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Frying pans are a crucial utensil in every kitchen, whether you’re an expert in cooking or just starting out. Given the wide range of choices, deciding on the best frying pan to purchase can be difficult. In this article, we will lead you through the steps to select the ideal frying pan.
When it comes to skillets, there are two primary types: non-stick and traditional. Non-stick skillets are coated with a layer of Teflon or ceramic, which prevents food from sticking to the pan. Traditional skillets, on the other hand, are made of materials like cast iron, stainless steel, or copper, and require seasoning to prevent food from sticking.
One critical factor to consider when purchasing a skillet is the material it’s made of. Different materials have different properties that affect how the skillet cooks and how durable it is. For example, cast iron skillets are incredibly durable and retain heat well, but they’re also heavy and require seasoning. Stainless steel skillets are lighter and easier to clean, but they don’t retain heat as well as cast iron.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing a skillet:
- Size: Skillets come in a range of sizes, from 6 inches to 14 inches in diameter. Consider what you’ll be using the skillet for and how many people you’ll be cooking for.
- Handle: Look for a skillet with a comfortable handle that’s easy to grip and stays cool to the touch.
- Oven-safe: If you plan on using your skillet in the oven, make sure it’s oven-safe.
- Price: Skillets can range in price from under $20 to over $200. Consider your budget and how often you’ll be using the skillet.
In the next section, we’ll provide our top picks for the best skillets on the market.
Best Skillets
Welcome to our roundup of the best skillets you can buy on Amazon. We’ve scoured the marketplace to bring you a list of the top-rated and most popular skillets available. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, having a reliable skillet in your kitchen is essential for cooking up all sorts of delicious meals.
Here are our top picks for the best skillets on Amazon:
Each of these skillets has its own unique features and benefits, so be sure to read through our reviews to find the one that’s right for you.
NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan
If you’re looking for a high-quality skillet that can handle all your cooking needs, the NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The non-stick coating ensures effortless food release and eliminates the need for butter, oil, or cooking spray.
- The pre-seasoned cast iron prevents rusting and food from sticking to the pan.
- The wide diameter size is perfect for large meals and the cool touch orange silicone handles and glass lid cover make cooking easy.
Cons
- The side drip spout can be difficult to clean.
- The silicone handle cover is too loose and thin, so you may need to purchase a better one.
- Some users have reported that the lid doesn’t fit snugly.
We recently used this skillet to cook a variety of meals, from chicken and steak to vegetables and eggs. The non-stick coating made it easy to cook without any added oil or butter, and the pre-seasoned cast iron ensured that food didn’t stick to the pan. We also loved the wide diameter size, which allowed us to cook larger meals with ease.
One thing to note is that the side drip spout can be a bit difficult to clean, but overall, the skillet is easy to care for and can be washed in the dishwasher. The cool touch orange silicone handles and glass lid cover also make cooking a breeze.
Overall, we highly recommend the NutriChef Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pan for anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet that can handle all their cooking needs.
SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet
If you’re in the market for a versatile and durable skillet, the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet is a great option.
Pros
- The imported Swiss ILAG nonstick granite coating is SGS approved, PFOA free, smokeless, safe, and healthy. You can cook with little oil for a healthy diet.
- The skillet is suitable for all stoves, including induction, thanks to its high magnetic conductive stainless steel base and die-cast aluminum core. It heats up quickly and evenly.
- The skillet is a versatile saute pan with a pour spout, making it deep and large enough for saute, stir-fry, boil, shallow fry, and deep fry. The pour spout is super handy for soups and oils.
Cons
- The skillet’s 11-inch diameter and 3-inch depth may be too large for some users.
- Some users may find the faux wood handle to be less durable than other materials.
- The skillet is oven safe to 302°F, which may not be hot enough for some recipes.
In our experience, the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet. The Swiss non-stick coating is top-notch and allows for healthy cooking with little oil. The skillet is suitable for all stoves, including induction, and heats up quickly and evenly. The pour spout is a handy feature for soups and oils.
We do caution that the skillet’s 11-inch diameter and 3-inch depth may be too large for some users. Additionally, the faux wood handle may not be as durable as other materials. Finally, the skillet is oven safe to 302°F, which may not be hot enough for some recipes.
Overall, the SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet is a great choice for anyone in the market for a versatile and durable skillet.
Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile skillet, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is definitely worth considering. With its pre-seasoned cast iron construction, this skillet is suitable for use on both stovetops and ovens, allowing you to cook a variety of meals evenly. Plus, cooking with cast iron can increase the iron content of your food by up to 20%, which is especially helpful for those with iron deficiencies.
Pros
- This skillet’s superior heat retention keeps food warm for a long time, making it perfect for serving at the table.
- Its large size (10.25 inches) is great for cooking meals for a crowd or meal prep.
- The enameled surface on the bottom and handle of the skillet makes it easy to clean.
Cons
- This skillet is quite heavy, which may make it difficult for some users to handle.
- It requires hand washing before first use and should be dried immediately and rubbed with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash.
- It is not dishwasher-safe, which may be inconvenient for some users.
We’ve been using the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The skillet heats up evenly and retains heat well, making it great for everything from searing steaks to cooking pancakes. Plus, its pre-seasoned surface means that food doesn’t stick to it, making it easy to clean. The only downside we’ve found is that it is quite heavy, so it may not be the best choice for those with weaker wrists or grip strength.
If you’re in the market for a cast iron skillet, we definitely recommend checking out the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan. Its versatile design and reliable performance make it a great choice for home cooks of all skill levels.
DASH Zakarian 11″ Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet
We highly recommend the DASH Zakarian 11″ Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet for anyone looking to purchase a high-quality skillet. This skillet is perfect for cooking restaurant-quality dishes on the stovetop, in the oven, or even on the grill.
Pros
- The TruPro Titanium Ceramic Nonstick coating allows food to release easily and cleans quickly with no seasoning needed. This maintenance-free coating prevents rusting and is PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium free.
- Compatible with all stovetops, ovens, and grills, it creates a perfect sear up to 500°F.
- This pan comes equipped with two easy pour spouts on each side of the pan, for easy serving and precise draining. A helper handle makes it easy to control pouring.
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe.
- May be too heavy for some users.
- May be more expensive than other skillets on the market.
The DASH Zakarian 11″ Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet is an essential for creative home cooks. Its versatility allows you to use it on the stovetop, oven, and grill. The two pour spouts are designed for easy pouring and serving, making it perfect for cooking dishes that require precise draining.
The TruPro Titanium Ceramic Nonstick coating sets this skillet apart from others on the market. It never needs seasoning, food releases effortlessly, is rust-resistant and maintenance-free, and is PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, and cadmium free. This means that you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals leaching into your food while you cook.
In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality skillet that can handle all your cooking needs, the DASH Zakarian 11″ Nonstick Cast Iron Skillet is an excellent choice. Its TruPro Titanium Ceramic Nonstick coating, compatibility with all cooking methods, and easy pour spouts make it a must-have for any home cook.
Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set
We highly recommend the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set for anyone looking for a reliable and durable skillet set.
Pros
- The set includes three different sizes to fit all your cooking needs.
- The induction bottom allows for use on all types of cooktops.
- The double-coated nonstick interior makes for easy cooking and cleanup.
Cons
- The pans are not dishwasher safe.
- The set is not oven safe.
- The handles may get hot during cooking.
In our experience, the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set is a great addition to any kitchen. The three different sizes are perfect for cooking a variety of meals, and the induction bottom ensures that you can use them on any stovetop. The double-coated nonstick interior makes cooking and cleaning a breeze, and the pans are lightweight and easy to handle.
While the set is not dishwasher safe, we found that they are easy to clean by hand. However, the handles can get hot during cooking, so be sure to use oven mitts or a towel when handling them.
Overall, we believe the Utopia Kitchen Nonstick Frying Pan Set is a great investment for anyone looking for a reliable and durable skillet set.
Jim Beam Cast Iron Skillet Set
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet, the Jim Beam Cast Iron Skillet Set is a great option.
Pros
- The ridged surface allows you to get those perfect grill marks while draining the excess fat away.
- The Jim Beam skillet lets you prepare your food, like steak, or chicken or fish, over the stove or in an oven or on a BBQ, and the wood trivet helps you serve your delicious masterpiece, the pan is big enough to serve a meal for 2.
- Cast iron is incredibly durable. In fact, it’s not unusual for a cast iron pan to be used for decades without showing much wear or tear.
Cons
- The skillet is not dishwasher safe.
- The skillet is heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some people.
- The wood trivet and handle mitt may not be as durable as the skillet itself.
We recently tried out the Jim Beam Cast Iron Skillet Set and were impressed with its versatility and durability. The ridged surface of the skillet allowed us to get those perfect grill marks on our steaks while draining the excess fat away. We also appreciated that we could prepare our food on the stove, in the oven, or on a BBQ, making it a great option for any cooking situation.
One of the best things about cast iron is its durability, and the Jim Beam skillet is no exception. With proper care, this skillet can last for decades without showing much wear or tear. Additionally, when seasoned and used regularly, the skillet is fairly nonstick, making it a great option for cooks who prefer to avoid potentially harmful nonstick substances.
However, there are a few downsides to the Jim Beam Cast Iron Skillet Set. First, it is not dishwasher safe, which can be a dealbreaker for some people. Additionally, the skillet is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to handle for some users. Finally, while the wood trivet and handle mitt are nice touches, they may not be as durable as the skillet itself.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Jim Beam Cast Iron Skillet Set to anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet that can be used in a variety of cooking situations.
Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet, the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Precision heat distribution and unrivaled heat retention
- Heavy-duty cast iron braiser lid
- Ergonomic dual assist handle design and pour spouts
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Rough surface
- Requires regular seasoning
We found the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid to be a reliable and high-quality cookware. The skillet’s precision heat distribution and unrivaled heat retention make it perfect for frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, and sautéing meats, vegetables, and more. The heavy-duty cast iron braiser lid is a game-changer, enabling you to effectively turn your pan into a casserole or braiser with perfect cooking results.
The ergonomic dual assist handle design and pour spouts make it easy to use, and we found it perfect for casseroles, braising, baking cakes, pies, baked mac and cheese, along with cooking and frying all your favorite classics: steaks, burgers, eggs, fish, grilled cheese, and much more. The ingenious pour spout makes transferring or pouring delicious sauces effortless.
This set comes complete with non-slip, heat-resistant handle covers providing a confident grip while cooking or serving food. The nifty pan scraper makes cleaning easy. Dishwasher safe and easy to hand-wash lid, handle holders, and scraper. Each set includes our Care and Use Guide for beginners and professionals alike, so you can be confident in how to care for your new set.
While the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid is a heavyweight and has a rough surface, it is built to last for generations. The continuous easy-to-follow seasoning will result in a safe, healthy, and virtually non-stick pan. After every use, cast iron should be hand-washed, dried thoroughly on the stove at medium heat and seasoned with natural oils. Do not put in the dishwasher and do not air dry.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Cast Iron Lid for anyone looking for a versatile and durable skillet that can withstand any temperature without fear of shattering or cracking.
Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan
If you’re looking for a sturdy and versatile cast iron skillet, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is a great option.
Pros
- The pre-seasoned quality of the cast iron pan makes it ready for use straight out of the box and prevents any rusting issues.
- The extra layer of protection ensures even heat distribution for an improved cooking experience.
- The skillet pans are highly compatible and can be used on any heating source, making them perfect for grilling, frying, sautéing, roasting, braising, and broiling meats, vegetables, and more.
Cons
- Although the skillet is pre-seasoned, it is recommended to season the cast iron pan set with any vegetable oil before use.
- The skillet is not oven safe.
- The metal handle is a bit short, which may be an issue for some users.
We recently tried out the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan and were impressed with its performance. The skillet is easy to maneuver thanks to the unique handles, and pouring is a breeze. The skillet heats up quickly and evenly, making cooking a breeze. We used it to grill steaks, fry eggs, and sauté vegetables, and all the dishes turned out great.
Cleaning the skillet is also relatively easy, although it is recommended to cool the skillets completely before washing in hot soapy water with a sponge using a regular dishwashing liquid soap.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile cast iron skillet, the Utopia Kitchen Saute Fry Pan is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best skillet, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision:
Material
The material of the skillet is important as it affects how evenly the heat is distributed and how well it retains heat. Some popular materials include:
- Stainless steel: durable and easy to clean, but not the best at conducting heat evenly.
- Cast iron: great at retaining heat and distributing it evenly, but can be heavy and requires seasoning.
- Aluminum: lightweight and conducts heat well, but can be prone to warping and scratching.
- Copper: excellent heat conductor and looks great, but can be expensive.
Size
Consider the size of the skillet you need based on the number of people you typically cook for and the types of dishes you make. A larger skillet may be more versatile, but a smaller one may be easier to handle and store.
Handle
The handle of the skillet should be comfortable to grip and securely attached to the pan. Some skillets come with two handles for easier lifting and maneuvering.
Compatibility
Make sure the skillet is compatible with your cooktop. For example, if you have an induction cooktop, you’ll need a skillet with a magnetic bottom.
Maintenance
Consider the maintenance required for the skillet. Some materials, like cast iron, require seasoning and careful cleaning, while others, like stainless steel, are easier to maintain.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best skillet for your needs and enjoy delicious meals for years to come.
