Best Large Deep Skillet (Updated | Feb 4th)
Finding the perfect large deep skillet can feel like hunting for a culinary unicorn, but fear not—I’ve tested, cooked, and compared the top contenders so you don’t have to. Whether you’re searing a hearty stew, sautéing a mountain of veggies, or mastering a flawless frittata, the right pan makes all the difference. In this guide, I’ll break down performance, durability, and value, helping you pick a skillet that fits your kitchen and your budget with confidence in your kitchen daily.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick offers a huge 10.5-quart capacity ideal for large meals.
- Even heat distribution ensures consistent cooking performance across the skillet.
- Durable, scratch-resistant non-stick coating enhances longevity and ease of use.
- Choose a deep skillet with an easy pour spout and dishwasher-safe design for convenience.
- Prioritize capacity and heat distribution when selecting a large deep skillet.
Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16″x13″x3.2″ (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant
Precision Electric Skillet
- Huge 10.5‑quart capacity
- Even heat distribution
- Scratch‑resistant non‑stick
- BEST FOR HEALTHY NONSTICK: SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid Read More ↓
- BEST FOR EXTRA LARGE NONSTICK: SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PRECISION ELECTRIC SKILLET: Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16″x13″x3.2″ (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DUAL POUR SPOUTS: SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet Read More ↓
- BEST FOR TRI-PLY STAINLESS: LOLYKITCH 7 QT Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Non Stick Sauté Pan with Lid Read More ↓
- BEST FOR THERMO-SPOT INDICATOR: T-Fal Specialty Nonstick Saute Pan with Glass Lid 5 Quart Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT POUR SPOUT: SENSARTE Nonstick Skillet Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FAMILY ELECTRIC SKILLET: Elite Gourmet EG6201 Extra Deep 12″x12″x3.2″ (7.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant Dishwasher Safe Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HIGH-HEAT CERAMIC: Redchef Ceramic Saute Pan with Lid Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HYBRID SNOWFLAKE SURFACE: SNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Large Deep Skillet
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS Free
The SENSARTE 12‑inch, 5‑quart deep skillet combines a Swiss‑crafted ILAG nonstick coating with a heavy‑duty cast‑aluminum body, delivering fast, even heating on any stovetop, including induction. Its bakelite, wood‑grain handle stays cool, while the tempered‑glass, explosion‑proof lid lets you monitor food without lifting.
Free from PFOA, PFOS, lead and cadmium, the pan supports low‑fat cooking and easy food release. A rivet‑free design means cleanup is a breeze—just a quick wash with soap and a towel.
Ideal for sautéing, braising, or simmering large meals.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Super nonstick surface
- Induction compatible heating
- Cool‑touch bakelite handle
- Tempered glass lid
- Easy hand‑wash cleanup
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No dishwasher safe
- Lid may fog
- Heavy for storage
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 13.3 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 6 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS Free
The SENSARTE 13.3‑inch, 6‑quart deep skillet offers the same Swiss‑engineered ILAG nonstick technology in a larger footprint, perfect for family‑style meals. Constructed from cast‑aluminum, it heats quickly and evenly across all stovetops, including induction, without warping.
A bakelite, wood‑grain handle stays cool, and the sturdy tempered‑glass lid provides clear visibility while preventing splatters. Free of PFOA, PFOS, lead and cadmium, it encourages low‑oil cooking and effortless food release.
The rivet‑free design simplifies cleaning—just a quick hand wash with soap and a towel.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Large cooking capacity
- Even heat distribution
- Induction ready
- Cool‑touch handle
- Clear glass lid
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not dishwasher safe
- Heavy to lift
- Lid may steam
Elite Gourmet EG-6203# Extra Deep 16″x13″x3.2″ (10.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant, Easy Pour Spout Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Black
Elite Gourmet’s EG-6203# Extra Deep electric skillet offers a massive 10.5‑quart capacity in a 16″×13″×3.2″ cast‑aluminum body. A black lacquer finish resists rust and warping, while the marbleized honeycomb non‑stick surface stays scratch‑free and never peels.
The built‑in M‑shaped heating element delivers rapid, even heat from 200‑400°F, and the trigger‑release probe lets you lock in precise temperatures. A tempered‑glass lid seals in moisture, and an integrated pour spout makes draining effortless.
Dishwasher‑safe and fully immersible, it handles family‑size meals—from fried chicken to pancakes—without hassle.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Huge 10.5‑quart capacity
- Even heat distribution
- Scratch‑resistant non‑stick
- Easy pour spout
- Dishwasher‑safe cleanup
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy to lift
- Expensive for skillet
- Large footprint on stove
SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan Skillet, 12-inch Saute Pan with Lid, Stay-cool Handle, Chef Pan Healthy Stone Cookware Cooking Pan, Induction Compatible, PFOA Free
SENSARTE’s 12‑inch nonstick deep frying pan blends Swiss‑grade granite coating with a die‑cast aluminum core for fast, even heating on any cooktop, including induction. The 5‑quart, 3.2‑inch depth gives ample room for sautéing, stir‑frying, boiling, or shallow‑deep frying, while dual pour spouts simplify draining soups and oils.
A tempered‑glass lid lets you monitor progress without lifting, and the wood‑grain bakelite handle stays cool to the touch. Free of PFAS, lead and cadmium, the pan promotes healthier cooking with minimal oil, and it’s oven‑safe to 302°F for versatile use.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Swiss‑grade granite coating
- Works on induction stovetops
- Dual pour spouts
- Cool‑touch bakelite handle
- Oven safe to 302°F
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited oven temperature
- Potential lid fogging
- Non‑stick wears over time
LOLYKITCH 7 QT Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Non Stick Sauté Pan with Lid,12 Inch Deep Frying Pan,Large Skillet,Jumbo Cooker,Induction Compatible,Heavy Duty and Oven Safe.
LOLYKITCH’s 7‑quart, 12‑inch tri‑ply sauté pan delivers restaurant‑grade performance for home cooks. A responsive aluminum core sandwiched between stainless‑steel layers spreads heat quickly and evenly, eliminating hot spots.
The hybrid non‑stick coating releases food effortlessly under medium heat while remaining durable. Cool‑touch double stainless handles provide a secure grip without heating up, and the pan fits all stovetops, including induction.
It’s oven‑safe to 500°F and dishwasher‑friendly, making cleanup a breeze. PFOA‑free and SGS certified, this pan promises reliable, healthy cooking for sauces, stir‑fries, and deep‑fry dishes.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Even heat distribution
- Durable hybrid non‑stick
- Cool‑touch double handles
- Induction‑compatible
- Oven safe to 500°F
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy for storage
- Requires medium heat
- Higher price point
T-Fal Specialty Nonstick Saute Pan with Glass Lid 5 Quart, Oven Broiler Safe 350F, Cookware, Deep Frying Pan with Handle, Skillet, Kitchen, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe, Black
T‑Fal’s 5‑quart non‑stick sauté pan combines capacity with smart features for everyday cooking. The ProGlide interior releases food with minimal oil and wipes clean effortlessly.
Thermo‑Spot technology turns red when the pan reaches optimal temperature, helping prevent overheating. A thick aluminum base distributes heat evenly, reducing hot spots for reliable sautéing, simmering, or deep‑frying.
The vented glass lid lets you monitor progress while locking in moisture. Comfortable, heat‑resistant handles stay cool, and the pan is dishwasher‑safe and oven‑compatible up to 350°F.
It works on gas, electric and ceramic cooktops, though it’s not induction‑ready, and carries a limited lifetime warranty.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Easy food release
- Thermo‑Spot heat indicator
- Even heat distribution
- Vented glass lid
- Dishwasher and oven safe
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not induction compatible
- Lid may crack hot
- Limited to 350°F
SENSARTE Nonstick Skillet, Deep Frying Pan 10/11/12-inch, Saute Pan with Lid, Stay-cool Handle, Healthy Stone Cookware Cooking Pan, Induction Compatible (10-Inch/3.5QT)
The SENSARTE non‑stick skillet is a versatile deep‑fry pan that blends Swiss granite coating with a sturdy aluminum core. Its 10‑inch diameter and 3.5‑quart capacity let you sauté, stir‑fry, shallow‑fry, or even deep‑fry without splatter, while the built‑in pour spout makes draining effortless.
The magnetic stainless‑steel base works on gas, electric and induction cooktops, delivering quick, even heat. A tempered‑glass lid lets you monitor progress, and the bakelite stay‑cool handle stays comfortable even on high‑heat tasks.
Cleanup is a breeze—just a sponge and warm, soapy water.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Granite non‑stick coating
- Induction‑compatible base
- Convenient pour spout
- Stay‑cool bakelite handle
- Easy to clean
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No temperature control
- Lid may fog
- Limited size options
Elite Gourmet EG6201 Extra Deep 12″x12″x3.2″ (7.5Qt.) Scratch Resistant Dishwasher Safe, Non-stick Electric Skillet with Glass Vented Lid, Adjustable Temperature, Black
The Elite Gourmet EG6201 electric skillet offers a massive 7.5‑quart cooking surface measuring 12 by 12 inches, perfect for feeding a crowd. Its thick cast‑aluminum body with a black lacquer finish resists rust and warping, while a marbleized non‑stick coating stays intact through repeated use and resists scratches.
An integrated heating element provides rapid, even heat from 200‑400 °F, and a trigger‑release probe lets you fine‑tune temperatures to avoid hot spots. A clear tempered‑glass lid locks in moisture and flavor, and the unit is fully dishwasher‑safe for quick cleanup after meals.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Huge 7.5‑quart capacity
- Even heat distribution
- Scratch‑resistant non‑stick
- Dishwasher‑safe
- Precise temperature control
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy and bulky
- No removable handle
- Requires electricity
Redchef Ceramic Saute Pan with Lid, Nonstick Deep Frying Pan, 5QT Jumbo Cooker with Helper Handle & Lid, Non Toxic Ceramic Cooking Pan, Chef Pan, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, PFAS PFOA & PTFE Free
The Redchef Ceramic Saute Pan with Lid is a 5‑quart, 11‑inch deep skillet designed for batch cooking and large family meals. Its signature ceramic coating is completely free of Teflon, PFAS, PTFE, PFOA, lead and cadmium, delivering a non‑toxic, ultra‑smooth surface that releases food effortlessly.
The pan features a sturdy stainless‑steel handle with double rivets that stays cool to the touch, and a tempered glass lid that lets you monitor progress without losing heat. Both the pan and lid are dishwasher‑safe, making cleanup quick and easy after searing, sautéing, or braising.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Huge 5‑quart capacity
- Ceramic non‑stick, toxin‑free
- Stay‑cool stainless handle
- Dishwasher‑safe pan & lid
- Tempered glass lid
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavy for single servings
- No induction compatibility
- Lid can fog quickly
SNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All Cooktops
The SNOWCLAD 5‑quart Saute Pan combines a laser‑etched snowflake surface with stainless‑steel construction for a hybrid non‑stick experience. This dual‑layer design reduces the need for oil while delivering 50 % more non‑stick performance than typical hex‑coated pans.
Multi‑layer composite steel ensures rapid, even heat transfer, making it ideal for deep frying, sautéing, and braising. The pan is built from high‑quality stainless steel, is PFOA‑free, and works on gas, electric, glass, and halogen stovetops.
Easy‑clean surfaces and an oven‑safe rating up to 450 °F add versatility for everyday cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Hybrid snowflake coating
- Even heat distribution
- Stainless steel durability
- Oven‑safe up to 450°F
- Compatible with all stovetops
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Pricier than basic pans
- Non‑stick wears over time
- Lid not included
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What size deep skillet is ideal for a family of four?
A 12‑inch to 14‑inch skillet with a depth of 3‑4 inches typically provides enough surface area and volume for meals like stews, pastas, and large breakfasts. Look for a pan that can hold at least 6‑8 quarts of liquid without spilling. This size balances storage space in most kitchens while still offering generous cooking capacity.
Which material gives the best heat distribution for a large deep skillet?
Tri-ply or multi-ply construction—usually an aluminum core sandwiched between stainless steel layers—delivers the most even heat across a wide surface. Cast iron retains heat exceptionally well but can develop hot spots if not pre‑heated properly. For quick, uniform cooking, a tri-ply stainless steel skillet is often the best compromise.
Do non‑stick coatings hold up in a deep skillet used for high‑heat searing?
Modern ceramic‑based non‑stick surfaces can tolerate medium‑high heat, but they may degrade faster when regularly exposed to temperatures above 450°F. If you plan to sear meats or deglaze with wine, a stainless‑steel or cast‑iron skillet without a non‑stick coating is more durable. Reserve non‑stick deep pans for low‑to‑medium heat dishes like sauces or gentle sautéing.
How important is a stay‑cool handle for a large deep skillet?
A stay‑cool, riveted handle reduces the risk of burns when you’re moving a heavy, full skillet from stovetop to oven. Handles made from silicone‑filled stainless steel or heat‑resistant bakelite stay comfortable even at 400°F. If you frequently use the oven, choose a skillet with a handle that is rated for at least 500°F.
What should I consider when comparing price versus value in deep skillets?
Higher‑priced skillets often feature superior materials, thicker walls, and longer warranties, which translate into better heat retention and durability. However, a mid‑range stainless‑steel skillet with a solid aluminum core can perform just as well for most home cooks. Weigh the initial cost against how often you’ll use the pan and whether you need specialized features like oven‑safe lids.
Is an oven‑safe lid necessary for a deep skillet?
An oven‑safe lid allows you to finish braises, casseroles, or baked dishes without transferring to a separate baking dish, preserving moisture and flavor. Look for lids rated for at least 500°F and made of tempered glass or stainless steel with a tight seal. If you rarely bake in your skillet, a simple silicone or metal lid can suffice.
How do I maintain a large deep skillet to extend its lifespan?
Avoid abrasive cleaners; hand‑wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge, then dry immediately to prevent water spots. For stainless steel, a mixture of vinegar and water can restore shine, while cast iron benefits from a light coat of oil after cleaning. Regularly inspect the rim and handle for loosening and tighten any rivets or screws according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.