Your kitchen is not complete without a good quality frying pan. It’s the number one cookware arsenal if you want to enjoy great recipes and crispy fries. Fry pans do a lot from frying eggs, vegetables, chicken, sautéing, and searing.
Whatever you choose to do with it, it all boils down to the type and how well you can maintain its performance. Fry pans vary in size, shape, handle types, and substance material. You may be spoilt for choice because of the countless brands in the market.
But not to worry, we have a few suggestions on the best pan for shallow frying that may engage your culinary skills today.
Awesome Shallow Frying Pans: Comparison Table
In this section, we give an honest and detailed review of the most popular pans for shallow frying and the quality features to look for. However, if you won’t read with us to the end, here’s a comparison table that highlights the features and their prices. Check this out.
| SL | Product Name | Weight | Check Price |
| #1 | T-Fal E93808 Professional Nonstick Cookware | 2.3 pounds | Check Price |
| #2 | Rachael ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan | 2.87 pounds | Check Price |
| #3 | Lodge 12-Inch Carbon Steel Skillet | 4.1 pounds | Check Price |
| #4 | Cuisinart 622-36H Chefs’ Classic Nonstick Pan | 3.1 pounds | Check Price |
| #5 | Gotham Steel Copper Square Shallow Pan | 1.37 pounds | Check Price |
| #6 | Stainless Steel Frying Pan with Lid | 2.88 pounds | Check Price |
6 Top-quality Shallow Frying Pan
Shallow frying is done with your food partially immersed in oil as it touches the pan bottom. You need a good shallow fry pan to ensure your food cooks fast, evenly, and without being too greasy.
If you need a high-quality shallow fry pan, then here are a few top picks for you:
1. T-Fal E93808 Professional Nonstick Cookware
If you need a quality nonstick pan, T-Fal E93808 is an excellent option. The nonstick property is a result of the thick titanium coating on the inside which is strong and durable.
You’ll also appreciate the thick base that ensures faster and even heating. What’s even better is the thermo-spot indicator that shows you if the pan is properly heated and ready for use.
On the other hand, the silicone handles are riveted to provide a firm and non-slip grip. You also don’t have to worry about the stovetop as this nonstick pan is versatile and compatible with any stove.
It is easy to clean with a dishwasher. However, make sure to clean the riveted handle properly to ensure food and dirt does not accumulate around the spot.
Pros
- Compatible with induction stoves
- Strong and durable nonstick property
- Dishwasher cleaning
- Unique thermo-spot technology
- Oven-safe up to 400° F
Cons
- Center not so flat, spreads oil and food towards edges
2. Rachael ray Brights Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan
It’s a super quality 14-inch skillet, made of hard-anodized aluminum which is very handy for a modern kitchen. The pan heats up real quick, and can oven heat up to 350° F which is a safe range.
Besides, the handles are double riveted for a strong and comfortable grip. You also don’t mind making a family-size meal as it’s very suitable for making larger portions.
Otherwise, avoid using any metal hard spatula on this pan as it may scratch off the coating.
We like the fact that it is nonstick and very easy to clean up. Besides, you don’t have to pinch your pockets since you can get this authentic cookware for $19 only.
Pros
- Good heat conductivity
- Safe for oven up to 350° F
- Very affordable
- Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Cons
- Rubber handles not suitable for high heat
3. Lodge 12-Inch Carbon Steel Skillet
Lodge 12-gauge carbon steel skillet is heavy and retains heat evenly. It is strong and durable and can be used across stovetops without signs of warping.
On the other hand, the riveted long steel handle is strong enough to support the weight of the pan during and after cooking. If you like your chicken or omelets browned, this skillet does a perfect job.
You’ll also appreciate that it comes pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oils baked inside. As such, it’s very nonstick and corrosion-resistant, which becomes better with frequent use. However, you still have to follow the user manual for extra care and maintenance.
Pros
- Excellent heating
- Very durable
- Strong nonstick properties
- Good for searing and browning
Cons
- Rough interior surface, clients would rather it were smoothened
4. Cuisinart 622-36H Chefs’ Classic Nonstick Pan
This is a distinctive model that may last you long enough before another purchase. The hard-anodized exterior makes it tough, non-porous, and resistant to wear and tear.
On the other hand, the nonstick inside is toughened with titanium that makes it more nonstick and easy to clean. Low-fat cooking is also an option.
We like it for the fact that it’s oven-friendly, heats up fast and the stainless steel handle provides a solid grip. The flat bottom also makes it suitable for all stovetops except induction cooker.
Pros
- Excellent heat distribution
- Nonstick and easy cleanup
- Oven compatible up to 500° F
- Solid stainless steel handle
Cons
- Bottom warps after a series of heating
- Interior surface tends to scratch sooner
5. Gotham Steel Copper Square Shallow Pan
Our fifth product on this list, courtesy of Gotham Steel, is a unique copper square pan. With this shape, you can bake, fry, or steam your food, and not worry about heat distribution. The stainless steel bottom is a perfect heat conductor.
Besides that, it is nonstick, with an infusion of titanium and ceramic, and is induction compatible and therefore versatile cookware.
You can use this pan for oven heating, so baking and grilling comes under this single unit. We also like that the handle is a non-conductor, therefore safe to hold even from the oven.
Pros
- Versatile for tasks
- Strong nonstick ceramic and titanium interior
- Easy to heat
- Good for oven heating
Cons
- Nonstick properties wear off soon
- Scratches even with plastic and wooden spatula
6. Stainless Steel Frying Pan with Lid
The interior surface of this pan is a dazzling nonstick honeycomb design, a fusion of stainless steel and aluminum. This makes the pan both excellent at heating up and retaining energy, relevant for searing and browning meat.
You need to hand wash the pan and wipe with a wet cloth so that you don’t interfere with the nonstick coating. It can also be used with a metal spatula since it is scratch-resistant. What’s more, the stainless steel handle does not heat up during cooking and is therefore suitable for oven heating.
Besides, the stainless steel handle is removable, so that you don’t leave residues of dirt or bacteria during cleaning. It is also suitable for all stovetops.
Pros
- Heats up quite fast
- Great interior design
- Suitable for oven heating
- Pan comes with a lid
Cons
- Nonstick coating is very weak
- Must oil pan to achieve nonstick properties
How to Choose the Best Pan for Shallow Frying
Frying pans are either all-natural or nonstick. The all-natural pans are made of carbon steel and cast iron. But the rest are in the nonstick category. If you have to select the ideal shallow frying pan, you may want to consider the following factors:
* Pan size
Small size pans range between 8-11 inches. A 12-inch pan is large to make enough for more individuals. With this in mind, you should buy a pan that has diverse functionality.
* Material
Pans can be made of stainless steel, carbon steel, anodized aluminum, or cast iron. If you are looking for durability, cast iron and carbon steel can give you service for decades. That is, with the right care and maintenance.
Nonstick pans, however, wear out over time and lose the nonstick properties.
* Cost
A pan worth your penny should give you service for the longest time possible. You should also consider the number of tasks for that single unit.
Consider cheaper options or items with the highest value and service. Other customer reviews may be of help in making an informed decision.
* Handle types
Pans may have riveted or non-riveted handles, rubber, wood, or stainless steel handles. Sometimes your choice depends on whether you’ll use your pan in ovens, open fire, or gas stove only.
Riveted handles need to be cleaned properly to avoid food and bacteria accumulating around the rivets. Stainless steel handles are diverse and used across the board.
* Stove type
If a pan is meant for low-medium heat, using it on high heat may cause warping and scratching, for example, ceramic and Teflon Pans. Teflon breaks down into some harmful halogen gases under high temperatures.
On the contrary, a pan meant for high heat cannot be used for low-medium options. That’s why most heavy carbon steel pans and cast iron are not recommended for induction stoves.
People Also Ask the Following About Shallow Frying Pans
In this section, we react to some of the common questions about the pans meant for shallow frying. We hope that you find this information helpful before you make your purchasing decision. Let’s dive in.
Q: Do professional chefs use nonstick pans
A: Professional chefs prefer pans that withstand very high temperatures for proper searing and browning of meats. Nonstick pans are not their preference.
Q: Can you shallow fry in a nonstick pan
A: Yes, nonstick pans are great for shallow frying if you use medium temperatures. However, they are a good option for breakfast options that take a short time to prepare.
Q: Why do restaurants use stainless steel pans?
A: stainless steel pans withstand high temperatures, are easy to clean, and do not react with acidic foods and sauces.
They are also stable and long-lasting than most nonstick pans.
Which is Best? Our Verdict
T-Fal E93808 Professional Nonstick Cookware is our top pick. It is a strong nonstick pan with thermo-spot technology and you can oven heat with it up to 400o F.
On the other hand, it’s strong and durable, clean up is easy, and it’s versatile for all stovetop. It is an excellent pan for any modern kitchen for all shallow frying tasks.
Conclusion
Cooking is an all-time activity. You don’t have to eat out every time you crave your favorite dish. Invest in the right cookware and enjoy your kitchen experience. Otherwise, check out our comparison list for the best pans for your kitchen, and use our buyer’s guide to find out all you need to know about shallow frying.