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The best frying pan – A guide to choosing the right one
Best in test: Scanpan CTX continues to win the tests and is the perfect all-round frying pan!
1. Non-stick or ceramic-coated frying pan – versatile but with a shorter lifespan
- Best for: Low-fat cooking, general-purpose use, easy to handle.
- Cons: Sensitive to high heat, wears out faster, not compatible with metal utensils.
When it comes to a great all-rounder, a non-stick frying pan or a ceramic-coated frying pan is a strong contender for the best frying pan. Ideal for cooking delicate ingredients like fish, vegetables, or sauce-based dishes, these pans offer convenience and ease.
The non-stick surface allows for low-fat cooking, as it prevents food from sticking while maintaining a smooth, even cooking surface.
Lightweight and user-friendly, these pans are perfect for everyday cooking but may not last as long as cast iron pans for example. However, they are often more affordable and a good choice for those seeking a quick, easy-to-maintain option.
Pro Tip: Save the cooking oil! A non-stick frying pan requires minimal oil for a perfect frying surface.
BEST NON-STICK FRYING PANS
A good frying pan is invaluable when cooking in the kitchen, here you see the popular lightweight, non-stick cast iron frying pan from Satake.
Which frying pan should you choose? A non-stick frying pan is the perfect all-round frying pan - here from Scanpan.
A cast iron frying pan can withstand high temperatures and naturally releases some iron into the food, a win-win all round!
2. A cast iron frying pan – Long-lasting but heavy
- Best for: High-heat cooking, excellent heat distribution, and durability.
- Cons: Heavy, needs more oil, acidic foods can discolor the pan.
Looking to make a solid investment? A cast iron frying pan could be the best frying pan for you. Known for its incredible longevity, a well-maintained cast iron pan can last a lifetime. It's the go-to choice for high-temperature cooking, distributing heat evenly for a perfect sear, especially for meats. While it takes longer to heat up, it retains heat beautifully, making it ideal for slow, even cooking.
One unique feature of cast iron pans is that they naturally release trace amounts of iron during cooking, which makes them a great option for your health. The downside is their weight, making them tricky to pick up and move around the hob.
Pro Tip: Never store food in a cast iron frying pan as it may develop a strong iron taste, and the pan could rust over time.
THE BEST CAST IRON FRYING PANS
3. A stainless steel frying pan – Best for a perfect sear
- Best for: Durability, quick heat distribution, and creating the perfect frying surface.
- Cons: Requires more cooking oil, may take practice to master high-temperature frying.
For those seeking a professional edge, a stainless steel frying pan is often regarded as the best frying pan by chefs. This pan excels at high-temperature cooking, especially for meats and poultry, offering quick heat-up times due to its layered construction of steel and aluminum. Unlike non-stick pans, stainless steel allows you to achieve a caramelized finish, locking in flavors for a satisfying sear.
Stainless steel frying pans are highly durable and can handle high heat, making them a versatile tool in the kitchen. However, they do require a bit of skill, as food may initially stick before releasing once browned.
Pro Tip: Don’t skimp on the cooking oil! It helps prevent food from sticking and enhances the flavor.
The stainless steel frying pan is a master chef's favourite! It can withstand high temperatures and is the best pan to use when you want to achieve a caramelised finish.
BES STAINLESS STEEL FRYING PANS
4. A copper frying pan – Stylish and highly heat-conductive
- Best for: Fast, even heat conduction, and versatile cooking.
- Cons: Prone to discoloration with high heat, requires regular polishing, and plenty of cooking oil.
If aesthetics matter and you’re after high-heat performance, a copper frying pan might be the best frying pan for you. Copper is one of the most heat-conductive materials available, second only to silver. It heats up quickly and evenly, allowing you to control the cooking process with precision.
Most copper frying pans are lined with stainless steel, giving them the benefits of both materials, though they require a bit of care. Overheating can cause the copper to discolor, but with regular polishing, the pan will maintain its beautiful shine.
Pro Tip: Keep your copper frying pan looking its best by polishing it when it begins to change colour.
A copper frying pan is a stylish addition to any kitchen!
Top tip: never heat a frying pan immediately on the highest heat as it may crack, increase the heat gradually.
Bear in mind that cast iron pans must not be washed in a dishwasher or with washing detergent.
7 Types of frying pans – Which is the best frying pan for your needs?
- A traditional frying pan: A classic choice, ideal for all types of ingredients, and the most versatile in any kitchen.
- Tractor pan: With high edges, this is great for sauce-based dishes, like bolognese.
- Wok: Perfect for stir-frying large quantities of ingredients quickly.
- Grill pan: The raised grooves give meats a perfect grilled texture while letting excess fat drain away.
- Caute pan: Deeper and ideal for heat-sensitive dishes like sauces.
- Crepe pan: Thin and lightweight, making it easy to flip pancakes or crepes.
- Pancake Pan: Equipped with small circular compartments to make perfectly shaped pancakes or blinis every time.
Depending on the ingredients, you may need different frying pans in the kitchen: a wok for the stir fry, a grill pan for the meat or a saute pan for the heat-sensitive dishes perhaps?
Our hot tips for taking care of your new frying pan:
- A thick base takes longer to heat up, but it distributes heat evenly and retains warmth longer.
- Whatever material you choose, let your frying pan gradually heat to the desired temperature instead of cranking up the heat immediately.
- Avoid using dishwashers or harsh detergents on cast iron frying pans, as it can damage the seasoning and surface.
Finding the best frying pan depends on your cooking style, but with the right material and maintenance, your frying pan can become your most trusted kitchen companion.
BEST FRYING PANS
