A critically acclaimed pan for home cooks. You’ve probably seen the americas test kitchen frying pan raved about online or in cooking circles. It promises to be that one versatile workhorse, the pan you reach for every single night. But does it actually live up to the hype in a real, sometimes messy, home kitchen? Let’s find out if its worth clearing out your old pans for.
We put this fan-favorite through its paces. From searing steaks to making delicate omelets, we tested everything. Here’s our honest, hands-on review to help you decide if this is the kitchen upgrade you’ve been waiting for.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Americas Test Kitchen Frying Pan
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Pre-Seasoned Frying…
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9.6 |
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Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature…
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9.4 |
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Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature…
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9.2 |
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Blue Diamond 8″ Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Diamond Infused…
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9.0 |
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GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 8″…
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8.8 |
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GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized 3 Piece Fry Pan…
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8.5 |
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Redchef Ceramic Non Stick Egg Pans, Nonstick Frying Pan…
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8.3 |
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Blue Diamond Hybrid Nonstick Stainless Steel 10” Frying Pan,…
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8.1 |
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T-Fal Specialty Nonstick Saute Pan with Glass Lid 5…
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7.9 |
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IMUSA 8in Bistro Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan with Cool…
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7.7 |
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Quick Review For Top 10 Americas Test Kitchen Frying Pan
Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Pre-Seasoned Frying Pan with Teardrop Handle – Oven, Stovetop, Grill & Campfire Use – Made in USA – Durable, Non-Toxic, Even-Heating Cookware – Black
The Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet is a true kitchen workhorse, designed to handle virtually any cooking task you throw at it. This pre-seasoned frying pan comes ready to use, its classic black finish the result of a coating with 100% natural vegetable oil.
This initial seasoning provides a natural non-stick surface that only improves the more you cook with it, developing a better patina over time without any synthetic chemicals involved.
Versatility is where this skillet truly shines. It’s perfectly at home on your stovetop for searing a steak or sautéing vegetables, but it’s also built for the oven, under the broiler, or on an outdoor grill.
Its exceptional heat distribution and retention means you get even cooking, whether your making a cornbread, braising short ribs, or frying up breakfast potatoes. It’s even campfire-friendly, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures.
Lodge is committed to non-toxic cookware. This skillet is PFAS-free, made without PFOA and PTFE. It’s crafted from just two things: iron and oil.
Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
The Lodge 8 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet with its signature teardrop handle is a true kitchen workhorse. This pan is designed to be your new go-to piece for practically any cooking task you can think of. It works seamlessly on your stove, in the oven, on a grill, or even directly over a campfire. Its versatility comes from its simple, rugged construction—just American-made cast iron and oil.
That makes it a fantastic choice whether your just starting out or have been cooking for years.
One of the biggest advantages here is the pre-seasoning. Lodge seasons all there cookware with 100% natural vegetable oil, baking it right into the iron. This creates a natural, easy-release surface that actually gets better the more you use it. There are no synthetic coatings or chemicals to worry about. This seasoning also acts as a protective barrier to help prevent rust.
If you do happen to notice a spot that looks like rust when your skillet arrives, don’t worry. It’s not broken. That spot is usually just oil that hasn’t fully carbonized yet and will fade with regular use. For any rust that might appear later, a quick scouring, rinse, dry, and a fresh rub of oil will fix it right up.
Cooking with cast iron is a unique experience. The material is famous for its incredible heat retention.
Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle – Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire – Black
The Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet with its signature teardrop handle is a true kitchen workhorse. Its built to last a lifetime and handle virtually any cooking task you throw at it. This pan is pre-seasoned at the factory with 100% natural vegetable oil, giving it a ready-to-use, natural non-stick finish that only gets better the more you cook with it.
That seasoning is key—it helps with food release and protects the iron from rusting.
You can use this skillet anywhere heat is. Start a dish on your stovetop, then finish it in the oven for perfect results. Take it right to your grill for searing steaks or use it over a campfire for outdoor meals. The cast iron construction provides incredible heat retention, which means once its hot, it stays hot and cooks very evenly across the entire cooking surface.
This makes it ideal for tasks like searing, frying, baking cornbread, or even roasting vegetables. It is slow to heat up compared to some pans, but that steady, lasting heat is what gives you such great control.
Because its made from simple iron and oil, theres no worry about synthetic coatings or chemicals. Its PFOA and PTFE free. Lodge is a family-owned American company thats been making cookware since 1896, and this skillet is crafted in the USA.
Blue Diamond 8" Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Diamond Infused PFAS-Free Ceramic, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, Stainless Steel Handle, Durable Non Toxic Metal Utensil Safe, Egg & Omelet Pan, Blue
The Blue Diamond 8″ Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet is designed to be a reliable, everyday workhorse in your kitchen. This pan combines advanced material science with practical design to adress common cooking frustrations, focusing on durability, health, and ease of use.
Its core innovation is the diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating. This isn’t just a marketing term; integrating diamond particles makes the surface exceptionally hard.
It’s promoted as being five times harder and lasting ten times longer than standard nonstick coatings. This toughness means you can confidently use metal utensils without the immediate fear of scratching, which is a significant upgrade from traditional nonstick pans that require careful handling. The diamond infusion also aids in heat conduction.
Since diamonds transfer heat efficiently, the pan heats up quickly and distributes that heat evenly, helping to prevent hot spots that can burn your food. This leads to more consistent cooking results, wheter your making a delicate omelet or searing vegetables.
Health and safety are central to this product. The nonstick coating is explicitly free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 8" Frying Pan Skillet, PFAS-Free Cookware, Stainless Steel Handle, Induction Suitable, Dishwasher Safe, Oven Safe, Gray
The GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized 8″ Frying Pan is a compact workhorse designed for serious home cooks who prioritize both performance and health. This isn’t your average nonstick skillet; it’s built with a focus on exceptional durability and safety, all in a versatile package that works with your kitchen routines. At its heart is GreenPan’s cutting-edge ceramic nonstick coating, which is infused with diamonds for extra toughness.
This means you can confidently use metal utensils without the constant worry of scratching it up, which is a game-changer for many. The coating is also completely free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so you can cook knowing no harmful toxins are leaching into your food. Cleanup is remarkably easy—most messes wipe right out, and yes, it’s fully dishwasher safe for those days you just don’t feel like scrubbing.
The pan’s body is Duoforged and hard anodized, a process that makes it unbelievably tough and scratch-resistant. This construction contributes to balanced heating, preventing those annoying hot spots that can burn your food. The base is Magneto induction optimized, so it works perfectly on every type of stovetop, from gas and electric to modern induction cooktops. Its versatility extends to the oven and broiler too, where its safe to use at temperatures up to a whopping 600°F.
GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized 3 Piece Fry Pan Skillet Set, Ceramic Nonstick 8" 9.5" and 11" Induction Suitable Frying Pans, PFAS-Free Cookware, Dishwasher Safe, Oven and Broiler Safe, Gray
The GreenPan Valencia Pro Hard Anodized 3-Piece Fry Pan Set is designed to be a versatile and durable foundation for your everyday cooking. This set gives you three essential sizes—an 8-inch, a 9.5-inch, and an 11-inch frying pan—to handle everything from single-serve eggs to family-sized stir-fries. Its built to perform reliably across a wide range of cooking tasks.
At the heart of these pans is GreenPan’s advanced ceramic nonstick coating, called Thermolon 9G.
This coating is infused with diamonds for added strength and is completely free of PFAS, lead, and cadmium. It’s also the first ceramic nonstick to be NSF Certified, which means its been rigorously tested for safety and performance. The result is a surface that provides excellent food release and is notably scratch-resistant, even when you use metal utensils.
GreenPan states this technology makes the nonstick last 10 times longer than conventional coatings, though your experience will depend on proper care and use.
The pans themselves are constructed from Duoforged hard anodized aluminum. This process makes the body exceptionally tough and resistant to warping, ensuring even heating. The bases are Magneto induction suitable, so they work on every type of stovetop you might have, from gas and electric to induction cooktops.
Redchef Ceramic Non Stick Egg Pans, Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 8 inch Cooking Pan Non Toxic with Stay Cool Handle for Induction, PTFE & PFAS & PFOA Free, Dishwasher/Oven Safe (Blue)
The Redchef Ceramic Non Stick Egg Pan is a versatile 8-inch skillet designed to simplify your everyday cooking. Its core feature is a triple-layer ceramic non-stick coating that’s free from PTFE, PFAS, and PFOA. This means you get a cooking surface that releases food easily without the concerns associated with some traditional non-stick materials. You can cook with confidence using little to no oil, and cleanup is remarkably straightforward. This pan is built for performance.
Its forged aluminum construction ensures rapid and even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface. No more annoying hot spots that leave some food burnt and other parts undercooked. It heats up quickly and cooks your meals uniformly, whether your making a single serving or a side dish for the family. The pan’s compatibility is a major plus, working seamlessly on induction, gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops. Handling is a key focus.
The stay-cool handle is made from lightweight stainless steel and is ergonomically shaped for a secure, comfortable grip. Its double-riveted for sturdienss and durability, giving you great control when maneuvering the pan. This design also makes the pan oven-safe, allowing you to start a dish on the stovetop and finish it under the broiler or in the oven for recipes that require it. Both the handle and ceramic coating can withstand heat up to 842°F. When your done cooking, maintenance is simple.
Blue Diamond Hybrid Nonstick Stainless Steel 10” Frying Pan, PFAS-Free Ceramic Diamond Surface Skillet, Diamond Bond Powerful Searing, Dishwasher Safe, Stay-Cool Handle, Induction Ready, All Cooktops
The Blue Diamond Hybrid Nonstick Stainless Steel 10” Frying Pan is designed to be a versatile and durable workhorse for your kitchen. It combines the best qualities of different cookware types into a single, high-performance skillet. At its core is a tri-ply stainless steel body, which is then fused with a unique, laser-etched diamond-textured surface and finished with a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating.
This proprietary Diamond Bond Hybrid Technology is the foundation for its key benefits.
You’ll notice the difference in heating right away. The construction provides a 6x faster heat response compared to many standard nonstick pans, leading to more even cooking and excellent searing capability. Whether your cooking on gas, electric, ceramic, or induction, this pan is fully compatible.
It can also transition directly from the stovetop into your oven or broiler, handling temperatures up to 850°F for finishing a steak or roasting vegetables.
Durability and easy cleanup are central to this design. The diamond-reinforced coating is engineered to be 4x longer-lasting in its nonstick performance and is 10x more resistant to scratches from metal utensils.
T-Fal Specialty Nonstick Saute Pan with Glass Lid 5 Quart, Oven Broiler Safe 350F, Cookware, Deep Frying Pan with Handle, Skillet, Kitchen, Pots and Pans, Dishwasher Safe, Black
The T-Fal Specialty Nonstick Saute Pan with Glass Lid 5 Quart is designed to be a versatile workhorse for your kitchen. Its generous five-quart capacity provides ample space for preparing family-sized meals, batch cooking, or dishes that require a bit more room, like deep frying or braising.
This pan truly functions as a multi-purpose tool, adept at sautéing, stir-frying, simmering, and more, which can help streamline your cookware collection.
At the core of its performance is the ProGlide Non-Stick interior. This coating is engineered for reliable food release, which aims to make both cooking and cleanup significantly easier. You can cook with minimal oil and expect foods to slide right out, and it also helps to avoid the frustration of scrubbing stuck-on residue.
For maintenance, the pan is dishwasher safe, adding to its convenience for busy households.
A key feature is the built-in Thermo-Spot technology. This heat indicator in the center of the pan’s cooking surface turns a solid red when the pan has reached the optimal preheating temperature. This visual cue is intended to take the guesswork out of preheating, promoting better cooking results and helping to protect the non-stick surface from accidental overheating.
IMUSA 8in Bistro Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan with Cool Touch Handle, Small Skillet for Eggs, Omelets, Sauteing, and Everyday Cooking, Black
The IMUSA 8in Bistro Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan is a compact and versatile skillet designed for everyday cooking tasks. Its 8-inch size makes it an ideal choice for smaller meals, quick snacks, or cooking for one or two people.
You’ll find it’s perfectly sized for making a couple of eggs, a single omelet, or sauteing vegetables for a side dish without taking up to much space on your stovetop or in your cabinet.
This pan is built with a durable aluminum core that provides efficient heat distribution. This means you get consistent cooking results, which helps prevent hot spots that can burn your food.
Whether your pan frying a piece of fish or stir-frying some chicken, the heat spreads evenly across the cooking surface. The skillet is coated with a sleek black nonstick finish. This coating not only gives it a modern, stylish look but also serves a very practical purpose. It allows for easy food release and makes cleanup a breeze—often just a quick wipe with a soft sponge is all that’s needed.
One of the standout features is the cool touch handle.
Americas Test Kitchen Frying Pan Buying Guide
The America’s Test Kitchen frying pan is rigorously reviewed for performance. Their recommendations are based on exhaustive testing, not just brand names. This guide breaks down teh key factors thay consider, so you can find a pan that truly works in your kitchen.
Material and Heat Conductivity
What’s the pan made of? This is crucial. America’s Test Kitchen often favors clad stainless steel (aluminum or copper sandwiched between steel) for its even heating and durability. It avoids hot spots that burn your food. Nonstick is another option, but they prioritize performance over just a slick surface. Think about what you cook most often.
Weight and Handle Comfort
A pan that’s too heavy is a pain to lift, especially when full. But one that’s too light can feel cheap and warp. The ideal pan has a balanced heft. The handle is just as important. Is it secure and oven-safe? Does it stay cool on the stovetop? You’ll be holding it alot, so comfort is non-negotiable.
Versatility and Oven Safety
Can you start a dish on the stove and finish it under the broiler? A good frying pan should transition seamlessly. Check the maximum oven-safe temperature. This feature expands your cooking possibilities immensely, allowing for recipes that require a good sear followed by a bake.
Ease of Cleaning
Let’s be honest, no one loves scrubbing. Pans that are dishwasher-safe are convenient, but handwashing is often recommended for longevity, especially for nonstick. Look for a cooking surface that releases food easily and doesn’t have lots of crevices where gunk can get stuck. A pan that’s easy to clean is one you’ll use more often.
Frequently Asked Questions About Americas Test Kitchen Frying Pan
What makes this pan special?
It’s the top pick from America’s Test Kitchen’s rigorous testing. They try many pans to find the one that performs best. This pan excelled in even heating and durability, making it a reliable choice for everyday cooking.
What is it made from?
The pan is made of hard-anodized aluminum. This means it heats very evenly and doesn’t react with acidic foods like tomatoes. It has a nonstick interior, so it’s great for eggs, fish, and pancakes without needing much oil.
Is it oven-safe?
Yes, it is! The pan is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is perfect for finishing a chicken in the oven or keeping food warm. Just remember the handle will get hot, so use a mitt.
Can I use metal utensils with it?
It’s best to avoid metal utensils to protect the nonstick surface. Using silicone, wood, or nylon tools is recommended. This helps the coating last much longer, so your pan stays in good shape for years.
How do I clean it?
Cleaning is simple. Let the pan cool first, then wash it with warm, soapy water. A soft sponge works best. Avoid harsh scrubbers or putting it in the dishwasher, as that can wear down the nonstick coating over time.
What sizes does it come in?
You can typically find it in 10-inch and 12-inch sizes. The 10-inch is great for most tasks, like sauteing vegetables. The 12-inch gives you more room for cooking larger meals, like a family-sized frittata.
Is the handle comfortable?
The handle is designed to stay cool on the stovetop and provides a secure grip. It’s riveted on, so it’s very sturdy. Many users find it more comfortable than handles on other similar pans.
Where can I buy one?
You can purchase it directly from the America’s Test Kitchen website or from major online retailers. It’s a good idea to check a few places to compare prices and availability, as it can vary.
What to Remember
A critically-approved pan for reliable, everyday cooking results. It means you can stop worrying about your tools and just focus on cooking. You get even heating without constant stirring. Food releases easily when it’s ready. This consistency turns a simple weeknight dinner into something you can be proud of. It’s teh difference between hoping a recipe works and knowing it will.
For a piece of kitchen equipment that you’ll use nearly every day, that confidence is everything. Choosing the right americas test kitchen frying pan comes down to trusting a tool that has been thoroughly vetted. It’s designed to perform a simple job exceptionally well, for years. That reliable performance, meal after meal, is what makes a good pan truly worth it.