The Best Chef Pans For 2024

Katie Finn By, Katie Finn
Updated
Best Chef Pans
Best Chef Pans

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Cuisinart 722-24 Chef's Pan

The Cuisinart 722-24 Chef's Pan is a kitchen essential that combines exceptional design with premium cooking performance. This pan is perfect for cooking your favorite meals with its mirror finish, stainless steel cooking surface, and cool grip handles. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Copper Chef 10 Inch Frying Pan

The Copper Chef 10 Inch Frying Pan is a versatile and durable pan for frying, sautéing, and baking. This pan is perfect for healthy cooking with its non-stick surface, stainless steel induction plate, and oven-safe design. Read Review

3. Best Versatile: Simple Chef Pan

The Simple Chef Pan is a versatile, heavy-duty kitchen utensil for frying, sautéing, and slow cooking. Made of cast iron and factory pre-seasoned, this pan is virtually non-stick, easy to clean, and protected against scratches. Read Review

4. Best Performance: Cuisinart 622-36H Chef's Skillet

The Cuisinart 622-36H Chef's Skillet is a hard, anodized, non-stick skillet perfect for any kitchen. The hard anodized exterior is more complex than stainless steel, providing extra durability and professional performance. Read Review

5. Best Adjustable: Cooks Standard Chef's Fry Pan

This pan is a versatile and reliable addition to any kitchen. Its 18-10 stainless steel construction and aluminum disc layer provides even heat distribution and is suitable for use on various stovetops. Read Review

Cooking can be a messy business. Whether you're frying up some chicken or cooking some pasta, it's crucial that everything is evenly cooked and doesn't get stuck to the pan (something we all know ends up in the bottom of the pan with a few more unfortunate ingredients). Luckily, some simple tricks will make your life as a home cook much more accessible.

From oiling your pans properly before frying to using non-stick sprays and even investing in a good set of chef pans, these are some of the most valuable tips for anyone who loves to cook. But if you're unsure where to start, we've compiled this handy guide detailing what type of chef pan you should get first.

After spending hours researching and assessing, we identified the best chef pans as the Cuisinart 722-24 Chef's Pan. Because the base is encased in aluminum, it heats up quickly and evenly distributes the heat so no hot spots can spoil your food. We've developed a buying guide and additional good alternatives to help you find the perfect one.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Cuisinart 722-24 Chef's Pan
Our Score:
9.8
Cuisinart

The Cuisinart 722-24 Chef's Pan is a timeless cooking utensil that looks great and performs exceptionally well. It is made of high-quality materials. Because the base is encased in aluminum, it heats up quickly and evenly distributes the heat so no hot spots can spoil your food. The cooking surface made of stainless steel does not discolor, react with food, or alter flavors, so it guarantees that the food you prepare will have a pleasant taste.

This pan is simple to use thanks to its markings that indicate different measurements, and the drip-free pouring feature makes it simple to move food from the pan to the plate without making a mess. Thanks to the flavor lock lid, your food will remain delicious and fresh, which prevents moisture from escaping and locks in flavor. The cool grip handles are solid stainless steel and designed to maintain their cool temperature, offering a safe and secure grip. However, the stainless steel cooking surface may require more oil or butter to prevent sticking compared to non-stick pans.

TOP Choice #2 Copper Chef 10 Inch Frying Pan
Our Score:
9.7
Copper Chef

The Copper Chef 10 Inch Frying Pan is an excellent kitchen utensil that is made of high-quality materials and offers superior performance when it comes to cooking. Because it requires less oil or fat, the aluminum and non-stick ceramic mat it is made of is long-lasting and durable, and the CeramiTech coating makes it a healthier option for cooking. Both of these benefits contribute to its being made of these materials.

This product has an induction plate made of stainless steel built directly into the pan, so it can distribute high heat quickly and evenly, making it an ideal appliance for cooking your preferred dishes. It is a piece of cake to clean this pan because it can be washed in the dishwasher without harming the utensil. When using the pan, you should always use caution because the metal handles, which have an ergonomic shape scan, can become slightly hot. 

TOP Choice #3 Simple Chef Pan
Our Score:
9.5
Simple Chef

The Simple Chef Pan is an excellent option if you're looking for a versatile and durable cast iron skillet set. The heavy-duty design ensures that it will last for years, making it a timeless addition to your kitchen. The skillets are factory pre-seasoned, which means they're ready to use straight out of the box. This makes them much more effective than at-home seasoning, as they are virtually non-stick, easy to clean, protected against scratches, and will also make your food rich in flavor.

Moreover, the Simple Chef Pan is multi-functional, making it suitable for many cooking methods. You can use it on the stovetop, in the oven, over a campfire, and even when slow-cooking. This set is excellent for frying, sautéing, cooking, grilling, and more. The only issue is that the handle may get hot, so you'll need to use an oven mitt or towel to avoid burning your hands. However, the sturdy handle aids in lifting and provides a hole for hanging when not in use.

4 Cuisinart 622-36H Chef's Skillet
Our Score:
9.4
Cuisinart

The Cuisinart 622-36H Chef's Skillet is a must-have for any home chef who values quality cookware. With its hard-anodized exterior, this skillet is incredibly durable and wear-resistant, providing professional-level performance that will last years. The Quantanium non-stick interior is a patented cooking surface reinforced with titanium, making it a durable and healthful option for cooking without adding extra fat.

The hard-anodized construction heats up quickly and spreads the heat evenly across the surface, eliminating hot spots that can cause uneven cooking. The solid stainless steel riveted handles stay cool on the stovetop, providing a safe and solid grip for comfortable and secure handling. The tapered rims also eliminate drips while pouring, making this skillet ideal for cooking and serving various dishes.

The Cuisinart 622-36H Chef's Skillet is oven safe up to 500°F so you can cook on the stovetop or in the oven. The skillet is also incredibly easy to clean, thanks to its non-stick interior, and the tapered rims make pouring and serving a breeze. Nevertheless, the stainless steel exterior may require more maintenance and cleaning than non-stick cookware.

5 Cooks Standard Chef's Fry Pan
Our Score:
9.2
Cooks Standard

This fry pan is exceptionally long-lasting thanks to the high-quality 18-10 stainless steel from which it is constructed. It can withstand the rigors of daily use. The aluminum disc layer placed at the bottom of the pan ensures an even distribution of heat and helps to prevent hot spots, ultimately resulting in dishes that are always cooked to perfection.

It features riveted handles that are both long-lasting and comfortable, making it simple to hold and use for serving food. The pan can be used on various stovetops, including gas, electric, glass, ceramic, and halogen, and it has a tempered glass lid with a steam vent built into it, making it easy to keep an eye on the food while it is cooking. In addition, the pan can withstand temperatures in the oven up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, while the glass lid can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees.

Unfortunately, food sticks to the pan more efficiently, especially if you are unfamiliar with cooking on stainless steel surfaces. However, with proper seasoning and care, these issues can be minimized, and the pan can provide reliable performance for many years.

6 OXO 3QT Chef's Pan
Our Score:
9.1
OXO

The OXO 3QT Chef's Pan is an excellent choice for durable and versatile cookware. Its hard-anodized body delivers excellent heat conduction and scratch resistance, making it perfect for all cooking tasks. The three-layer, German-engineered non-stick coating ensures that food won't stick to the pan, even when cooking with minimal oil. The sturdy stainless steel handle is clad with stay-cool, non-slip silicone, making it easy to grip and hold.

The pan's angled side walls help liquids evaporate quickly, while the rounded bottom encourages efficient stirring. This makes it an excellent choice for cooking various dishes, from soups and stews to pasta dishes and stir-fries. The durable glass lid makes it easy to check on progress without losing heat, and the pan is oven safe up to 390°F/200°C.

While the OXO 3QT Chef's Pan is compatible with most stovetops, it is unsuitable for induction cooktops. Additionally, the pan should be hand washed to ensure it lasts for years.

7 Phantom Chef Frying Pan
Our Score:
8.9
Phantom Chef

The Phantom Chef Frying Pan set is a high-quality non-sticking pan set perfect for home chefs who want to add color and fun to their kitchen. Made with premium aluminum and a non-toxic PTFOA and PTFE-free nonstick ceramic pan coating, this BPA-free cooking pan set provides proper heat distribution and even cooking with less environmental impact. The pans are available in a range of glossy finishes, which can be mixed and matched to express your sense of style.

This pan set features cool-touch handles, making them easy to grip and safe for your hands and fingers. The hole at the end of the handle makes it easy to hang them up to dry, adding to the convenience factor. You can cook all your favorite dishes on this set as it is safe for stovetops and perfect for family favorites, including omelets, steaks, pasta, pancakes, chicken, and more. The only con is that the set can't be used in the oven. 

These durable and fashionable pots and pans are strong enough to withstand regular everyday use without sacrificing comfort or style. The set is easy to maintain with regular hand washing with soap and water. With this nonstick frying pan set, you can enjoy cooking with ease and confidence.

More To Consider

8 Cuisinart 3 Quart Chef's Pan
Our Score:
8.8
Cuisinart
9 GreenPan SmartShape Chef’s Pan
Our Score:
8.3
GreenPan
10 Viking 40051-0725 Chef's Pan
Our Score:
8.1
Viking Culinary

What to Look For in a best chef pans?

It may take a long longer to make the best shopping decision. As a result, we are accessible to assist you with your best chef pans issue at any time of day or night!

There are some highlighted features of best chef pans you should be aware of before make decision:

Material

Because it can affect the price and perform, the primary consideration for buying cookware is material. You can find cookware items made from ceramic and clay that are safe for the stovetop, but they tend not to be common cookware. Most cookware uses some form of metal. The three most used types are aluminum, copper and stainless steel. Cookware may be entirely made from one material, however it is quite common for cookware to include two or more metals.

Care will vary depending on what material your cookware is made of. Different materials have different requirements, and you may not be capable of washing some items in the dishwasher. However, it is possible to wash others by hand. Different metals will react to different heat conditions when cooking. All metals have their own unique heating properties.

Ease Of Storage

Many kitchens have limited storage space, so cookware and other items can take up much of it. Nesting sets can save space in your pantry or cabinets, although you will need to get the entire set to choose the item that interests you. Even though large stockpots and woks are useful, they might not be able to fit into a cabinet.

Lids

A cookware set will usually include more pots than covers. However, some lids may be interchangeable. While it may be nice to buy cookware individually, you can also get lids if your other cookware is already fitted. Many lids can be made from the same material used in the pot so that they can handle the heat. Many lids are made out of glass. This allows you to see your food even if the lid is lifted.

Shape

A wide range of pots are available in different sizes and shapes. Some can be used for particular purposes, such as grill or crepe pans. Wide, shallow pans work best when cooking food that requires evaporation. For instance, it is best to reduce the sauces in a small pot. For situations where liquid is being evaporated, such as cooking pasta, taller, narrower pots will work well.

Coatings

The interior nonstick coatings protect your eggs and make it easier to clean. Uncoated cookware is better for cooking and handling heat in the oven and on the stove. An exterior coating is a decorative rather than functional feature on some cookware. Although anodizing doesn't actually create a coating on cookware, it does provide an attractive outer layer that resists corrosion and stains. An enameled coating is often used on cast iron cookware to prevent it from needing seasoning. Cast iron coated with enamel is highly resistant to corrosion, and it can handle acids well. Any coating can become damaged and render it useless.

Size

Cookware size is key. You can use a small skillet to make one or two eggs. However, you will need a larger stockpot for large batches of soup. There is no correct or wrong size when it comes to cookware. It depends on how many people are cooking at the same time and how large your budget is. Some might be more comfortable with smaller pieces of cookware when cooking individual meals. But others may enjoy large, heavy cookware which can be frozen and used for future meals.

FAQs

What is a chef pan?

A chef pan is a type of cookware that is versatile and can be used for multiple cooking tasks. It typically has a large base and sloped sides, and it often has a lid. It is designed for braising, sautéing, and simmering.

What are the benefits of using a chef pan?

A chef pan is a great tool for versatile cooking tasks. It can be used to braise, sauté, simmer, and even fry. It also has a large base and sloped sides which make it ideal for large-scale cooking tasks. Additionally, the lid is great for trapping in heat and moisture.

How do I choose the right chef pan for my kitchen?

When selecting the right chef pan for your kitchen, consider the size, material, and features that best suit your cooking needs. Consider the size and shape of the pan that will work best for your cooking style. Choose a material that is non-stick and easy to clean, such as stainless steel or ceramic. Look for features such as an oven-safe handle, a tight-fitting lid, and a thick base for even heating.

How do I care for my chef pan?

To care for your chef pan, always use wooden or silicone utensils to avoid scratching the surface. Hand wash the pan with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads. If the pan is dishwasher safe, use the lowest heat setting and use a mild detergent. Avoid stacking pans or placing them near a heat source when storing.

We will keep the list of best chef pans up-to-date once there are new technology and information available. Please check our website frequently to see the most up-to-date information by our editor.

Do you have any questions or comments regarding best chef pans that you'd like to share with us? We will try to attain even greater comedy as a result of your efforts.


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About Katie Finn

Katie Finn

Katie Finn is a freelance writer who loves to explore the world and go camping. She's also an editor for CampfireHQ, where she enjoys writing about wildlife and camping tips. She also has a passion for reading and learning new things, which she often incorporates into her writing.

Read Katie's full bio