cool while cooking, adding convenience and slip resistance. The skillet is available in both 11.5 inch and 12 inch sizes, making it suitable for family meals.

While the skillet is not suitable for use in the oven, we found it to be perfect for use on multiple heat sources, including induction, gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and solid fuel cookers. However, it is important to note that the skillet is not dishwasher safe.

Overall, we highly recommend the DIIG Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid for its versatility, durability, and ease of use. With its 100% satisfactory guarantee and 90-day return/replacement policy, you can purchase with confidence.

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 were impressed with its Swiss non-stick coating, woodgrain bakelite handle, and high magnetic conductive base.

Pros

• The Swiss non-stick coating is SGS approved and PFOA free, making it safe and healthy to use.
• The woodgrain bakelite handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool while cooking, even in the oven up to 302°F.
• The high magnetic conductive stainless steel base helps distribute heat evenly and quickly, making it suitable for all stovetops, including induction.

Cons

• The cast aluminum body is more durable and sturdy, but it also makes the skillet heavier than some other nonstick options.
• The non-stick coating is not scratch-resistant, so you’ll need to use gentle utensils to avoid damaging it.
• The skillet is not as deep as some other options, so it may not be the best choice for cooking dishes with a lot of liquid.

In our experience, the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is easy to clean, whether you wipe it down with a paper towel or rinse it with water. It’s also dishwasher safe, which is a plus. We appreciated that the skillet comes with a great quality and service commitment, and it’s passed international certification.

Overall, we think the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is a great choice for anyone who wants a durable, versatile, and non-toxic nonstick pan.

SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet, the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan is a great choice.

Pros

• The Swiss non-stick coating is top-notch and makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
• The skillet’s deeper depth allows for more cooking options, including sautéing, stir-frying, boiling, shallow frying, and deep frying.
• The stay-cool woodgrain handle and see-through lid are convenient and practical features.

Cons

• The skillet is not oven-safe, which may be a drawback for some users.
• The non-stick coating may wear off over time, although this is common with most non-stick pans.
• The pan is not dishwasher safe, which may be inconvenient for some users.

We were impressed with the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan’s performance and features. The Swiss non-stick coating truly lives up to its reputation, and the deeper depth of the skillet allows for more versatility in cooking. The stay-cool handle and see-through lid are practical features that make cooking more convenient.

The only potential drawbacks are that the skillet is not oven-safe and may not last forever due to the non-stick coating wearing off over time. Additionally, the pan is not dishwasher safe, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Overall, we highly recommend the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan for anyone in the market for a versatile and durable skillet.

NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan

If you’re looking for a versatile skillet that can be used on different cooktops and is easy to clean, then the NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan is a great option.

Pros

• The non-stick coating ensures quick and effortless food release, making it easy to cook with and clean.
• The pre-seasoned cast iron prevents rusting and food from sticking to the pan, making it ideal for cooking chicken, steak, and vegetables.
• The integrated side drip lips make it easy to discard excess oil and fat, and the round non-stick pans distribute and retain heat evenly throughout the entire pan.

Cons

• The silicone handle cover is too loose and thin, so it’s better to purchase a good heat-resistant handle cover separately.
• The handle could be a little longer for more comfortable handling.
• The enclosed, tight-fitting lids are not always included with the product.

We really enjoyed cooking with this skillet, as it heated up quickly and evenly. The non-stick coating made it easy to cook with, and we were able to wipe it clean with a paper towel after use. The skillet is also dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning it even easier.

The skillet is compatible with different cooktops, including gas, electric, ceramic, and induction. The tempered glass lid with a 304 stainless steel ring is a great addition, as it allows you to see what you’re cooking without having to lift the lid.

Overall, we recommend the NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan for its versatility, ease of use, and easy cleaning. It’s a great addition to any kitchen and can be used for a variety of cooking needs.

Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet, the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid is a great option.

Pros

• Precision heat distribution and unrivaled heat retention
• Heavy-duty cast iron braiser lid
• Ergonomic dual assist handle design and pour spouts

Cons

• Heavy and cumbersome to move around
• Rough texture and pre-seasoning can be difficult to clean
• Handle covers can slip off during use

We’ve been using the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid for a few months now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The precision heat distribution and heat retention are excellent, allowing us to cook food evenly without worrying about hot spots. We’ve used it on our kitchen stove, oven, and even on a camping trip, and it’s held up well in all situations. We’ve used it for frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, and sautéing meats, vegetables, and more.

The heavy-duty cast iron braiser lid is a fantastic addition to this skillet. With its drip-points and even moisture and heat distribution, we’ve been able to effectively turn our pan into a casserole or braiser with perfect cooking results. The pan and lid can withstand any temperatures without fear of shattering or cracking.

The ergonomic dual assist handle design and pour spouts make this skillet easy to use. The two-handed design provides a more confident grip, and the pour spout makes transferring or pouring delicious sauces effortless. The skillet is versatile enough to be used for casseroles, braising, and baking, including cakes, pies, baked mac and cheese, along with cooking and frying all your favorite classics: steaks, burgers, eggs, fish, grilled cheese, and much, much more.

The set comes complete with non-slip, heat-resistant handle covers, providing a confident grip while cooking or serving food. The included pan scraper makes cleaning easy, and the set is dishwasher safe and easy to hand-wash lid, handle holders, and scraper. Each set includes a Care and Use Guide for beginners and professionals alike, so you can be confident in how to care for your new set.

Overall, we highly recommend the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid. It’s a versatile and durable skillet that can handle all your cooking needs, from frying to baking to braising. The heavy-duty cast iron braiser lid and ergonomic dual assist handle design make it a standout choice in the cast iron skillet market.

CS-KOCH Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid

If you’re looking for a nonstick frying pan that is both durable and easy to clean, the CS-KOCH Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid is worth considering.

Pros

• The Ceramic & Titanium interior is non-stick and scratch-resistant, making it easy to clean and enhancing the cooking performance of the pan.
• The PFOA & PTFE free ceramic titanium coating allows for a healthy diet with less oil, and no extra oil or butter is needed.
• The ergonomic stainless steel handle and glass lid make it easy to cook and check on your food.

Cons

• The lid and handle can get hot, so you need to be careful when handling it.
• Some users have reported that the non-stick coating wears off after a few months of use.
• The pan is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it.

We’ve found that this pan heats evenly and quickly, and it works well on all stove tops, including induction, glass, and gas stoves. The non-stick surface allows for easy cooking and cleaning, and the glass lid makes it easy to check on your food without losing any heat.

The handle is comfortable to hold and stays cool while cooking, and the stainless steel construction makes it durable and long-lasting. The pan is also oven safe, so you can use it for a variety of cooking tasks.

Overall, we think the CS-KOCH Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality nonstick frying pan that is both durable and easy to clean.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best skillet to buy, there are several factors to consider. We’ve put together a guide to help you make an informed decision.

Material

The material of the skillet is an important consideration, as it affects the cooking performance and durability of the product. Here are some common materials and their characteristics:

• Cast iron: Durable and provides excellent heat retention, making it ideal for searing and frying. However, it requires seasoning and can be heavy to handle.
• Stainless steel: Resistant to corrosion and easy to clean, but not as good at conducting heat as other materials.
• Non-stick: Provides easy food release and requires minimal oil, but can be prone to scratches and may not be suitable for high-heat cooking.

Size

The size of the skillet you choose will depend on your cooking needs. A larger skillet can accommodate more food, but may be difficult to handle and store. Consider the size of your stovetop burners and the amount of food you typically cook when choosing a size.

Handle

The handle of the skillet should be comfortable to grip and remain cool to the touch during cooking. Some skillets have two handles, which can make them easier to lift and maneuver.

Compatibility

Make sure the skillet is compatible with your cooktop. Some skillets are not suitable for induction cooktops, for example.

Maintenance

Consider the maintenance required for the skillet. Cast iron and stainless steel skillets require seasoning and proper cleaning to maintain their performance, while non-stick skillets may need to be replaced more frequently.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best skillet for your cooking needs.