Best Skillet Reviews 2021

Skillets can be had in a myriad of sizes and features, hence the price will vary as such. But it’s best to avoid cheap skillets as these often showcase poor craftsmanship, and don’t offer great service life.

High-quality skillets at lower price points such as those with price tags of $30 and under generally offer a rich set of features, and just enough to work your magic in the kitchen with (such as a robust exterior and oven compatibility). If you want to step up your game and buy a skillet that’s literally a showstopper both in terms of performance and design, skillets on the higher end of the price spectrum won’t disappoint with dishwasher-safe, all stainless-steel bodies, and high heat resistance of up to an astounding 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Further, a few skillets can be ordered in packs of two sizes such as 9-inch and 11-inch, which may be a little higher in price, but more cost-efficient compared to buying them separately. To give you a rough idea, prices of skillets can rage anywhere between $25 and $50+ for skillets that offer superior durability.

Skillets are a staple in any home kitchen, and it’s no surprise why! They can be ordered in an assortment of sizes, and with cooking surfaces made from several different types of metals, each conducting heat differently.

Having said that, here are a few factors to consider when shopping for the best non-cast-iron skillet:

• Size – This is the diameter of the cooking surface.
• Standard vs. Non-stick – The former doesn’t have a non-stick surface to prevent foods from sticking, but rather releases lubricants needed to prevent sticking.
• Material – Common materials used in the construction of skillets are aluminum, stainless steel, or a mix of both.
• Handle – These can be made from either stainless steel, plastic, or metal with rubberized grips.
• Skillet Sets – Sets include several different sizes of skillets, an ideal choice if you’re cooking up a variety of different dishes.
• Maintenance – Some frying pans are dishwasher-safe, while others are to be washed by hand only.
• Lids – You will have to buy one separately for most skillets, but some manufacturers do include an appropriate lid, mostly to prevent sloshing liquids.
• Thickness – The thicker the skillet (measured in either gauge or mils), the higher the price because they are less likely to get warped and promote a more even heating.
• Warranty – Some skillet manufacturers provide a limited warranty against factory defects.

People often assume that the bigger the skillet, the better it is! While this is true to a certain extent, it is important to note that the larger the skillet, the more time it will take to reach the desired temperature. So, if you just need to sauté onions, these will not be an ideal choice. Further, although most skillets are round in shape, there are a few where other shapes may be a better fit, such as oval for cooking long and narrow foods.

One of the biggest questions that comes to mind when shopping for the best skillet is whether to purchase non-stick or standard surfaces based on your needs. Ultimately, this answer depends on your personal preferences, where non-stick skillets are easy to clean and require less oil for frying and sautéing; but on the flipside, they don’t brown food as well as metal surface skillets do.

When it comes to materials, it’s easy to get confused in this department simply because there is a myriad to choose between. Aluminum-clad stainless-steel skillets are one of the more popular options owing to their durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. Aluminum-made skillets, on the other hand, are generally lightweight, and are also rust- and corrosion-resistant.

The handles of skillets must offer a comfortable grip and should ideally remain cool to the touch. Stainless-steel handles generally do not conduct heat as well as aluminum handles, so they usually remain cooler than the pan. Some skillets are fitted with rubberized, stainless-steel handles with rubber grips or silicone grips which, though cool to touch, may not be designed for high temperature use.

Speaking of handles, some are riveted to the side of the pan for top-notch durability, but may not be such a joy to clean, and can loosen after heavy use. But it’s also the quality of the riveting process that can make a world of a difference; quadruple-riveted handles usually never fail just as is the case with permanently bonded or forged handles. When all is said and done, you want to buy a skillet that heats evenly on the bottom and is easy to clean with either a gentle hand wash or in the dishwasher.