I recently tested seven induction frying pans for my cooktop and would recommend All-Clad HA1 Non-Stick as the best for its sturdy construction and excellent usability.
Not every pan will work on your induction stove, so I’ve researched 7 of the best induction frying pans to find the best one for you.
Having compared a few of them, I decided on the All-Clad HA1 Non-Stick model because it went well with my induction stove and has excellent conductivity properties. It has hard-anodized aluminum material which makes it conduct heat quickly, letting me cook faster. Thanks to its 12-inch diameter, you can cook for several people at once with it.
Since the All-Clad HA1 Non-Stick frying pan might not be a favorite choice for some, I’ve prepared a review of the best induction frying pans to help you compare and make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about each model and how to choose an induction frying pan.
Here are the ones I’ve reviewed, to help you make an informed decision when buying the best induction frying pan.
- All-Clad HA1 Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best Overall
- HexClad Hybrid Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best Premium Buy
- Utopia Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best for the Budget
- Cuisinart Professional Stainless Steel Skillet: Best for Value
- Michelangelo Copper Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best Ceramic Frying Pan
- All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying Pan: Best for High Heat
- De Buyer Carbon Steel: Best for Healthy Non-Stick Coating
Contents
Best Induction Frying Pans
All-Clad HA1 Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best Overall
All-Clad is known for supplying the best high-end cookware on the market (see my All Clad guide). If you don’t have the budget for its copper or stainless steel frying pans, the 12-inch HA1 non-stick pan is an excellent pick. It tops the list due to its durable construction, ease of cleaning, and excellent performance.
One striking feature of this non-stick frying pan is its sturdy construction. All-Clad uses a hard-anodized aluminum material that is durable, has excellent conductivity, and boasts impressive heat-retention features.
Moreover, it doesn’t warp when used in high heat settings, a critical feature when using induction cooktops. Aluminum doesn’t work with induction cooktops, but All-Clad adds a steel base to make it compatible.
The extra layer also prevents the pan from warping. Thanks to its curved form, this pan’s design is pretty comfortable for regular cooking as it is easy to scrape food away from the surface. And with the riveted stainless steel handles, you maintain a firm grip when cooking.
Pros
- Scratch-resistant
- Excellent non-stick performance
- Firm handles for a secure grip
Cons
- Too heavy
- Steep sides limit flipping
HexClad Hybrid Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best Premium Buy
Finding a stainless-steel frying pan with PFOA-free, non-stick properties can seem nearly impossible. However, HexClad proves otherwise with a new lineup of hybrid cookware. This frying pan boasts a tri-ply construction with a laser-etched interwoven honeycomb pattern to give your steaks a restaurant-quality look.
With this model, your steaks, sausages, and chicken will have a crunchy and crispy appearance you might otherwise only find in hotels. As for the non-stick feature, it outperforms most non-stick frying pans.
Scrambled eggs hardly stick to the surface, gliding easily until they solidify. I also loved its tri-ply construction, which consists of two stainless steel layers and an aluminum layer in the middle. The stainless steel ensures it’s compatible with all stove types, including induction cooktops, while the aluminum layer enhances conduction and heat distribution.
Lastly, its construction is exceptionally sturdy, resisting any chipping or warping as in regular non-stick frying pans.
Pros
- Oven-safe construction
- Durable tri-ply construction
- Consistent cooking results
Cons
- On the heavy side
For more information on Hexclad, check out my Hexclad Reviews page.
Utopia Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best for the Budget
Induction-compatible cookware doesn’t have to be expensive. Utopia Kitchen Store has an affordable non-stick frying pan compatible with induction cooktops. For the price, you get an elegantly designed non-stick frying pan for frying eggs, veggies, steak, and more.
It has aluminum construction, but with an induction bottom, meaning it can work with electric, gas, ceramic, and induction cooktops.
The pan is light enough to toss food when cooking, and its excellent heat-retention properties make it easy to prepare slow-cooked foods. I particularly loved its depth (4.5 centimeters) because it let me deep-fry chips, while steaks can cook from edge to edge without much trouble.
It’s pretty easy to clean and will be long-lasting if you take care of it properly. This means avoiding stacking it in a dishwasher with abrasive utensils or using metal spoons to cook. One drawback is its relatively small dimensions (11 inches), which limits you to preparing food for one or two people.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Uncomfortable convex design
- Non-stick coating wears out quickly
Cuisinart Professional Stainless Steel Skillet: Best for Value
If you’re looking for a value-alternative to the HexClad, Cuisinart is on hand with their professional-grade skillet. With this pan, you can cook chicken and veggies and get a good sear on a steak.
At first glance, the pan appears heavy, but the riveted handles make it easy to control and flip foods when cooking. The cladded bottom is compatible with induction stoves, and its heavy construction ensures heat gets distributed evenly when cooking. It also means the temperature doesn’t drop rapidly after putting off the stove. What stands out about this frying pan is the vast range of sizes.
This 12-inch pan can cook more than six servings, but if looking for a pan for a smaller household, the six-inch (1.5 quart) and eight-inch (three-quart) pans make better buys. Cuisinart’s pan cleans easily in the dishwasher, though mild dishwashing cleansers come in handy in the event of stubborn stains or rainbow haze.
Pros
- Distributes heat evenly
- Strong, riveted handles
- Rounded edges for easy pouring
Cons
- May be too heavy
- Handles get extremely hot
Michelangelo Copper Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pan: Best Ceramic Frying Pan
Finding a frying pan offering non-stick benefits without PFOA and PTFE chemicals is no easy feat. Frying pans with ceramic coating provide an excellent alternative, but traces of PTFE and PFOA are sometimes present.
Michelangelo gave me much-needed peace of mind. It has a ceramic coating that is PTFE and PFOA-free and sturdy enough to take on the high heat on induction stoves without releasing toxic fumes.
The aluminum body ensures rapid and even heating.
This pan comes with a lid, making cooking less messy, and with a 12-inch diameter, it can accommodate most foods. Whether preparing an omelet for breakfast, pan-frying bacon, or deep-frying fries, the Michelangelo is large enough to handle most cooking tasks.
Since copper ceramic doesn’t work on induction stoves, Michelangelo adds stainless steel at the base to make it compatible. In addition, it creates an anti-warp base that prevents the pan from deforming.
Pros
- Anti-warp base
- Has a lid
- Healthy non-stick properties
Cons
- Shallow construction
- Domed bottom makes oil spread to the sides
All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying Pan: Best for High Heat
When I was looking for the best non-stick induction frying pan, I made sure to check other factors like how much heat it can withstand. I found this stainless steel frying pan from All-Clad pretty versatile as I could use it on an induction stovetop and an oven.
Its three-ply construction consisting of two layers of stainless steel and an aluminum core makes it compatible with all stove types and ovens at temperatures as high as 316 C (600 F).
This means you never have to worry about the pan warping or wearing out quickly. Moreover, the stainless steel material layer offers excellent heat retention benefits, letting you prepare slow-cooked foods without scorching them.
The heat is consistent throughout, leaving browned bits that add flavor to the food. If cooking steak, it achieves a perfectly crisp, brown texture, and with the stuck-on stuff loosening up to dissolve in the sauces and veggies, your food becomes much more delicious.
Pros
- Withstands high heat
- Long handle to enhance stability
- Excellent heat retention properties
Cons
- Lacks non-stick feature
- Heavy-duty construction
De Buyer Carbon Steel: Best for Healthy Non-Stick Coating
When it comes to non-stick cookware, I’m used to pans with Teflon coating, which has some health concerns if overheated.
De Buyer introduces a healthier beeswax coating that has similar non-stick benefits without worrying about toxic fumes getting released. Thanks to the carbon steel and iron construction, the pan has an attractive finish from the box.
A unique selling point of this frying pan is the thin form that ensures it heats up fast. What’s more, it handles high temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about warping after use. You can sear a steak and stir-fry super-fast, and with its heat-retention feature, food keeps warm for long.
The only caveat is that the pan needs seasoning before use. Flaxseed or coconut oil comes in handy, and a simple heating cycle or two is enough to prep it for use.
Pros
- Doesn’t warp
- Distributes heat evenly
- Has healthier beeswax coating
Cons
- Needs seasoning before use
- Has a huge handle
How To Choose the Best Induction Frying Pans for Cooktop in 2022
Unlike conventional electric and gas stoves, induction cookware relies on electromagnetic energy to heat a frying pan and its contents. A magnetic field is created between the frying pan and the magnetic coils under the cooking surface, developing electromagnetic energy that heats the pan. This means the frying pans must contain ferromagnetic materials like iron to work with induction cooktops.
Here are other features to look for when buying the best induction frying pan.
Which Is the Best Construction Material?
As highlighted earlier, the frying pan must contain a ferromagnetic material to work with induction cooktops. Such materials include enameled cast-iron, cast-iron, and stainless steel with an iron base.
Cast-iron frying pans are the best because they’re durable and have excellent heat-retention capabilities. However, they’re also heavier than other pans, so they take longer to heat up and cool down.
On the other hand, enameled cast-iron frying pans are ideal for those looking for an induction-compatible pan that’s rust-resistant. While the extra layer of enamel prevents that, it must be handled carefully to avoid chipping.
You’ll also find that many aluminum and copper frying pans are not compatible with induction stoves. Aluminum is known for its lightweight construction, affordability, and heat-retention capabilities, but it’s not compatible with induction stoves unless it has an iron base.
Manufacturers are now adding a stainless steel plate at the base of the pan to overcome this shortcoming. It generates heat upon contact with the induction stovetop, which is transmitted to the pan to cook food.
What’s the Right Size?
A 12-inch frying pan is the best for most cooking tasks and large families. It has enough space to pan-fry foods and prepare skillet meals for up to four people.
However, eight or ten-inch pans are excellent choices if you prefer a smaller model (and you’ll still be able to prepare meals for two people).
No matter what your preference, be sure to check the size of your induction cooktop. A good rule of thumb is to use a pan that comes into complete contact with the glass surface to avoid creating hot spots. Since induction cooktops have large and small heating elements, consider buying a set of pans that can fit both spaces.
Is the Non-stick Feature Compatible?
This is one feature many home cooks check when buying frying pans because it prevents foods like eggs, omelets, fish, or pancakes from sticking to the surface. Unfortunately, most non-stick frying pans are made from aluminum which isn’t compatible with induction cooktops.
If you must buy one with the non-stick feature, look for pans with a magnetic base. It should be thick enough to withstand the rapid heat transfer without getting warped. Alternatively, buy stainless steel frying pans.
They don’t pose health risks occasioned by non-stick frying pans because they can withstand high heat. Stainless steel pans are versatile, allowing you to roast, sear, pan-fry, and brown food.
Conclusion
I hope this guide helps you find the best induction frying pans for your kitchen. The All-Clad HA1 Non-Stick is my number one pick as it is durable with outstanding heat retention and conductivity properties.
If that’s not for you, the Utopia Non-Stick Frying Pan is a great budget pick. Of course, you’d have to put up with its unusual convex design, but you get to save some pennies.
For other options, see my induction cookware guide.