Stainless steel skillets are a staple in kitchens around the world, celebrated for their durability, versatility, and superior heat distribution. These pans are a must-have for both professional chefs and home cooks due to their ability to move seamlessly from the stovetop to the oven. However, when shopping for a stainless steel skillet, it’s crucial to select one that will best satisfy your cooking needs.
The best stainless steel skillet should be thoughtfully constructed with even heat distribution and a comfortable handle. It should also be easy to clean and preferably dishwasher safe. Using the wrong skillet can lead to unevenly cooked food, warping, and even potential harm if a handle becomes too hot to handle.
When selecting a stainless steel skillet, pay close attention to its composition and design. Quality skillets should have multiple layers, usually with an aluminum or copper core, to aid in efficient heat distribution and retention. They should also have a sturdy, heat-resistant handle and a design that promotes easy flipping and stirring.
In this article, we aim to guide you through the process of choosing the best stainless steel skillet. After extensive testing and research, we have identified various options that will meet the high standards of professional chefs and discerning home cooks. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information needed to ensure that you’re cooking with a skillet that delivers an outstanding performance every time.
Best Stainless Steel Skillets
Choosing a high-quality stainless steel skillet is essential for enhancing your cooking experience and achieving consistent, delicious results. The skillet should offer excellent heat distribution, be simple to clean, and be durably made. With so many options on the market, the task can seem daunting. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best stainless steel skillets, all of which we’ve thoroughly tested and assessed, making your selection process simpler.
DELARLO Whole body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12inch Frying Pan, Oven safe induction skillet,pots and pans set,Suitable for All Stove (Detachable Handle)
If you’re looking for a high-quality stainless steel frying pan that can withstand high heat and is suitable for all stoves, then the DELARLO Whole body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12inch Frying Pan is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The detachable handle allows for easy gripping and ensures a comfortable grip even when cooking with high heat.
- The 3-layer tri-ply stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution and prevents hot spots, making it perfect for searing, sautéing, and braising.
- The pan is compatible with all types of stoves, including induction, gas, electric, and oven-safe up to 500°F, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Cons
- The pan is relatively heavy, weighing in at 6.6 pounds, which may make it difficult to maneuver for some users.
- The pan is not dishwasher safe and requires hand washing to maintain its quality and longevity.
- The pan is on the pricier side compared to other frying pans on the market.
Overall, the DELARLO Whole body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12inch Frying Pan is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality, versatile frying pan that can withstand high heat and is suitable for all stoves. Its even heat distribution, compatibility with all types of stoves, and detachable handle make it a great choice for both professional chefs and home cooks alike.
Cuisinart 722-20 8-Inch Chef’s-Classic-Stainless-Cookware-Collection, 8″, Open Skillet
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable open skillet, the Cuisinart 722-20 8-Inch Chef’s-Classic-Stainless-Cookware-Collection is a great option.
Pros
- Made of 18/10 stainless steel for long-lasting durability
- Aluminum base for fast and even heating
- Compatible with all types of cooktops, including induction
Cons
- May not be suitable for large-scale cooking
- Handle may get hot during cooking
- May require more effort to clean than other types of cookware
We’ve used this open skillet for a variety of dishes, from sautéing vegetables to searing steaks, and it has performed well every time. The 18/10 stainless steel construction is both durable and aesthetically pleasing, and the aluminum base ensures even heating.
One of the best things about this skillet is its versatility. It’s compatible with all types of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction, so you can use it no matter what type of stove you have. It’s also oven-safe, so you can go from stovetop to oven without having to transfer your food to a different pan.
However, there are a few downsides to this skillet. It may not be the best option for large-scale cooking, as it only has a 2-quart capacity. Additionally, the handle may get hot during cooking, so you’ll need to use a pot holder if you’re transferring the skillet to or from the stove. Finally, the stainless steel construction may require more effort to clean than other types of cookware.
Overall, we would recommend the Cuisinart 722-20 8-Inch Chef’s-Classic-Stainless-Cookware-Collection to anyone looking for a durable and versatile open skillet. It may not be the best option for large-scale cooking, but it’s a great choice for everyday use.
8-10 Inch Tri-ply Stainless Steel Frying Pans and 6 QT Saute Pan with Lid,Skillets,Induction Cookware,Pots and Pans Set,Dishwasher and Oven Safe.(Removable Handle)
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable cookware set, the 8-10 Inch Tri-ply Stainless Steel Frying Pans and 6 QT Saute Pan with Lid set by VEVOR is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set is made of high-quality stainless steel and aluminum, making it durable and long-lasting.
- It is compatible with all types of stoves, including gas, electric, and induction, giving you plenty of cooking options.
- The pans are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and maintain.
Cons
- The set is quite heavy, which may be a downside for some users.
- The non-stick coating may not be as effective as some other brands.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other similar products on the market.
We’ve been using this cookware set for a few weeks now, and we’re overall impressed with its performance. The pans heat up evenly and retain heat well, which is great for cooking a variety of dishes. The removable handle is a nice feature, as it makes it easier to store the pans and transport them between the stove and the table.
One thing to note is that the set is quite heavy, which may be a downside for some users. However, we find that the weight adds to the durability and stability of the pans. Additionally, the non-stick coating may not be as effective as some other brands, but we’ve found that using a little bit of oil helps to prevent sticking.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and durable cookware set that can handle a variety of cooking methods, the 8-10 Inch Tri-ply Stainless Steel Frying Pans and 6 QT Saute Pan with Lid set by VEVOR is definitely worth considering.
Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet, Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Collection, 722-24
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable skillet, the Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The skillet is made of stainless steel with a brushed 18/10 stainless steel interior and aluminum base for even heat distribution.
- It is compatible with all types of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction.
- The skillet is oven and broiler safe up to 550°F and dishwasher safe.
Cons
- The skillet is relatively heavy, weighing 4.6 pounds.
- The handle gets hot during cooking.
- The skillet is not non-stick.
We’ve used the Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet for several weeks now and have found it to be a great addition to our kitchen. The skillet heats evenly and retains heat well, making it ideal for sautéing, searing, and stir-frying.
One of the things we like about this skillet is that it is made of high-quality materials. The stainless steel construction is durable and resistant to warping, while the aluminum base helps to distribute heat evenly. We also appreciate that the skillet is compatible with all types of cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction.
Another great feature of this skillet is that it is oven and broiler safe up to 550°F. This means that you can easily transfer the skillet from the stovetop to the oven without having to use another dish. Additionally, the skillet is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean up after cooking.
While there are some downsides to this skillet, such as its weight and the fact that it is not non-stick, we feel that the pros outweigh the cons. If you’re looking for a durable and versatile skillet that can withstand frequent use, the Cuisinart 10-Inch Open Skillet is definitely worth considering.
DELARLO Whole Body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with lid, 6 Quarts Saute Pan, 12 Inch Deep Frying Pan, Induction Compatible Chef Cooking Pan, Dishwasher & Oven Safe
If you’re looking for a high-quality sauté pan that can withstand the test of time, the DELARLO Whole Body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The tri-ply stainless steel construction ensures even heating and prevents hot spots, making it perfect for a variety of cooking methods.
- The pan is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, gas, electric, and ceramic, giving you flexibility in your kitchen.
- The lid is designed with a steam vent, which helps to prevent the buildup of pressure and allows for better control of the cooking process.
Cons
- The pan is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to maneuver for some users.
- The price point is a bit higher than some other sauté pans on the market.
- The pan is not non-stick, which may require some additional effort when cleaning.
Overall, we were very impressed with the performance of the DELARLO Whole Body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan. The tri-ply stainless steel construction ensures even heating and prevents hot spots, making it perfect for a variety of cooking methods. We also appreciate the fact that the pan is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, giving us flexibility in our kitchen.
One of the standout features of this pan is the steam vent on the lid. This is a great feature that helps to prevent the buildup of pressure and allows for better control of the cooking process. We found that this made a big difference when cooking things like rice and pasta, as it helped to prevent the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Another thing we really like about this pan is its durability. The stainless steel construction is built to last, and the pan is oven and dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean and convenient to use.
While the pan is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to maneuver for some users, we feel that this is a small price to pay for the quality and performance of the pan. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher than some other sauté pans on the market, but we believe that the quality justifies the cost.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality sauté pan that can withstand the test of time, the DELARLO Whole Body Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is definitely worth considering. Its even heating, compatibility with all cooktops, and steam vent lid make it a great choice for any home cook.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best stainless steel skillets, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various products to provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to look for.
Material
The material of the skillet is crucial as it determines its durability and heat distribution. Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its resistance to corrosion and staining. However, not all stainless steel skillets are created equal. Look for skillets made with 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel, which contains a higher percentage of chromium and nickel for better corrosion resistance.
Size
The size of the skillet is another important factor to consider. It depends on your cooking needs and the amount of food you usually prepare. A larger skillet is ideal for cooking for a crowd, while a smaller one is perfect for preparing meals for one or two people.
Weight
The weight of the skillet is also a consideration. A heavier skillet is ideal for searing and browning foods, while a lighter one is perfect for stir-frying and sautéing. However, keep in mind that a heavier skillet may be more challenging to maneuver.
Lid
A lid is an essential accessory for a skillet, especially if you plan to cook foods that require steaming or simmering. Look for a skillet with a tight-fitting lid made of the same material as the skillet for even heat distribution.
Handle
The handle of the skillet is also a crucial factor to consider. It should be sturdy and made of heat-resistant material. Look for a skillet with a handle that is easy to grip and does not get hot during cooking.
In conclusion, when looking for the best stainless steel skillets, consider the material, size, weight, lid, and handle. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a skillet that meets your cooking needs and lasts for years.
