When moving into a new home, a decent saucepan and frying pan are essential for that first home-cooked meal. Investing in quality cookware pays off, especially for smaller households. We tested 10 models in a home kitchen to find the best options.
The Our Place Always Pan has gained cult status, praised by Oprah and collaborated on by Selena Gomez. Its cast iron iteration features an easy-care matt black enamel coating, an integrated beachwood spatula, and two rubber hot grips. The eight-in-one design can bake, broil, braise, and more, with optional extras like a fry deck and alternate clay Tagine lid.
GreenPan's Tucci collection, available at Fortnum & Mason, includes the 33cm Stanley Pan as its star. Crafted with a three-ply stainless-steel body and GreenPan's PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating infused with diamonds, it promises professional-grade results. The collection also offers Dutch ovens, saucepans, and frying pans in various sizes.
Le Creuset's frying pan, while famous for cast iron, is made from three layers of stainless steel for even heat distribution. It has a PFOA-free nonstick coating, is dishwasher safe, works on all heat sources including induction, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. GreenPan's Eco-Smartshape is a sustainable choice, using 60 per cent less packaging and being recyclable with a separate handle.
Calphalon's two-piece stainless steel frying pan set features flat, wide bottoms for even heating and sloped sides for easy pouring and tossing. It is truly non-stick, easy to clean, and comes with a 10-year warranty. The Hestan NanoBond pan, handcrafted in Italy from molecular titanium, has a ProCore triple bonded stainless steel base for efficient conduction and a scratch-resistant, stain-resistant surface.
KitchenAid also offers premium cookware, including a frying pan that combines style with practicality. Each pan was tested for performance, durability, and ease of cleaning, with the best picks offering excellent heat distribution, non-stick properties, and long-lasting construction.
