The skillet is a marvelous piece of cookware and a must-have for anyone who loves to cook. Constructed with a steeper angle than the flared sides of a frying pan, a skillet—sometimes referred to as a French skillet—allows you to cook with more liquid and keep it from splashing out while cooking. In addition to frying pans, skillets are also interchangeable with straight-sided sauté pans, sometimes called a sauteuse.
Skillets are extremely versatile and can be used for searing proteins, reducing sauces, and even roasting. Since they’re slightly deeper than a frying pan and often accompanied by a tight-fitting lid, it is ideal for keeping moisture and heat during longer cooking periods.
Best Overall
Misen Stainless Skillet
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- Great uniform heat distribution
- 5-ply construction
- Reasonably priced
- Side angle is ideal for flipping food
- Slight warping
- Heavier than 3-ply skillets
One of the best parts of using a skillet over a fry pan is the larger cooking surface. And this nearly straight-sided Misen skillet utilizes all available cooking space so you have more than enough room. The skillet is made of five layers, two each of aluminum and stainless steel, with an alloy at the core of the pan. The thicker pan does mean it’s slightly heavier, but it had great heat distribution when we tested it.
The performance wasn’t all we loved about the Misen—we also really appreciated the design. The side walls curve slightly outwards, which is ideal for flipping, yet it gives enough room for fully incorporating ingredients while stirring. The pan itself is exceptionally well-balanced, with a comfortable stay-cool handle. We also liked that it all cleaned up easy after testing.
We did observe very slight warping after putting a searing-hot pan in cold water, so you should wait for the pan to cool each and every time. But that defect didn’t outweigh that this pan performed better than a few pricier options.
Price at time of publish: $65
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Material: Stainless steel and aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Available Sizes: 8 inches, 10, inches, 12 inches
Best Splurge
All-Clad d5 Covered Saute Pan
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- Sturdy 5-ply construction
- Can use on any cooktop, including induction
- Oven- and broiler-safe
- Dishwasher safe
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Can be bulky to store
If you’re going to splurge on a skillet, it’s best to choose something versatile, and this sauté pan from the d5 series is no exception. Made with five alternating layers of aluminum and 18/10 stainless steel, it has a nice weight and heats evenly with no hot spots. The handle is riveted for security, so you can transport it from the stovetop to the oven or table.
We’ve tested the d5 cookware four different times, and the line always impresses. We’ve seen even browning when searing scallops and chicken breasts, and minimal sticking when cooking eggs. The cookware does take a few extra moments to warm through, but is super efficient when heated, allowing you to use low to medium heat to cook most things. It also has excellent heat conductivity, so browning and searing are fast and easy. The long handle on this sauté pan was easy to grip thanks to its ergonomic contour, but the handle may present a bit of a storage issue if you’re limited on space.
You can use this heavy skillet to brown proteins and it’s large enough for braising with the included lid making sure your dish doesn’t dry out during a long simmer. This pan can be used on every cooktop, including induction, and is oven- and broiler-safe (without the lid) up to 600 degrees. The polished finish will continue to look brand new with proper maintenance for years to come.
Price at time of publish: $250
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Material: Stainless steel and aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 600 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Available Sizes: 3 quarts, 6 quarts
Best Budget
Goldilocks Medium Skillet
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- Great performance
- Uniform heating
- Good side wall angles
- Can warp
- Feels bulky
Golidlocks may be a newer brand, but it is creating good inexpensive cookware. When we tested the 10-inch stainless-steel skillet, we were amazed by how well it performed against tried-and-true favorites. When we pan-fried chicken in the tri-ply pan, the heat was so even and thorough that the chicken looked beautifully fried. It also produced a quick boil when making beurre blanc. When it was time to clean up, we did notice some fond from the chicken test, but it only took a little scrub to get that off.
We weren’t the biggest fans of the pan’s design. The weight is centered in the pan—it wasn’t uncomfortable, but did make it feel bulky. Additionally, it did warp during our thermal shock test, so take care when cleaning. But the angles are great for flipping eggs, the performance was incredible, and the price is right.
Price at time of publish: $45
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Material: Stainless steel and aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 550 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Available Sizes: 10 inches, 12 inches
Best Cast Iron
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
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- Virtually indestructible
- Retains heat very well
- Inexpensive
- Additional care required to maintain seasoning
- Hand wash only
- Not recommended for acidic foods
Lodge has a reputation for long-lasting, affordable cast-iron goods. This 10.25-inch skillet is one of the company’s most iconic items and a pan that you can certainly pass down as an heirloom. Like all bare cast iron, continued use will encourage the buildup of seasoning, which will make the surface feel almost like a nonstick pan.
We liked how lightweight this skillet is compared to some other cast iron pans, so much so that our home tester found herself reaching for it over other cast irons. While it does arrive pre-seasoned, it doesn’t quite have the slip of a real nonstick pan. Notoriously sticky foods like eggs and skillet cornbread tended to stick, possibly due to the pan’s rougher surface. When cooking them in this pan, don’t be shy when adding butter or oil.
Cast iron is prized for its ability to achieve and retain high heat, so it’s an ideal pan for searing steaks or browning other proteins. It can also withstand temperatures that are higher than any home cooktop can achieve, so you can use it under the broiler or on top of the grill without damaging it. As with all cast-iron cookware, some special care is required to keep it in top condition, but it is a workhorse of a pan that won’t cost you a lot of money. These skillets don’t come with lids, but if you want one, you can purchase one separately.
Price at time of publish: $20
Material: Cast iron | Oven Safe Temperature: More than 600 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Available Sizes: 3.5, 6, 8, 9, 10.5, 12, and 15 inches
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Best Enameled Cast Iron
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Deep Sauté Pan
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- Very durable construction
- Retains heat very well
- Stain- and scratch-resistant enamel coating
- Fun selection of finishes
- Heavy
- Expensive
Just like its signature Dutch ovens, this deep sauté pan by Le Creuset is made from the same enameled cast iron and performs beautifully. While this pan heats slower than copper or stainless steel, its cast-iron construction retains heat much longer and provides the searing hot surface needed to effectively brown meats and other proteins. Available in 3.75- and 4.25-quart versions, it’s large enough to cook for multiple people, but not so large that it takes up too much space on the cooktop.
Since it’s made of cast iron, you can use this stylish sauté pan on just about any surface, including induction, and you can also transfer it into the oven for slow braises or to finish a dish under the broiler. Like much of Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron cookware, this model is available in a variety of finishes to add a pop of color to your kitchen. The only real downside to this piece of cookware is that it’s hefty, both in weight and price, but since it comes backed by a lifetime guarantee, we think it is worth every penny.
Price at time of publish: $350
Material: Enameled cast iron | Oven Safe Temperature: 500 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Available Sizes: 3.75 quarts, 4.25 quarts
Best Nonstick
HexClad Hybrid Pan
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- Tough interior resists metal utensils
- Oven safe to 500 degrees
- Securely riveted handles
- Expensive
This 12-inch pan by Hexclad has a proprietary etched interior that stainless steel ridges with ceramic nonstick surface that easily releases whatever you’re cooking. Thanks to this genius design, it has the durability of a stainless steel pan with the slip of nonstick, hence its “hybrid” designation.
We used it to successfully sear steak (something most nonstick pans can’t achieve), saute vegetables, and make omelets, proving its versatility time and time again. This pan is oven safe to 500 degrees, and is approved for use with metal utensils, but be sure to wash it by hand.
Price at time of publish: $255
Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic nonstick coating | Oven Safe Temperature: Up to 500 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: No | Available Sizes: 12 inches
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Best Ceramic
Caraway Saute Pan
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- Ceramic nonstick coating
- Versatile 4.5-quart size
- Chic color palette
- Handles tend to get hot
- Expensive for single pan
Caraway is a fairly new company, but it has made a splash with its line of ceramic-coated cookware with a modernist aesthetic and chic color palette. This includes a 4.5-quart skillet that can be used on any stovetop, including induction—a rare characteristic when it comes to nonstick pans. It measures nearly 12 inches in diameter, comes with a matching lid to contain heat and moisture, heats evenly, and is oven safe up to 550 degrees, which is higher than your typical nonstick or ceramic pan.
We loved how substantial the pan is, and found the heating to be very even and controlled when tested. It also heats efficiently and evenly, allowing you to use low and medium temperatures without sacrificing performance. The pan’s nonstick coating is “a dream,” since not a single piece of food stuck to the pan. One downside is the stainless steel handles can get hot when the pan is in use, but having an oven mitt on standby will easily solve that problem.
Cleanup is hassle-free thanks to the slick ceramic interior—use a non-abrasive scrubber to get rid of any debris and wash with dish soap and warm water. You can run it through the dishwasher once in a while, but as with most coated pans, hand washing will aid in the longevity of your cookware.
Price at time of publish: $145
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Material: Ceramic-coated aluminum | Oven Safe Temperature: 550 degrees | Induction Ready: Yes | Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Available Sizes: 4.5 quarts
Best Electric
Presto Foldaway Electric Skillet
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- Weighted, sturdy construction
- Easy to cook with
- Dishwasher safe with power supply removed
- Inexpensive
- Nonstick surface is susceptible to scratches
The Presto 16-Inch Electric Foldaway Skillet is a top-rated product that boasts a variety of cutting-edge, yet dependable features—and it won’t break the bank. Made of heavy cast aluminum that’s nonstick on both the inside and outside, this versatile skillet can be used to cook for a large family without having to turn on your stovetop. With a maximum temperature of 400 degrees, you can sear meats and make a stir-fry or adjust the heat control as necessary for batches of scrambled eggs or hash browns. This skillet can also double as a buffet server, keeping food warm without taking up space in the oven or occupying an extra burner.
The Presto skillet measures 19 x 12 x 8 inches, but the pan itself is approximately 2.75 inches high, making it deep enough for deep frying. It also has a built-in spout, so you can easily pour liquids. The tempered glass lid makes it easy to visually monitor what’s cooking, and thanks to the skillet’s stay-cool handles, you don’t need oven mitts when handling it. To clean, detach the heating controls and put the entire pan into the dishwasher. The skillet’s most notable feature is its ease of storage, thanks to handles that fold into the pan for a streamlined silhouette when it’s not in use.
Price at time of publish: $84
Material: Nonstick coated cast aluminum | Dishwasher Safe: Yes, when power supply is removed | Size: 19 x 12 inches
Final Verdict
When it comes to quality, performance, and ease of maintenance, we chose the All-Clad d5 Covered Saute Pan as our top pick. If you don’t mind the required upkeep, the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Assist Handle is also an outstanding option when it comes to durability and value.
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How We Tested
To compile this list, our team spent hours researching the best skillets on the market, evaluating their key features—like material, design, and price—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Some were fully tested in our Lab, where we examined their cooking performance, balance, and ease of cleaning by searing salmon, sautéing mushrooms, and baking cornbread. Additionally, skillets were sent to our home reviewers to see how they stand up to everyday usage cooking and cleaning.
The Spruce Eats Team Tests the Best Stainless Steel Skillets
Other Options We Tested
- Le Creuset Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Inch Fry Pan: We know that Le Creuset cookware is built to last and this pan is no different. It outperformed most other skillets when tested for durability, in addition to being super comfortable to work with on the stove. Our caveats though come from it being a smaller fry pan—we couldn’t fit two chicken breasts on it at the same time—and it took much longer to heat up than others. Add in the price, and we think you can find better skillets.
- All-Clad FusionTec Skillet: The All-Clad brand is one we trust, and we were almost certain we’d love this skillet—and we do. It delivers even heating, a very durable nonstick surface, and an overall great performance. But we found it to be very expensive for a single pan, so we left it off the list.
What To Look For in a Skillet
Materials
When it comes to skillets, there are options galore. From stainless steel to cast iron to copper, skillets are made from a variety of different materials and have various cooking capabilities. How frequently you cook and the types of food you make will help you narrow your choices. If you cook a lot, you’ll likely want several different types of skillets.
For high-heat cooking, when you’re looking to create a beautifully seared steak, for example, you’ll want to choose bare or enameled cast iron since this type of pan can hold heat and withstand higher temperatures than most other pans. For making sauces and braising meats, stainless steel will provide plenty of versatility. Nonstick pans will make for easy cleanup, but be mindful of the heat threshold of these types of pans, as it tends to be lower than with other materials.
Size
Do you typically cook for a big family or entertain friends often? Skillets come in a variety of sizes, from those designed to fry a single egg to ones that can cook up grub for a crowd. The size you need will depend on how many people you intend to serve. For feeding one to two people, a 10-inch skillet should be more than enough; for larger families or for those who like to batch prep, you’ll want to scale upwards to the 12-inch size. It will be bulkier and take up more storage space, but you’ll have plenty of room to cook multiple servings.
Ease of Use
How much effort you want to put into cooking (and cleaning up) should also be a factor you consider when choosing a skillet. Some are ready to go out of the box, while others require seasoning and other special maintenance—cast iron and carbon steel pans are probably the most demanding. Certain pans, like cast iron and stainless steel, allow you to use any utensils, while others, like those with nonstick surfaces, require the use of silicone or plastic tools so they don’t get scratched. Also, note the type of handle a skillet has and if you’ll need hot pads or other protection while cooking.
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FAQs
What’s the difference between a skillet, frying pan, and sauté pan?
It depends on where you are and who you ask. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but for the purpose of this particular roundup, a skillet and sauté pan are nearly identical, featuring high sides—slightly angled for skillets and straight for sauté pans—and a wide bottom.
A frying pan is often referred to as a skillet in everyday vernacular, but regardless of what you call it, these lidless pans typically have lower, flared sides that let you access food easily with a spatula and curved sides that let you slide food—like omelets and pancakes—onto a plate.
How do you clean a cast iron or carbon steel skillet?
Cast iron and carbon steel are very close in material and maintenance, so you’d clean them similarly. The quick version: Let your pan cool, scrub away any debris, and then use a stiff brush or scrubber to clean the pan under hot water. Wipe the skillet dry, add a small amount of cooking oil back to the pan, and reheat it on the stove briefly. Then, use a soft cloth or towel to rub the oil over the interior surface to keep the seasoning intact. For a more detailed set of instructions, head here.
How do you season a cast iron or carbon steel skillet?
Many of today’s cast iron and carbon steel pans are available already seasoned, letting you use them right out of the box. If your pan arrives unseasoned, you can easily season the pan yourself. Make sure your pan is clean, then coat it with a thin layer of oil or shortening and place in a 300-degree oven for an hour. Over time, your pan will develop more seasoning with use, so you won’t need to reseason it unless you scrub or scrape the surface down to bare metal again. For a guide on how to care for cast iron, read this.
Can you put a skillet in the oven?
Generally speaking, yes. Just ensure that the manufacturer specifies that your pan is oven safe, and take note of the maximum heat threshold. As an overall rule, carbon steel and cast iron can endure very high heat (600 degrees and above), stainless steel typically withstands slightly less (450 to 600 degrees), and nonstick is usually in the lower range (350 to 450 degrees, depending on the type of nonstick coating). Always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions as a guide.
