Joybuy Insights

Buying a frying pan: materials, sizes and suitable models for every hob

A frying pan needs to do more in everyday cooking than simply frying meat. It should work on your hob, distribute heat as evenly as possible and be easy to clean after cooking. At the same time, pans vary considerably in their coating, weight, heat resistance and care requirements.

Many unsuitable purchases result from three common marketing traps:

  • “Non-stick” without specifying the coating: Not every non-stick pan is designed for high temperatures, metal turners or the dishwasher.
  • Choosing the wrong size: A 28 cm pan provides plenty of cooking surface, but requires a sufficiently large hob zone. For one or two portions, it may be unnecessarily heavy and awkward to handle.
  • Unclear hob and oven suitability: “Suitable for all hob types” does not automatically mean that the handle or a glass lid can also be used in the oven.

The most important buying criteria for a frying pan

1. Material and coating to suit your cooking style

A coated aluminium frying pan is usually lightweight and heats up quickly. It is particularly suitable for delicate ingredients such as eggs, fish or pancakes. According to the product information, the Silit Belluna is made from coated aluminium and has a PTFE-based Silitan coating. Its stated heat resistance is up to 260 °C, while the plastic handle is oven-safe only up to 70 °C. These details show why you should always distinguish between the pan body and the handle when choosing a frying pan.

A stainless steel pan or hybrid pan is often more resistant to kitchen utensils. However, without a conventional non-stick coating, stainless steel requires more care when it comes to preheating, the amount of fat used and temperature control. Some hybrid models combine a structured stainless steel surface with coated areas.

A ceramic pan has a ceramic non-stick surface. If specific PFAS-free claims are important to you, check the product description carefully. For the ZEROPAN and Naturepan models mentioned here, the product information explicitly states that they are free from PFAS, PTFE or PFOA. These details refer to the declared material construction of the individual product and cannot be applied universally to every ceramic pan.

A cast iron pan retains heat for a long time and is ideal for searing. However, it is considerably heavier. Uncoated cast iron needs a seasoned protective layer, careful drying and occasional oiling. Enameled cast iron is easier to care for in everyday use, but it is still comparatively heavy.

2. Diameter, base and hob surface

The sizes 20 cm, 24 cm and 28 cm cover different everyday cooking situations:

  • 20 cm: For individual portions, fried eggs, small pancakes or side dishes.
  • 24 cm: Practical for one or two people and smaller hob zones.
  • 28 cm: Suitable for several portions, vegetable dishes and one-pan meals.

The base diameter is just as important as the upper diameter. According to the manufacturer, a 24 cm pan may be optimised for a hob zone of around 18 cm. With induction, the base of the pan should cover the cooking zone sufficiently to ensure reliable heat transfer.

An induction frying pan needs a magnetic, induction-compatible base. The selected models are each explicitly stated to be suitable for induction. Nevertheless, it is worth checking the technical description before buying, particularly if you have an older hob or a specialist cooking surface.

3. Depth, lid and oven suitability

A deep frying pan is useful if you plan to sear, braise, sauté or prepare sauces. High sides help reduce splashes and provide more capacity. A frying pan with a lid retains heat and moisture in the cookware, making it practical for braised dishes, ragù or vegetable dishes.

When using a pan in the oven, three temperatures must be considered separately:

  1. the pan’s maximum temperature,
  2. the handle’s temperature limit,
  3. the lid’s temperature limit.

For example, according to the product data, the Naturepan Hybrid Deep Sauté Pan is oven-safe up to 230 °C without the lid. The ZEROPAN Deep Frying Pan is stated to withstand up to 260 °C, while its glass lid is suitable for temperatures of up to 148 °C. These differences should be taken into account whenever moving the pan from the hob to the oven.

Our selection by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Silit Belluna frying pan 24 cm

Silit Belluna Frying Pan, 24 cm

Why this product suits the profile: The 24 cm size is suitable for smaller households. Aluminium, a plastic handle and a coated surface keep the weight low and make everyday cleaning easier.

How this product avoids the trap

The product data specifies the hob types, temperature limits and suitable hob-zone diameter. This means its use is not limited to a vague marketing claim.

Main benefit & strengths

24 cm diameter, suitable for induction and other hob types, plus a stated 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
WMF Profi Resist frying pan 24 cm

WMF Profi Resist Frying Pan, 24 cm

Why this product suits the profile: The combination of Cromargan stainless steel, an aluminium core and a PermaDur coating is aimed at households that value the construction of the materials and versatile use.

How this product avoids the trap

The protective grid and coating are described as specific design features. Hand washing and avoiding metal utensils are recommended for the coating.

Main benefit & strengths

Suitable for induction, dishwasher-safe according to the product description, with a stainless steel handle and multi-layer construction with an aluminium core.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent cooks
Naturepan Deep Sauté Pan Hybrid Ceramic 28 cm with lid

Naturepan Deep Sauté Pan Hybrid Ceramic, 28 cm with lid

Why this product suits the profile: The deep 28 cm pan with lid is suitable for family-sized portions, braised dishes and one-pan recipes on induction, gas, electric or ceramic hobs.

How this product avoids the trap

The specifications state the diameter, body height, lid, hob types and oven limit of 230 °C without the lid. This makes it easier to assess the space required and the limits of use.

Main benefit & strengths

28 cm diameter, ceramic coating stated to be free from PFAS, PTFE and PFOA, glass lid and dishwasher suitability according to the product data.

Suitable for: Traditional cooking & small portions
Maxcook cast iron pan 10 cm

Maxcook Cast Iron Skillet, 10 cm

Why this product suits the profile: The small uncoated cast iron pan is designed for individual portions, sauces, butter, eggs or serving small side dishes.

How this product avoids the trap

The product description explicitly points out the lack of a non-stick coating, the need for oiling and hand washing. This makes the care required and possible sticking clear.

Main benefit & strengths

Uncoated cast iron, suitable for induction according to the product information and a compact 10 cm design.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Care tips for a longer service life

A pan’s service life depends greatly on its material and how it is used. Coated models should not be heated empty at a high setting. Wooden, silicone or plastic utensils reduce the risk of scratches. Sudden changes in temperature – such as placing a hot pan directly under cold water – can also put strain on the material and coating.

With cast iron, thorough drying and a thin layer of oil are important. Stainless steel can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but hand washing is often recommended for coated pans, even when the manufacturer permits dishwasher use. Always follow the specific care instructions for the individual model.

Frequently asked questions about frying pans

Which frying pan is suitable for induction?

An induction-compatible pan needs a magnetic base. The product data must explicitly state that it is suitable for induction hobs. The base diameter should also match the cooking zone.

What size frying pan is most practical?

For one or two people, 20 to 24 cm is often sufficient. A 28 cm pan provides more cooking surface for family-sized portions and one-pan meals, but requires more storage space and a sufficiently large hob zone.

How long does a non-stick pan last?

There is no standard service life. It depends on the type of coating, temperature, utensils, cleaning method and frequency of use. Reduced non-stick performance, visible damage or a warped base are signs that it is time to replace the pan.