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Your Guide to Frying Pan Sizes

When it comes to buying pots and pans, it isn’t enough to just know which specific products you want — you also must know the specific sizes you want. We find this fact to ring especially true for frying pans.

Why? Because frying pans (also called skillets) are a kitchen product for which there are many different sizes to choose from, and the differences between these sizes aren’t as apparent as they are with volume-based cookware like saucepans.

While it’s true that our 10" Stainless Steel Pans can do many of the same tasks as our 12" Stainless Steel Pan, they are not always interchangeable. In this guide, we’ll first discuss cookware materials and how they relate to frying pan sizes, then go into how frying pan sizes are measured, and finally, we’ll run through the three most common sizes. Once you master this, you'll be able to tell what separates high quality cookware from cookware that won't be able to produce restaurant-quality food.  

How are Frying Pan Sizes Measured?

Frying pan sizes are determined by a pan’s overall diameter (wall top to wall top), not the diameter of its cooking surface (base edge to base edge).

Due to design differences with regard to how steeply their walls rise, it’s very common to have two 12 inch pans that have different cooking surface measurements. For example, the cooking surface of Made In’s 12” Stainless Steel Frying Pan is 9.5 inches whereas the cooking surface of Made In’s 12" Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan is 9.25 inches.

Furthermore, cookware size categorization oftentimes includes rounding down to the nearest inch (but never up). It's very common for a frying pan to measure in at slightly above its marketed length — a 12 inch designation simply means the pan measures in between 12 and 13 inches. This elongated window allows for more freedom of design.

For the sake of consistency in this article, when referencing general frying pan sizes we’ll be using the measurements of Made In’s Stainless Steel Frying Pans.

8" Frying Pan

Benefits of this size: A smaller pan means more evenly distributed heat and the ability to reach high temperatures due to collateral heat exposure from the pan’s sloped sides.

Commonly used for: One fried egg, steak, or chicken breast, making thick, fluffy omelettes (the eggs are forced upward due to the smaller cooking surface), sauteing vegetables for a side dish.

Example: Made In’s Stainless Steel 8 Inch Frying Pan

Diameter: 8.5 inches. Cooking surface diameter: 5 inches. Height: 2.75 inches. Length: 15.25 inches. Depth: 1.75 inches. Weight: 1.75 lbs.

Real customer review: "Recently purchased an 8" frying pan and I'm very happy with it. It's well made at a reasonable price." - L.S.

10" Frying Pan

Benefits of this size: A medium pan means a middle ground where more can fit in the pan without overcrowding with a minimal sacrifice of heat retention.

Commonly used for: Frying 3 eggs or 2 chicken breasts, frying latkes, reheating leftovers, sautéing a large amount of vegetables.

Example: Made In’s Stainless Steel 10 Inch Frying Pan (included in Made In’s #1 overall stainless steel cookware set for 2020 according to Consumer Reports)

Diameter: 10.5 inches. Cooking surface diameter: 7.5 inches. Height: 3.5 inches. Length: 18.5 inches. Depth: 1.75 inches. Weight: 2.25 lbs.

Real customer review: " I opened the package and my first thought was, if this pan (10.5" fryer), cooks as well as it feels, you may never have to buy another pan the rest of my life. It just simply exceeded my expectations, very happy with my purchase." - R.T.

12" Frying Pan

Benefits of this size: A large pan obviously means a large amount of food can be cooked in it at once without overcrowding the pan. It also means greater heat retention, as there is more material available to hold heat.

Commonly used for: Frying 4 eggs or 3 chicken breasts, frying bacon strips without having to trim the ends, making a pan pizza, galette, or Dutch baby (12 inches is the ideal size for baking pans).

Example: Made In’s Stainless Steel 12 Inch Frying Pan

Diameter: 12.5 inches. Cooking surface diameter: 9.5 inches. Height: 3.5 inches. Length: 20.5 inches. Depth: 1.75 inches. Weight: 3 pounds.

Real customer review: " The pan according to my son is absolutely great! He even sent me a picture of chicken he made browning on the stove and finishing in the oven. He said it was the best chicken he ever made. Definitely a 5 star product!!" - C.

What Frying Pan Size is Best For Me?

Oftentimes the only thing you need to consider when deciding between frying pan sizes is, “What’s the smallest possible pan I can use without risking overcrowding?” The prevention of overcrowding should be the first order of business when it comes to deciding between sizes.

However, there are some cases in which having a larger or smaller sized pan matters for more than just the volume of what’s being cooked. We discuss a few of those cases in the frying pan size breakdown later in this article.

What Matters More, the Material or Size?

What your frying pan is made of and how big your frying pan is are the two most important qualities when it comes to selecting the skillet for you. Typically, the selection process starts with material and then gets more specific with size. This is because the difference material makes is larger than the difference made by size.

Below is a brief snapshot of the differences between the most common frying pan materials.

Whichever material you select, be sure it has standard features such as being oven safe, a stay cool handle, and a lifetime warranty that covers defects. And if you want a lid, check out this universal lid, that will fit all of Made In's frying pans.

For a more in-depth look at the unique characteristics of each material, check out our blog comparing and contrasting cookware materials.

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Frying Pan Sizes | Skillet Size Guide for 2023

Our editorial team recommends the best products through independent research, selection and careful review. Prices are subject to change.

How do you decide which frying pan sizes are right for you? When determining which frying pan sizes are a good choice for your kitchen, you will want to consider the number of people you regularly cook for, the types of foods that you prepare and the skillet material that you prefer among other factors.  

Different frying pan sizes offer versatility in the kitchen, allowing you to choose the best option for your cooking preferences and needs. We searched the most popular frying pan sizes to discover the best skillets for everything from your personal morning omelette to a roast dinner for the whole family.

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Best 8 Inch Frying Pan

1. Ballarini Parma Plus 8” Aluminum Non-Stick Fry Pan

One of the best frying pan sizes for small-batch cooking, the Ballarini Parma Plus 8” Aluminum Non-Stick Fry Pan makes cooking a breeze with its innovative features. Scratch-resistant granitium coating for easy release and clean-up combines with Thermopoint technology that signals when your pan is hot or cool for safe and efficient cooking. It's one of the best pans for eggs, too!

Best 8.5 Inch Skillet

2. Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Skillet

Available in multiple skillet sizes, we chose the 8.5” Hestan ProBond Stainless Steel Skillet for its sleek, ergonomic design. This comfortably-weighted skillet offers a quick-heating cooking surface for consistent browning that is ideal for everyday use.

 

via Hestan

Best 9.5 Inch Frying Pans

3. Demeyere Atlantis Proline 9.5” Stainless Steel Frying Pan

The impressive Demeyere Atlantis Proline 9.5” Stainless Steel Frying Pan is a utilitarian piece made with an innovative seven-layer material that is suitable for use on all types of cooking surfaces as well as in the oven. The versatile 9.5” skillet size is small enough to manage with multiple pots and pans, and large enough to provide even browning and searing without overcrowding. As far as the best stainless steel cookware goes, this one is hard to beat.

 

Caption

4. Demeyere Industry 9.5” 5-Ply Non-Stick Fry Pan

With its exceptional heat retention and non-stick coating for effortless clean-up, it is easy to see why the Demeyere Industry 9.5” 5-Ply Non-Stick Fry Pan is a favorite for the 9.5” frying pan size and a top pick for best non-stick cookware. This sturdy skillet is dishwasher-safe and compatible with gas, electric and induction cooktops. 

via Demeyere

 

Best 10 Inch Skillet

5. Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set

As beautiful as it is functional, the Finex Cast Iron Skillet & Lid Set is a versatile pan with innovative details and design features. This 10” skillet is one of the best cast iron pans for a variety of dishes (like Marry Me chicken) and one of the most popular frying pan sizes. This high-quality pan can go from stovetop to oven and is perfect for searing, steaming, braising or roasting with self-basting rings, quick-cooling handle and a hefty lid to lock in heat and protect from splatter. For more details, check out our Finex cast iron review.

via Finex

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Best 11 Inch Skillets

6. Staub Traditional 11” Skillet - Matte Black

The Staub Traditional 11” Skillet offers durability and versatility with a time-honored design. The 11” cast iron skillet size provides plenty of cooking area to help prevent overcrowding and achieve consistent heating and browning in each dish. This traditional pan is one of the best size cast iron skillets for one-pan family dinners or easy weekly meal prep. 

via Staub

7. Hestan NanoBond Titanium 11” Stainless Steel Skillet Fry Pan

With its increased cooking surface and sleek design, the Hestan NanoBond Titanium 11” Stainless Steel Skillet Fry Pan is another top choice for the 11” frying pan size. This pan balances its large cooking area with quick heating for efficient browning and searing. The scratch and stain-resistant pan is oven and broiler-safe, dishwasher-safe and compatible with induction stovetops. It's a true workhorse type of pan for any kitchen.

via Hestan

Best 12 Inch Frying Pan

8. Zwilling Clad CFX Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan

With a wide cooking surface, even heat distribution and an ultra-durable non-stick coating, the Zwilling Clad CFX Ceramic Non-Stick Fry Pan is our choice for the best 12 inch frying pan. The unique Ceraforce XTREME ceramic coating also makes this the best 12" non-stick skillet thanks to its long-lasting, scratch-resistant coating. One of the most popular frying pan sizes for everyday use, this pan is ideal for everyone from individuals or couples to small families. 

via Zwilling

Best 12.5 Inch Frying Pan

9. Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet

The elegant Hestan CopperBond Induction Copper Skillet is available in a variety of frying pan sizes, but we love the 12.5” skillet size for its large cooking surface, even heating and exceptional temperature control. This induction compatible skillet is sleek, durable and oven-safe, the perfect choice for weeknight family dinners or large batch cooking. 

via Hestan

Best 13 Inch Frying Pan

10.

Staub 13” Fry Pan/Paella Pan

On the larger end of frying pan sizes, this piece doubles as one of the best paella pans. The Staub 13” Fry Pan/Paella Pan stands out for its functionality and timeless design. This skillet size is an excellent choice for large family meals, dinner parties and potlucks. The sturdy cast iron combined with an enameled interior offers even heat distribution while dual handles provide easy transfer from stove to tabletop.

via Staub

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Best Skillet Sets

11. Ballarini 2-Pc Non-Stick Fry Pan Set

Investing in a set with multiple frying pan sizes is a great way to enhance your cookware collection. The Ballarini 2-Pc Non-Stick Fry Pan Set includes two popular frying pan sizes with innovative design features. Both the 10” and 12” skillet sizes in this best cookware set are reinforced with ceramic particles for easy release and clean-up. In addition, theThermopoint technology signals when the pan is hot or cool, letting you know when it is ready to cook or safe to clean. 

via Ballarini

12. Anolon Nouvelle Copper Luxe 8.5” & 10” Frying Pan Set - Onyx

Chosen for its seamless blend of function and style, the Anolon Nouvelle Copper Luxe 8.5” and 10” Frying Pan Set in Onyx combines two popular frying pan sizes for an elegant addition to your kitchen collection. With a copper midlayer base for exceptional heat conduction, aluminum body and non-stick finish, you will want to reach for this high-quality set to prepare every meal.  

via Anolon

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Whether you most often cook for yourself or an entire family, choosing the frying pan sizes that are right for you can enhance both your food and enjoyment of cooking. When adding the right frying pan sizes for your favorite dishes to your cookware collection, look for pans that provide even heating and prevent overcrowding with features that suit your cooking preferences and needs.

For even more ways to elevate your kitchen, check out chef-recommended cookware in the Cozymeal Shop. 

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How to choose the right frying pan?

What kind of frying pans are there?

As a rule, frying pans are used for frying fish, meat, vegetables. Shape, type, size - these characteristics are important when buying a frying pan. Initially, you need to clearly define what you need a frying pan for. If you plan to cook food in the oven, then you definitely need a frying pan with a removable handle. In such a pan it is also convenient to store food in the refrigerator.

As a rule, it is difficult to manage in the kitchen with only one frying pan, so not only chefs, but also experienced housewives have a clear division of frying pans according to their purpose. Standard round pans are suitable for cooking various dishes - frying meat and meatballs, frying vegetables, preparing side dishes. For fish, there are special oval-shaped pans, for pancakes - pancakes (round-shaped pans with low walls), and for grilling - special grill pans with a ribbed bottom.

No housewife can do without a frying pan in the kitchen. This is probably the most commonly used gadget in the kitchen. Previously, everyone had cast-iron - very heavy, and metal pans, to which everything burned terribly.

The first thing to consider when buying a new frying pan is your stove. Today, in our kitchens, not only the usual gas and electric ones, but also induction, glass-ceramic, etc. - progress does not stand still! This is exactly what should, first of all, determine the range of options.

Pans with a diameter of 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 cm are most often found on sale. This refers to the upper diameter of the product, by which you can then pick up a lid of the same diameter. When choosing the size of the pan, you need to consider the number of people in the family: 24 cm for one person, 26 cm for two, and 28 cm for a large family, and 18-20 cm are convenient for heating food. You also need to focus on the size of the burners - the pan should not be much larger or smaller than the diameter of the burner.

Pancake pan

A large selection of special pancake pans is now available for frying pancakes. Their main difference from the usual ones is the low edges. As a rule, pancake pans are light - this greatly facilitates the process of flipping pancakes.

Frying pans vary in diameter from 16 to 30 centimeters. As a rule, this indicator indicates the upper diameter of the dish. The bottom is usually smaller. Therefore, if you purchased a pan with a diameter of 20 cm without a lid and are trying to pick it up, then the lid should also be 20 cm in diameter.

Pan lid

A lid for any container is a must. Glass lids for pans are good because they are transparent and you can watch the cooking process without lifting them once again. Glass has a lower thermal conductivity than metal, so it will heat up faster.
Glass lids for pans are good because they are transparent and you can watch the cooking process without lifting them once again. Glass has a lower thermal conductivity than metal, so it will heat up faster. But metal is stronger.


Pans come in large, medium and small sizes. Every housewife strives to have pans of different sizes in her everyday life. Medium-sized pans are considered universal. But if the choice is approached with all seriousness, then the pan should correspond to the size of the stove burner.

Increasingly, you can find pans with non-stick coating on store shelves. Remember that such dishes are only suitable for gas stoves. They are very convenient and economical to use: food does not burn, a small amount of oil is consumed.

Non-stick frying pan

Today, a non-stick frying pan is a welcome guest in any kitchen, because food does not stick on it, in addition, non-stick frying pans are very easy to use and care for. Frying pans with non-stick coating can be aluminum, cast iron and steel. The most common aluminum frying pan with non-stick coating, due to the high thermal conductivity of aluminum.

Ceramic coated pan

The main property of the ceramic coating is non-stick. It allows you to cook without oil at all, although in some dishes, like fried potatoes, I add it for the appearance of roasts and taste. A ceramic-coated pan heats up much faster than a regular pan, and as a result, the food in it cooks faster too. This can be useful if your kitchen has an electric stove - it saves a little on electricity. Since the coating is very smooth, it is very easy to wash it! It is worth waiting until the dishes have cooled down, and you can simply rinse them in hot water. As a rule, this is enough to wash it.

A ceramic-coated pan heats up much faster than a regular pan, and as a result, the food is also cooked faster. This can be useful if your kitchen has an electric stove - it saves a little on electricity. Since the coating is very smooth, it is very easy to wash it! It is worth waiting until the dishes have cooled down, and you can simply rinse them in hot water. As a rule, this is enough to wash it.

Cast aluminum pans

Aluminum frying pan Due to its physical properties, it is extremely light and heats up quickly. This makes the cooking process faster and better, besides, food does not stick to the walls of the pan.


In the RC Vostok store you will find the largest range of products to update your kitchen, because we pay special attention to the quality and variety of our products.

Dara non-stick pan 20 cm 729119

PFLUON (5-layer granite, reinforced by minerals, without PFOA) Material cast aluminum Length with handle 40 cm 9008 Done thickness 5.5 mm Board height 5 cm Color

Summary

pan with anti-stick coating Dara 729119

Frying pan diameter - 20 cm

The frying pan is made of extra strong 5-layer Pfluon non-stick coating based on granite structure with excellent non-stick properties, durability and wear resistance, making the cookware suitable for daily use and will last for many years.

PFOA-free, cadmium-free, lead-free and completely safe

High-strength non-stick coating allows you to use non-sharp metal utensils when cooking

Massive body made of cast aluminum ensures uniform heating of the entire surface of the cookware and does not deform when heated or after frequent use

The bottom of the cookware ideally adheres to the surface of the stove, which ensures its stability and efficient heating Made of non-slip material

Suitable for all hob types, including induction

Dishwasher safe

5 year warranty

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