How to choose a frying pan

It is very important for every housewife to have quality utensils for cooking in the kitchen. Unlike professional chefs, you only need a few versatile pans for home cooking. They can be used to make delicious pancakes, scrambled eggs or make a dressing for the first course. For a gourmet meal, you can opt for a wok. But each of them is distinguished not only by the name, but also by their functionality, material of manufacture, purpose and coating. How to choose a frying pan, what to look for when choosing and what they are, more about this.

List of the best manufacturers and brands

When choosing quality kitchen utensils, it is very important to pay attention exclusively to trusted manufacturers and brands. You should not give preference to little-known brands. They do not have a high level of quality and durability. Well-known and proven brands are among the best and safest, and numerous positive consumer reviews indicate their relevance. Among the best manufacturers, the following brands are worth highlighting:

• Risoli;
• Tefal;
• Gipfel;
• Rondell.

All of the listed brands of pans belong to the list of the best manufacturers. Therefore, when answering the question of which pan to choose, one should operate on the list presented above.

Frying pans and their varieties

A professional chef has about 10 types of pans in the kitchen. Home use does not require such a chic choice. You can limit yourself to only a few, the most necessary and universal. To determine how to choose a good frying pan, you should familiarize yourself with their varieties and the purpose of each of them.

Pancake maker

They are referred to as universal frying pans, since in it you can cook not only delicious pancakes, but also other dishes. These include scrambled eggs, scrambled eggs, pancakes, pancakes and other goodies. The pan has a rounded shape, low sides, due to which it is not deep. Almost all modern models have a non-stick coating.

Pros:

• differs in light weight, maximum convenience in preparation;
• food does not stick to the bottom due to the presence of a non-stick coating;
• Ideal for any type of hob as it has a flat bottom.

Minuses:

• has not too rich functional capabilities against the background of a high price range.

Classic

They are considered to be among the most common and versatile models of pans due to their high level of functionality. In most cases, it has a rounded shape, has one or more handles. Often, for convenience, manufacturers produce models with a spout for conveniently draining the evaporated fat or frying. In it you can fry, stew and sauté dishes.

Pros:

• due to the large selection of models, you can choose any pan by size;
• wide range of functionality;
• durability and long service life;
• easy to care for, easy to operate;
• there is no difficulty in choosing the right cover;
• has a low price.

Minuses:

• not very easy to store, because it takes up too much usable space in the kitchen.

Wok

The large skillet is tapered. It was widely distributed in Asia, in recent years it has fallen in love with consumers in the CIS countries. It is deep and round, with high sides that widen upward. The bottom of the pan is narrow. In classic models, it is rounded, but models with a flat bottom are often found. Has various types of handles. In some models, they are cast and in the form of ears, while others include only one handle. The structure of the wok pan has features in which such dishes warm up very quickly, but you will need to constantly stir the dish during cooking, although it is not difficult.

Pros:

• has a wide range of functionality;
• holds a large amount of food;
• warms up very quickly;
• during cooking, all products complement each other in a common dish, saturated with spices, salt and aromas.

Minuses:

• during cooking, you always need to stir the entire dish;
• due to its large size, it takes up too much useful space in the kitchen;
• round bottom models require a dedicated hotplate on the hob.

Grill

This frying pan is designed for frying meat, fish and vegetables. Most models have a square shape, but there are also rounded shapes. Due to its ribbed surface, frying does not require the addition of fat or other types of oils. The frying pan simulates grilling food, so the ribbed surface of the cookware leaves characteristic streaks on the food during cooking. Differs in considerable size and large mass.

Pros:

• there is no difficulty in removing food from the surface of the pan;
• due to the complete absence of fat on the dishes during cooking, the dish does not absorb it into itself, remaining natural, without spoiling its natural taste;
• despite the presence of ribs on the surface, there are no problems and difficulties during washing;
• profitability is noted due to the absence of the need to use oils;
• the appearance of the finished products resembles grilled food.

Minuses:

• you can only fry in such dishes;
• is too heavy.

Stewpan

It is a very versatile type of cookware. They are referred to as a hybrid of a pan, a ladle and a frying pan. A wide variety of delicious dishes can be prepared in it. Among which are the first courses, frying, scrambled eggs, sauces, pancakes, stews and many others. You can fry, boil, stew and brown in it. These pans have high sides that are thick. Due to these indicators, the incoming heat is distributed evenly, which does not allow food to burn.

Almost all models have a convenient cover. This is due to the purpose and functional abilities. The saucepans are designed for stewing, so there should be enough moisture under the lid at a high temperature. Small models have only one handle, larger ones have several.

Pros:

• in addition to frying, you can cook and stew in such dishes;
• due to the uniform temperature distribution, food does not burn or stick to the surface;
• has a high level of compactness;
• cover included.

Minuses:

• in comparison with other types of pans, it has the most expensive cost.

Brazier

An ideal option for a deep frying pan, in which you can not only fry, but also bake in the oven or simmer large quantities of dishes, allowing you to feed all members of a large family. The material of manufacture is cast iron or steel, there is a multi-layer and thickening of the bottom.This allows the heat to be evenly distributed during cooking and the food does not stick or burn. The brazier has several cast handles on both sides.

Pros:

• a high level of versatility and versatility (you can cook, bake in it, can replace a rooster);
• the ability to use for cooking in the oven;
• has a large capacity;
• Due to the thick bottom coating, all food does not burn or stick during cooking (even temperature distribution).

Minuses:

• high price range;
• has a large mass;
• small, heatable handles.

How to choose a non-stick frying pan

To choose the right non-stick frying pan, you need to consider what it is, familiarize yourself with their types and descriptions. Before deciding which coating will be the best, you need to consider each of them.

Pig-iron

The ideal coating option, as it occupies a leading position in terms of durability and safety. For cooking, fat or other types of oils are necessarily used, which are absorbed into the pores of such a coating.

Teflon

One of the most common coatings for aluminum frying pans is Teflon. In other words, it is called polytetrafluoroethylene. The best brand in this area is Tefal, they are famous for their ability to heat up to 260 degrees.

Pros:

• are lightweight;
• ease of use and maintenance;
• practically no fat is required for cooking.

Minuses:

• during cooking, do not overheat the Teflon coating. The maximum heating temperature should be no more than 200 degrees. Otherwise, the process of release of harmful substances, carcinogens and other toxic gases, occurs;
• do not use sharp objects to stir food;
• too short service life, not exceeding 1 year.

Granite, titanium and diamond

Such coatings are among the most reliable and expensive nanocomposite ones. They have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• heats up quickly and evenly;
• high resistance to wear;
• you can use metal devices for mixing (shovels, forks, whisks);
• practically no oil is used in the cooking process;
• high degree of safety, quality close to cast iron;
• in comparison with cast iron cookware, it has a lighter weight;
• very durable, service life is up to 25 years.

Minuses:

• not suitable for cooking on an induction hob;
• have a high cost in comparison with other types of pans.

Ceramic

A frying pan coated not with baked clay, but with a nanocomposite polymer containing sand particles, is called non-stick ceramic.

Pros:

• with strong heating, no harmful substances are released, which cannot be said about Teflon-coated pans;
• the ability to heat the pan up to 450 degrees;
• ideal for cooking with minimal oils;
• heating is distributed evenly;
• have a small mass.

Minuses:

• the ceramic layer is not resistant to mechanical damage;
• not dishwasher safe;
• not resistant to drops, sudden temperature changes and alkalis;
• you cannot cook on an induction cooker;
• short service life (1-2 years, subject to careful use).

Marble

It is a Teflon coating, which includes marble chips. There are advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• in comparison with a cast-iron frying pan, it differs in less weight;
• heating occurs very quickly and evenly;
• cools down slowly;
• not vulnerable to sharp devices, falls, sudden changes in temperature conditions;
• has a long service life;
• has an unusual and durable appearance.

Minuses:

• often on sale you can find a model without a cover;
• high-quality dishes with such a coating will not be cheap.

Manufacturing material

When choosing the perfect frying pan for the kitchen, the material of its manufacture is of great importance. You can often find cookware made of copper coated with stainless steel, cast iron and stainless steel itself. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Stainless steel coated copper frying pan

It has a beautiful appearance and is ideal for cooking dishes that require fairly frequent changes in temperature conditions. Copper heats up perfectly and cools down just as quickly. But it is difficult to cook in such dishes, besides, it is not cheap. Its durability should be noted separately.

Cast iron

The most versatile frying pan can rightfully be called a cast iron pan. This is due to its versatility, because in it you can not only fry and stew. In such dishes, you can safely bake in the oven. When answering the question of how to choose a grill pan, you should pay attention to cast iron dishes, since it is from this material that such pans are made. Due to uniform heating and long cooling, it is ideal for roasting meat, fish and vegetables.

Such dishes are resistant to mechanical damage and accidental drops. It does not emit harmful substances, is safe, and many people position it as useful. This is due to the iron saturation during cooking. It is distinguished by its natural non-stick coating due to its porous texture and the absorption of oils in them. It is durable.

There are also significant disadvantages. Cast iron is distinguished by its large mass, requires careful maintenance (periodically calcined with salt and oiled). Due to the possible appearance of rust, food cannot be stored in such dishes or washed in the dishwasher.

Stainless steel

Many professional chefs cook in stainless steel cookware without a special non-stick coating. Due to this feature, all products in the cooking process retain their taste and color. Grill dishes are also made of stainless steel. Differs in durability, resistance to mechanical damage, can be washed immediately after frying. When used correctly, there are no operational problems.

To avoid food sticking to the bottom during cooking, it is recommended to thoroughly heat the oil in a skillet. It can be difficult to cook fried eggs.

Helpful advice when choosing

There are many options for pans on the market. Each option is special and deserves attention. To make the right choice, you need to decide on the purpose and requirements for the functionality of such dishes. Additionally, you can use useful tips when choosing.

1. When buying a multifunctional and inexpensive model, it is better to turn your attention to classic models made of cast iron. With its help, you can cook almost any dish, it is resistant to damage, and has exceptional durability. It is better to pay attention to models with a protective coating. The outer layer can be enamel, inside it is better to choose granite or ceramics.
2. For frequent cooking of fish or meat, in addition to the basic set, it is worth getting a grill pan. It is better to choose a model made of thick-walled steel or cast iron, the handle must be cast, a heat-insulating pad must be provided. The presence of a spout will be an additional plus, since with its help at the end of cooking, you can gently drain all unnecessary fat.
3. For roasts, stews and pilaf, it is recommended that you turn your attention to the deep, thick ceramic brazier. The material of manufacture can be aluminum and cast iron. In such dishes, you can cook not only on the stove, but also in the oven. It is not at all necessary to choose models with a non-stick coating, but if you wish, you can limit yourself to an enamel coating. Lovers of healthy food are advised to pay attention to titanium, ceramic and granite coating.
4. A stewpan will become an excellent helper and an indispensable thing in a very small kitchen. It is able to replace not only a frying pan, but also a saucepan and other types of cooking utensils. Due to its compact size, it will fit into any kitchen interior, even the smallest one. The abundance of functionality will allow not only frying, but also cooking, stewing, even making desserts. With its help, you can safely refuse additional pots, because the stewpan will cope with such tasks with ease.
5. For frequent cooking of scrambled eggs, pancakes and pancakes, it is recommended to get a pancake maker. When choosing, you should pay attention to the material of manufacture. It is recommended to purchase a pan made of steel or aluminum to keep the weight low. The walls should be thin. The key to a quality crepe maker is a good non-stick coating inside. Even a Teflon coating will do.

When choosing a good and high-quality frying pan for the kitchen, be sure to study all possible options. All of them have specific functionality. There is no need to purchase all kinds of pans in your home kitchen. For this reason, it is recommended to opt for classic universal options that are suitable for frying, cooking and stewing at the same time.