Best Wirecutter Best Frying Pans (Updated | Feb 3rd)
Choosing the right frying pan can feel like a culinary gamble, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. In this guide we break down Wirecutter’s top picks, weighing durability, heat distribution, and price so you can cook with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- The top pick excels with its pre-seasoned, lightweight design for easy searing and handling.
- It delivers an excellent high-heat sear and is oven-safe up to 660°F.
- The included silicone sleeve enhances safety when moving hot pans.
- Choose pans with high heat tolerance and balanced weight for versatile cooking.
- Prioritize pre-seasoned, oven-safe models for durability and ease of use.

OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel
Big-Batch Carbon
- Pre‑seasoned, ready to use
- Lightweight, easy to maneuver
- Excellent high‑heat sear
- BEST FOR FAMILY-SIZE PRO: Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch Large Frying Pan Read More ↓
- BEST FOR OMELETTE MASTER: Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Inch Frying Pan Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CERAMIC CLEAN COOK: Ephaclad Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HELPER HANDLE HERO: Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch Large Frying Pan with Helper Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON: OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR VERSATILE 10-INCH: OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BIG-BATCH CARBON: OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DRAINING CARBON PRO: OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Read More ↓
- BEST FOR DETACHABLE WOODEN HANDLE: YOSUKATA 10 1/4″ Carbon Steel Frying Pan – Non-Toxic Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Removable Wooden Handle – Coating-Free Wok-Style Pan for Gas Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Best Wirecutter Best Frying Pans
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch Large Frying Pan, Induction-Ready Skillet, Dishwasher-Safe, NSF-Certified, Made in Brazil

Tramontina’s 12‑inch Signature Tri‑Ply skillet combines a polished 18/10 stainless‑steel exterior with an aluminum core sandwiched between two steel layers. The construction spreads heat evenly, eliminating hot spots whether you’re searing steaks or sautéing vegetables for a family dinner.
It works on gas, electric, induction, and even in the oven up to 500°F, giving you flexibility for braising or finishing dishes. The riveted stainless handle stays cool and offers a comfortable grip, while the generous surface area lets you cook larger portions without crowding the pan.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Even heat distribution
- Large cooking surface
- Induction and oven safe
- Comfortable riveted handle
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Expensive for budget
- Handles heat up quickly
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 10-Inch Frying Pan, Induction-Ready Skillet, Dishwasher-Safe, NSF-Certified, Made in Brazil

Tramontina’s 10‑inch Signature Tri‑Ply skillet offers the same layered stainless‑steel and aluminum core as its larger sibling, delivering rapid, uniform heating in a compact package. Ideal for eggs, omelettes, and single‑serve sautés, the pan’s size fits comfortably on any stovetop, including induction, and can be transferred to a 500°F oven for finishing touches.
The riveted stainless handle provides a secure, cool grip, while the polished interior promotes easy food release and simple cleanup. Its versatile dimensions make it a go‑to pan for quick, everyday meals.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Precise heat control
- Perfect for eggs
- Induction compatible
- Oven safe to 500°F
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Small for big meals
- Not dishwasher safe
Ephaclad Stainless Steel Nonstick Frying Pan,8 Inch Healthy Non Toxic Ceramic Coating Cookware Works on Induction, Electric Stove and Gas Cooktops,PTFE PFAS PFOA Free Skillet,Dishwasher&Oven Safe

The Ephaclad 8‑inch stainless steel frying pan combines a premium ceramic non‑stick coating with a tri‑ply stainless base for reliable, even heating. Its toxin‑free surface lets you cook with little or no oil, while food slides off effortlessly for healthier meals.
The ergonomic handle stays cool, giving a secure grip even when the pan is full. It’s dishwasher‑safe, cutting down on cleanup time, and works on gas, electric, and induction cooktops, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
Ideal for everyday use, this pan balances performance with low‑maintenance convenience.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Oil‑free cooking
- Even heat distribution
- Cool‑touch ergonomic handle
- Dishwasher‑safe cleanup
- Induction compatible
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited 8‑inch size
- Ceramic coating wears
- Not oven‑safe high heat
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch Large Frying Pan with Helper Handle, Induction-Ready Skillet, Dishwasher-Safe, NSF-Certified, Made in Brazil

Tramontina’s Signature 12‑inch tri‑ply clad frying pan delivers professional‑grade heat distribution thanks to its aluminum core sandwiched between 18/10 stainless steel layers. The generous cooking surface accommodates family‑size stir‑fries, sautéed vegetables, and seared proteins with ease.
A built‑in helper handle provides extra leverage for safe lifting and transferring hot food. Compatible with gas, electric, and induction stovetops, the pan also tolerates oven temperatures up to 500°F, expanding its versatility.
Robust construction ensures durability, while the polished interior offers a natural, low‑stick surface that improves with regular seasoning.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Tri‑ply heat stability
- Spacious 12‑inch surface
- Helper handle for lift
- Induction and oven safe
- Durable 18/10 stainless
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Heavier than aluminum
- Pricey for casual cooks
- Requires pre‑heating
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel, 8″ Frying Pan Skillet with Removable Silicone Handle Holder, Induction, Oven Safe, 1.8 Liters, Black

The OXO Obsidian 8‑inch carbon‑steel skillet delivers the holy‑grail experience Wirecutter praised in 2025. Pre‑seasoned out of the box, it cooks right away and builds a natural non‑stick patina with use.
Its thin yet durable construction heats quickly and distributes heat evenly, making searing, stir‑frying, and sautéing effortless. Weighing only a few ounces, it feels light in the hand, and the removable silicone sleeve offers a comfortable, heat‑proof grip.
Oven‑safe to 660°F, it transitions from stovetop to oven or grill without a hitch, offering professional performance at a home‑friendly price.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Nonstick-like cooking performance
- Lightweight and easy handling
- Excellent high-heat sear
- Quick, even heating
- Removable silicone sleeve
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No built-in lid
- Requires careful drying
- Handle sleeve can melt
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel, 10″ Frying Pan Skillet with Removable Silicone Handle Holder, Induction, Oven Safe, Black

The OXO Obsidian 10‑inch carbon‑steel skillet shares the same award‑winning qualities that made Wirecutter’s 2025 top pick. It arrives pre‑seasoned, so you can start cooking immediately, and a natural non‑stick patina forms as you use it.
Its larger surface area and lightweight, thin walls heat up fast and stay even, perfect for searing steaks, frying eggs, or stir‑frying vegetables. The removable silicone handle sleeve provides a secure, heat‑resistant grip, and the pan is oven‑safe up to 660°F, allowing seamless movement from stovetop to oven or grill.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Nonstick-like cooking performance
- Lightweight and easy handling
- Excellent high-heat sear
- Quick, even heating
- Removable silicone sleeve
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No built-in lid
- Requires careful drying
- Handle sleeve can melt
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel, 12″ Frying Pan Skillet with Removable Silicone Handle Holder, Induction, Oven Safe, Black

OXO’s Obsidian 12‑inch carbon‑steel skillet arrives pre‑seasoned, so you can dive straight into cooking without the usual seasoning ritual. The pan heats quickly and distributes heat evenly, delivering a true sear on steaks while remaining light enough for effortless flipping.
Its non‑stick‑like patina improves with each use, and the removable silicone sleeve offers a comfortable grip even when the handle gets hot. Oven‑safe to 660°F, it transitions from stovetop to oven or grill, making it a versatile workhorse for everyday meals and weekend feasts.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Pre‑seasoned, ready to use
- Lightweight, easy to maneuver
- Excellent high‑heat sear
- Silicone sleeve for safety
- Oven‑safe to 660°F
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Handle gets hot without sleeve
- Requires regular maintenance
- Not dishwasher safe
OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel, 12″ Frying Pan Skillet with Holes for Grilling with Removable Silicone Handle Holder, Induction, Oven Safe, Black

The OXO Obsidian 12‑inch carbon‑steel skillet with built‑in grilling holes brings the char of an outdoor grill to your kitchen counter. Pre‑seasoned out of the box, the pan forms a natural non‑stick patina as you cook, while the perforated surface allows excess fat to drain, producing crisp, caramelized edges on vegetables and a smoky sear on meats.
It heats fast, stays lightweight, and the removable silicone handle keeps your hand cool. Oven‑safe to 660°F, it works on stovetops, grills, and in the oven for versatile, high‑heat cooking.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Grilling holes drain fat
- Pre‑seasoned, ready instantly
- Lightweight, quick heating
- Silicone handle stays cool
- Oven‑safe to 660°F
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Holes can let sauce escape
- Requires careful cleaning
- Not ideal for sauces
YOSUKATA 10 1/4″ Carbon Steel Frying Pan – Non-Toxic Pre-Seasoned Skillet with Removable Wooden Handle – Coating-Free Wok-Style Pan for Gas, Induction, Electric, Oven & Grill BBQ

YOSUKATA’s 10‑¼‑inch carbon steel skillet delivers a pure, toxin‑free cooking surface that builds a natural non‑stick patina with each use. The thin yet sturdy steel heats up in seconds and spreads heat evenly, so eggs, stir‑fries, and seared steaks turn out perfectly every time.
A detachable wooden handle stays cool on the stovetop and doubles as an oven‑safe grip, letting you move from pan‑fry to bake without hassle. Built to resist warping, the pan works on gas, electric, induction, grill, BBQ, and even open flame, making it a versatile companion for indoor and outdoor kitchens alike.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Natural non‑stick seasoning
- Fast, even heating
- Cool, removable handle
- Oven‑safe up to 500°F
- Works on all cooktops
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires seasoning maintenance
- Wood handle may splinter
- Not dishwasher safe
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 factors determine the right frying pan size?
Consider the number of people you usually cook for and the type of dishes you make; a 10‑inch pan works well for 1‑2 servings, while a 12‑inch pan handles larger meals. Also think about stovetop size—your pan should fit comfortably without overhanging. Larger pans can distribute heat more evenly, but they may be heavier and harder to store.
How do nonstick pans compare to stainless steel for everyday cooking?
Nonstick pans excel at low‑fat cooking and easy cleanup, making them ideal for eggs, pancakes, and delicate fish. Stainless steel offers superior searing, deglazing, and high‑heat tolerance, which is better for browning meat and creating fond. However, stainless steel requires more oil and careful temperature control to prevent sticking.
What are the pros and cons of cast‑iron versus carbon‑steel pans?
Cast‑iron retains heat exceptionally well, providing even cooking and excellent browning, but it’s heavy and takes longer to heat up. Carbon‑steel heats up faster and is lighter, making it a favorite for professional kitchens, yet it requires more frequent seasoning to stay non‑reactive. Both develop a natural nonstick surface over time, but cast‑iron is generally more forgiving for beginners.
Should I prioritize a pan’s oven‑safe temperature rating?
If you plan to finish dishes in the oven or use the pan for baked recipes, an oven‑safe rating of at least 400°F (200°C) is essential. Many nonstick coatings lose their durability above 350°F, so stainless steel or cast‑iron are safer choices for high‑heat oven use. Check the handle material as well, since some silicone or plastic handles have lower limits.
How important is the pan’s weight and handle comfort?
A well‑balanced pan feels lighter in the hand, reducing fatigue during stirring or flipping, which is especially important for longer cooking sessions. Ergonomic, heat‑resistant handles improve grip and safety, preventing burns. While heavier pans often indicate thicker construction, they shouldn’t feel cumbersome to maneuver.
What role does the pan’s heat‑distribution technology play in performance?
Multi‑layer (tri‑ or quad‑ply) constructions combine aluminum or copper cores with stainless steel surfaces to spread heat evenly and eliminate hot spots. This results in consistent cooking and better temperature control, which is crucial for sauces and delicate foods. Simpler single‑layer pans may be cheaper but can produce uneven cooking zones.
Is a higher price always an indicator of better durability and performance?
Not necessarily; price often reflects brand reputation, materials, and marketing rather than real-world longevity. A mid‑range stainless‑steel pan with a solid core can outperform an expensive nonstick pan that degrades quickly. Look for warranty length, user reviews, and specific construction details to gauge true value.