「”Non-stick, safe, and easy to use… I want a frying pan like that… but with so many types, I have no idea which one to choose.”
For those who feel lost choosing a frying pan, I’ve seriously selected ones that are perfect for home use.
PonkumaLet’s find your favorite frying pan together!
Points to Check When Choosing a Frying Pan
| Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Size | If it doesn’t match your portion size, it may cause uneven cooking or burning |
| Weight | Lightness is important for everyday use |
| Heat Source | Check whether it’s compatible with IH or gas |
| Handle | Detachable handles make cleaning and storage easy; ideal for oven use too |
| Oven Compatibility | Must-check if you plan to use it for oven cooking |
| Safety Labeling | Labels like “PFOA-free” offer peace of mind; check the materials and coating |
| Durability | Focus on coating quality and number of layers |
Recommended Frying Pan Size by Number of People
| Number of People | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| 1 person | 22 cm |
| 2 people | 24 cm |
| 2–3 people | 26 cm |
| 4 or more | 26–28 cm |
What Materials Are Frying Pans Made Of?
PonkumaDifferent materials have different characteristics!
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | Lightweight, easy to use, heats quickly, often comes with Teflon coating |
| Iron | Excellent for high-heat cooking, gets better with use, perfect for grilling |
| Stainless Steel | Rust-resistant and durable, great for simmering and storing, but can stick |
| Titanium | Super light and strong, rustproof, suitable for everyday or outdoor cooking |
| Ceramic | Stylish and non-stick, but fragile and less durable |
Coating Types and Their Features
ChocoWhat is a coating?
Is it different from the material?
PonkumaYes, the “material” is what the pan is made from.
The “coating” is the finish applied to the surface inside.
Most frying pans have surface coatings. Here are the main types▼
- Fluorine Coating (Teflon, Diamond, Marble): Non-stick, lightweight, easy to clean
- Ceramic Coating: Stylish, but can become sticky over time
- High-Durability Coatings (Sapphire, Titanium): Long-lasting, but pricier
Best Material and Coating for Beginners
With so many options, it’s hard to know what suits you. For beginners, we recommend
Aluminum + Fluorine (Teflon) Coating
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Non-stick | Easy to cook with, stress-free even for beginners |
| Lightweight | Easy to handle and clean |
| Affordable | Great cost performance for your first frying pan |
Is Teflon Safe?
Is Teflon Safe?
As a conclusion, Teflon as a material has been confirmed to be safe.
“But… I’ve heard that Teflon is dangerous…”
For those of you who are concerned, we’ve prepared a separate article based on official information from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of the Environment in Japan.
▼Check here if you’d like to learn more: Is Teflon Dangerous? Why People Say It Is
My Real Experience With Different Pans
As a professional chef, I’ve used stainless, copper, iron in restaurants, and Teflon at home. Here’s my honest review:
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Teflon Coated | – Non-stick – Easy to clean – Lightweight | – Not suitable for high heat – Short lifespan – Can’t use metal tools |
| Stainless Steel | – Very durable – Stylish | – Prone to sticking – Heavy – Heats slowly |
| Iron | – Excellent for high heat – Adds savory flavor – Improves with use | – Heavy – Can burn food easily – Rusts without care |
PonkumaThe strongest frying pan is a well-used and seasoned iron one.
But the maintenance can be a hassle…
ChocoSo what do you recommend?
PonkumaIf it’s for daily use at home, I recommend a Teflon-coated frying pan.
If you’re a man who cooks as a hobby, an iron pan might be great.
But for many women, iron pans can be heavy, and you have to oil them after each use… a bit of a chore.
Stainless pans look stylish, but you might find them tricky to use…
Once you get more comfortable with cooking, it might be fun to try out other materials too!
Summary
Choosing a frying pan can be confusing.
If you’re unsure, start by checking out this list of 10 recommended pans!
Thanks for reading to the end!