Best Pan for Eggs

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Eggs; good old classic breakfast food. Super nutritious, delicious, and easy to make; these are probably the most cooked breakfast food. But to make perfect eggs, you also need a quality pan. And some basic egg-frying culinary skills, of course!

Picking the wrong pan can mean leaving your eggs stuck or ending up with a scorched mess. So much for waking up everyone with the aroma!.

My favorite egg pan is The Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Egg Poacher Pan–if I’m poaching. Read on to find out about the best egg pans, and which type you need.

What makes the best egg pans?

What I love most about frying pans is the diversity of options in terms of style and design. However, a chic frying pan that doesn’t perform is useless in the kitchen, other than playing an aesthetic role.

Why a specific egg pan?

There are all types of ways of preparing eggs:

  • French Omelet
  • Normal Omelet
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Tortilla
  • Tamagoyaki
  • Poached Eggs
  • Fried Eggs
  • Frittata
Frittata served in a cast iron pan - Best Pan For Eggs

For some of these, a bog-standard skillet will do.  In fact, for all of them, you can make a normal nonstick frying pan work. It’s just that it can be a little harder and messier.  Plus, often, the dish doesn’t come out as elegant.

On the other hand, do you want a pan just for preparing one specific type of egg?  If you do it every day – yes!  If your kids make a fuss because their fried eggs aren’t perfectly round – again, you need a solution.

If you are making different types of egg dishes, you may find you need a few best egg pans, not just one.

Size and Weight

What’s the purpose of the egg pan? This should be the first question to ask yourself when considering which size to grab. Are you anticipating preparing many eggs at a go, or are you just okay with one?

Also – consider the size of your kitchen. You don’t want a fry pan that eats up your counter or cabinet space. Some egg pans are amongst the smallest pans I’ve seen – a nice space save if it’s all you need.

Depending on the person using it and what will be cooking, the frying pan’s weight may matter. For flipping omelets (or pancakes), for example, light pans are best.

Four eggs being fried in one pan

Nonstick Pan

When it comes to preparing eggs/ omelets, having a nonstick frying pan is a great advantage. Fortunately, nonstick options are endless.

Cast iron is the best’ natural’ material if you have health concerns and are interested in durability. Besides having a natural semi-nonstick property, cast iron skillets are perfect heat distributors and handle high heat. However, these aren’t for everyone as your cast iron skillet will need maintenance and care and care.

Ceramic coatings provide the perfect nonstick layer to your egg pan. And besides being healthy and chemical-free, they give a luxurious feel to your cookware. It’s also possible to match your cookware with ceramic interiors and exteriors. However, be careful with these as they are easy to crack and chip.

Teflon-coated nonstick frying pans are very popular in the culinary world. They are affordable, easy to maintain, and will let your eggs slide off perfectly. Although there is much controversy about the synthetic coating’s safety, I find it okay to use it as long as you observe Teflon’s guidelines. But, a healthier alternative is often a better choice!

Bear in mind that eggs can be one of the worst foods to cook in terms of stickiness!  Having a nonstick pan can really help here…

An egg being fried in a star shape in a non stick pan

Just a little note on PFOA-free: Companies sometimes like to advertise their pans as PFOA-free; but PFOA has been banned since 2015 so that doesn’t mean much! PFOA was a chemical used in the non-stick fabrication process, but no longer.

Cooking Eggs with Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel definitely isn’t non-stick. It’s the most sticky cookware material around. Yet many professional chefs use stainless steel, even for egg pans – why?

Stainless steel is tough, durable, and simple and easy to use. It’s ideal for the heavy use of a restaurant. What’s more, when used correctly, you can significantly reduce stickiness.

And if any food does stick? Well that’s what the deputy assistant chef (i.e. dish washer) is for.

Handles

Pan handles should be securely riveted and remain cool when cooking, if possible. Some manufacturers have even found a way around this by providing handle covers.

Handles that can withstand high temperatures in the oven without melting are a plus for me. These should also be comfortable to grip.

Of course, comfortable, cool to touch handles are often coated in plastic. Which doesn’t do well in the oven! Well you can’t have everything…

Versatility

What else you would need the pan for, besides frying eggs? Some pans have shapes for fried eggs, making mini omelets or even emojis.

While they will be great and fun for making eggs, they aren’t useful for much else. Well, except making pancakes, perhaps.

So here are some money-saving tips:

If you are looking to poach and already have a pan, consider these egg poacher inserts.  This saves you money and space in your kitchen.

Eggssentials Egg Poacher Insert Stainless Steel Poached Egg Cooker Eggs Poaching Cup PFOA Free Egg Poachers Nonstick, 7.25" Rack Compatible with Skillet Instant Pot

On the other hand, if you just want those perfectly round fried eggs, how about these egg rings?  You can also use them to make cute mini omelets!

Emoly Silicone Egg Ring, Egg Rings Non Stick, Egg Cooking Rings, Perfect Fried Egg Mold or Pancake Rings (New,4pcs), Multicolor

For actual pans, please keep reading.  There’s lots of options for poaching, mini-omelets and more. Let me help you find the best skillet for eggs.

Best Egg Pans – Reviews

Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Egg Poacher Pan (Best Egg Pan For Poaching)

Poached eggs can be tricky to get right. Specialist cookware can really help.

This stainless steel pan is probably the best egg pan for poaching.

Besides making perfectly cooked poached eggs, I love that I can just remove the insert and use the pan for other cooking needs.

You will also appreciate that the pan comes with a tempered glass lid and a silicone spatula to poach. Plus, it’s induction compatible.

Modern Innovations Egg Poacher Pan Nonstick, Stainless Steel Poached Egg Maker, Poached Egg Pan w/Handle, Perfect Egg Maker, Poached Egg Cooker, Egg Poacher Cups, 6 Poached Egg Cups, Silicone Spatula

If you fear the eggs sticking, just rub a little oil on a napkin and lightly rub it on the cups. The eggs shouldn’t really stick to the inserts. However if you decide to use the pan itself, you may find the stainless steel quite sticky.

There’s no mention as to whether this pan is oven-safe. I believe that it is without the insert but isn’t with the insert.

Given its quality, price, and versatility, this is a pan I highly recommend. The model is also available in a 4-cup version.

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Capable of making six poached eggs at once
  • Premium quality
  • Induction safe
  • Comes with lid and spatula
  • Stainless steel is very durable

Cons:

  • The metal insert that holds the insert cups is razor-sharp
  • Probably not oven-safe with inserts
  • Stainless steel pan (without inserts) is harder to clean

MyLifeUNIT Aluminum 4-Cup Nonstick Egg Frying Pan

Affordably-priced with a 9-inch (23 cm) diameter, this aluminum pan boasts four cavities allowing you to fry four eggs at a go. From bacon to small pancakes, there is plenty of space to cook various breakfast recipes.

This nonstick frying pan works great on gas and electric stoves, but not induction. At first, it might be challenging to flip the eggs without breaking the yolk. I suggest using a turner to help you.

MyLifeUNIT Aluminum 4-Cup Egg Frying Pan, Non Stick Egg Cooker Pan

It’s a great pan for making separate fried eggs or mini omelets. Just remember to use it on medium to low heat and add a bit of seasoning before use. 

Pros:

  • Nonstick (with a little bit of seasoning)
  • Great value
  • Cooks four eggs at a go
  • Easy to clean

Cons:

  • Not induction safe
  • Difficult to figure out
  • It’s a one purpose egg frying pan
  • Not oven-safe

TeChef – Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan (Best Nonstick Omelette pan)

It’s perfectly possible to prepare Tamagoyaki with your typical round skillet. Yet, I find it much easier and fun to cook Japanese omelet with a traditional pan.

If you are looking forward to preparing the perfect Tamagoyaki or even want to try for the first time, this is a pan I recommend.

It features a new ‘safe’ Teflon coating and is induction safe.

Better yet, it can cook a lot of other dishes besides Tamagoyaki -even pancakes! I find the larger version family-friendly as it can prepare up to six eggs. If you’re doing only 2-3 eggs, the medium might be the better option.

TECHEF - Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelette Pan/Egg Pan Skillet, PFOA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Induction-Ready, Made in Korea (Purple/Medium)

I love its unique sloped shape that allows for easy flipping of eggs, omelets, and pancakes. With it, you can also make several pancakes at a go. Unfortunately, the pan doesn’t heat the corner very well, so they don’t quite brown evenly.

The significant issue here is that it’s prone to scratching and warping. You need to be careful to use non metal utensils and not overheat it.

Other than that, this is a decently priced pan for Japanese omelets. For an extensive guide on Tamagoyaki pans, check my detailed review.

Pros:

  • Great price
  • Low maintenance
  • Versatile
  • Excellent performance
  • Attractive
  • Oven safe to 350°F (177°C)

Cons:

  • Prone to scratching and warping
  • Made with Teflon

GreenPan Mini Ceramic 5″ Egg Pan (Best Single Egg Pan)

Ever seen or heard of those pans that can only fry one egg? Well, this is one. You could conceivably squeeze in two eggs.  But the problem with two is, depending on the size of your eggs, they will reach the rivets and stick.

The nonstick frying pan features a Thermolon healthy ceramic nonstick coating and is PTFE (Teflon) free.

Despite its small size, it performs excellently, although there are a few reports of sticking. If this happens to you, try cleaning the pan with baking soda, or Bar Keeper’s friend.

I would be careful with the handle, though. Since it isn’t entirely covered, there is a risk of your fingers sliding down to the hot bare part.

GreenPan Mini Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 5" Square Egg Pan, PFAS-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Stay Cool Handle, Black

Thermolon, the ceramic nonstick coating, is supposed to be scratch resistant. I would advise being careful though; avoid metal utensils and consider hand washing.

This ceramic nonstick fry pan is ideal for people who like one fried egg at a time, perhaps for a sandwich or light breakfast.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Perfect for one egg/omelet
  • Healthy ceramic nonstick coating
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Teflon free

Cons:

  • Not induction compatible
  • Some reports of sticking
  • The bare handle gets hot
  • Silicone handle unsuitable for high oven temperatures

If you like this little egg pan, Green Pan actually offer a wide range of cookware products and lines. If you are looking for more options around Teflon-free non-stick pans, then check out my roundup guide here.

Ozeri ZP18-20 8″ Stone Earth Frying Pan

From size to color, this fry pan by Ozeri offers a range of options. With a “stone-derived” and “inspired by nature” coating this pan is 100% free of potentially harmful chemicals.

Ozeri seems very proud that their egg pan is PFOA-free. However, the same is true for most Teflon pans, as PFOA was phased out years ago.  This nonstick frying pan does still use PTFE, the active ingredient of Teflon.

Aside from that, the build is good, features a securely rivetted handle comfortable to grip, and is easy to clean. As with most nonstick, I advise avoiding metallic utensils.

8" Stone Frying Pan by Ozeri, with 100% APEO & PFOA-Free Stone-Derived Non-Stick Coating from Germany

I love that its induction safe and super easy to clean.

Unfortunately, there are reports of the frying pan sticking, peeling, and warping after a few uses.

Pros:

  • Induction safe
  • Easy to clean nonstick pan
  • Variety of options available (size and color)

Cons:

  • Reports of peeling and flaking
  • Nonstick doesn’t last long
  • Not scratch-resistant
  • Advertised as stone-derived and PFOA-free but contains PTFE (Teflon)
  • Likely not oven safe

Nordic Ware Italian Frittata and Omelette Pan(Best Frittata Pan) 

If you’ve had failed attempts in the past trying to make a “pretty” omelet with a round fry pan, this is the best nonstick omelet pan for you.

It performs excellently, features a compact design, and clean up is a breeze. However, this isn’t induction safe and isn’t PTFE-free. There are also reports of sticking issues and the small handle on the lid getting extremely hot.

Nordic Ware Italian Frittata and Omelette Pan, 8.4 Inches, Non-Stick

I like that the long handle stays cool and is comfortable to grip.

True, it can be a little challenging to figure out how best to use it, but this is a decent omelet pan once you do.

Tip: To seal the omelet, keep a little egg aside, then pour it around the edges when nearly finished cooking.

If you are searching for a one-purpose egg pan for frying eggs or making omelets, this frying pan will take your cooking to a whole new level.

Pros:

  • Long handle that stays cool
  • Makes perfect omelets
  • Easy to clean
  • Oven safe at low temperatures

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Not induction safe
  • Reports of sticking
  • The short handle gets hot
  • Loosely secured handle
  • Poor design choice for fastening

Lodge Preseasoned Cast Iron Skillet (Best Cast Iron Skillet for Eggs)

Lodge is an old Tennessee company known for making affordable iron cookware. And they lived up to expectations with this cast iron skillet. 

The 12 inch cast iron skillet comes with silicone handle holder–useful for moving the skillet once it’s hot.

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 12-inch

Although the cast iron skillet comes ‘pre-seasoned,’ I always recommend adding some seasoning yourself before first use.

If you take care of this skillet there’s two things you should know:

  • You can take it to cook anyway (on the stove, on a grill, over a campfire)
  • It will last forever

That being said, it is a bit of work to take care of. I originally didn’t include this frying pan here. Why? Well eggs are among the stickiest foods and cast iron can stick.

Yet if you season it properly, preheat before use, and add plenty of oil, this cast iron skillet can take on eggs.

Pros:

  • Great quality
  • Easy-grip handles
  • Induction suitable
  • Made in the USA (if that matters)
  • Durable
  • Completely oven-safe

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • More work to clean

FAQs

Do you put anything in the pan before cooking eggs?

For nonstick pans, especially if Teflon based, add oil or butter, then heat, then add eggs. This will minimize the stickiness and avoid the risk of the frying pan overheating.

For all other pans (cast iron, stainless steel or carbon steel), first preheat the frying pan, then add oil or butter, then add the eggs once the oil or butter is warm.

When cooking eggs it’s important both the pan and the oil are warm, to reduce the chance of sticking.

Why do eggs stick to my nonstick pan?

Eggs normally stick to a nonstick frying pan for one of three reasons:

  • You are cooking eggs without oil
  • You haven’t preheated the pan / oil
  • There is an invisible layer of food rendering the nonstick useless

For the first two, just make sure to add eggs to a warm fry pan with oil. For the last point, use Bar Keeper’s friend to clean the frying pan and restore the non-stick properties.

Can you cook eggs in a cast iron pan?

You can cook eggs in a cast iron skillet, but let’s be honest–it’s harder. The key is to make sure your cast iron fry pan is well seasoned, to preheat it, then add oil, wait for the oil to warm up, then add eggs.

You can do it!

Verdict

Best Pan for Eggs

Best Egg Pan: Two whole eggs sitting in a steel pan

The Modern Innovations Stainless Steel Egg Poacher Pan is my best egg pan. It comes with six large eggs poacher cups, a tempered glass lid, and a silicone spatula.

Poached eggs are one of the few types of egg dishes where you really do need specialist cookware.

In addition to making perfect poached eggs, this is an excellent frying pan for everyday use as the insert is removable. Its also decently sized (10″) to prepare a decent meal for 2-4people.

With it being stainless steel, the pan itself is easy to season, allowing you to fry eggs or even brown your sausages.