If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Cookware Shoppers Swear by These Under-$50 Frying Pans From Tramontina, Lodge, and More Prices start at just $18. By Sharon Lockley Sharon Lockley Sharon Lockley has over 20 years of experience as an editor and writer and has been contributing to Food & Wine since 2019. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Published on October 4, 2024 Photo: Food & Wine / Russell Kilgore Whether you’re sautéing mushrooms, frying eggs, or searing pork chops, there’s one pan that can do the task well: a frying pan. These pans are essential in any kitchen, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. From cast iron to ceramic, the choices (and prices) can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. Many top brands are less expensive than you’d think, and are great for everyone, from beginner cooks to more advanced cooks. Think options from Lodge, Tramontina, GreenPan, and several more. And best of all? All of these brands have frying pans under $50. Shop eight of our favorite picks now, starting at $18. Best Frying Pan Deals Under $50 on Amazon: Tramontina 8-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan, $27, originally $35 Tramontina 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan, $35, originally $70 Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, $20, originally $34 Sensarte 9.5-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan, $18 with Prime, originally $30 T-fal 2-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan Set, $40 Merten & Stork 12-Inch Carbon Steel Frying Pan, $40, originally $50 OXO 12-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan, $43, originally $70 GreenPan Lima 12-Inch Ceramic Frying Pan, $35, originally $45 Tramontina 8-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan Amazon $35 $27 at Amazon This 8-inch frying pan by Tramontina has received glowing reviews from over 18,000 shoppers, and it’s no surprise to us since the larger 10-inch version earned best-value spot on our list. We found this pan to be durable and well-constructed, and we loved how comfortable the handle was to grip when maneuvering it. During our tests, fried eggs turned out beautifully and it even reheated leftover spaghetti quickly and with ease. It has a stainless steel exterior with a nonstick aluminum interior that heats evenly. This pan is compatible to use on any stovetop and is oven-safe up to 400°F. It’s the perfect size for making an omelet or searing a steak. Shop it while it’s on sale for just $27. Tramontina 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan Amazon $70 $35 at Amazon If you want a larger stainless steel pan that won’t break the bank, check out this tri-ply Tramontina 12-inch pan. It ranked at the top of our list after testing the best picks on the market, all thanks to its high performance. Like the other smaller sizes, this frying pan can be used on any stovetop, but it can handle heat up to 500°F. Already an undeniable value for the price, the 49% off discount is hard to pass up. Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet Amazon $34 $20 at Amazon Lodge is a brand that our editors love and trust. It’s built to last and the proof is in the many pieces that have been passed down through the generations. It’s not just us that love this brand, as its 10.25-inch cast iron skillet is the No. 1 bestseller in skillets, and it has over 97,000 five-star ratings. During our tests, we found that this cast iron skillet performs exceptionally well, perfectly browning cornbread and searing steaks beautifully. It can be used on any stovetop, in the oven, on the grill, or over a campfire. Shoppers can’t stop buying this skillet either — over 10,000 of these pans were bought last month. Grab one for your kitchen while it’s 42% off. Sensarte 9.5-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Amazon $30 $18 at Amazon Another popular frying pan that disappears off the virtual shelves quickly, is the Sensarte 9.5-inch one. According to thousands of shoppers, this is the pan you want for making an omelet, and it has attained the No. 1 spot in omelet pans. It has a stylish design that sports a dark-speckled pattern and woodgrain-like handle. Plus, it’s lightweight with easy release and nonstick capabilities.. It’s the pan you don’t want to overlook, especially right now, since it’s $18. T-fal Hard Anodized Nonstick 2-Piece Frying Pan Set Amazon $40 at Amazon If you need more than one frying pan, this T-fal two-piece set that’s just $40 is one you should check out. Each pan has a hard anodized exterior with a Titanium nonstick coating. There’s aa patterned design on the surface to help keep food from sticking. The set includes a 10- and a 12-inch frying pan, so you can cook one pan meals, side dishes, and more.. These pans can handle oven heat up to 400°F and are compatible with any stovetop for added versatility, too. Merten & Stork 12-Inch Carbon Steel Frying Pan Amazon $50 $40 at Amazon Another tried-and-true favorite of ours that hit the list as the best carbon steel pan is this Merten & Stork model. Since this pan is preseasoned, it’s ready to go right out of the box. At 12 inches, it has ample room for stirring, sautéing, and more. We appreciated the pan’s lightweight material, which makes it easy to move around. It also performed exceptionally well, whether we were scrambling eggs, searing chicken thighs, or baking a cookie skillet (it’s oven-safe up to 600°F). It has a triple riveted handle that has a hole for easy hanging. And, similar to cast iron, the more you use it, the more nonstick it gets. OXO 12-Inch Nonstick Frying Pan Amazon $70 $43 at Amazon This OXO 12-inch frying pan is hard anodized ceramic that is nonstick and durable. The 12-inch capacity flat bottom conducts heat evenly and quickly. It has gently sloping sides, making it a breeze to stir ingredients without spilling. The black base is offset with an ergonomic curved stainless steel handle. It can be used on any stovetop and oven up to 430°F. Over 4,300 shoppers love this pan for its design, its performance, and its ease of cleaning. At 39% off, it’s a nice addition to any kitchen cookware repertoire. GreenPan Lima 12-Inch Ceramic Frying Pan Amazon $45 $35 at Amazon This GreenPan 12-inch ceramic frying pan is another great pick. It has a ceramic hard anodized body, and sports a nonstick coating that’s free of PFOAs and other materials, which might be important to you. The double riveted stainless steel handle is contoured and comfortable to grip and hold. There is a glass-tempered lid with a striking stainless steel rim and handle to offset the dark gray color of the pan. Unlike many other models, this frying pan can withstand temperatures up to 600°F and is both oven and broiler-safe. (Just note that the lid can only handle up to 425°F.) It’s discounted at 23% off, the lowest price this pan has been in over 30 days. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Fresh Finds from Food & Wine The 10 Best White Elephant Gifts Under $25 That They'll Definitely Want to Steal Le Creuset’s Hidden Amazon Shop Has So Many Gifts for Coffee Lovers, From $14 Ina Garten Loves This Electric Knife Sharpener, and I’ve Also Used It for Over 12 Years