Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Skillets

Updated March 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Caraway Ceramic Fry Pan
Caraway
Ceramic Fry Pan
Check Price
Top of the Line
Bottom Line

Caraway's top-quality ceramic, nonstick frying pan heated up quickly and cooked evenly in our testing.

Pros

The non-toxic ceramic coating is made without harmful chemicals, making the pan healthy to cook with while also stopping food from sticking to it. Our tester also noted how easy it is to clean. Its vintage modern design will look great in any kitchen.

Cons

The handle can get hot, so be careful not to grab it too close to the pan.

Best Bang for the Buck
T-Fal Professional Nonstick Pan
T-Fal
Professional Nonstick Pan
Check Price
Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This bargain-priced skillet offers surprisingly advanced cooking benefits earning our cooking expert's approval.

Pros

Quality titanium nonstick coating. Stainless steel surface supports induction cooking. The stay-cool handle is contoured for improved grip. Heat-safe to 400 degrees. Perfect weight for easy handling.

Cons

Convex cooking surface could be problematic for some runny foods or batters.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Fry Pan
All-Clad
Stainless Steel Tri-Ply Bonded Fry Pan
Check Price
Chef's Quality
Bottom Line

Suitable for multiple types of cooking, this is a high-quality, dishwasher-safe skillet from our cooking expert's all-time favorite brand.

Pros

Has ultra-durable, tri-ply construction with a stainless steel design and an aluminum core. Available in 10-inch and 12-inch versions. Safe for oven and dishwasher. The design allows the entire pan to evenly heat food quickly.

Cons

Expensive. Overheating could lead to discoloration or scorch marks.

Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan
Our Place
Cast Iron Always Pan
Check Price
Most Versatile
Bottom Line

This beautiful space-saving enameled cast iron pan is the perfect do-it-all option with its eight-in-one function.

Pros

Included are a wooden spatula that can slot into the pan on top of the handle, a clear lid and one silicon grip for each of the handles. It’s oven-safe without the lid up to 500 degrees and with the lid up to 425 degrees. It comes in seven colors.

Cons

Abrasive materials, including metal utensils, can damage the pan.

Le Creuset Signature Skillet
Le Creuset
Signature Skillet
Check Price
Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This 9-inch enameled cast iron skillet is a high-end kitchen workhorse that can hold up for years to come.

Pros

An extra handle opposite the main handle makes it much easier to transition between kitchen appliances and the table while full. The interior doesn’t need seasoning like other non-enameled cast iron, and it becomes semi-nonstick over time.

Cons

It’s not fully nonstick so ensure you use plenty of oil or fat in the pan.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

32
Models
Considered
170
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Best skillets

Think of pots and pans, and what you picture is almost certainly a skillet. This kitchen essential is one of the most versatile pieces of stovetop cookware. You can use it to fry hamburgers, sear steak, scramble eggs, or whip up a quick vegetable stir-fry. Indeed, you’ll find that you reach for your skillet more often than any other cooking vessel. 

When it comes to choosing the right skillet, there are quite a few decisions to be made. Should you choose cast iron, nonstick, or stainless steel? What size skillet should you purchase? What type of handle would work best for you?

Learn more about skillets in general, including how to choose and use them.

Content Image
Wondering about the difference between a skillet and a frying pan? Actually, those are just different terms for the same thing.

The pots and pans every kitchen needs

There are a lot of different types of cookware, so if you’re just starting to stock your kitchen, you might wonder which stovetop pieces are most essential. As a general rule, unless you are an avid chef, you can get by just fine with a skillet, a sauce pan, and a stock pot.

What is a skillet?

Also referred to as a frying pan or a fry pan, a skillet is the most basic type of stovetop pan. While it’s very handy to have two or three skillets of different sizes, if you have to settle for just one, a 12-inch skillet would be suitable for most cooking needs.

What is a sauce pan?

With straight sides, a long handle, a fitted lid, and a range of sizes measured in quarts, a sauce pan is ideal for warming up soup, sauce, beans, vegetables, and other soft dishes. While it’s convenient to have both a small and large sauce pan, if you are only going to choose one, you’ll likely find a four-quart sauce pan to be the most versatile choice.

What is a stock pot?

A stock pot is similar to a sauce pan, but it is larger and does not have the same type of handle. For one-pot meals like stew, chili, and soup, a stock pot is your go-to cookware. You can also use it to cook large items like corn on the cob.

Stock pot capacity is measured in quarts. For most cooks, an eight-quart stock pot is sufficient.

Content Image
Did you know?
A skillet is not the same as a sauté pan. A sauté pan has straight sides, whereas a skillet has slightly sloped sides. And a sauté pan typically comes with a lid, whereas a skillet typically does not.
STAFF
BestReviews

Choosing the best skillet material

Skillets and other cookware come in a variety of metals. There’s no reason to stick with just one; each material has its own pros and cons. In fact, it can be beneficial to own a few different skillets of different materials.

Stainless steel

One of the most popular skillet materials, stainless steel is very durable, doesn’t react with acidic foods, and is easy to maintain. It’s not a great conductor of heat, however, so many stainless steel pans have copper or aluminum bonded to the bottom to improve conductivity.

Pros:

  • Attractive appearance

  • Excellent for browning foods

  • Suitable for induction cooktops

  • Usually safe for dishwasher and oven, depending on the handle material
     

Cons:

  • Food may stick

  • Scrubbing often required

Cast iron

Although some cooks find cast iron intimidating, this old-fashioned material is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s durable, retains heat for a long time, and even adds a bit of iron to your food as it cooks. Enameled cast iron is easier to care for, but it is also more expensive.

Pros:

  • Goes from stovetop to oven

  • Excellent for searing meat

  • Keeps food warm for a long time

  • Develops a naturally nonstick coating

  • Inexpensive
     

Cons:

  • Very heavy

  • Takes longer to heat up

  • If uncoated, requires periodic seasoning

  • If uncoated, may rust

  • Not dishwasher safe

Expert tip
Avoid putting cold meats directly into hot pans. This causes the meat to stick quickly. Instead, use room-temperature meats and start with a warming pan.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert

Aluminum

Inexpensive and easy to find, aluminum cookware is a good choice for the kitchen novice. Because the metal can discolor food and is prone to staining, it’s usually anodized as a preventative. Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat.

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Cooks quickly and evenly

  • Strong and durable if anodized, and has a somewhat nonstick finish
     

Cons:

  • Some food safety concerns
     

Although there is some dispute about the safety of aluminum cookware, studies have not shown that it leaches into food excessively during cooking or is dangerous to use.

Nonstick

Typically layered over aluminum, a nonstick coating like Teflon releases food easily, making cleanup a breeze. And since you don’t need to add oil, you can reduce your calorie consumption a bit. Nonstick pans heat up quickly and evenly.

Pros:

  • Often inexpensive

  • Food cooks evenly, quickly

  • Usually oven safe

  • Usually dishwasher safe (hand-washing still recommended)
     

Cons:

  • Coating prone to scratching and wear

  • Food doesn’t brown well

Copper

It’s hard to match the beauty of copper cookware, but you’ll pay a hefty price for this lovely metal. Copper heats up quickly and evenly. It also cools down fast, providing excellent control as you cook. A copper skillet can handle just about every cooking method.

Pros:

  • Beautiful appearance

  • Excellent heat conductivity
     

Cons:

  • Can react with acidic foods

  • Not dishwasher safe

  • Dents easily

Content Image
Did you know?
Nonstick pans are designed to be used on low to medium heat. If you plan to cook at a high temperature, use your stainless steel, cast iron, or aluminum skillet instead.
STAFF
BestReviews

Other considerations when choosing a skillet

Once you’ve determined which metal you want, there are a few other things to look for in a good skillet.

Sturdy construction

A cheap skillet won’t hold up to regular use. A good skillet is solidly built, and the handle is firmly attached.

Stay-cool handle

Unless it’s made of cast iron, you should be able to hold your skillet by its handle without burning yourself. A silicone handle or other stay-cool material stays comfortable to the touch throughout the cooking process.

Comfortable feel

The right frying pan is easy to handle with a comfortable weight. It’s not too light and not too heavy. (Cast iron is the exception to this rule.)

Stovetop considerations

If you cook on a smooth-top electric range, your skillet needs a perfectly flat bottom. Induction stovetops – which create a magnetic field to cook food – are only compatible with materials that have magnetic properties. That means cast iron and most stainless steel skillets are suitable for use on an induction stovetop.

Lids

Most skillets do not include lids. If you can buy one separately, we advise you to do so. Many dishes call for a cover while simmering, and a properly fitted lid will keep your dinner from drying out as it cooks.

Expert tip
The only nonstick pan I have is a small skillet for eggs and a large one for pancakes. Think about how you’ll use the skillet before purchase to make sure you have the one(s) you need.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Content Image
While buying a cookware set is convenient, selecting pieces separately enables you to focus on the pots and pans you’ll actually use.

How much do skillets cost?

There’s a very wide price range for frying pans. As a general rule, you can expect to pay the following for a good-quality 12-inch skillet.

  • Cast Iron: $20 to $40

  • Stainless Steel: $40 to $80, although high-end brands can cost more than $100

  • Aluminum: $20 to $40

  • Nonstick: $20 to $50

  • Copper: $50+ (Several hundred dollars for solid copper)

Our Top Picks