

The skillet performed well across all of our tests, and it even held up impressively during the durability portion. It generally didn’t stick, but any small flecks that remained after cooking easily came off during cleaning. The skillet brought water to a boil quickly, and it retained heat impeccably. Our beurre blanc sauce came out with the perfect consistency, too.

It cooked food quickly and evenly, searing our salmon and chicken filets nicely brown across their entire flat surface and providing delicious crispiness. Plus, the pan’s sides are slightly sloped upwards with a nicely flared lip that helps with mess-free pouring. In our testing, we were able to easily flip food in this skillet. The Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan earned the top spot on our list thanks to its balanced and ergonomic design, versatility, and lightweight build. The flat handle might not be as comfortable to hold for some. In addition to Carte, we also spoke to Alison Cayne, founder and CEO at Haven's Kitchen, to learn everything there is to know about choosing a stainless steel skillet for your needs and budget. We spent hours in the kitchen to put these skillets to the test, making recipes such as beurre blanc (French white butter sauce), chicken piccata, and seared salmon. To find the best stainless steel skillets, we tested 19 pans in our Lab, thoroughly evaluating aspects such as design, heating ability, ease of cleaning, durability, and overall value. “A nicely made stainless steel pan will have an all-metal handle that can be put right into the oven, too,” says Carte. If you plan to put your skillet in the oven, pay attention to the handle material. This balance of nickel and chromium in the pan’s alloy will help prevent corrosion, add rust resistance, and keep it looking its best for longer. When shopping for a stainless steel skillet, Janice Carte, founder and chef at Tiny Spoon Chef, suggests looking for a stainless steel skillet with a grade of 18/10 or 18/8. Because it does not contain any coatings or plastics, stainless steel appliances (known as reclaimed scrap) may be recycled and turned into new products.Many chefs and home cooks consider stainless steel skillets a superstar in the kitchen, thanks to their compatibility with all types of foods and ability to retain heat. Heat it slowly, and use the right amount of cooking fats, and there's nothing it can't do. Contrary to popular opinion, stainless steel is far from finicky or fussy. That means it won't rust, scratch, or break down when exposed to acidic ingredients or high temperatures. (Tip: Always let pans cool completely before washing.) Stainless steel cookware can withstand very high temperatures without warping, and, when cared for properly, lasts for generations.

Steel helps direct and distribute that raw power. Aluminum is a notorious conductor of heat, but without a heavy-duty outer layer, it can scorch ingredients and warp over time. Stainless steel distributes and retains heat like a champ.Here's five reasons to invest in a piece or two. Getting comfortable with stainless steel can change the way you cook.
