What are the Best Frying Pans for a Standard Cooktop? [Top Tips & Which Pans to Choose]

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A well-constructed frying pan is integral for any kitchen. 

Whether you are looking to whip up scrambled eggs on a Saturday morning, saute some veggies, or fry a juicy steak, quality frying pans will help you achieve your culinary dreams and beyond. 

There are many kinds of frying pans out on the market right now, and we want to help you choose the best one!

In fact, there are a number of characteristics to look out for when you’re looking for a frying pan for your kitchen. Depending on the type of cooktop you have, certain kinds of frying pans will fare far better than others. 

If you’re looking for the perfect frying pans for a standard cooktop, then look no further. We’ve curated the top five frying pans for you, all in one space, so that you can choose the optimal one for yourself. 


How We Decided the Best Frying Pans 

The standards for purchasing a frying pan are high. You want to ensure your pan will last for at least a year, and also be a quality addition to your kitchen. 

There are a number of different things to lookout for when buying a frying pan. 

We decided the top five frying pans to purchase based on: 

  1. Number of Amazon reviews
  2. The pan metal
  3. Its level of versatility

What is a Standard Cooktop? 

In this article, we are looking for the best frying pans for a standard cooktop. A standard cooktop heats up food via electricity, gas, or induction. Cooktops are built into a counter space with the oven and microwave spaced separately in the kitchen (usually). 

My cooktop is glass, and so for myself personally, I will need a different set of frying pans then maybe you may need. I prefer to use a stainless steel pan

Keep reading below to understand what you’ll need to know before choosing a frying pan set. 

My standard glass induction cooktop

My standard glass induction cooktop

Checking the Pan Suitability 

One important element to consider is whether or not the frying pan set is suitable for your cooktop. 

Check to see if your cooktop is electric, gas, or induction. Once you’ve established this, then you’ll be ready to choose a pan material that is best suited to your standard cooktop. 

All the pans that we have chosen are suitable for all kinds of standard cooktops.

You may also like: How to Use Non Induction Cookware on Induction Cooktop


What are the Best Materials for Frying Pans? 

Trying to sift out the best materials for your cooktop can seem like a daunting task. All the frying pans I have at home are either cast iron or stainless steel. 


Best: Stainless Steel

Our favorite frying pan material. Mostly because it is smooth on the surface and durable. It is also nonreactive which makes it a great choice to cook any type of food. 

One downside of stainless steel is its trickiness to clean. However, we know the secrets to keeping stainless steel nice, clean, and shiny

Chef’s tip: When cooking on stainless steel, using oil is essential.


Worst: Aluminum 

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal, which means that it isn’t the right type of pan for induction cooking. However, the material is lightweight and good at distributing heat which is why we aren’t totally ruling it out! There are some benefits. 


Most Interesting: Titanium (or Copper!)

Titanium is an interesting metal because oftentimes (especially in cookware) it is infused with other materials. Titanium is a non-magnetic metal and is great for heat conducting.

Copper pans are also interesting and will definitely add character to any kitchen. In addition to my tefal pan, I have copper cookware and they are wonderful and pleasing to the eye. 


At-a-Glance Chart 

Before we delve into the detailed descriptions of which pans made the cut, check out this quick overview chart.

Preview
T-fal Experience Nonstick Fry Pan 12.5 Inch, Induction, Oven Broiler Safe 400F, Non Stick Frying Pan, Skillet, Kitchen Egg Pan, Omelet Pan, Cookware, Pots and Pans, Home, Dishwasher Safe, Black
Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set with Stay-Cool Handles, 8- and 10-Inch, Grey
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omelette Pan, Healthy Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (8/9.5/10/11/12.5 Inch) (9.5 Inch)
Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet, Chef's Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Collection, 722-24
MICHELANGELO Frying Pan Set, 9.5" & 11" Copper Frying Pan Set with Lid, Nonstick Frying Pan With Titanium Ceramic Interior, Frying Pans Nonstick, Nonstick Skillets, Induction Compatible
Pan
T-fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan
Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set (2 pans)
Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Skillet
Michelangelo Frying Pan Set
Diameter
12.5 inches
8 inches, 10 inches
9.5 inches
10 inches
9.5 inches, 11 inches
Material
Titanium interior, aluminum, and stainless steel
Hard anodized aluminum
Granite and aluminum with magnetic induction bottom
Engineered from stainless steel, with an aluminum base
Copper and titanium
Versatility
Suitable for all cooktops, including induction
Very versatile and suitable across many kitchen cooktops
Suitable for induction, gas, and electric cooktops
Versatile and suitable for standard cooktops
Compatible with an array of cooktops
Prime Status
-
Rating
-
-
-
-
-
Preview
T-fal Experience Nonstick Fry Pan 12.5 Inch, Induction, Oven Broiler Safe 400F, Non Stick Frying Pan, Skillet, Kitchen Egg Pan, Omelet Pan, Cookware, Pots and Pans, Home, Dishwasher Safe, Black
Pan
T-fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan
Diameter
12.5 inches
Material
Titanium interior, aluminum, and stainless steel
Versatility
Suitable for all cooktops, including induction
Prime Status
Rating
-
Preview
Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set with Stay-Cool Handles, 8- and 10-Inch, Grey
Pan
Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set (2 pans)
Diameter
8 inches, 10 inches
Material
Hard anodized aluminum
Versatility
Very versatile and suitable across many kitchen cooktops
Prime Status
Rating
-
Preview
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omelette Pan, Healthy Stone Cookware Chef's Pan, PFOA Free (8/9.5/10/11/12.5 Inch) (9.5 Inch)
Pan
Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan
Diameter
9.5 inches
Material
Granite and aluminum with magnetic induction bottom
Versatility
Suitable for induction, gas, and electric cooktops
Prime Status
Rating
-
Preview
Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet, Chef's Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Collection, 722-24
Pan
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Skillet
Diameter
10 inches
Material
Engineered from stainless steel, with an aluminum base
Versatility
Versatile and suitable for standard cooktops
Prime Status
Rating
-
Preview
MICHELANGELO Frying Pan Set, 9.5" & 11" Copper Frying Pan Set with Lid, Nonstick Frying Pan With Titanium Ceramic Interior, Frying Pans Nonstick, Nonstick Skillets, Induction Compatible
Pan
Michelangelo Frying Pan Set
Diameter
9.5 inches, 11 inches
Material
Copper and titanium
Versatility
Compatible with an array of cooktops
Prime Status
-
Rating
-


Top Five Frying Pans for a Standard Cooktop 

Please note that all these pans are suitable for a standard cooktop. We are just ranking them from best to least-best based on the frying pan material, number of Amazon reviews, and versatility.

Personal image of my Tefal induction-ready frying pan

Personal image of my Tefal induction-ready frying pan


Top Choice: T-fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan - Amazon’s Choice 

T-fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan

T-fal is one of my favorite cookware brands. In terms of brand value, versatility, Amazon reviews and pan metal, the T-fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan ranks high. However, the devil is in the details so let’s look closer at this pan … 

Pros

  • The pan I currently have is sturdy and safe for standard cooktops. I can confidently say that our household loves this pan. We’ve put it to good use, perhaps using it almost daily and have not had a single scratch in it.

Cons

  • From my experience using T-fal products, I find them useful and functional. The only con I personally have is that they are quite heavy. If you have a glass cooktop, like myself, then add extra vigilance while cooking to protect your countertop.

Still skeptical? Check out the Amazon reviews for yourself. 

Overall rating:


Runner Up: Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set - Best Seller

Calphalon-Piece-Classic-Nonstick-Grey

The next best frying pan is actually a set of two! With many Amazon reviews, this set is currently listed as Amazon’s Choice. 

Pros

  • An extremely versatile set. The pans are engineered from hard anodized aluminum which means the aluminum has been processed in a way for it to evade corrosion. There are also two pans which is a great bonus!

Cons

  • From the Amazon reviews, the surface of the pan may peel. One cannot use metal against the surface otherwise scratching may occur. 

What’s better than one good frying pan? Two! Order off Amazon now.

Overall rating:

Pros

  • This frying pan is a great choice for a kitchen, and is currently a Best Seller on Amazon. Another key feature is that the pan boasts a stainless steel bottom, and is suitable for an induction cooktop. 
  • The pan also has steeper sides which adds to its versatility.

Cons

  • With only around 6,000 Amazon reviews, the Sensarte frying pan is on the lower end compared to the other pans we are comparing. Reviewers also say that the pan is not completely flat which could mean some difficulties while cooking.

Overall rating:


Runner Up: Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Skillet - Amazon’s Choice 

Cuisinart-722-24-Classic-Stainless-10-Inch

Pros

Cons

  • There are few cons, yet “sticking issues” seem prominent with this pan. Reviewers also state the skillet is highly heat sensitive and halving temperatures while cooking is common.

Overall rating:

Pros

  • The Michelangelo frying pan set is captivating. Even the name encapsulates a renaissance feel that may extend to one’s cooking. The set is copper, and this metal is fine at heat conducting. 

Cons

  • If you’re scouting for something on the traditional side, this may not be the frying pan set for you. 

Check out the price for this fancy set on Amazon now.

Overall rating:


Still undecided? Read our article, Best 14 Inch Frying Pans [Which Pan to Buy + Product Review] for more insight on durable and quality pans for your kitchen cooktop.

 


Final Thoughts - Frying Pan Recap 

The best frying pans for a standard cooktop are versatile, constructed of good material, and have overall favorable Amazon reviews. 

The pans we deem best are: 

  1. T-fal Professional Nonstick Frying Pan - Currently Amazon’s Choice (5/5 stars)

  2. Sensarte Nonstick Frying Pan - Currently Best Seller (4.5/5 stars)

  3. Calphalon Nonstick Frying Pan Set - Currently Best Seller (4.5/5 stars)

  4. Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Skillet - Currently Amazon’s Choice (4.0/5 stars)

  5. Michelangelo Frying Pan Set - Currently Amazon’s Choice (4.0/5 stars)

Overall, the pans’ features include suitability for all cooktops (induction, gas, electric), and are a variety of metals. Some pans feature two pans and others are more on the stylish side rather than functional. 

Optimize your decision whichever way, but rest assured all five frying pans would do well on a standard cooktop. 


FAQ


What is the Best Material for a Frying Pan and Why? 

The best material for a frying pan is one engineered from ferrous materials. This makes the pan more versatile which is important for diverse types of kitchens. 

If you like to finish off your meals via the oven, ensure to purchase a frying pan that can withstand high temperatures. 


Is it Better to Buy a Single Pan or a Whole Set? 

That depends. If you cook every day and are needing quality cookware, then a pan set is the best choice. 


What are the Best Pans to Use for Health? 

GreenLife is a reputable brand if you want to try cooking without butters and oils. The only downside is that GreenLife pans can be difficult to clean.

Jennifer Ulloa

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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