You can flip, fry, sauté, and sear with the help of must-have skillet. Preparing delicious meals is so much simpler when the right tools are involved, and a skillet makes all the difference. There are plenty of skillets available in a variety of sizes and material options. Whether you’re in the market for one or a few, these mealtime magicians are a great addition to your kitchen. We've gathered a collection of the best options for your cooking needs.
Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron skillet, 12 inch
Durable, heat-retaining pan in cast iron
Although it requires a bit more maintenance -- handwashing, drying, and re-seasoning -- cast iron is way better at retaining heat than other materials. Heat retention makes it great for searing, and even baking almost any dish. You can also use it on the grill or over your campfire. With a little love, this cast iron skillet will only get better over time and last you decades.
Cuisinart Chef's Classic nonstick pan, 12-inch
Slick and sturdy skillet with a cool grip handle
If you want to cook with fewer oils and fats, then nonstick is the way to go. The interior of this nonstick skillet is reinforced with titanium, which will allow the coating to last a long time. Cool grip handles keep your hands safe from burns and prevent slipping. The Cuisinart Chef's Classic is safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and even comes with a glass cover for monitoring food on the stovetop.
Ozeri Stone Earth pan, 12 inch
Strong nonstick pan with a magnetized base
Traditional nonstick pans can include chemicals you may want to avoid. Stone Earth pans from Ozeri give you the same nonstick experience, without the risk. The magnetized base is ready for your induction cooktop, and the silicone handle resists heat so you can safely toss ingredients around in the pan.
T-fal professional nonstick pan, 12 inch
Essential skillet with useful heat indication
T-fal includes their Thermo spot heat indicator in this pan, so you know when preheating is complete. This feature is incredibly useful if you're using a hot plate, which can be less reliable than traditional stoves or cooktops. The interior is durable and safe for metal utensils if you prefer them. You can also place it in the oven up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
All-Clad stainless steel tri-ply pan, 12 inch
Sleek stainless steel pan that can take the heat
Stainless steel pans are a favorite of professional kitchens because they're lighter than cast iron and nearly indestructible. The All-Clad Tri-Ply line is no exception to these standards, and also provides even heating due to the encapsulated aluminum core. When you're ready to broil, this pan is safe all the way to 600 degrees Fahrenheit!
Lodge seasoned carbon steel skillet, 12 inch
Lasting any-day skillet shaped in cast iron
Similar to cast iron, this carbon steel pan from Lodge will last you a lifetime with proper care. The long handle makes it ideal for campfires or grilling, allowing you to keep your hands far away from the flames. You can also use it on traditional stoves, and even induction cooktops. When you're finished using it, you'll need to hand wash, dry, and add some cooking oil to retain the finish.
Sensational skillets
Cooking up yummy dishes is a lot easier with the right skillet. There are a variety of different options, from cast iron to stainless steel, offering different benefits. To start, our favorite is the Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron skillet because it is the best at almost everything. It's durable, retains heat, works on the stove or in the oven, and you can even take it camping. You'll need to clean it right after use, and you may even need to re-season it, but it will keep performing great year after year.
However, if you need more of a grab-and-go pan, and don't want to spend time maintaining cookware, consider the Cuisinart Chef's Classic nonstick pan. It comes with a glass lid, and it's a breeze to clean up -- making it the perfect skillet for your egg dishes.
