Comparison: Best All Purpose Kitchen Pan (Updated | Dec 11th)
We’ve tested countless options to bring you the ultimate showdown of versatility, durability, and performance. From nonstick wonders to seasoned cast iron classics, we’ll help you find that perfect pan that’ll have you cooking like a pro in no time.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for complete kitchen set: CAROTE Nonstick Pots and Pans
- Best for premium performance: All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non Stick Fry Pan Set 2 Piece
- Best for durable platinumshield: Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Saute/All Purpose Pan with Lid
- Best for durable platinumshield: Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Saute/All Purpose Pan with Lid
- Best for swiss nonstick: SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
- Best for versatile everyday pan: Cooks Standard Everyday Pan with Glass Lid
- Best for eco-friendly granite: CAROTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
- Best for dishwasher safe jumbo: Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle – 6 Quart
- Best for non-scratch scrubber: O-Cedar Scrunge Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (Pack of 6) Multi-Use
- Best for tri-ply steel: DELARLO Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12 inch Everyday Pan with Glass Lid
Product Comparison: Best All Purpose Kitchen Pan
Complete Kitchen Set
CAROTE Nonstick Pots and Pans, Induction Cookware Set Kitchen Cooking Sets, Non Stick w/Frying Pan (PFOS, PFOA Free), Black, 16pcs
CAROTE
- The titanium nonstick coating enhances durability and performance, ensuring easy food release and effortless cleanup, while its smooth, the surface helps resist stains and odor buildup for a cleaner cooking experience.
- Crafted from reinforced die-cast aluminum, this set is designed for durability, withstanding frequent use without compromising performance.
- Experience even and rapid heat distribution with no hot spots, ensuring consistent cooking for boiling, simmering, and reheating.
- This set features high-quality silicone lids for an excellent seal, locking in flavor and enhancing heat retention.
- Carote provides 12 months warranty from the date of purchase. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if any quality problem. You will be guaranteed to get satisfying solution.
- Set Includes: 8″ fry pan, 9.5″ fry pan, 2.5-qt saucepan with lid, 5-qt sauté pan with lid, 5-qt stockpot with lid, slotted turner, ladle, 5*pan protectors.
Premium Performance
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non Stick Fry Pan Set 2 Piece, 8, 10 Inch, Induction, Oven Broiler Safe 500F, Pots and Pans Set, Kitchen Frying Pans, Skillets, Premium Cookware, Home, Dishwasher Safe Black
All-Clad
- This cookware set includes 8 inch and 10 inch Fry Pans, ideal for browning, searing, and pan-frying foods like eggs, vegetables, and meats Its flat surface and flared side walls make it ideal for one hand sautéing and easy turning with a spatula
- High Quality Performance with Everyday Convenience – HA1 Nonstick heavy gauge aluminum and stainless-steel base deliver even heat for consistent, delicious cooking. The high-quality PTFE nonstick brings a long-lasting and easy release when cooking
- Design You Will Love- HA1 Nonstick has a sleek and stylish contoured design. Our double riveted stainless steel handles ensure a secure grip
- Oven safe up to 500°F and compatible with any stovetop, including induction Dishwasher safe To preserve the nonstick, wash your cookware with a soap and sponge, and using silicone, nylon or wooden utensils
- Designed in Canonsburg, PA – USA, Made in China
Durable PlatinumShield
Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Saute/All Purpose Pan with Lid, 3 Quart – Red Shimmer
Rachael Ray
- SMARTER NONSTICK: PlatinumShield(tm) Technology enhanced silver nonstick reinforced to be 9X harder than titanium
- DISHWASHER SAFE CHEF PAN: Dishwasher-safe aluminum construction provides fast, even heating and easy cleaning convenience
- INDUCTION READY: Chef pan with induction-suitable base features stainless steel plate for ultra-strength and durability
- STOVETOP SHIMMER: Eye-catching teal shimmer exterior finish
- SAFE AND STRONG: Double-riveted stainless steel and silicone handles; Oven safe to 400 degrees F
Durable PlatinumShield
Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Saute/All Purpose Pan with Lid, 3 Quart – Teal Shimmer, teal shimmer blue
Rachael Ray
- SMARTER NONSTICK: PlatinumShield(tm) Technology enhanced silver nonstick reinforced to be 9X harder than titanium
- DISHWASHER SAFE CHEF PAN: Dishwasher-safe aluminum construction provides fast, even heating and easy cleaning convenience
- INDUCTION READY: Chef pan with induction-suitable base features stainless steel plate for ultra-strength and durability
- STOVETOP SHIMMER: Eye-catching teal shimmer exterior finish
- SAFE AND STRONG: Double-riveted stainless steel and silicone handles; Oven safe to 400 degrees F
Swiss Nonstick
SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Swiss Granite Coating Omelette Pan, Healthy Stone Cookware Chef’s Pan, PFOA Free (8/9.5/10/11/12.5 Inch) (9.5 Inch)
SENSARTE
- SWISS NON-STICK COATING – Switzerland ILAG nonstick coating, PFOA free, safe and healthy.
- WOODGRAIN BAKELITE HANDLE – The bakelite handle features woodgrain design, it is comfortable to grip and stays cool while cooking. Oven safe to 302°F.
- HIGH MAGNETIC CONDUCTIVE BASE – High magnetic conductive stainless steel base. The nonstick skillet bottom is flat and thick, which helps distribute heat evenly and quickly. Suitable for all stove, including induction cooktop.
- STURDY BODY – The non sticking omelet pan inside is made of cast aluminum, which is more sturdy and long-lasting. SENSARTE non-stick frying pan is passed international certification.
- EASY TO CLEAN – Super easy to clean up, just wipe it with a paper towel or rinse it with water. Dishwasher safe.
Versatile Everyday Pan
Cooks Standard Everyday Pan with Glass Lid, Chef’s Pan 12-Inch Hard Anodized Nonstick All Purpose Pan 5-Quart Wok Stir Fry Pan, Black
Cooks Standard
- Versatile Design: The Cooks Standard 12 inch hard anodized nonstick wok stir fry pan has a 5-quart capacity, making it suitable for various cooking needs such as frying, stewing, and making soups
- Hard Anodized Construction: Everyday pan are made with a hard anodized surface, which is stronger and more durable than ordinary stainless steel, providing excellent scratch resistance and long lasting performance
- Nonstick Chef’s Pans: The nonstick coating, combined with the durable anodized material, ensures that food doesn’t easily stick to the pan and makes it easy to clean
- Ergonomic handle: Nonstick all purpose pan equipped with tempered glass lids and steam vent that allow steam to escape for viewing food while cooking; Riveted stainless steel handle with air flow technology is durable, comfortable to hold and stays cool
- Compatible with all Stovetops: Nonstick wok suitable for induction, gas, electric, glass, ceramic, halogen, etc; Oven safe up to 500℉; Dishwasher safe, easy to clean
Eco-Friendly Granite
CAROTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet,Non Stick Granite Fry Pan Egg Pan Omelet Pans, Stone Cookware Chef’s Pan, PFOA Free,Induction Compatible(Classic Granite, 8-Inch)
CAROTE
- Eco-friendly Classic Granite – Non-stick Granite Material, PFOS,PFOA free, our cookware ensures your daily cooking is always safer and healthier.
- Easy To Clean – Just wipe it with a paper towel or rinse it with water, Less Co2 emission and Less water wasted.
- Suitable For All Stoves – Heats up quickly and evenly with extended bottom design. High magnetic conductive stainless steel base allows our nonstick cookware to work on all cooktops, including induction.
- Less Oil Needed & Less Smoke Released: Our non-stick frying pan can be used for any cooking needs like egg pan,omelette pan, or grill pan with less oil. Reduce unnecessary fat intake, and stay away from a smoky kitchen.
- Service & Guarantee – Each CAROTE cookware passes strict multi inspection process.In case you received defect items caused by delivery, please don’t hesitate to reach out, thanks. You will be guaranteed to get 100% refund or a new replacement.
Dishwasher Safe Jumbo
Farberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Helper Handle – 6 Quart, Black
Farberware
- DURABLE, DISHWASHER SAFE COOKING PAN: This dishwasher safe nonstick jumbo cooker’s heavy-duty construction heats fast and evenly
- PREMIUM NONSTICK CHEF PAN: Durable, top-quality nonstick interior provides easy food release and fast cleanup
- STURDY HELPER HANDLE: Double-riveted handles provide a confident grip; helper handle aids in moving the extra large nonstick pan
- OVEN SAFE: Oven safe to 350°F, this nonstick jumbo cooker includes a shatter-resistant glass lid
- COMPLIMENTS OTHER FARBERWARE COOKWARE: This nonstick jumbo cooker complements skillets, sets and other items throughout the Farberware collection
Non-Scratch Scrubber
O-Cedar Scrunge Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge (Pack of 6) Multi-Use, All-Purpose, Odor-Resistant, Scrubbing Sponge Safely Cleans All Hard Surfaces in Kitchen and Bathroom
O-Cedar
- NON-SCRATCH: The amazing O-Cedar Scrunge kitchen sponge has a unique non-scratch double-sided scrubbing surface perfect for your nonstick pans & cookware! Try it and see for yourself!
- TOUGH ON MESSES: O-Cedar’s Scrunge Multi-Use Scrub Sponge is a powerful, all-purpose sponge that scrubs, cleans, and wipes away dirt, stuck-on messes, and food debris on most household surfaces!
- RINSES CLEAN: Dirt and grime glide off the sponge when rinsed under water to ensure it stays fresh for longer.
- LONG LASTING: The Scrunge sponge is designed with durable material so it is built to last compared to traditional scrubbers and sponges. For optimal cleaning results, replace the sponge every 30-60 days.
- MULTIPURPOSE USE: Perfect for cleaning and wiping down kitchen countertops, appliances, cookware, and a variety of surfaces, reducing the need for multiple cleaning tools, and kitchen cleaning more efficient.
- EXCLUSIVE EXTRA THICK SPONGE: This version of our Scrunge is 20% thicker and quickly wipes all hard surfaces clean in your home. It can be used on kitchen countertops, glass stove tops, microwaves, oven racks, tile, bath tubs, sinks, dishes, cookware, bakeware and more!
Tri-Ply Steel
DELARLO Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 12 inch Everyday Pan with Glass Lid, Deep Saute Pan, Kitchen Everything Pan, High Side Chef’s Pans, Induction Cooking Pot, Dishwasher Safe, 4QT Stock Pot Up To 600℉
DELARLO
- 【High-Quality Steel】The Delarlo 12 inch Stainless Steel Everyday Pan Offers High-Quality and Healthy Stainless Steel Cooking and Fast Heating Performance with Everyday Convenience. The Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Base and Side Precisely Deliver Even Heat for Consistent and Delicious Cooking
- 【Healthy Material】The Delarlo Stainless Steel Pan 12 in Has Excellent Thermal Conductivity. Heat is Evenly Distributed, Cooking is Fast. It’s Corrosion and High Temperature Resistant With a Long Life. The Highly Polished 18/8 Food Grade Cooking Surface Won’t React With Food. The Fully-Clad, 3-Layer Metal Construction Ensures Outstanding Performance And Durability
- 【Efficient, Fast And Uniform Heating】The Outer Layer is Stainless Steel, Which Has Good Heat Source Compatibility. The Middle Layer Is Made Of High-Quality Aluminum, Which Ensures Good Heat Distribution From The Base To The Edge, And Is Easy To Maintain Temperature Control
- 【Comfort Handle And Glass Cover】The Steel Wok is Equipped with a Glass and Stainless Steel Frame Cover with a Steam Outlet to Ensure Safety. Two Solid Handle is Connected with Stainless Steel Rivets, Which is Both Durable and Practical
- 【Compatible With All Furnaces】The Magnetic 18/0 Stainless Steel Base of The 12 inch Deep Frying Pan Is Compatible with All Cooking Furnaces, Including Induction Furnace, Electric Furnace, Halogen Furnace, Gas Furnace, Glasstope Furnace, Outdoor Bonfire Furnace, Etc. Safe Dishwasher And Oven, Up To 600 ° F~ 650 ° F
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’s the best material for an all-purpose pan?
Stainless steel is durable and non-reactive, ideal for searing and deglazing. Cast iron provides unparalleled heat retention for a perfect sear but requires maintenance. Carbon steel offers a lighter alternative to cast iron with similar properties, while nonstick is excellent for delicate foods like eggs but has a shorter lifespan.
How do I choose the right size pan?
A 10-inch or 12-inch pan is the most versatile for everyday cooking, from single servings to family meals. Consider your cooktop size and storage space, as larger pans can be heavy. For most households, a 12-inch pan offers the best flexibility without being unwieldy.
What features indicate a high-quality pan?
Look for a pan with a thick, heavy base for even heat distribution and to prevent hot spots. A comfortable, stay-cool handle made of stainless steel or silicone is crucial for safety. Fully-clad construction, where the core material extends up the sides, ensures consistent heating from edge to edge.
Is a more expensive pan always better?
Not necessarily; price often reflects brand reputation and materials like multi-ply cladding. However, a well-made pan is a long-term investment that can last a lifetime with proper care. Focus on construction quality and material suitability for your cooking style rather than just the price tag.
How do I properly care for and maintain my pan?
Always allow the pan to cool before washing to prevent warping. Use non-abrasive sponges and avoid harsh detergents, especially on stainless steel. For cast iron and carbon steel, you’ll need to season them regularly to maintain their nonstick properties and prevent rust.
What’s the difference between fully-clad and disk-bottom pans?
Fully-clad pans have an aluminum or copper core sandwiched between layers of stainless steel that runs up the entire pan wall. This provides superior and even heat conduction all the way up the sides. Disk-bottom pans only have a heat-conducting disk welded to the bottom, which can lead to less even cooking, especially along the sides.
Is it safe to use a metal utensil with my pan?
It depends on the material. You can use metal utensils on stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel without worry. However, using metal on nonstick or enamel-coated surfaces will scratch and damage the cooking surface, shortening the pan’s lifespan.
What does ‘oven-safe’ mean and why is it important?
Oven-safe means the pan can withstand high temperatures without damaging the handle or the pan’s body. This is a key feature for recipes that start on the stovetop and finish in the oven, such as searing a steak and then baking it. Always check the manufacturer’s specified maximum oven temperature.
