Selecting the right frying pans is an essential part of building a well-equipped kitchen. You can choose a pan that aligns with your cooking style and daily needs, by understanding different materials, sizes, handle types, and additional features.  

Moving into a new home and setting up your own kitchen can be both exciting and overwhelming. As you browse through rows of shiny cookware, you might find yourself wondering, ‘Do I need non-stick frying pans or cast-iron ones? What size is best for everyday cooking?’ 

 Choosing the right frying pan is one of the most important steps in setting up your kitchen, as it is the workhorse for everything from making quick omelettes in the morning to preparing hearty dinners at night. In this blog, we will help you navigate different materials, sizes, and features to find the perfect frying pan for your cooking needs. 

1. Consider the Material

The material of a frying pan is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a pan, as it directly impacts heat distribution, cooking efficiency, and overall durability. 

• Stainless Steel

Made from a durable alloy, stainless steel frying pan is non-reactive, so it will not alter the taste of acidic foods like tomatoes or lemon-based sauces. It can handle very high temperatures, making it perfect for searing meats, browning vegetables, and deglazing. The excellent heat retention of stainless steel frying pan allows for minimal temperature fluctuations and even cooking. 

•  Non-stick (Teflon or Ceramic Coating)

Made of materials like PTFE (Teflon) or ceramic, the non-stick frying pan coating prevents food from sticking – allowing you to cook with minimal oil. This makes them particularly useful for cooking delicate foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes – where it is important to flip or remove food without breaking. The coating also makes cleaning easier, requiring only a quick wash with a soft sponge. 

•  Cast Iron

These heavy-duty pans can handle very high temperatures and provide even heat distribution – making them ideal for frying, roasting, and baking. One of the standout features of cast iron is its ability to naturally develop a non-stick surface over time through seasoning. In this process, oil is baked into the pan’s surface, creating a layer that prevents food from sticking. 

•  Carbon Steel

These are quick to heat, making them great for stir-frying, searing meats, and even cooking in the oven. Carbon steel frying pan can handle high heat, similar to cast iron, and also develops a natural non-stick surface over time with proper seasoning. This makes it a favourite among professional chefs and home cooks who need a versatile, all-in-one pan. 

•  Copper

These frying pans are prized for their excellent heat conductivity, allowing for precise temperature control. Copper heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for tasks like sauteing vegetables, making sauces, and fast cooking. This responsiveness makes copper a preferred choice for dishes that require quick heat adjustments. 

2. Choose the Right Size

The size of a frying pan significantly impacts cooking efficiency, food quantity, and even heat distribution. 

• Small Frying Pan:

These non-stick cooking pans are 8-9 inches in diameter and are perfect for individual cooking or meals for 1-2 people. Compact size makes them ideal for frying eggs, making omelettes, toasting spices, or reheating leftovers. 

• Medium Frying Pan:

This pan measures 10-11 inches and is the most versatile and widely used size. It is suitable for preparing meals for two to three people. The medium size is spacious enough for cooking cutlets, vegetables, and stir-fries without crowding the ingredients. 

• Large Frying Pan:

With a diameter of 12-14 inches, this non-stick frying pan is designed for cooking larger quantities. Wider cooking surface ensures that the food cooks evenly and gets a good sear – making it ideal for dishes like steaks, pork chops, or even vegetarian stir-fries that require more space. 

3. Consider Handle Type

During cooking, the handle design and material of a frying pan significantly influence safety, comfort, and versatility.

• Riveted Handles

These handles are present in heavy-duty cookware like cast iron and stainless steel frying pan, attached to the non-stick cooking pans with visible metal rivets. However, food residue can accumulate around the rivets, making it challenging to clean. If not dried properly, rust formation is a risk.

• Welded Handles

These handles are seamlessly fused to the pan, providing a smooth, rivet-free interior. This makes them easier to clean and maintain, as there are no crevices for food to get trapped. However, they may not be as strong as riveted handles, especially under heavy loads or frequent high-heat use.

• Heat-resistant Handles

These handles are made from silicone, Bakelite, or special oven-safe stainless steel. Silicone-coated handles offer an insulated grip, making them safe and comfortable. Bakelite handles can handle oven temperatures up to 175°C (350°F), while stainless steel handles can withstand up to 260°C (500°F) – making them ideal for stovetop-to-oven cooking.

• Ergonomic Handles

These handles are designed to align with the natural shape of the hand, offering a comfortable and secure grip. The ergonomic handle features a curved or contoured design, reducing hand strain during prolonged cooking or lifting heavy pans. Many ergonomic handles also have textured grips or rubberised coatings to prevent slipping, making them safer to use.

• Detachable Handles

These can be removed with a simple click, making the pan versatile for oven use, storage, and even serving food at the table. Detachable handle types are becoming increasingly popular in modular cookware sets. You can detach them and access the entire pan without obstacles and save space in compact kitchens. 

•  Wooden Handles

These handles offer a traditional aesthetic while providing a cool, comfortable grip during stovetop cooking. Wooden handles are often found in carbon steel woks, cast iron skillets, and vintage-style frying pans. However, they are not oven-safe, as prolonged exposure to heat can damage the wood or cause it to crack. Wooden handles also require more care, as they should not be soaked in water for long periods. 

4. Look for Extra Features

Here are some valuable features that can make a frying pan even more user-friendly. 

• Pour Spouts:

These are small notches built into the edges of the frying pan, designed to facilitate easy pouring of liquids like excess oil, sauces, or gravies. This feature is particularly helpful when draining fats after cooking meats, or transferring liquids directly from the pan to serving bowls without making a mess. 

• Helper Handle:

This is a small, secondary handle located on the opposite side of the main handle. It is found on larger or heavier pans, such as cast iron or stainless steel, for added stability. This extra handle offers better control when moving the pan, especially when it is full or hot. 

• Lids:

Many frying pans come with matching lids made of glass or metal. They are especially useful when preparing dishes that need to retain moisture – like curries, frittatas, or shallow stews – as they help maintain even heat and prevent food from drying out. 

• Non-slip Base:

This feature benefits smooth surfaces, such as induction or ceramic cooktops, where pans could easily slide. A stable base not only prevents accidental spills, but also improves safety and control during fast-paced cooking. 

• Induction Compatibility:

Having an induction frying pan ensures versatility, allowing you to use it across different types of cooktops, including gas and electric. These pans offer quick, even heating, making them a practical choice for modern kitchens where energy efficiency and precise temperature control are priorities. 

Conclusion 

Whether it is non-stick frying pans for delicate foods, cast iron skillet for searing, or an induction frying pan for energy-efficient cooking, the right frying pan can elevate your cooking experience. As you settle into your new home, having the perfect frying pan will make meal prep easier and add joy to your time in the kitchen. 

FAQs 

1. What size frying pan should I buy? 

You should buy a frying pan that is 8-9 inches in size for 1-2 people, 10-11 inches for versatile family meals, and 12-14 inches for cooking larger batches. 

2. Can I use a frying pan on an induction cooktop? 

Yes, you can use a frying pan on an induction cooktop, but ensure it has a magnetic base or is labelled as induction-compatible. 

3. Are frying pans and skillets used for different types of cooking? 

Yes, frying pans and skillets are used for different types of cooking, as skillets have slightly higher, sloped sides for deeper frying and sauteing, while frying pans have lower, flatter edges that make them ideal for flipping.

4. What is the difference between non-stick and ceramic frying pans? 

The difference between non-stick and ceramic frying pans is that non-stick pans use a PTFE coating for easy release; and ceramic pans have a mineral-based coating that makes them more heat-resistant and free from synthetic chemicals.

Read to know more:  How to Decide Between Non-stick and Stainless Steel Frying Pan?