A good skillet is a must-have in the kitchen, and this essential cookware will allow you to prepare everything from scrambled eggs to seared steak and everything in between. However, because skillets are such a popular piece of equipment, there are hundreds to choose from, ranging from less than $15 to more than $100.
Wide, flat-bottomed skillets with flared tapered rims and long handles are used for searing, pan-frying, cooking, scrambling, sautéing, and even making thick sauces or curries. They’re also great for quick-cooking recipes that require a large surface area, like omelets, frittatas, pancakes, and chicken and eggplant cutlets.
If you’re wondering which skillet is best for you, this article is for you!
What is a Skillet?
Most people confuse the terms skillet and frying pan, which is incorrect. A skillet is a cooking utensil with a flat bottom and slanted sides. It is a product that heats up from all sides evenly, and it is typically thick and designed to withstand high temperatures.
The best thing about skillets is that they usually have a lid to perfectly cook the food. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials.
Now that we’ve discussed what a skillet is, let’s go over some considerations before purchasing one. You can also choose from a variety of recipes that we can cook in a skillet.
Here are the Best Skillets for Cooking
Stainless Steel Fry Pan with Lid by All-Clad
This stainless steel model from All-Clad is, without a doubt, one of the best skillets available right now. The 12-inch fry pan is triple-ply stainless steel with a thick-gauge aluminum core for better conductivity. This pan is great for searing, browning, pan-frying, and more, and it even has a lid to keep moisture in.
This stainless steel skillet has a flat bottom and flared sides, making it simple to toss or flip foods with a spatula. The polished cooking surface has a starburst finish that is stick-resistant and easy to clean, and the skillet is oven and broiler safe up to 600°F. All-Clad provides a limited lifetime warranty on this pan, which reviewers describe as an unbeatable investment and kitchen workhorse.
T-fal Heatmaster Nonstick Fry Pan
You don’t have to spend much money to get a high-quality skillet. This budget-friendly fry pan from T-fal, for example, consistently receives high marks from reviewers due to its long-lasting nonstick finish, impressive performance, and unbeatable low price.
The 10-inch pan is aluminum but has an induction-compatible stainless steel base. It’s finished with a scratch-resistant nonstick coating that can even be used with metal utensils—that it’s tough! In addition, the frying pan features T-exclusive fal’s Thermo-Spot technology, which features a red circle in the center of the pan that changes color when the cookware is perfectly preheated.
The T-fal skillet is dishwasher and oven safe up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, it’s one of the best low-cost options for novice and experienced home cooks.
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, 10-¼ in
Cast iron is a popular material among chefs due to its unrivaled heat retention, making it ideal for searing steak or evenly browning meats. If you’re looking for a new cast-iron skillet, this product from Lodge is an obvious choice, with over 12,000 5-star reviews. It is available in various sizes, ranging from 3.5 to 15 inches, and the prices are very reasonable—a 14-inch skillet, for example, costs only $15.
Lodge, which has been in business since the 1800s, manufactures its traditional cast iron in the United States. The pans come pre-seasoned with 100 percent vegetable oil—no synthetic coatings or chemicals. Its cast-iron skillets can be used on any heat source, including induction cooktops and open grills, and will last for decades if properly cared for. Reviewers can’t say enough good things about these skillets, writing that we can use them for various kitchen tasks and that you won’t be disappointed if you buy one.
Tramontina Commercial 10″ Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan
If you’re looking to add to your collection of nonstick fry pans, the Tramontina Commercial model, which comes in 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-inch sizes, is one of the best. This fry pan is made of aluminum alloy and reinforced with a nonstick coating, ensuring easy cleanup no matter what you’re cooking.
This heavy-gauge skillet has a rivet stainless steel handle and a removable silicone sleeve, and it can be used in the oven up to 400 degrees without the silicone grip. We can wash the pan in the dishwasher, but due to the efficiency of its nonstick finish, it can also be washed quickly by hand. Reviewers say it heats up quickly and evenly, but they caution against using metal utensils on the delicate finish, which scratches easily.
Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $69 from Made In
Carbon steel is a cross between cast iron and stainless steel that combines the best qualities of both materials. It’s light and cooks quickly like stainless steel, but it has heat retention and natural cast iron seasoning. This Made In Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan will quickly become your go-to pan in the kitchen due to its unrivaled performance—look at the hundreds of positive reviews!
This skillet is made of 2mm blue carbon steel and has a high heat capacity, quickly heating up and maintaining the proper temperature. It’s oven-safe up to 1,200 degrees (though we doubt you’ll be cooking at that temperature), and it has no synthetic coatings—just a natural heat treatment to help prevent rust.
Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron Skillet, $99.96 from Sur La Table
Le Creuset cookware’s classic design and high-end performance, including its Signature Cast-Iron Skillet, are difficult to beat. These pans not only help you sear steak and brown meat perfectly, but they also come in a beautiful array of colors that will look simply stunning on your kitchen counter.
These 10-¼ inch cast iron skillets have a durable enamel construction that protects the pan’s inside and outside. They have sloped sides to remove fat, and the matte-enamel interior is easier to clean than traditional cast iron—no seasoning is required, and it’s even dishwasher safe. Furthermore, the pan is available in a rainbow of colors, ranging from orange to purple and every color.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet with Glass Cover
Many recipes require you to cover your skillet while the food cooks, which is why a lid is often useful. The Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Skillet comes with a matching glass cover, allowing you to seal in moisture while still monitoring your food while cooking.
This skillet has a diameter of 12 inches and is made of hard-anodized aluminum, which is harder than stainless steel and extremely durable. The interior is nonstick, and the sloped sides increase your cooking surface while allowing easy flipping. The pan is oven-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and has a limited lifetime warranty. Reviewers say this pan is heavy-duty and easy to clean and that it will last for several years with proper care.
All-Clad Nonstick 8- and 10-Inch Fry Pan Cookware Set
Can’t decide on a size for your skillet? Why not order two? This All-Clad fry pan set includes 8- and 10-inch models, giving you two popular sizes for one low price. They’re made of thick hard-anodized aluminum that heats quickly and resists warping, and the nonstick coating ensures quick and easy cleanup.
The two pans have wide, flat bases and a low-profile shape that allows them to be used on any heat source. The contoured stainless steel handles fit comfortably in your hand, and the skillets are oven-safe up to 500 degrees. All-Clad offers a limited lifetime warranty on their pans, and reviewers call them the best nonstick pans they’ve ever used, praising their ease of cleaning and impressive durability.
De’Longhi Electric Skillet with Glass Lid
Electric skillets resemble small appliances rather than traditional cookware. Products such as the De’Longhi Electric Skillet plug into an electrical outlet and allow you to cook without a heating element. This can be extremely useful if you need an extra cooking surface or don’t have a stove.
This electric skillet has a tempered glass lid and an extra-large nonstick cooking surface. The base evenly distributes heat to prevent hot spots and includes a detachable thermostat to help you cook your food to precise temperatures. Many reviewers appreciate how large this skillet is for cooking multiple pieces of meat at once, how well it regulates temperature and how easy it is to clean.
Considerations When Purchasing a Skillet
Now that you know what a skillet is let us go over some important tips for selecting one. To buy a skillet, you should think about a few things first. Because there are so many options on the market, these points will assist you in making an informed decision.
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Size
Skillets come in a variety of sizes. Mini (under 6″), small (between 6″-9″), medium (between 10″-12″), large (between 13″-15″), and extra-large (over 16″) sizes are available. It would help if you determined which is best for your kitchen and allows you to move your hand freely while cooking.
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Material
Consider which material is best for your budget. You must also know the skillet material you want to buy when making your purchase, and it comprises ceramic, nonstick, cast-iron, aluminum, copper, and carbon steel.
So, here are some materials that you can purchase:
Copper
Copper skillets are high-quality cooking utensils that have a long history. They are designed to react quickly to temperature changes, and they can easily control the temperature and provide you with properly cooked food. They appear gleaming, and we must wash them gently to avoid tarnishing.
Nonstick
Nonstick skillets are ideal for cooking foods that tend to stick to the pan. They are used to produce delicate foods such as eggs. They have a coating that allows the food to slide off the pan and is easy to clean easily. Nonstick cookware also necessitates the use of little to no oil. They are also acid-resistant, making them suitable for safe cooking.
Cast-Iron
Cast The best skillet is also made of iron because it is the oldest and most dependable material. The skillet is designed to heat slowly and withstand high temperatures. It is long-lasting, but you must exercise caution when caring for it. It must be washed gently and kept seasoned.
Ceramic
Ceramic skillets have a nonstick coating. In addition, you can have a ceramic skillet in your kitchen. Ceramic skillets have a nonstick ceramic coating that allows you to cook with less oil. It is suitable for use on low to medium heat. Ceramic skillets come in various colors and must be washed gently by hand for durability.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel skillets are the best because they are naturally long-lasting, nonstick, and durable. They are made with a high amount of iron and heat and cool faster than cast-iron skillets.
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Weight
The weight of the utensil is automatically determined by the material and size of the skillet.
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The warranty Period and Brand
Many brand names offer warranties on their products, and they are available both online and offline.
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Lid
You can also select skillets with or without a lid. A skillet with a lid aids in quick cooking.
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Handle
You should also consider the handle of the skillet. It must be made of a durable substance that will not heat up and burn the user’s hand. The skillet should be simple to remove from the heat.
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The Thickness
The thicker the skillet, the longer it will last.
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Dishwasher Safe
You can also look for skillets that we can wash in a dishwasher. You should be aware that we can wash not all skillets in a dishwasher. So, make wise decisions only after reading the product description.
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Skillet, Ovenproof
If you are purchasing a skillet for oven cooking, you must ensure that you select the correct one. It is because not we can use every skillet for cooking in the oven.
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Price
Price is another important factor to consider when purchasing. Choose a budget, a material, a size, and a weight.
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Reviews
Finally, don’t forget to read the reviews of the products you’ve shortlisted. The reviews will tell you whether or not the product will meet your needs and expectations.
So, keep these points in mind when shopping for the best skillet for your kitchen. These points will assist you in purchasing the exact product you are looking for.
Conclusion
There are numerous utensil options available on the market. However, one item that every kitchen must-have to be complete in today’s world is a skillet. Now that you know what a skillet is, use this buying guide to find the best skillet for your kitchen.