Many of us know that the aroma and taste of cooked food is 50% dependent on the quality of the pan, so it is extremely important to pay special attention to choosing the appropriate kitchen utensils. To make the task easier, decide in advance on the type and parameters of the pan, and also study popular cookware manufacturers. Let’s consider in detail how to choose the right frying pan depending on the purpose for feeding, type of stove and materials.

What parameters to look at when choosing

Before buying this or that product, decide on the purpose and type of pan in accordance with the options offered by the selection parameters.

Type of cooking surface

The main criterion that you should pay attention to when choosing is the compatibility of the product with your stove. As you know, cooking surfaces are gas, electric and induction.

  • If the stove is induction, choose only a product with a special bottom with magnetic properties, otherwise it simply will not heat up. For example, you won’t be able to cook anything on an induction surface if you use a ceramic pan.
  • If the electric stove is made of glass ceramics – do not buy copper or aluminum pans. After their use, unsightly traces may remain on the surface.
  • As for gas stoves, here your choice is limitless, since pans made of any material are suitable for such surfaces.

How to choose the right frying pan

Appointment

The next step is to determine the purpose of the pan. If you want to:

  • use dishes for frying and stewing, choose a round product of medium depth;
  • bake dishes in the oven, a roasting pan with high and thick walls is suitable;
  • to cook pancakes, omelets, cheesecakes or fritters, buy a pancake pan with low sides;
  • fry juicy meat and fish steaks with minimal addition of oil, prefer a grill pan;
  • to cook using Stir-Fry, choose a Wok pan;
  • you can also extinguish and fry in a large amount of oil in a saucepan.

In addition to standard products, the assortment of dishes for cooking also includes non-traditional containers designed for original dishes, for example:

  • oval pans for frying whole fish;
  • escargottiere for creating portioned dishes (cupcakes, omelets, biscuits);
  • paellars for preparing paella or other cereals;
  • tapa with a lid-press for dishes of Caucasian cuisine;
  • deep fryers for frying food in a large amount of oil.

It is worth noting that the original pans are not particularly popular, since the dishes for which they are intended can be prepared in classic dishes.

Material of the pan

The material from which it is made is of key importance in the quality characteristics of the frying pan. You can find products from:

  • cast iron;
  • aluminum;
  • granite;
  • titanium;
  • ceramics;
  • copper;
  • stainless steel

Each of them has its own distinctive characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. Buy a frying pan only after studying the declared properties of these materials.

Diameter (size) of the pan

The next point of choice is the size of the pan depending on the diameter. Keep in mind that the diameter is measured along the top of the walls, not along the bottom. As a rule, such a criterion directly depends on the number of members of your family. Classic pans range in size from 22 to 28 cm. At the same time, pans with a diameter of:

  • 22-24 cm will be comfortable for one person;
  • 26 cm – optimally suitable for a family of a maximum of 3 people;
  • 28 cm is suitable for a large family.

Also consider your personal preferences, as some people prepare food for one meal and others for several days at once.

Correspondence of the size of the pan to the diameter of the burner

In this matter, it is again worth paying attention to the surface of your stove in the kitchen.

  • If the stove is gas, choose any size product.
  • When choosing a container for a standard electric stove, follow the main rule – the burner should not be visible from under the bottom.
  • For glass-ceramic cooking surfaces, it is not necessary to follow this recommendation, since the stove itself adjusts to the diameter of the pan.
  • It’s a little more difficult with induction cooktops. The fact is that if the bottom occupies less than 70% of the surface, the device does not recognize the pan and simply does not heat. The same happens if the capacity significantly exceeds the diameter of the burner.

You can find more precise recommended parameters for choosing pans and pots in the instructions for using the induction stove.

It is worth noting that induction hobs of the new generation have sensors on the entire surface and are in contact with the bottom of any size, so such problems disappear.

Safety and durability

The period of operation of the frying pan is primarily influenced by the material from which it is made.

  • Cast iron products are considered the strongest and most durable, since cast iron is a strong alloy of iron and carbon.
  • In second place is metal utensils (copper, aluminum, steel). They are not afraid of high temperature or sudden changes in temperature.
  • Containers with Teflon or ceramic coating serve a little less with proper care and operation. However, if the conditions of processing and use are violated, such pans quickly lose their claimed properties.

In addition, when buying, ask the seller for a certificate of compliance of the product with safety standards. The presence of the document confirms that the dishes are really suitable for hot processing of dishes and do not emit dangerous substances when heated.

How to choose the right frying pan

How to choose a lid for a frying pan

In some cases, the lid is already included in the pan set, so the problem disappears by itself. If the cover is not included, you need to select it yourself.

First of all, determine the size of the cover. It should match the diameter of the pan. It is better if both the container and the lid are of the same brand, otherwise the lid will fit loosely to the sides.

In addition, according to the technology of cooking, you can choose a lid according to the following criteria:

  • convexity;
  • the presence of a thermostat;
  • the number of holes for steam;
  • cover material (glass or silicone);
  • how hot the pen gets.

If you have several pans of different diameters, buy a universal lid with three rims of different sizes.

What are frying pans made of?

The material from which pans are made affects its quality, reliability and durability. To better navigate the variety of products, study the properties of each of the materials.

Teflon coating

The most popular products in this market segment. However, opinions on Teflon-coated pans vary widely. Some consumers claim that the material lasts a long time, others completely contradict them. Advantages of Teflon:

  • you can use a minimum of oil for cooking;
  • food does not burn at all;
  • a large selection of shapes and sizes.

The disadvantages of the coverage include:

  • it is impossible to heat strongly, because of which the material deteriorates and emits dangerous substances;
  • does not tolerate mechanical influences;
  • quickly loses its non-stick properties;
  • requires special care;
  • is expensive

Cheap products with a Teflon coating can last no more than 1-2 years, after which they completely lose their non-stick properties.

Cast iron

The advantages of cast iron are quite a lot, although recently it is losing popularity due to the appearance of quality products made of lighter materials.

Advantages of cast iron pans:

  • universal, as it can be used for frying, stewing and baking in the oven;
  • during use, oil is absorbed, thanks to which a natural non-stick coating appears on the surface;
  • safe and ecological;
  • keep warm longer;
  • serve as long as possible.

Cons of cast iron products:

  • require roasting from time to time;
  • may rust with improper storage;
  • very heavy;
  • cannot be washed in a dishwasher.

In terms of operational characteristics, cast iron pans have practically no disadvantages, but they require special care.

Aluminum

We are familiar with similar products from our grandmothers or great-grandmothers. Today, aluminum pans are not very popular, especially if they do not have a Teflon coating. If you still decide to buy such dishes, first familiarize yourself with its characteristics:

  • can cause harm to human health, as small aluminum shavings or dangerous substances get into the food;
  • non-stick properties are completely absent;
  • does not withstand the influence of high temperatures, as a result of which it is deformed;
  • not suitable for washing in a dishwasher;
  • very light;
  • is cheap.

It can be seen that these characteristics mainly indicate the poor quality of the pans. The only advantages of such containers are the availability and lightness of the metal.

Ceramic coating

Such dishes can be made of cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel. At the same time, the ceramic coating is applied by spraying or using a thorized method. It is believed that pans with a thorized coating are of worse quality and last less.

Advantages of pans with a ceramic coating:

  • ripens for a long time;
  • suitable for food storage;
  • have high non-stick properties;
  • safe and ecological;
  • easily washed.

Disadvantages of ceramics:

  • do not withstand temperature changes;
  • fragile;
  • are expensive

Sometimes such products are marked “eco”, which means that environmentally friendly materials were used for the production of the coating.

How to choose the right frying pan

Stone granite and marble covering

Such products are very similar to Teflon products in terms of their characteristics. However, they last longer and are more resistant to mechanical damage.

Advantages of stone pans:

  • have high non-stick properties;
  • strong and durable;
  • withstand small mechanical actions;
  • are expensive

Please note that a quality stone pan will not be cheap.

Titanium

Pans made of titanium are famous for maximum wear resistance and durability. Their properties are similar to cast iron products, but they last much longer.

Advantages of titanium pans:

  • long service life;
  • high strength;
  • have non-stick properties;
  • are not subject to corrosion;
  • do not emit dangerous substances when heated;
  • withstand the effects of high temperature and its fluctuations.

Disadvantages of titanium products:

  • high price;
  • possibility of fakes.

Since such pans are very expensive, cases of their forgeries are not uncommon. Be careful, because such products contain nickel, which is dangerous for humans.

Copper

Copper pans are rarely bought. This is due to the special properties of the metal.

Advantages of copper pans:

  • wear-resistant;
  • heat up quickly;
  • they cool down quickly, which is necessary for cooking some dishes;
  • safe, as the metal does not emit toxic substances.

Disadvantages of products:

  • are expensive;
  • the ability to cool down quickly sometimes causes inconvenience;
  • possible risk of burns if the handle is made of copper;
  • require careful cleaning and special care.

Copper pans are very difficult to use and require certain skills to handle them.

Stainless steel

The most popular type of pans. They became widespread thanks to the huge variety of species and forms. In addition, they:

  • do not require special care;
  • preserve the taste and benefits of products to the maximum;
  • are not afraid of mechanical influences;
  • are not exposed to moisture;
  • strong and wear-resistant.

Despite this, stainless steel pans also have negative sides:

  • they do not survive the influence of high temperatures, due to which they can be deformed;
  • if you do not mix the products in time, they may burn;
  • you can get a fake.

When choosing a stainless steel product, first of all, pay attention to compliance with quality standards.

How to choose a pan for cooking different dishes

If you’re not sure which pan you need, choose the pan that best suits the variety of dishes you usually cook.

  • Which pan will allow you to cook without oil. If you want to eat right, adding a minimum amount of oil when frying or cooking without it at all, give preference to pans that have a non-stick coating. Grill pans, stone, Teflon and ceramic products are most suitable for healthy food.
  • Pans for frying meat and steaks. A correctly selected frying pan is half the success of cooking a delicious meat dish. The product must withstand high temperatures, have a thick bottom and walls. If you like to fry large steaks, prefer a large square pan. The presence of a relief bottom will allow you to cook meat almost without oil. At the same time, it is fried at high temperatures, almost without touching the bottom.
  • How to choose a pancake pan. The main condition of a pancake pan is low sides or their absence. What to choose: with sides or without depends on the method of cooking pancakes (bulk or distribution). In addition, consider the thickness of the bottom, too thin will quickly heat up and cool down, as a result, the dough will either burn or fry unevenly. Cast iron or aluminum pans with Teflon or ceramic coating are considered the best products for cooking pancakes.

Rating of manufacturers

If all the selection criteria have already been studied and you have decided on the type of frying pan, you may be stopped by the variety of manufacturers producing similar models. Before buying, study their rating and competitiveness.

  • Tefal. One of the most popular manufacturers, whose specialization is based on the production of dishes for frying. The main difference from analogues is the presence of a special Thermospot coating, which allows you to cook without oil. In addition, Tefal products are famous for their availability and wide range.
  • Kukmara The manufacturer presents frying pans of various modifications in its assortment. Most models have Teflon, marble or ceramic coating, removable handles and a convenient lid. They are valued for durability and wear resistance.
  • Hipfel. The manufacturer often presents sets of frying pans in its assortment, and individual products are also present. The products are famous for their stylish design and excellent quality.
  • Paderno Specializes in the production of professional tableware. In the range of products, you can find models for preparing steaks, lasagna, paella and many other exquisite dishes. For the production of pans, materials of excellent quality are used, which is why they are quite expensive.
  • Taller. The products of this manufacturer are famous for their strength and durability. At the same time, they are inexpensive. Each model is developed taking into account the variety of cooking surfaces, thanks to which the pans are suitable for any stove.
  • It will be necessary. The products are ecological and safe. They have a multi-layer coating on the bottom, thanks to which the food does not burn during cooking. Some products are equipped with original handles made of heat-resistant material. Suitable for various cooking surfaces.
  • AMT. The manufacturer specializes in the production of high-quality aluminum products. They are famous for their unique non-stick properties, which are achieved by applying a Teflon or ceramic coating. Unlike similar aluminum products, AMT pans are suitable for washing in a dishwasher.

Choosing a new frying pan is a simple but responsible matter. Do not take the first-best product. It is better to study the possible options in advance according to the main criteria and properties. Make a choice based on your own preferences, based on the knowledge you have gained.

How to choose the right frying pan