Whether as a breakfast sandwich or fluffy omelet, eggs are scrumptious ingredients perfect as a meal or snack. But when you cook eggs and they burn or get stuck to the pan, it turns your meal into a nightmare of scrubbing and scraping that is time-consuming and will damage the pan.
To help you prepare the perfect eggs, we look at steps to choose the best pan for eggs based on non-stick properties, heat distribution, ease of cleaning, and durability.
Let’s start by looking at the top picks of frying pans…
- Ideal size
- Easy to use
- Lasting nonstick coating
- Low price
- Easy to clean
- Rubber seal fits most eggs
- Sturdy
- Well priced
- Wipe to clean
- Simple to clean
- Heat resistant handles
- Attractive brushed finish
- Satin Finish
- Fast heat transfer
- Even temperature distribution
- Heavy duty design
- Lifetime guarantee
- Comfortable grip handle
- Excellent grip
- Heavyweight design
- Even heat distribution
Top 7 Pans For Eggs Summary
Here’s a quick look at the top 7 pans sorted into different categories.
Top Pick
Rachael Ray 14 inch Skillet
The helper handle of this 14 inch frying pan makes it easy and comfortable to transfer across any cooking surface.
Rachael Ray 14 inch Skillet
The top rated fry pan comes with a lightweight design and is large enough to prepare your favorite egg dishes from sunny side up eggs to tasty frittatas.
The lasting non-stick coating is easy to clean and is labeled as dishwasher safe.
Best on a Budget
Lodge 8 inch Cast Iron Chef Skillet
Designed for cooking eggs, this frying pan with nonstick coating will prevent sticky foods from adhering to the surface. It provides an even distribution of heat to avoid temperature fluctuations while cooking.
Lodge 8 inch Cast Iron Chef Skillet
The Lodge Collection Cast Iron Skillet is oven proof and can be used for frying, baking, and various cooking purposes.
Its nonstick coating and ergonomic design are perfect for preparing your favorite meals and it is easy to clean.
Editor’s Choice
Ninja Neverstick Premium 10.25 inch Fry Pan
This premium frying pan range comes with an anodized exterior that protects it from scratches while providing a highly durable finish.
Ninja Neverstick Premium 10.25 inch Fry Pan
The Ninja Never Stick Fry Pan consists of a ceramic bonded surface that prevents cracking, chipping, or flaking of the base even when frequently used.
The thick aluminum base ensures the heat is distributed evenly making preparing eggs a less time-consuming and hassle-free process.
Best Value
D5 Stainless Steel Brushed Fry Pan
The 5 bonded layers of stainless steel and aluminum provide durability and even heat distribution which prevents hot spots across the pan.
D5 Stainless Steel Brushed Fry Pan
The D5 Brushed Steel Bonded Frying Pan with non stick coating is the best fry pan to use on multiple cooking surfaces.
Its durable design tolerates high heat without burning food inside the pan and it can be used with induction tops and withstand oven temperatures up to 600℉.
Best Splurge
Viking Culinary Professional Non Stick Frying Pan
The 5 ply steel construction will transfer heat quickly allowing you to fry a single egg or prepare a frittata to perfection.
Viking Culinary Professional Non Stick Frying Pan
The Viking Culinary Professional Non Stick Fry Pan is the best splurge if you want a sturdy pan that is designed for all cooktops.
The pan’s nonstick coating provides easy release of sticky foods, reducing the need for oil or butter.
Best Non Stick
Tramontina Non Stick Frying Pan
The high performance and PFOA-free non-stick fry pan is ideal for scrambled or fried eggs and sautéing your favorite foods without fear of the food burning or sticking to the pan.
Tramontina Non Stick Frying Pan
The best nonstick pan is the Tramontina Pro Series of frying pans made from commercial-grade heavy gauge aluminum.
It has a PFOA-free nonstick surface designed to safely and easily release cooked food from the interior of the pan.
Best Cast Iron
Le Creuset Enameled Skillet
The heavy duty cast iron frying pan is designed for even heat distribution and heat retention keeping food uniformly warm.
Le Creuset Enameled Skillet
The Le Creuset Iron Skillet has the best enamel cast iron construction for scrambled or fried eggs and meals such as eggs benedict. The black ceramic coating requires little olive oil and cooking mediums such as butter making it suitable for low fat cooking.
Best Pans For Eggs Full Reviews
Here are the full reviews of all the pans from different categories.
Top Pick
Rachael Ray 14 inch Skillet
The Rachael Ray 14 inch skillet is the best egg pan with a lightweight design and smooth nonstick coating. The reinforced helper handles make hard frying eggs a breeze as you can easily lift and transfer the pan across the stovetop.
Rachael Ray 14 inch Skillet
The non-stick skillet by celebrity Rachael Ray is a lightweight pan providing the ideal size at 14 inches to prepare eggs whether fried or egg scrambles. It is large enough to cook a 5 egg omelet making it the perfect choice for families.
To make transferring the pan easier while cooking, the double-riveted ergonomic handle provides extra grip and comfort so you don’t end up dropping the pan when transferring it across the stovetop or into the oven.
Surface
The nonstick surface of this high-quality culinary range provides a quick release of cooked food without the use of oil or butter. It is also easy to clean and is labeled as dishwasher safe.
The best frying pan for cooking eggs is made from anodized aluminum for exceptional durability and the even distribution of heat. This means that it will not form hot spots across the pan’s surface that causes food to burn.
With this nonstick frying pan, you’ll be able to do everything from preparing a fried egg to making a scrumptious frittata without worrying about eggs sticking to the pan.
Not only does the Rachael Ray Skillet make it easier to prepare meals, but it is also a beautifully designed egg pan with rust-colored handles and an espresso-colored interior.
Specs
- 2.87 pounds
- Anodized aluminum
- 24.37 x 14 x 3.37 inches
Pros
- Nonstick pan
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
Cons
- May warp
- Not oven safe
- Doesn’t have a lid
Best on a Budget
Lodge 8 Inch Chef Skillet
The Lodge 8 Inch Skillet is the best pan for eggs on a budget because of its affordability and quality construction. The smooth bottom of the frying pan is perfect for induction stovetops because it won’t scratch the surface.
Lodge 8 Inch Chef Skillet
The Lodge 8 inch Chef Style Skillet is our best on a budget frying pan offering durability, ergonomic handles, and a scratch resistant surface all at an affordable price. It is less expensive than other pans with similar features.
While many may not consider traditional nonstick cookware for frying eggs because of the weight, this skillet prepares raw eggs with the perfect texture and flavor.
It is 2.9 lbs which is 15% lighter than a regular 8 inch cast iron frying pan. The lightweight design makes it easier to transfer the pan from the stovetop into the oven.
Interior
The interior of the nonstick frying pan is naturally oiled but may require some oil or butter to reduce the sticking of food. The cooking surface improves the flavor of meals whether poached eggs or perfecting a Japanese omelet as it is naturally seasoned.
What is interesting about the design of the skillet is the side spouts. These spouts make it easier to prepare and pour gravy or sauce out of the pan but can also be used for straining raw eggs with little to no spillage.
We like that the 8 Inch Lodge Skillet provides even heat distribution while cooking food to prevent hot spots that burn ingredients in the pan. It is favored for its heat resistance and can be used on the stovetop, on the grill, or in the oven without warping.
Specs
- Cast iron
- 3.08 pounds
- 12.71 x 8.27 x 2.2 inches
Pros
- Oven safe design
- Lasting heat retention
- Smooth non-scratch bottom
Cons
- Small size
- Rough surface
- Handle lacks grip
Editor’s Choice
Ninja Neverstick Premium 10.25 inch Fry Pan
The Ninja Frying Pans consist of a ceramic-infused coating preventing the cookware from chipping or flaking. These pans are easy to clean, are dishwasher safe, and their tough construction makes them oven safe.
Ninja Neverstick Premium 10.25 inch Fry Pan
The Ninja Neverstick Premium Frying Pan wins the category of the best egg pan because it is not only fairly priced but durable, easy to clean, and perfect for cooking fluffy and pillowy eggs.
The best frying pan comes with a stainless steel handle that is ergonomically designed so you can move the pan around with ease. It has two large rivets securing the handle to the pan.
Durability
Where these pans really shine is in their durable construction. It consists of a hard-anodized exterior that is scratch resistant so you can use it with metal utensils without concern of damaging the surface. It is also tough enough to withstand temperatures up to 500℉ making it oven safe.
The heavy gauge aluminum base improves the heat retention and temperature distribution of these egg pans eliminating hot spots known to burn food.
It heats up quickly so you can cook a pan full of perfectly cooked poached eggs or one egg at a time. The pan also retains heat making it the perfect choice for keeping eggs uniformly warm.
Neverstick Technology
Ninja prides itself in the ceramic coatings that consist of its Neverstick Technology. You can avoid the frustration of food sticking to the pan with its smooth and nonstick cooking surface.
Specs
- Aluminum
- 2.7 pounds
- 18.5 x 10.5 x 2 inches
Pros
- Oven safe
- Heats quickly
- Scratch resistant
Cons
- Heavy handle
- Dome surface
- Requires some oil for cooking
Best Value
D5 Stainless Steel Brushed Fry Pan
The All-Clad D5 consists of 5 bonded layers of metal creating a highly durable pan that is not prone to warping, cracking, or chipping even when used at high temperatures. It is a nonstick pan that is scratch resistant and oven proof making it a valuable choice.
D5 Stainless Steel Brushed Fry Pan
The All Clad D5 Bonded Pans are the top choice for cooking eggs because of its durability and non-stick surface. It is manufactured from 5 layers of stainless steel and aluminum making it scratch resistant and compatible with metal utensils.
Surface
The smooth interior of these nonstick pans is perfect for cooking omelets, frittatas, and more. Fried eggs rarely spread in the stainless steel pan because of the even surface and the perfect distribution of heat. This also prevents hot spots that are known to burn food because of uneven cooking temperatures.
The stainless steel handle is riveted into the pan to support the weight of the base and to ensure long-lasting use. The steel handles are also heat resistant and designed for comfortable grip and handling when moving the pan across the stovetop or into the oven.
Build
Because of their construction, these pans can be used on an induction stove, gas, or electric stove, and are oven safe up to 600℉. It is also compatible for use with broilers and won’t warp or damage owing to its heavy-duty finish.
The premium line of steel pans is easy to clean with a soft sponge and soapy water to remove grease and food. It is a great pan for eggs and best for cooking at a high temperature.
Specs
- 18.3 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches
- 2 pounds
- Stainless steel & aluminum
Pros
- Durable construction
- Non Stick surface for cooking eggs
- Excellent heat transfer
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Heavy pan
- Awkward handle design
Best Splurge
Viking Culinary Professional Non Stick Frying Pan
Viking 8 inch Nonstick Frying Pan is made for durability with 5 bonded layers of steel and aluminum. It is sturdy, easy to clean, and provides the even transfer of heat whether cooking one egg or a fluffy omelet.
Viking Culinary Professional Non Stick Frying Pan
If you’re looking to spend a little more on a nonstick pan that will last for many years, then the Viking Culinary Professional Non Stick Frying Pan is a great choice. The 8 inch pan offers durability and is ergonomically designed for easy handling.
Surface
The aluminum interior evenly distributes heat across the base which is necessary for cooking eggs as it prevents the food from burning and sticking. The scratch resistant stainless steel exterior adds a modern look to the pan.
This pan does not have a stainless steel interior but includes a PFOA-free nonstick coating. PFOA is a synthetic chemical used in nonstick coatings in pans. While the exterior is scratch resistant, the interior should only be cleaned with a gentle sponge and be used with wood or plastic utensils to avoid damaging the nonstick finish.
Build
The combination of steel and aluminum construction makes the pan oven safe for up to 600℉. Its many layers prevent the pan from warping or becoming damaged at high heat whether used on the stovetop or in the oven.
What is great about this pan is the stay-cool stainless steel handle so you won’t have to worry about burning your hand when grabbing or moving the frying pan as you cook food.
Specs
- 2 pounds
- Aluminum and steel
- 14.8 x 8.5 x 3.7 inches
Pros
- Retains heat well
- Stay cool steel handle
- Heavy gauge construction
Cons
- Heavy pan
- Not dishwasher safe
- Cannot use metal utensils with it
Best Non Stick
Tramontina Non Stick Frying Pan
The Tremontina Non Stick Frying Pan is made from heavy gauge aluminum and is one of the only brands in our list to mention a lifetime warranty. The nonstick coating makes it suitable for frying, searing and sautéing your favorite foods.
Tramontina Non Stick Frying Pan
The Tremontina Professional Nonstick Frying Pan provides the best non-stick surface for cooking egg dishes. The pan has a nonstick PFOA-free interior preventing the possibility of synthetic chemicals from the coating leaking into food when cooking at high temperatures.
Maintenance
To maintain the nonstick finish, you can remove grease and residue with a simple wipe down or the use of a soft sponge in warm soapy water. Do not use abrasive chemicals that will damage the surface.
The Tremontina range of frying pans is very easy to clean. You can either hand wash it in warm soapy water or you can place it in the dishwasher as per the manufacturer instructions.
Usage
The range is excellent at frying a sticky egg or two owing to its quick-release surface. It is also suitable for use with broilers and it is oven safe because of the tough construction.
As a bonus feature, the pan comes with a removable silicone handle cover making it more comfortable to hold and move when preparing eggs.
Specs
- Aluminum
- 10 inches
- 2.7 pounds
Pros
- Heavy duty design
- Lifetime guarantee
- Comfortable grip handle
Cons
- Heavy pan
- The surface is not flat
- Cannot be used on induction top
Best Cast Iron
Le Creuset Enameled Skillet
The Le Creuset cast iron range offers high-quality design and durable finishes to prevent the frying pan from tarnishing with frequent cooking. A comfort grip silicone handle cover makes it easier to move across the stovetop.
Le Creuset Enameled Skillet
The Le Creuset Iron Skillet wins the best cast iron frying pan category because of its high-quality construction. This egg pan provides excellent heat retention owing to its heavy cast iron manufacture which prevents the pan and your food from burning.
To prepare the perfect eggs, pans should have a smooth flat surface with even temperature distribution. Le Creuset takes care of this with the even transfer of heat across its metal base and surface.
Versatile
This versatile pan can be used on electric, gas, and grill cooktops and is great for cooking poached eggs or a tasty fried egg. It can also be used with broilers without the pan becoming cracked, warped, or scratched.
The metal handle can get quite warm while cooking but this is resolved by using the heat-resistant silicone handle cover.
Maintenance
Its nonstick interior requires little to no oil for easy release cooking and while it is easy to clean, it is not dishwasher safe. Simply soak the pan in warm soapy water and remove residue and grease with a soft sponge or paper towel.
Specs
- Cast iron
- 6.3 pounds
- 13 x 14.8 x 3 inches
Pros
- High quality design
- Good nonstick interior
- Superior heat retention
Cons
- High cost
- Very heavy pan
- Handle gets hot
How to Pick the Best Pan for Eggs
Eggs are one of the most versatile and nutritious foods, whether you’re making fried eggs for breakfast or a tasty omelet for dinner. But the choice of pan for cooking eggs can make a big difference between light and fluffy eggs or a burned meal that sticks to the pan.
NOTE
Choosing the right egg pan means perfect cooking without the mess and hassle of cleaning burned food from the pan surface.
The wrong pan for eggs can damage quite easily as the ingredients adhere to the surface and you have to scrape and scrub to remove burned-on grease and bits of egg. This may cause the surface to chip and flake after only a few weeks of use.
To help you find the best egg pans, there are a few important factors that you should consider before making a purchase.
Let’s look at some essential buying tips for the perfect frying pans below…
What Pan Do You Need for Cooking Eggs?
Omelets, scrambled or fried eggs are sticky foods that adhere to the bottom of a pan if cooked at a high temperature for too long. To prevent burned eggs, you need a frying pan that has a non-stick surface offering quick release which means that cooked eggs simply slide out of the frying pan and onto the plate.
NOTE
The pan should distribute heat evenly because surfaces that create hot spots will cause the eggs to burn.
The perfect egg pan has a flat surface to prevent eggs from spreading and breaking whether frying, poaching, or scrambling. You should look for a nonstick frying pan or skillet to cook eggs because it prevents food from sticking to the interior.
An important consideration when purchasing non-stick pans for eggs is whether it is Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) or PTFE coated. We look at the difference between these non-stick coatings for pans below.
What is the Difference Between PFOA and PTFE?
Nonstick pans consist of coatings to prevent food from adhering to the surface. It also makes washing pans easier and less time-consuming as you don’t have to scratch and scrape food off the bottom.
NOTE
The problem with nonstick such as Teflon and PFOA is that tiny plastic polymers from these compounds may leak into food at high temperatures.
There is a difference between PFOA and PTFE in cookware so let’s look at the features of both so you can make an informed purchase decision…
PFOA
PFOA is a compound used to make Teflon. The use of a pan containing a PFOA coating at a high temperature can lead to burning of small traces of the compound that may enter food. Today, most nonstick products are certified PFOA free making it safe for daily use at temperatures below 500℉.
PTFE
PTFE is a protective coating that consists of a polymer that is applied to the inside of nonstick frying pans. Standard PTFE coated pans are safe to use whether cooking at a low or high temperature.
What Pan is Best for Cooking Eggs?
The best egg pans are sturdy, have a quick release surface, and are easy to move across the stovetop. They are also good at transferring heat quickly and evenly so that eggs cook at the same temperature.
To pick the right pans for cooking eggs, consider the tips below:
Egg Pans: Things to Consider
Size
Pans for eggs are available in different sizes from 8 to 14 inches. An 8 inch pan such as the Lodge nonstick range can fry up to 3 small eggs at once and is ideal for a couple but for large families, it is better to invest in a 12-14 inch pan such as the Rachael Ray Skillet that can cook up to 6 eggs at a time.
Type
Skillet
A skillet is a large pan with sloped sides making it convenient to mix and flip ingredients. It is best for omelets and scrambled eggs.
Fry Pan
A frying pan has a flat surface and shorter sides than a skillet which means that it is better at containing liquid ingredients. It is good for frying one egg at a time and for scrambling eggs because of its lightweight construction compared to other pans.
Material
The best products use durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron that will not warp or crack with frequent heat exposure.
Coating
A nonstick pan with a PTFE or ceramic coating minimizes sticking and is easy to clean which is best for cooking eggs. It should have quick release as a feature which means that it is designed to prevent food from sticking to the surface.
Weight
A heavy pan can withstand higher temperatures making it ideal for use in the oven and baked egg meals. A lightweight pan is best for light meals such as scrambled or fried eggs because the pan is easier to move and to flip or combine the ingredients.
Heat Conductivity
Eggs are heat sensitive and do best in pans that heat quickly and that are designed to retain heat.
Durability
You want a pan that will not damage, warp, or crack with frequent use. Consider steel, cast iron, and aluminum materials that are long-lasting even when exposed to high temperatures.
Maintenance
A nonstick pan will last longer if it is gently hand washed with a soft sponge rather than placing it in a dishwasher. While some products such as the Ninja Premium Nonstick are labeled as dishwasher safe, the dishwasher may remove or degrade the nonstick coat.
FAQs
What is the Best Pan for Frying Eggs?
The best pan for frying eggs has undergone numerous nonstick tests to ensure its quick release of food during and after the cooking process. Favorable features in an egg pan include durability and the even distribution of heat.
You can also consider our recommended list of products each offering a valuable set of features for perfectly cooked eggs.
For sunny side up, scrambled eggs, and omelets look for a lightweight nonstick frying pan that quickly heats up, evenly distributing heat across the cooking surface such as the Rachael Ray Skillet.
For a poached egg, you can use silicone cups inside the pan to prevent the eggs from shifting or breaking.
Why Do My Eggs Keep Sticking to the Pan?
The pan is either too hot causing eggs to burn and stick to the surface or too cold leaving the ingredients to sit in the pan before the desired cooking temperature is reached. Use a good nonstick frying pan or add a small amount of butter or oil as a cooking medium to lubricate the surface.
Can I Cook Eggs in a Stainless Steel Pan?
Yes, but the pan should not be too hot or too cold and you can add a small amount of oil to prevent the eggs from sticking to the bottom.
Frying Pan Care
To ensure that your fry pan lasts a long time, it is best to clean it immediately after use by wiping grease and bits of food from the surface with a paper towel or a soft cloth. Avoid using the dishwasher unless the product is labeled as dishwasher safe because the cleaning process can cause the interior coating to chip and flake.
Final Thoughts
I thoroughly hope that you found this review interesting and valuable and that you have the information that you need to choose the best egg pan for your needs.
Take the time to consider factors such as pan size, nonstick properties, and whether it can be used in the oven depending on your cooking preferences.
If you’re still unsure, here’s a recap of the top picks…
- Ideal size
- Easy to use
- Lasting nonstick coating
- Low price
- Easy to clean
- Rubber seal fits most eggs
- Sturdy
- Well priced
- Wipe to clean
Spread the Word
Thank you for taking the time to read our review on the best egg pans. Please feel free to share this guide to help others choose a quality and affordable nonstick frying pan to prepare their favorite egg dishes to perfection!
Remember to always compare features such as the material, heat distribution, and nonstick coating so you can enjoy a light snack or hearty meal with no hassle or fuss.
