Comparison: Best Cooking Pan Metal (Updated | Dec 12th)
Ever stood in the cookware aisle, overwhelmed by shiny options? You’re not alone. Choosing the perfect cooking pan metal can make or break your culinary adventures. From stainless steel’s versatility to cast iron’s heat retention, each material brings unique strengths to your kitchen. But which one truly deserves a spot in your cookware collection? We’ve tested, seared, and sautéed our way through the top contenders to bring you the ultimate guide.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for energy efficient searing: EWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan
- Best for healthy deep lasagna: P&P CHEF Lasagna Pan
- Best for durable ceramic searing: Cuisinart FusionPlus Nonstick Stainless Steel Cookware Set
- Best for diamond-infused durability: Blue Diamond 9.5” & 11″ Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet Set
- Best for scratch-resistant release: GoodCook 11″ x 7″ Nonstick Steel Cake Baking Pan
- Best for versatile stackable bakeware: NutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans – Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel
- Best for corrugated quick release: USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Baking Pan
- Best for 3-in-1 roasting versatility: Viking 3-Ply Oval Roasting Pan
- Best for warp-resistant transport: GoodCook Everyday Baking Pan with Metal Lid Nonstick Warp-Resistant Heavy-Gauge Steel Construction Even-Heating Oblong Cake Pan with Solid Oven-Safe Cover
- Best for classic even baking: Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan
Product Comparison: Best Cooking Pan Metal
Energy Efficient Searing
EWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan, Skillet, Induction Cooking Pan, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Fast & Even Heat, Heavy Duty and Detachable Handle
EWFEN
- MULTIPLY CLAD STURDY CONSTRUCTION: Multiply cladding technology produces the highest-quality 3 ply stainless steel cookware set in your kitchen. 304 stainless steel interior for safe, easy-clean cooking; a thick aluminum core for even heating; 430 stainless steel exterior for use on all cooktops. Allows heat to pass through the entire pan, bottom to sidewall, with quick & even heat.
- DURABLE & SLEEK DESIGN: Each piece designed with durability and a sleek mirror finish exterior that is dishwasher-safe for added convenience and also have you cooking your absolute best. Enables the body to withstand a high temperature of up to 500°F. The sturdy hollow handle design reduces heat transfer.
- ENERGY SAVING CAPABILITY: Multi-layer compositse steel effectively saves fuel by up to 20%. Efficient heating, energy savings make it a great choice for cooks seeking both performance and savings
- PRACTICAL: With an ergonomic handle and versatile compatibility with all stovetop types and oven safe, this frying pan is a must-have for any kitchen. Please do not heat the empty cooker. Suggest adjust the appropriate heat for different dishes. Like low heat for eggs, medium-low heat for general cooking, medium-high for searing meat.
- UNIVERSAL: Our stainless steel pans and woks work safe on all types of stovetops, including gas, electric, glass, halogen, comes with small and large size making it a versatile addition to your handy cookware collection.
Healthy Deep Lasagna
P&P CHEF Lasagna Pan, Rectangular Cake Pan Roaster Pasta Baking Cookie Sheet Pans Stainless Steel, Heavy Duty & Durable, Oven & Dishwasher Safe, 12.7″ L x 3.2″ H
P&P CHEF
- 【HEALTHY】P&P CHEF deep baking pan is constructed by high quality 18/0 stainless steel without any toxic materials or teflon coating, Rust free after washing, Healthy choice for your daily cooking
- 【EASY CLEAN】Full lasagna pan with brushed surface which is smooth and less sticky, Releasing food easily, Easy clean by hand and dishwasher proof in order to provide best usage experience
- 【HEAVY DUTY】This stainless steel cake pan has proper weight and feels strudy when holding in hands, Unbreakable than ceramic pan, Durable and last for a long service time
- 【LARGE CAPACITY】baking cookie pan made to 3.2-inch rim for containing more food and sauce, larger capacity than regular baking sheet, Perfect Size for 5 person meals, such as lasagna, bread,cake, fish, chicken and more
- 【VERSATILITY】Rectangle baking pan measured 12.7” L x 10” W x 3.2” H, Best designed to rolled edges, Wth no any sharp angles to hurt your hand during using, Great to as a fruit or vegetable container, serving pan, meat or cake baking pan
Durable Ceramic Searing
Cuisinart FusionPlus Nonstick Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 2-Piece Skillet Cooking Set with PFAS-Free PURELYSEAR Ceramic Non Stick Technology, Scratch Proof, Cool Grip Handles, Dishwasher Safe
Cuisinart
- KITCHEN COOKWARE SET: Cuisinart stainless steel cookware set includes 8” and 10″ skillets with professional stainless steel construction, polished exterior finish, and aluminum-encapsulated base for even heating.
- PURELYSEAR CERAMIC NONSTICK TECHNOLOGY: Stainless steel pan set features an exclusive PFAS-free* PURELYSEAR surface to uniquely preserve your ceramic nonstick performance while also providing perfect frying, browning, and searing power while cooking.
- ARMORGUARD INTERIOR: Stainless steel peaks form a shield around the ceramic non stick interior, creating a highly durable, scratch-resistant cooking surface that’s metal-utensil safe and built to last.
- COOL GRIP HANDLES: Cast stainless steel Cool Grip stick handles with V-flange design help dissipate heat away from the handle and keep it concentrated in the pan itself for stick handles that stay cool to the touch on the stovetop.
- DISHWASHER & OVEN SAFE: Easy to clean and conveniently dishwasher safe, this stainless steel pan set is also oven safe up to 500°F (lids 450°F) and compatible with all stovetops, including induction
- PREHEAT FOR BEST RESULTS: Before cooking, heat the pan for about 2 minutes over medium low heat. A properly heated pan improves searing, prevents sticking, and preserves the nonstick surface. Once preheated, add oil or butter and warm before adding food.
Diamond-Infused Durability
Blue Diamond 9.5” & 11″ Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet Set, Diamond Infused PFAS & PTFE-Free Ceramic Pots & Pans, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, Stay Cool Handles, Durable Non Toxic Metal Utensil Safe, Blue
Blue Diamond
- COMPLETE SET: Includes 9.5″ and 11″ frying pans – versatile sizes for all your cooking needs!
- 5X HARDER COATING & 10X LONGER LASTING: Our diamond-infused coating delivers 5x more strength and lasts 10x longer than conventional coatings, metal utensil safe
- 4X BETTER HEAT TRANSFER: Our pans heat up super quickly and evenly to save you time and energy. Say goodbye to cold or hot spots with the incredible heat transfer of Blue Diamond
- TOXIN-FREE: This collection’s healthy ceramic nonstick coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium
- TOUGH BODIES: The durable construction offers extreme strength with quick and even heating every single time
- ERGONOMIC HANDLES: This set’s riveted stainless steel handles offer a sturdy, comfortable grip built for oven cooking
- BUILT FOR OVEN COOKING: Oven and broiler safe up to 600°F and suitable for all stovetops, except induction
- EASY TO CLEAN: These pans are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, but most messes will wipe clean
Scratch-Resistant Release
GoodCook 11″ x 7″ Nonstick Steel Cake Baking Pan, Multipurpose Nonstick Baking Pan for Brownies, Biscuits, and Cake, Gray
GoodCook
- 11″ x 7″ BAKING PAN: Ensures the perfect bake every time for your favorite recipes such as cake, brownies, cornbread, and other desserts, and it’s also great for baking biscuits and side dishes
- EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: Distributes heat evenly during the baking process to ensure a thorough bake for the best tasting results
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT NONSTICK COATING: Provides an excellent mess-free release and is metal spatula safe so you can serve your baked goods right out of the pan without worry
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Heavy-duty steel resists warping and provides long-lasting durability to offer years of high-quality baking
- EASY TO CLEAN: Dishwasher safe for a quick and easy clean up, but hand-washing is recommended for longer-lasting results
Versatile Stackable Bakeware
NutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans – Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles – Easy to Clean, NCSBS3S
NutriChef
- 3-PIECE SET: NutriChef 3-piece nonstick cookware set includes the small, medium, and large size of cookie pans. These are a flexible, stylish, and non-stick carbon steel bakeware set with red silicone handles
- NON-STICK COATING: The PTFE/PFOA/PFOS-free non-stick pot set cooking ware features a long-lasting nonstick coating for easy food release or tossing, cleaning & healthy cooking w/ heat resistant lacquer exterior making it resistant to high heat
- DURABLE BAKEWARE SET: These cookie pans are made from carbon steel & non-stick coating that resists warping to keep your baking, roasting & toasting for years. It is suitable for the oven, refrigerator, and freezer. A reliable cookie sheet oven pan style
- VERSATILE COOKIE SHEETS: Long-lasting nonstick cookie sheets provide excellent food release when baking, roasting, etc, and provide easy cleanup. Dishwasher Safe and stain-resistant. It is also a space-saving stackable wide tray pan design
- HANDLES THE HEAT: bold-colored, commercial-grade restaurant-quality metal bakeware provide a confident grasp while taking the baking pans out of the oven where they are oven safe to 446 degrees Fahrenheit
Corrugated Quick Release
USA Pan Bakeware Rectangular Cake Baking Pan, 9 x 13 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Aluminized Steel
USA Pan
- 9 x 13 inch rectangular cake pan; made from aluminized steel; a mix of steel for strength and durability and aluminum for superior heat conductivity; oven safe to 450°F
- USA Pan baking pans feature our proprietary silcone nonstick coating which promotes quick release of baked goods plus fast and super easy clean up
- Our rectangular baking pan features unique corrugated surface; facilitates air flow for quick release and evenly baked goods
- Measures 9 x 13 x 2. 25 inches; Made in the USA from globally sourced materials
- USA Pan is a Bundy family company which has proudly manufactured high quality bakeware and provided jobs in the USA for over 60 years
3-in-1 Roasting Versatility
Viking 3-Ply Oval Roasting Pan, 8.5 Quart, Stainless Steel Kitchen Cookware with Metal Induction Lid and Rack, Great for Turkey, Dishwasher and Oven Safe, Silver
Viking
- 3-IN-1 OVAL ROASTER PAN WITH LID: Prepare a juicy turkey or a tender roast with the Viking Stainless Steel Oval Roasting Pan! Perfect for home cooks, this roasting pan features an elevated wire rack to promote even heating and can hang from the rim of the roaster for easy draining; add the lid to convert the pan into a 9 Quart (to rim) covered roaster, dutch oven or stockpot, and the lid can also be used separately as an Au Gratin, saute, or casserole serving vessel
- GENEROUS SIZE FOR LARGE GATHERINGS: Our broiler pan can fit up to a 14 lb bird, making it perfect for serving a turkey, chicken, vegetables, roast, and pork tenderloin to a big group of people for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays and special events; the rolled edges allow for easy drip-free puring, and the sleek mirror finish makes it perfect for use as a serving dish on the table or at a buffet
- DURABLE DESIGN FOR EFFICIENT COOKING: Our roasters feature a durable 3-ply construction consisting of a non-reactive 304 stainless steel interior, aluminum core, and induction capable stainless steel exterior which delivers even heat distribution, and the oval shape promotes a convection effect to heat food more quickly; our broiling pan is oven friendly and compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, halogen, and induction, and heats up to 600 degrees F (315 degrees C)
- INTERNAL VOLUME MARKINGS: Our roasting tray features internal volume markings in quarts and liters which allow for easy addition or reduction of ingredients, and the die cast side handles allow you to easily put the roaster into ovens and take it out when food is done cooking; dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended
- GREAT GIFT FOR COOKING ENTHUSIASTS: Our stainless steel roasting pans make for excellent gifts for the chef in your life. Viking offers a large assortment of cookware, baking supplies, utensils, and other kitchen accessories. Whether you are looking for cast iron pieces, non stick pans, or high quality cookware, Viking has something for both novice and professional chefs to fall in love with. Our metal roasting pans are backed by a limited lifetime warranty
Warp-Resistant Transport
GoodCook Everyday Baking Pan with Metal Lid Nonstick Warp-Resistant Heavy-Gauge Steel Construction Even-Heating Oblong Cake Pan with Solid Oven-Safe Cover, 9×13-Inch, Gray
GoodCook
- 9 x 13-INCH OBLONG BAKING PAN: Perfect for cakes, brownies, side dishes, biscuits, and other baked goods. This 9×13 baking pan with lid is ideal for all your baking needs
- EVEN HEATING AND MESS-FREE RELEASE: Distributes heat evenly for thorough baking. The nonstick coating ensures mess-free release and easy cleanup, making this cake pan a must-have
- VERSATILE USES: Ideal for roasting veggies, baking meatloaf, roasting chicken, making casseroles, and more. Perfect for various culinary tasks
- OVEN-SAFE LID: The oven-safe metal lid allows you to bake and transport desserts in the same pan, eliminating the need for tin foil. It can also be used as a cookie sheet
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Heavy gauge steel resists warping and is dishwasher safe for quick cleanup. Hand washing is recommended for longer-lasting results
Classic Even Baking
Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan
Nordic Ware
- Natural aluminum commercial bakeware is made of pure aluminum which will never rust for a lifetime of durability
- Baked goods rise and bake evenly due to aluminums superior heat conductivity and the reinforced encapsulated steel rim prevents warping
- Easy clean up, hand wash only.Nylon, wood, or silicone utensils are recommended
- Pan exterior dimensions 15.63 x 9.63 x 3.25 inches and interior dimensions 13 x 9 x 2.5 inches
- Proudly made in the USA by Nordic Ware
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the best metals for cooking pans?
Stainless steel is durable and non-reactive, while cast iron offers excellent heat retention. Aluminum heats quickly but may warp, and copper provides precise temperature control. Choose based on your cooking style and maintenance preferences.
How do stainless steel and non-stick pans compare?
Stainless steel is versatile and long-lasting but requires proper seasoning to prevent sticking. Non-stick pans are easy to clean and ideal for delicate foods but wear out faster. Consider stainless for high-heat searing and non-stick for low-fat cooking.
Is cast iron worth the investment?
Cast iron pans are incredibly durable and improve with use, developing a natural non-stick surface. They retain heat well, making them perfect for searing and frying. However, they require regular seasoning and can be heavy to handle.
What are the pros and cons of copper pans?
Copper pans offer unmatched heat conductivity and responsiveness, ideal for delicate sauces. However, they are expensive, require regular polishing, and often need a stainless steel lining for safety. Best for serious cooks who prioritize precision.
How do I choose between aluminum and stainless steel?
Aluminum pans heat up quickly and are lightweight, but they can react with acidic foods. Stainless steel is more durable and non-reactive but may have hotspots unless layered with aluminum or copper. Choose aluminum for affordability and stainless for longevity.
Are there health concerns with certain pan metals?
Aluminum can leach into acidic foods, but anodized aluminum reduces this risk. Cast iron can increase dietary iron, which may be beneficial or harmful depending on your health. Always check for non-toxic coatings and avoid damaged non-stick pans.
What’s the best value for a versatile cooking pan?
A tri-ply stainless steel pan offers the best balance of durability, performance, and price. It combines the even heating of aluminum with the non-reactive surface of stainless steel. Look for brands with lifetime warranties for long-term value.
How do I maintain different metal pans?
Cast iron requires seasoning and should be dried immediately to prevent rust. Stainless steel can be cleaned with abrasive pads for stuck-on food, while copper needs regular polishing. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to extend lifespan.