A good frying pan is one of the most hardworking tools in any kitchen. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, rustling up a midweek dinner, or batch cooking for the week ahead, the right pan can make all the difference to how your food cooks—and how easy it is to clean up afterwards!
But with so many types, materials, and prices out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide breaks it all down and helps you choose a new frying pan that suits your cooking style, budget, and kitchen needs.
1. Think About What You Cook Most
Before you splash out on a new pan, think about what you cook on a daily or weekly basis.
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Everyday meals for one or two people? A 24–26cm pan is ideal.
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Cooking for the whole family or love batch cooking? Opt for a 28–30cm pan with deep sides.
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Need something versatile? Go for a mid-size pan that works for both quick meals and larger portions.
Also, consider whether you often cook dishes that require a lid—some pans come with one, and others don’t!
2. Non-Stick is a Must
If you want fuss-free cooking and easier washing up, a non-stick pan is your best friend. It’s perfect for:
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Cooking with little or no oil
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Preventing food from sticking and tearing
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Making clean-up quick and easy
Look for pans labelled PFOA-free, which means they’re made without harmful chemicals. Ceramic and hard-anodised coatings are also great for durability.
3. Choose the Right Material
Not all pans are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types:
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Aluminium with non-stick coating – Lightweight, affordable, and ideal for everyday use.
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Stainless steel – Tough and long-lasting, but often not non-stick. Great for searing and browning food.
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Cast iron – Heavy and takes longer to heat up, but retains heat beautifully. Brilliant for oven-to-table cooking.
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Ceramic-coated – A healthier non-stick alternative. Gentle to cook with but can be more delicate.
If you want something lightweight and low maintenance, aluminium or ceramic-coated options are great. For serious cooking and heat retention, cast iron is king—but be ready for some extra care and weight-lifting!
4. Check Hob Compatibility
Always check that your frying pan works with your type of hob:
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Induction hobs need pans with a magnetic base.
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Gas, electric, and ceramic hobs are usually fine with most pans.
Look out for the compatibility icons or read the product description before buying.
5. Is It Oven-Safe?
Some meals start on the hob and finish in the oven—think frittatas, shakshuka, or pan-roasted veg. If that sounds like your cooking style, make sure your frying pan is oven-safe (including the handle!).
Check the maximum oven temperature the pan can handle—some are safe up to 180°C, while others can go much higher.
6. Cleaning & Maintenance
Nobody wants to spend ages scrubbing pans after dinner. Here’s what to look for:
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Dishwasher safe? Handy, but many non-stick pans last longer if hand-washed.
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Easy to wipe clean? Go for non-stick or ceramic coatings.
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Avoid metal utensils on coated pans to prevent scratching.
If you prefer low-maintenance cookware, avoid anything that needs regular seasoning or special care (like traditional cast iron).
7. Set Your Budget
Frying pans can range from under £10 to over £100! While you don’t need to break the bank, investing in a quality pan will save you money in the long run. Cheaper pans may lose their non-stick surface quickly, leading to frustration (and more oil!).
Brands like Tefal, Ninja, GreenPan, Tower, and ProCook offer great value with reliable performance. Keep an eye out for sales or multipack deals too.
8. Bonus Tip: You Might Need More Than One
If you cook regularly or like to meal prep, having two pans (a small and a large) can be a total time-saver. It means you can prep multiple ingredients at once or whip up a quick side while your main dish is cooking.
9. Recommended Frying Pans
I use 2 frying pans at home… I would like to share them with you.
SENSARTE Nonstick Deep Frying Pan 28cm
I absolutely love this SENSARTE frying pan because it’s so much more than just a basic non-stick. The deep sides make it perfect for cooking saucy dishes like bolognese and curries—there’s loads of room to stir without anything spilling over. It’s induction-compatible, which is ideal for my kitchen setup, and it heats up evenly every time. The non-stick coating is brilliant—nothing sticks, and it wipes clean with ease. I also love that it comes with a lid for simmering and a stay-cool handle that feels sturdy and safe to hold. It’s a fantastic all-rounder and definitely one of my most-used pans.
GIPP Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid 24cm
I’ve been really impressed with this GiPP 24cm nonstick frying pan—it’s ideal for everyday cooking like eggs, omelettes, steaks, and quick pan-fried meals. The ceramic non-stick surface is smooth and reliable, making it easy to cook with little or no oil, and cleaning up is effortless. It’s the perfect size for smaller portions or solo cooking, and the included lid is great for keeping food warm or helping things cook through gently. It’s also induction-compatible, which is a big plus, and the handle stays cool and comfortable to hold. Lightweight, attractive, and great value—it’s become my go-to for simple, no-fuss meals.
Final Thoughts
A frying pan might seem like a basic kitchen item, but choosing the right one can completely change your cooking experience. Think about your everyday meals, how much effort you want to put into cleaning, and what kind of cooking you enjoy.
With the perfect pan in your kitchen, you’ll be flipping, frying, and sizzling your way through delicious meals in no time.