The market is saturated with countless skillets from cast iron, nonstick pans, stainless steel, and carbon steel. So it can be confusing trying to buy a skillet that will cater to your needs. But fret not, that’s why we actually conducted thorough research to sift through the clutter and get only the best.
Buying Guide:
Factors to Consider While Buying a Skillet
Balance and Weight
The skillet ought to balance well, and it also needs to be heavy for heat retention purposes. However, it shouldn’t be exceedingly heavy, as this will affect maneuverability and make it difficult to work with.
Handles
Skillet handles ought to be comfortable and sturdy.
Performance
Take into account the heat distribution of the skillet. It ought to heat evenly and respond quickly when there are changes in temperature.
Lid
Although skillets don’t always come with a lid, it’s advisable to get one.
Durability
The interior and exterior of your skillet should be durable. The same applies to the handle which ought to be securely attached.
Convenience
There are skillets that offer a variety of conveniences such as comfortable grips, quick releases, tempered glass, dishwasher safety, and oven safety. Look-out for such features that match your particular cooking style.
Safety
Safety first. This goes for all appliances and tools, especially in the kitchen. Make sure that the skillet you purchase is free from toxins and chemicals. This is why certification, verification, and testing comes in handy.
Cooking Surface
Ideally, having a spacious cooking surface is much better for obvious reasons. However, it’s all relative to one’s needs. The cooking surface often facilitates consistency while you’re cooking.
Material
There are different materials which are used in making skillets. They include stainless-steel, cast-iron, copper and aluminum. This is where your needs come into play, if you need a dishwasher safe skillet then go for the stainless steel skillet – it’s rust-resistant and dishwasher safe. But if you’re more concerned about durability, then go for the cast iron skillet.
Thickness
Heat conduction is greatly determined by how sturdy the skillet is. If the skillet is sturdier, it conducts heat perfectly. This is why you need a thick skillet.
Diameter
The most common sizes are 12-inch, 10-inch, and 8-inch. But large skillets do a better job when you’re preparing family recipes since you don’t have to overcrowd and squeeze up the ingredients on the cooking surface.
Maintenance
Some skillets are easy to maintain while others, such as the cast iron skillets, need to be seasoned. Other skillets are prone to rust, so you need to take this into consideration. As such, they need careful maintenance to keep the rust at bay.
Versatility
It’s advisable to go for skillets which allow you to prepare a host of different meals.
Best Skillets 2023
All-Clad E785S264/E785S263 HA1 Nonstick Frying Pan Set
The All-Clad Nonstick Frying Pan Set is made of aluminum and comes as a set of 10 inches and 8 inches. This skillet evenly distributes the heat on the whole pan thanks to the hard-anodized aluminum that is used in making the skillet.
Cleaning is also not a big deal since it’s made of aluminum material. The stainless steel rivets and contoured handles add on to the durability and life span of this product. The grip is comfortable and secures thus adding on to the user-friendliness of this pan. It weighs 5 pounds with dimensions of 19 x 11 x 6 inches.
Pros
- Handles are made of contoured stainless steel.
- The base is made of stainless steel anti-wrap.
- It’s compatible with heat induction.
- Durable thanks to the aluminum material.
Cons
- Some minor issues with the handle.
All-Clad 511252 Stainless 12 inch with Lid
This skillet distributes heat evenly due to the tri-ply construction which is deployed in the manufacturing process. It’s also lightweight which makes it easy to use. The handle is also sturdy and has a proper grip for easy maneuverability. The exterior is resistant to discoloration even after prolonged use. This user-friendly design features sloped sides with bent lips that allow you to pour the sauce onto your plate. The skillet also comes equipped with a lid.
The cooking surface is also roomy thus allowing you to prepare your meals with ease. The handle is well-angled while the weight is also comfortable and manageable. The only downside is the price, which is on the higher end but considering the cost-benefit, this is a smart purchase that will serve you for years.
The handle is well angled giving the user more control while flipping and tossing the food. The cast stainless steel handle plays a huge role in the handling of this skillet. It stays cool unless you place the pan inside an oven.
This skillet operates efficiently in areas such as temperature control, handling, and cleaning. It weighs under 3 pounds but it still manages to distribute the heat evenly – which is a big win. The other impressive feature about this skillet is its ability to withstand high heat without succumbing to discoloration.
Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet 12 Inches
This product is manufactured by Lodge. It’s one of the most amazing cast-iron skillets that’s worth every buck. It comes with a leather handle holder and a 12-inch cooking surface area. This space allows you to prepare all kinds of meals without having to crowd the ingredients on the pan.
The heat distribution is even and efficient thus allowing you to prepare a variety of foods at varying temperatures. From searing food or slow cooking. Heat retention should not worry you since this product is made using cast iron which guarantees maximum heat retention.
Whether you’re a home chef or an avid camper, this is a must-have accessory. The even and consistent temperature will have you enjoy your succulent steak without losing moisture. You’ll never have to worry about sticking since this skillet allows you to cook your meals slowly without much pressure. The handle is ergonomically designed for perfect and comfortable control.
Pros
- It’s extremely versatile.
- It’s easy to clean, relatively compared to stainless steel cookware.
- Perfect when it comes to heat retention. This is greatly due to the high thermal density.
- Long-lasting.
- Well-priced.
Cons
- It takes time to heat up.
- It’s not ideal for preparing acidic meals or boiling water.
- Its weight is heavy.
- Needs re-seasoning.
Cuisinart Classic Nonstick Pan
This skillet comes equipped with a Quantanium surface that’s nonstick, this gives the skillet unmatched heat distribution capabilities. Whatever kind of meal you’re preparing you’re guaranteed to get quality results due to the evenly distributed heat.
The exterior is hard and anodized guaranteeing you quality results for prolonged periods of time. Durability is a non-issue since this skillet is resistant to wear and it’s also capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Convenience plays a crucial role that’s why this skillet comes with tempered glass lids which allow you to retain the food’s flavor. The handle is riveted, this gives you a comfortable grip while you prepare your meals. It weighs 4.45 pounds with dimensions of 5 x 17.8 x 9.6 inches.
Pros
- The heat distribution is even.
- It comes fully equipped with a tempered glass lid.
- Comes with a grip riveted handle.
- The exterior is wear-resistant.
Cons
- It’s not safe for dishwashing.
Lodge Miniature Skillet
This skillet comes in a diameter of 3.5 inches which to some is arguably small. However, it’s the miniature version of the Lodge cast iron skillet. Although it’s small it serves the purpose for people who need a sizable and presentable skillet that can be placed on the table while one is eating.
Heat distribution on this skillet is perfect, the same applies to heat retention. This allows users to prepare different kinds of foods without much pressure. However, a little seasoning will do you good, so take the time to season the pan with some vegetable oil.
Cleaning is not a big deal and the same applies to maintenance since it comes with the easy-release finish. You can actually hand wash it and use it to prepare your next meal. But you need to use mild soap and a piece of cloth for drying purposes. The pan is made from cast iron and has dimensions of 5 x 4 x 1 inch and the diameter is 3.5.
Pros
- Food release is easy and manageable.
- It’s a smaller version of the Lodge Cast iron skillet.
- Retains heat efficiently.
- It’s easy to maintain.
Cons
- The size is small.
Bayou Classic 16-inch Cast Iron Skillet
If you need an efficient and reliable skillet for sautéing, frying, and baking different types of meals, then this is the way to go. This 16 inches cast iron skillet will serve you good. It comes with an innovative design featuring double handles for easier maneuverability. The sides are also designed in a curvy and bent way to allow you to pour your soup inside the plate.
Pros
- Well-priced.
- It can prepare large amounts of food.
- It comes with a large cooking surface.
- Easy to handle.
- Versatile.
Cons
- It cannot fit in some ovens.
- Some customer reviews reported minor flaws with the manufacturing.
- The large cooking surface area affects the cooking performance, especially at high temperatures.
Victoria Large Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
This skillet is easy to handle. It comes with a helper handle and a traditional handle. It’s innovative design features side spouts in-case you need to pour the sauce on some other cookware or plate.
The warranty policy is customer friendly. It’s also seasoned with Flaxseed oil.
Pros
- Innovative design.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Well-priced.
- Comes with side spouts.
- Easy to handle.
Cons
- The size is a little bit thin relatively compared to other products.
- Manufacturing flaws have been reported by customers.
Tramontina Professional 80114/535DS Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan, 10″
This skillet comes in 18.5 x 3.8 x 11.2 inches dimension and weighs 2.7 pounds. It’s specially designed to adapt to the non-commercial and home uses. It’s ideal for searing, scrambling, frying and sautéing different kinds of recipes.
Its constructed with heavy-gauge aluminum which distributes the heat evenly and quickly. The interior is reinforced to facilitate a nonstick cooking surface. Cleaning should not be a huge challenge.
The grip is maneuverable and versatile since its made of cast stainless steel, its also riveted to add on to the support. Most importantly, it’s certified by the NSF and can withstand up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. Talking of versatility, it’s compatible with a ceramic, electric and gas cooktops.
Specifications
- Lifetime warranty.
- Compatible with electric, gas and ceramic cooktops.
- Its oven safe up to 400 F.
- Dishwasher safe.
- NSF certified.
- Made using heavy-gauge aluminum.
Why should you go For Cast Iron Skillets?
The first obvious reason is durability. It goes without saying that cast iron is long-lasting and much more durable, relatively compared to the shiny stainless steel and nonstick skillets. The skillets also seep the various flavors which add on to the seasoning.
Versatility
Cast iron skillets can prepare a variety and host of different types of foods. There are also compatible with different types of heating mechanisms – from campfires to ovens.
Naturally nonstick
This skillet is naturally non-stick provided it’s properly seasoned. Additionally, other metallic cooking surfaces can be used on this skillet with ease.
Even heat distribution
Even heating allows one to prepare meals efficiently. This is not always the case with thin skillets. The same applies to heat retention due to the high thermal density. This allows you to prepare your food much faster. As such, the food will also cook evenly.
Nonstick Skillets Buying Guide
This skillet offers great cooking performance, even heat distribution, easy and comfortable handling coupled with excellent maneuverability.
This skillet is adaptable while you’re preparing different types of foods and recipes. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, and its oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Question about Nonstick Skillets
1. Do they cause cancer?
If you closely observe most nonstick skillets in the market you’ll note that they’re indicated as “PFOA-free”. This implies that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has not been used in the manufacturing process. However, you need to note that there are different types of coatings that are used in making nonstick skillets, they include:
- Enameled Cast Iron.
- Superhydrophobic coatings.
- Ceramic Coating Cookware.
- Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Coating.
- Silicone Non-stick Coating.
Factors to Consider while Buying a Nonstick Skillet
Price
Look-out for a well-priced nonstick skillet that’ll serve your needs. Don’t buy an expensive skillet since the coating is bound to wear off with prolonged use.
Material
There are different materials that are used in manufacturing nonstick skillets. Stainless steel and Aluminum are the most common. Considering durability the stainless steel scores higher while aluminum is ideal when it comes to heating up quickly. But when you consider heat distribution, aluminum scores poorly.
Induction compatibility is another factor that one needs to consider while purchasing this skillet. That’s if you’re interested in induction cooking.
Coating
Synthetic and PTFE are the most common types of coatings. However, we also have a silica-based ceramic coating.
The whole idea is to prevent sticking on the cooking surface. It’s important to note that the PTFE usually lasts longer compared to the ceramic coating.
Conclusion
The most important factor to consider while purchasing a skillet is personal needs and preferences. The other actors fall into play when you carefully consider your needs at a personal level. As such, you’ll be better placed to make an informed decision.
However, you need to consider the construction materials which are used in making the skillet. As mentioned earlier, there are materials such as nonstick, cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
In some cases you might find that one skillet is not serving all your needs, as such, you can consider buying several. This is especially the case if you’re operating a restaurant. This will give you more control to try out different cooking styles and combinations.
It’s our sincere hope that this guide will help you make a smart purchase that will serve you efficiently.