Frying Pans

Shop the best frying pans in Australia & New Zealand

At Kitchenware Australia & New Zealand, we are proud to have one of the largest ranges of frying pans online. We stock only the best internationally renowned cookware brands, from European brands such as Scanpan, Essteele, Tefal and Le Creuset to brands like Lodge Cast Iron that are made in the USA.

Shop frying pans online in Australia in nonstick, stainless steel, carbon steel, copper and cast iron materials. Whether your cooktop is electric, gas, ceramic or induction, we have frypans compatible for your stovetop.

Tips when buying a frying pan

Weight: Cast iron pans can be heavy and may also require additional effort when handling and maneuvering. Consider your physical capabilities to ensure a comfortable and ergonomic experience while using the frying pan in the kitchen. Materials like Cast Iron and Carbon Steel tend to be significantly heavier than nonstick or stainless steel pans.

Evaluate size and capacity: Consider the size of the frypan based on how much you typically cook. A larger frypan is suitable for cooking larger portions, while a smaller one may be more suitable for individual or smaller servings. The number of people in your household and how many people you generally cook for each time you use your frying pan should give you a good indication. As a rule of thumb, we tend to suggest going on the larger size that way you always have space to cook more portions if needed.

Check handle ergonomics: Look for a frypan with a comfortable and heat-resistant handle. If you tend to use your frying pan in the oven and not just the stovetop, we recommend purchasing a frying pan that's made of cast iron, stainless steel or carbon steel. If you prefer nonstick then we suggest purchasing one that has a handle made of stainless steel as plastic handles can warm or even melt if used in the oven on too high of a heat. Some brands such as Woll frying pans or Tefal also come with collections that feature detachable handles, making them easy to clean and store. 

Material: Consider the type of frypan material that best suits your cooking needs, nonstick coatings are great for everyday use, cast iron frying pans take longer to heat but once they do, they retain heat well, stainless steel is lightweight and non-reactive to acidic ingredients, carbon steel offers even heat distribution and copper frypans heat quickly and evenly. When purchasing nonstick frying pans, prioritise those labelled as PFOA Free, ensuring the coating used does not contain potentially harmful chemicals. Choosing PFOA-free coatings promotes healthier cooking for you and your family.

Most popular frying pan materials 

Below is a list of our top-selling frying pan materials that have garnered popularity and trust from our satisfied customers:

Stainless steel frypans

Favoured by chefs and home cooks, stainless steel frying pans feature incredible heat conductivity, which ensures quick and even heat distribution across the cooking surface. They also are more resilient than nonstick pans, able to be used on a high cooking temperature without deterioration, especially for those who enjoy flash cooking. Stainless steel frypans are also renowned for their remarkable durability, withstanding rigorous use and able to maintain a lustre and shine.

The robust construction and material of stainless steel pans ensures they are resistant to warping, scratching, and staining. They can endure the demands of a bustling kitchen or for everyday use while also being able to cook with metal utensils and cleaned with hard brushes and steel wool without damaging its cooking performance.

The downside of stainless steel frying pans is that they may not be the most suitable for cooking delicate ingredients like eggs or fish as they can easy get stuck when cooking unless used with a generous amount of cooking oil. When it comes to cleanup, stainless steel frypans they can also be harder to clean. However in general stainless steel pans have nonporous, nonreactive surfaces that make them easy to clean, especially as most are dishwasher-safe.

Cast Iron Frypans

For those wanting low-tox frypans and a more natural cooking surface, cast iron skillets are a great option. They offer incredible heat retention and are considered low-tox as they have natural mineral surfaces, either raw cast iron or enamelled. For those who are familiar with seasoning, Lodge Cast Iron frypans are incredible as they develop a natural nonstick patina with use and last a lifetime. They can be used on anything from induction stovetops to even campfires. For those who do not wish to season their pans regularly, you may prefer a Le Creuset cast iron frypan or Staub as they have enamelled coatings therefore removing the need to season. Enamelled cast iron frying pans are however more delicate and should not be used on too high cooking temperatures or with metal utensils unlike raw cast iron frying pans that are virtually indestructible.

Carbon steel frypans

Carbon steel frypans excel in heat conductivity, ensuring even heat distribution for precise cooking. This cookware is highly durable, designed to withstand rigorous use in commercial kitchens on commercial stoves that cook at very high temperatures. Additionally, their lightweight design and responsiveness to temperature changes provide greater control during cooking. Carbon steel frypans require a little more maintenance compared to stainless steel frypans. The process of seasoning a carbon steel frypan creates a natural nonstick, forming a protective layer that aids in effortless food release and prevents sticking. They do tend to blacken with use and not look as attractive as pans of different materials while also requiring regular seasoning, making them less popular than other types of frying pans except to those who are familiar.

Most popular Frypan sizes

Small frying pans—typically used for tasks like cooking single servings, sautéing small portions, or preparing individual ingredients. Common sizes range from 20cm to 25cm

Medium frying pans—versatile and suitable for cooking meals for a few people. They are ideal for tasks such as stir-frying, searing meat, or making omelettes. Popular sizes for medium frypans range from 26cm (10 inches) to 30cm.

Large frying pans—Large frypans are excellent for cooking family-sized meals, frying larger batches of dishes, or preparing meals with larger ingredients that require more space. They are commonly used for deep frying, making stir-fried dishes, or cooking multiple ingredients at once. Popular sizes for large frypans range from 32cm to 36cm. 

The Best Nonstick Frypans in Australia 

Looking for a quality nonstick frypan that will last? We've tested and used Scanpan frypans, Woll and Swiss Diamond as their nonstick surfaces have a higher temperature tolerance than standard nonstick pans and have grittier surfaces that prevent flaking and carry lifetime warranties. They're also all made in Europe and have great reputations for their quality and durability.

Differences between a frypan and a saute pan

The main differences between a frypan and a sauté pan lie in their design and functionality. Frypans are typically flat with low sides and a wide cooking surface, making them ideal for shallow frying, searing, and browning foods quickly over high heat. Saute pans have straight sides and a larger surface area, allowing more volume to be added to the pan, while also preventing cooking oil or liquids splattering out. They're great for simmering, sautéing, braising ingredients, and making sauces or stews. Additionally, sauté pans often come with lids, which can be useful for slow-cooking dishes or keeping food warm on the stove.

Brands we love and trust

Scanpan

Tefal

Essteele

Woll

Le Creuset

Swiss Diamond

De Buyer

Raco

Circulon

Anolon

Other cookware to consider when purchasing a frypan

Grill pans

Chefs pans

Stockpots

Casserole dishes

Pressure cookers

Dutch ovens

Roasting pans

Cookware sets

Frequently Asked Questions

What pan is best for frying food?

The best pan for frying depends on what you're frying and your personal preference. Stainless steel frying pans are a popular choice of cookware as they are durable, easy to clean and can handle high heat without warping. Cast iron frying pans are also great for frying since they retain heat well and distribute it evenly. Nonstick frying pans are also often favoured for frying due to their superior food release properties and the ability to use less oil or fat.

What are the best frying pans for home use?

If you prefer a pan that requires less cooking oil when using and is quick and hassle-free to clean, choose a nonstick frypan. If you're seeking a frying pan that can be used on high cooking temperatures with little maintenance, we recommend a stainless steel frying pan or enamelled cast iron. Lastly for those who aren't afraid of a little maintenance in regularly seasoning their pans to enjoy a natural nonstick used at high cooking temperatures, we recommend either a raw cast iron or carbon steel frying pan.