Best Skillets 2026: Reviews & Test Results
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Quick picks
New prices from Amazon/manufacturer sites, Oct 24, 2026. Used prices are estimates; ShopGoodwill stock checked directly, shipping to 67449.
| Category | Model | New | Used (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | All-Clad D3 12" + lid | $149.95 | $50–90 |
| Cast iron | Lodge L10SK3 12" | $46.80 | $15–30 |
| Carbon steel | de Buyer Mineral B 32 cm | $78.90 | $30–50 |
| Stainless clad | Made In 12" 5-ply | $129.99 | $50–80 |
| Commercial/pro | Vollrath Tribute 691112 | $137.76 | $40–70 |
| Best budget | Tramontina Tri-Ply 12" | $49.95 | $15–30 |
| Upgrade | Smithey No. 12 | $220 | $110–160 |
Best overall: All-Clad D3 12"
- Model: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12" Fry Pan with Lid (41126)
- New price: $149.95 at Amazon · Used: $50–90 (estimate)
- Material: Tri-ply: 18/10 stainless, aluminum core, made in USA
- Used deal: ShopGoodwill $15.17 + $17.58 shipping = $32.75 (cap $75), ends Thu 10/29 ~8:41 PM CT — https://shopgoodwill.com/item/281475524
- Weight: 1,276 g · Induction / oven: Yes / 315 °C (600 °F)
- Buy: Amazon
Pros: very even heating; light for its size, includes a lid; limited lifetime warranty. Cons: grooved handle some dislike; food sticks if preheating is off; pricey next to Tramontina.
Test results: Winner in many 12" stainless skillet tests; most even heat distribution side by side, slightly ahead of Tramontina. Less consistent than the D5 line.
Best cast iron: Lodge L10SK3
- Model: Lodge Classic 12" Cast Iron Skillet (L10SK3), made in Tennessee, USA
- New price: $46.80 at Amazon · Used: $15–30 (estimate)
- Used availability: ~40 Lodge 12" skillet auctions on ShopGoodwill, none under the $23.40 cap after shipping. Closest: Lodge L10 $5.99 + $18.56 = $24.55; L10SK3 $19.99 + $19.02 = $39.01.
- Weight: 3,462 g; 25 cm cooking surface; 4.3 mm base · Induction / oven: Yes / no practical limit
- Buy: Amazon
Pros: nearly indestructible; high heat retention; helper handle. Cons: heavy; short handle gets hot; seasoning needs upkeep.
Test results: Passed ice-water shock, metal-strike and knife-scratch tests; no metallic taste in acidic sauce. Best value cast iron.
Best carbon steel: de Buyer Mineral B
- Model: de Buyer Mineral B 32 cm (5610.32), made in France
- New price: $78.90 at Amazon · Used: $30–50 (estimate)
- Used availability: none on ShopGoodwill right now. Total cap $39.45.
- Weight: 2,608 g; 23.5 cm surface; 3 mm thick · Induction / oven: Yes / max 200 °C for 10 min (epoxy handle)
- Buy: Amazon
Pros: very nonstick once seasoned, no coating; lighter and more responsive than cast iron; French pro standard. Cons: needs initial seasoning (beeswax coating); epoxy handle limits oven use (choose Mineral B Pro); heavy to toss.
Test results: Excellent browning and release once seasoned; heavy with a steep handle. Cheaper alternative: de Buyer Blue Carbon Steel.
Best stainless clad: Made In 12"
- Model: Made In 12" Stainless Clad Frying Pan, 5-ply, made in Italy
- New price: $129.99 at Amazon · Used: $50–80 (estimate)
- Used availability: none on ShopGoodwill right now. Total cap $65.
- Weight: 1,361 g · Induction / oven: Yes / 427 °C (800 °F)
- Buy: Amazon · Made In
Pros: comfortable rounded handle; fast, even heat; very high oven tolerance. Cons: no lid; slightly heavier than All-Clad D3.
Test results: Favorite of 27 stainless skillets tested; narrowly beat All-Clad D3 on handle and price.
Best commercial/pro: Vollrath Tribute
- Model: Vollrath Tribute 12" 3-ply (691112), NSF certified, made in USA
- New price: $137.76 Vollrath MSRP (list $229.60) · Used: $40–70 (estimate), often at restaurant auctions
- Material: 18/8 interior, 3004 aluminum core, 18/0 exterior (induction)
- Used availability: none on ShopGoodwill right now. Total cap $68.88.
- Buy: Amazon · Vollrath
Pros: built for restaurant kitchens; NSF certified; silicone-handle version (692112). Cons: heavy; some find the handle less comfortable.
Test results: Few major tests; independent reviews praise fast, even heating and durability.
Best budget: Tramontina Tri-Ply 12"
- Model: Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 12" Fry Pan, NSF
- New price: $49.95 at Amazon · Used: $15–30 (estimate) · Induction: Yes
- Used availability: no 12" fry pan on ShopGoodwill (only a Tri-Ply deep sauté pan, $14.99 + $20.84 shipping). Total cap $24.98.
- Buy: Amazon
Pros: close to All-Clad at a third of the price; comfortable handle; slightly better heat retention. Cons: discolors at high heat; slightly heavier.
Test results: Runner-up in many tests; differences from All-Clad only show in measurements.
Upgrade: Smithey No. 12
- Model: Smithey Ironware No. 12 Cast Iron Skillet, made in South Carolina
- New price: $220 at smithey.com · Used: $110–160 (estimate)
- Used availability: none on ShopGoodwill right now. Total cap $110.
- Buy: Smithey
Pros: polished interior with near-nonstick release; heirloom design. Cons: about 4–5× the price of Lodge; heavy (~3.6 kg).
Test results: Overall winner in cast iron skillet tests for searing, baking, browning and release.
Buying guide
| Material | Strengths | Care |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless clad | Searing and pan sauces, acid-resistant | Wash normally, Bar Keepers Friend |
| Cast iron | Heat retention, nearly eternal | Dry, thin coat of oil |
| Carbon steel | Naturally nonstick, lighter | Like cast iron; avoid soaking |
- Size: 30 cm (12") serves 2 and fits 2 steaks; 25 cm for everyday eggs.
- Weight: stainless 1.2–1.4 kg; carbon steel 1.5–2.6 kg; 30 cm cast iron ~3.5 kg.
- Induction: every pick is compatible — a magnet sticks to the base.
- Minimalist kitchen for 2: one 30 cm stainless clad pan plus one cast iron or carbon steel pan.
Tips for buying used
The 50% rule: used price + shipping should total no more than 50% of new. Example: All-Clad D3 new $149.95 → max $75.
- Cast iron and carbon steel: surface rust is fine; reject cracked or warped pans.
- Stainless clad: stains clean up; reject bulging bases or separating layers.
- Base stamp: All-Clad reads "All-Clad" + "Made in USA"; vintage Lodge is often smoother.
- Shipping: a 30 cm cast iron pan is ~3.5 kg; shipping often $15–25.
FAQ
- 3-ply or 5-ply? Tests found no big difference; 3-ply is enough.
- Why no nonstick? Coatings need replacing every few years.
- Soap on cast iron? Mild soap is fine; dry right away and oil.
- Mineral B or Pro? Pro if it goes in the oven often.