12 Pretty Pans That Live Up to the Hype
Updated: Mar. 11, 2024
What's cooking, good-looking? These pretty pans, vetted by our editors, Test Kitchen pros and thousands of reviewers, prep your food—and look mighty appealing while doing it.
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Our Place Always Pan
The Our Place Always Pan took Instagram by storm a couple years ago. And at first—as with all social media products—it was hard to decipher whether it was worth the hype. The pan was almost too pretty to be true, after all. We can now say with confidence: This pan does all it promises, and then some. In her review of the original Always Pan (the 2.0 just dropped!), Senior Shopping Editor, Megan Mowery, says, “I’ve had the pan since October 2021. I use it nearly every day, and it has held up beautifully…I’m very pleased with its performance and appearance.”
Caraway Fry Pan
Personally, I get carried away when it comes to Caraway cookware. My cream-colored Dutch oven, a cherished Christmas present, has been on constant display on my stovetop since December. It’s just that stunning. And the Caraway frying pan? Well, it’s an equally beautiful kitchen workhorse. The ample size holds everything from pasta sauces to sauteed veggies. Plus, the non-toxic nonstick coating that gilds every one of the company’s products works better than any I’ve witnessed. More than 36,000 5-star raters agree, as does Editor, Lisa Kaminski, in her Caraway cookware review.
Made In Nonstick Frying Pan
The subtler of the bunch appearance-wise, the Made In nonstick frying pan is certainly impressive enough in performance to justify its price. A professional-grade nonstick surface that comes in alluring shades of green, blue or gray enhances the sleek stainless steel body. And unlike some of the others on this list, Made In cookware is oven-safe up to 500 degrees for added versatility. From more than 13,600 reviewers, the frying pan has earned an almost-unprecedented 4.9 stars.
Le Creuset Signature Skillet
Le Creuset is a name to know in the culinary space—and the company deserves every one of its praises. The French brand has been impressing cooks with its stunning enameled cast-iron pans for nearly 100 years now—and that includes our Test Kitchen pros. We’re smitten with the sleek-yet-durable Le Creuset signature skillet, citing the fact that it’s “absolutely gorgeous” as one of the many reasons. We’re especially obsessed with the latest hue: shallot.
HexClad Hybrid Pan
If a pop of color isn’t necessarily what you’re after for your stovetop, then HexClad hybrid pan is the pick for you. (Read our full review.) The understated stunner has laser-etched stainless steel hexagons that bolster searing power (and visual appeal) and a nonstick coating infused with, yes, diamond dust for extra durability. Moreover, the base is stainless steel, and the core is aluminum. It’s truly a do-it-all pan that works on all types of stoves, can withstand metal utensils and is safe in the dishwasher and oven. “I’ve tested a lot of cookware, and HexClad is my all-time favorite brand,” shares Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski. “It looks great on the stovetop, plus it sears, sautes and simmers to perfection.”
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Ceramic Fry Pan
It’s in the name—need we say more? The Hollywood vet is making waves lately with her lovable talk show, but here at Taste of Home headquarters, it’s Drew Barrymore’s ceramic cookware we can’t get enough of. It comes in eye-catching shades of lavender, green and blue, as well as white and black. Plus, for anyone who wants to match their pans to their appliances, the entire Beautiful line is worth adding to cart. Our Test Kitchen has given its hard-earned stamp of approval to the Beautiful air fryer and stand mixer, too.
Kilne Everything Pan
The Everything pan by Kilne has to do a lot in order to live up to its name. And according to the near 200 reviewers who give it 5 stars, it does. Satisfied customer Lindsey M. says, “Not only is this pan beautiful, it cooks and cleans like a breeze. The meringue colorway is so chic.” The pan is also available in black (i.e., peppercorn) and green (i.e., sage). All three color options are complemented by a gorgeous blue-gray toxin-free nonstick surface. Most notably, perhaps, is that the pan can withstand 750 degrees in the oven and is compatible with any stove type, too. Wowza!
Green Pan Nonstick Fry Pan
Green Pan’s frying pan might not have as much name recognition as Our Place or Caraway, but according to our glowing review, it should get just as much love. Available in varying shades of blue, yellow, pink, purple and more, the ceramic fry pans flaunt a gold handle and elegant glass lid. And that’s not to mention the amazing scratch-resistant, nonstick surface and the fact that it’s oven- and dishwasher-safe. Executive Shopping Editor, Megan Wood, comments, “I’m impressed by how quickly and evenly [my Green Pan] heats up, and it gives me crisp edges on chicken thighs. It’s my go-to workhorse pan.”
The Pioneer Woman Cast Aluminum Jumbo Saute Pan
Ree Drummond is the queen of everything from outdoor furnishings to kitchen appliances. Because she really does do a little bit of everything, it’s hard to believe all of her offerings are high-quality. But, as per usual, The Pioneer Woman pulls it off. Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski, confirms the Pioneer Woman jumbo saute pan, in particular, is equally practical and pretty. “I’ve been using this pan for months,” she says. “And I can confirm it’s still brilliantly nonstick.” Plus, the signature speckles make it oh-so cute.
Xtrema Frying Pan
The sleek, all-black Xtrema pan stands out for its organic shape and entirely ceramic construction. Unlike other ceramic cookware, which typically is coated in the material, Xtrema is ceramic through and through. This is one of Associate Shopping Editor, Emily Way’s, favorite aspects, in addition to the signature silhouette. “The flared edges add a chic, modern detail to this all-purpose pan,” she says. “They not only make it so easy to slide eggs right onto a plate but also to prevent messes while draining ground beef.”Â
Taste of Home Skillet
Perhaps no cookware has been so thoroughly tested by the Test Kitchen as the Taste of Home skillet. Our experts prioritized style and substance when assisting in the development of these pans. The pretty sea-green exterior looks gorgeous atop any cooking range, and the graphic art-deco-inspired design on the pan’s nonstick bottom adds an extra layer of protection to the cookware. Plus, the pan is aluminum, so it’s lightweight and heats evenly.
Finex Cast-Iron Skillet
Non-enameled cast iron isn’t known for its attractiveness (no offense to our favorite kitchen workhorse!). But a number of brands are out to change that, including Finex’s cast-iron skillet. The octagonal shape and coiled handles of the skillet are like nothing you’ve seen before—and they’re not just for show. The handles cool quicker than that of other cast-iron pans, and the unique shape makes for easy pouring and draining. Our Test Kitchen has made Taco Skillet Pizza with Cornbread Crust and Dutch Oven Cheesy Bacon and Eggs in Finex pans with great results.
Originally Published: May 08, 2023
