Frying Pan Size Guide: Which Size Is Right for You?

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
• Best 8.5 Inch Skillet
• Best 9.5 Inch Frying Pans
• Best 10 Inch Skillet
• Best 11 Inch Skillets
• Best 12 Inch Frying Pan
• Best 12.5 Inch Frying Pan
• Best 13 Inch Frying Pan
• Best Skillet Sets

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!

• Price: $44.95

  

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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.

• Price: $140

Best 9.5 Inch Frying Pan

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.

• Price: $219.95

Best 10 Inch Skillet

4. 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.

• Price: $250

Best 11 Inch Skillets

5. 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. 

• Price: $179.99

6. 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.

• Price: $310

Best 12 Inch Frying Pan

7. 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. 

• Price: $87.95

Best 12.5 Inch Frying Pan

8. 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. 

• Price: $219.95 - $409.95

Best 13 Inch Frying Pan

9. 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.

• Price: $269.95

Best Skillet Sets

10. 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. 

• Price: $89.99

11. 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. 

• Price: $69.99

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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.