For any serious home cook in Britain, a high-quality stainless steel frying pan is an indispensable kitchen workhorse. Renowned for their durability, versatility, and non-toxic properties, these pans are a savvy investment that can last a lifetime, unlike their non-stick counterparts which often need replacing every few years.
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
Making the switch from non-stick to stainless steel requires a slight learning curve to master the art of preventing food from sticking, but the rewards are significant. The best stainless steel pans offer superb, even heat distribution, are typically oven-safe to high temperatures, and boast robust construction, either with a disk bottom or a superior fully-clad design.
Our testing at the Daily Mail is rigorous. Our experts, with years of experience, evaluate durability, heat distribution using temperature sensors, and design elements like handle comfort and ease of cleaning. We've sifted through dozens of options to bring you a curated selection, from sensible budget buys to luxurious gifts.
Our Top Picks for Stainless Steel Pans
Best Overall: Kuhn Rikon Stainless Steel Uncoated Frying Pan
Our top choice is a superb all-rounder built to last. The Kuhn Rikon pan features a five-ply, rimless design with three layers of aluminium sandwiched between stainless steel for rapid heating and excellent heat retention. Ideal for high-heat searing, it's also oven-safe up to 240°C.
During testing, its comfortable 'stay-cool' handle and overall ease of use impressed. Available in 20cm, 24cm, and 28cm sizes, the 24cm version is perfect for a two-person household.
Best for Small Spaces: Joseph Joseph Space Steel Folding Handle Frying Pan
Perfect for solo cooks or cramped kitchens, this innovative pan features a folding handle that reduces its storage size by 50%. Beyond the clever design, it's a robust 3-ply pan with high sides, suitable for everything from searing to slower cooking. It's oven-safe up to 232°C.
Best British-Made: Samuel Groves Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Supporting UK manufacturing, this pan from Samuel Groves is designed and made in Great Britain. It comes with a full lifetime guarantee and features a tri-ply construction. The long handle keeps you away from the heat, though it may feel awkward during prolonged use for some. It's oven-safe to 200°C.
Best on a Budget: John Lewis Stainless Steel Uncoated Frying Pan
For those watching the pennies, John Lewis's own-brand pan offers excellent value, with a 28cm model costing just £42. Compromises include a disk-bottom construction (rather than fully clad) and a less ergonomic handle, but it remains a versatile, induction-friendly option with a 15-year guarantee and an oven-safe rating of 200°C.
Best Wok: ProCook Professional Steel Wok
Extend the benefits of stainless steel to stir-frying with this generous 30cm wok from ProCook. Made from 18/10 stainless steel, it's induction-compatible and oven-safe to a high 260°C. It includes a helper handle for easy carrying and comes with a 25-year guarantee.
Prestige Pick: Le Creuset 3-Ply Uncoated Stainless Steel Frying Pan
For a truly special investment, Le Creuset's offering is a luxury choice. The tri-ply pan boasts a helper handle, deep sides, and the brand's renowned durability. While the price is steep, it's backed by hundreds of five-star reviews and is oven-safe to 260°C.
The Final Verdict and Key Considerations
If choosing just one, the Kuhn Rikon five-ply pan is our standout winner for its exceptional build quality and cooking performance. Budget-conscious cooks will be well served by the John Lewis pan, while space-savers should opt for the Joseph Joseph foldable design.
When selecting your pan, consider these frequently asked questions. Most stainless steel pans work excellently on induction hobs provided they have a magnetic base—a simple fridge magnet test will confirm this. While often dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended to preserve the pan's finish and longevity.
Understanding terminology helps: '18/10 stainless steel' denotes a quality composition of 18% chromium and 10% nickel for rust resistance and a polished finish. 'Tri-ply' refers to a three-layer construction (stainless-aluminium-stainless) that ensures even heat distribution, minimising hot spots for perfectly cooked food every time.
