Imagine this: you’re ready to cook a delicious meal, but your skillet is too small for everything. You have to cook in batches, and it takes forever! This happens to many home cooks when they pick a skillet that’s just not big enough. Choosing the perfect 14-inch skillet can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands and types, and it’s hard to know which one is best for your kitchen.
But don’t worry! We’re here to help. This guide will take the confusion out of finding your next kitchen workhorse. We’ll explore what makes a 14-inch skillet a great choice for families or anyone who loves to cook big meals. You’ll learn about the different materials, what to look for in a good one, and even some tips for keeping it in top shape.
By the end of this post, you’ll feel confident about picking a 14-inch skillet that will make your cooking easier and more enjoyable. Get ready to say goodbye to crowded pans and hello to perfectly seared steaks and evenly cooked stir-fries! Let’s dive in and find the skillet that’s just right for you.
Our Top 5 14 Inch Skillet Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 14 Inch Skillet Detailed Reviews
1. Tramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan
Rating: 8.5/10
Meet the Tramontina Professional 14-Inch Non Stick Extra Large Frying Pan. This big skillet is built for serious cooking. It’s perfect for busy kitchens, whether you’re a home cook or a pro. You can make large meals easily with this pan.
What We Like:
- **Extra-Large Size:** The 14-inch size is fantastic for cooking big batches of food. It’s great for families or when you’re hosting friends.
- **Professional Quality:** This pan is designed to handle tough kitchen jobs. It’s built to last.
- **Super Nonstick:** The reinforced nonstick coating means food slides right out. Cleanup is a breeze.
- **Even Heating:** Heavy-gauge aluminum helps heat spread quickly and evenly. This means your food cooks perfectly every time.
- **Versatile Use:** It works on gas, electric, and ceramic glass stoves. You can even put it in the oven up to 400°F.
- **Comfy Handle:** The stainless-steel handle has a soft silicone grip. It stays cool while you cook. The silicone sleeve can be removed for oven use.
- **Easy to Clean:** Just pop it in the dishwasher when you’re done.
- **NSF Certified:** This pan meets high standards for quality and safety, just like professional kitchen gear.
- **Made in Brazil:** It’s made with care in Brazil.
- **Lifetime Warranty:** Tramontina backs this pan with a lifetime warranty. You can trust it will be a kitchen staple for years.
What Could Be Improved:
- **Not for Induction:** This pan will not work on induction cooktops. Make sure to check your stove type.
This Tramontina frying pan is a solid choice for anyone needing a large, reliable, and easy-to-clean skillet. Its durability and performance make it a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.
2. Blue Diamond 14″ Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Blue Diamond 14″ Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, a kitchen workhorse designed to make cooking easier and healthier. This large, blue skillet boasts a diamond-infused ceramic nonstick surface that’s built to last. It’s tough enough for all your cooking adventures and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s safe for you and your family, so you can cook with confidence.
What We Like:
- The diamond-infused ceramic nonstick is incredibly tough. It’s metal utensil safe, meaning you don’t have to worry about scratching it. The company says it’s 5x harder and lasts 10x longer than regular nonstick coatings.
- It heats up super fast and evenly. Diamonds are great at conducting heat, so your food cooks quickly and cleanup is a snap.
- This pan is completely toxin-free. It’s free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium, so you can cook healthy meals without worry.
- The heavy-duty forged base prevents the pan from warping. It stays flat and performs well over time.
- You can use it on the stovetop and then pop it right into the oven or broiler, up to 600°F. It’s great for recipes that need both.
- Cleaning is simple because it’s dishwasher safe. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- The riveted stainless steel handle stays cool and offers a secure, comfortable grip. It’s designed for durability and ease of use.
- This pan works on most stovetops, including gas, electric, and ceramic.
What Could Be Improved:
- This pan is not compatible with induction cooktops. If you have an induction stove, this pan won’t work for you.
This Blue Diamond skillet is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering durability, healthy cooking, and effortless cleanup. It’s a versatile pan that helps you tackle any recipe with ease.
3. Circulon – 83906 Circulon Radiance Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan / Fry Pan / Hard Anodized Skillet with Helper Handle – 14 Inch
Rating: 8.5/10
The Circulon Radiance Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan is a big, sturdy pan that makes cooking easier. Its 14-inch size is great for making meals for your whole family. The gray color looks nice in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- This pan is built tough. It’s made from hard-anodized aluminum, which means it will last a long time.
- It heats up food evenly. You won’t have to worry about some parts of your food being burnt while others are still raw.
- The nonstick surface is really good. Food slides right off, making cooking and cleaning simple.
- Cleanup is a breeze. You can even put it in the dishwasher!
- It’s oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you can start on the stove and finish in the oven.
- It comes with a helper handle, which is useful when the pan is full and heavy.
- Circulon offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty. This shows they stand by their product.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the nonstick is great, some users might find that after many years of heavy use, it might not be as effective as when it was new.
- The 14-inch size, while good for families, might be too large for small kitchens or for cooking single servings.
This Circulon frying pan is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those who cook often. It offers excellent durability and a nonstick surface that truly simplifies meal prep and cleanup.
4. Gotham Steel Hammered Copper 14 Inch Non Stick Frying Pan with Lid
Rating: 8.9/10
Introducing the Gotham Steel Hammered Copper 14 Inch Non Stick Frying Pan with Lid. This pan is designed to make cooking easier and healthier. Its large size is perfect for families, and the hammered copper finish adds a touch of style to your kitchen. You can cook a variety of meals without worrying about food sticking.
What We Like:
- It’s extra large, measuring 14 inches, so you can cook big meals for everyone.
- The hammered copper design looks beautiful and stands out.
- The nonstick surface is made with titanium and diamonds, so food slides right off.
- You don’t need to use much oil or butter, which means healthier cooking.
- It’s safe for your health because it’s free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and lead.
- The pan heats evenly thanks to its induction plate.
- It comes with a glass lid to keep your food warm and prevent splatters.
- The stay-cool handles make it safe to hold and move.
- You can put it in the oven and wash it in the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze.
- It has a capacity of 4 quarts, holding a good amount of food.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the nonstick coating is strong, some users have reported that it can scratch over time with rough use.
- For very delicate foods, a slightly gentler heat might be needed to prevent overcooking.
This Gotham Steel frying pan is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering both style and functionality for busy home cooks. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a large, easy-to-clean, and healthy cooking solution.
5. Granitestone 14 Inch Large Frying Pan with Lid
Rating: 8.5/10
The Granitestone 14 Inch Large Frying Pan with Lid is a versatile kitchen essential. It’s designed for healthy cooking with its non-toxic ceramic surface. This pan makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.
What We Like:
- The non-toxic ceramic interior is free from harmful chemicals like PTFE, PFOA, cadmium, lead, and PFAS, making it safe for healthy cooking.
- Food releases easily from the non-stick surface, even with little to no oil, so eggs, steak, and potatoes won’t stick.
- Cleanup is super simple; residue wipes away quickly, and the pan is dishwasher safe.
- It’s oven-safe, so you can move your meals from the stovetop to the oven for roasting or baking.
- The pan heats evenly and resists warping, ensuring consistent cooking on all stove types.
- The included tempered glass lid lets you watch your food cook without lifting it.
- It’s lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to handle for everyday cooking tasks.
- The ergonomic, stay-cool handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.
- The scratch and stain-resistant coating keeps the pan looking good for a long time.
- The generous 14-inch size is perfect for cooking larger meals and it nests well with other pans.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s designed to be scratch-resistant, using metal utensils could still potentially damage the non-stick coating over time.
- The black speckle finish, while attractive, might not be to everyone’s taste compared to a more uniform look.
This Granitestone frying pan offers a great combination of health, convenience, and performance. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cookware.
The Essential Buying Guide: Your 14-Inch Skillet Companion
A 14-inch skillet is a kitchen workhorse. It’s big enough for family meals. It can handle everything from searing steaks to sautéing veggies. Choosing the right one makes cooking easier and tastier. This guide helps you find the perfect 14-inch skillet.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a skillet, check these important things.
A. Size and Shape
- **Diameter:** You already know you want 14 inches. This size is great for cooking for 3-5 people.
- **Depth:** A deeper skillet holds more food. It also helps prevent splatters. Look for a depth of at least 2 inches.
- **Sloped Sides:** These make it easy to toss food. They also help liquids evaporate faster when you’re cooking.
B. Handle Comfort and Design
- **Ergonomics:** The handle should feel good in your hand. It should be easy to grip, even when the skillet is full.
- **Secure Attachment:** The handle must be strongly attached to the skillet. Some handles are riveted, while others are welded. Both can be strong.
- **Oven-Safe:** Make sure the handle can go in the oven. This lets you finish cooking in the oven. Check the maximum temperature.
C. Lid Inclusion
- Some skillets come with a lid. A lid helps trap heat and moisture. This is good for braising or simmering.
- If it doesn’t come with a lid, you can often buy one separately.
2. Important Materials
The material of your skillet affects how it cooks and how long it lasts.
A. Cast Iron
- Cast iron skillets heat evenly. They hold heat very well. This makes them great for searing.
- They need to be seasoned. Seasoning is a layer of oil baked onto the pan. This makes it non-stick and prevents rust.
- Cast iron is heavy. It can rust if not cared for properly.
B. Stainless Steel
- Stainless steel is durable. It won’t react with food. This means your food won’t get a metallic taste.
- Look for skillets with a thick “cladded” bottom. This usually means layers of aluminum or copper inside the stainless steel. This helps with even heating.
- Stainless steel can be harder to clean if food sticks.
C. Non-Stick
- Non-stick skillets make cooking and cleaning easy. Food slides right off.
- The non-stick coating can wear out over time. It can also be scratched by metal utensils.
- Avoid very high heat with non-stick pans.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a skillet better, while others make it worse.
A. Heat Distribution
- Good skillets heat evenly. This means your food cooks the same all over. No hot spots!
- Thicker bottoms and good materials help with even heating.
B. Durability and Longevity
- A well-made skillet lasts for years. Cast iron and high-quality stainless steel are very durable.
- Cheaply made pans can warp or break.
C. Ease of Use and Cleaning
- A skillet should be easy to handle. Cleaning should not be a chore.
- Non-stick pans are easiest to clean. Cast iron, once seasoned, is also easy to clean.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your skillet.
A. Everyday Cooking
- For frying eggs, pancakes, or sautéing vegetables, a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet is great.
- Stainless steel is good for browning meats.
B. Special Meals
- Sear steaks or pork chops. Cast iron excels here.
- Make large batches of stir-fry or pasta dishes. The 14-inch size is perfect.
- Braise chicken or pot roast. A skillet with a lid works best.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best material for a 14-inch skillet?
A: The “best” material depends on your needs. Cast iron is great for searing and heat retention. Stainless steel is durable and versatile. Non-stick is best for easy cooking and cleanup.
Q: Can I use metal utensils in a 14-inch skillet?
A: You can use metal utensils in cast iron and stainless steel skillets. Avoid using metal on non-stick surfaces, as it can scratch the coating.
Q: How do I clean a cast iron skillet?
A: Clean it with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid soap if possible. Dry it thoroughly right away and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.
Q: Are 14-inch skillets too big for small kitchens?
A: A 14-inch skillet takes up more space. However, its large capacity means you can cook more food at once, which can save time.
Q: Do I need a lid for my 14-inch skillet?
A: A lid is helpful for braising, simmering, and keeping food warm. It is not always essential, but it adds versatility.
Q: How do I prevent food from sticking in a stainless steel skillet?
A: Preheat the skillet properly. Add oil when the pan is hot. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let food cook undisturbed for a bit before trying to move it.
Q: Can I put my 14-inch skillet in the dishwasher?
A: It’s generally not recommended. Dishwashers can damage the seasoning on cast iron and the coatings on non-stick pans. Handwashing is best for most skillets.
Q: What is “seasoning” a cast iron skillet?
A: Seasoning is a process of baking oil into the cast iron. It creates a natural non-stick surface and protects the pan from rust.
Q: How much food can I cook in a 14-inch skillet?
A: A 14-inch skillet can typically cook meals for 3-5 people. It’s great for family-sized portions.
Q: Where should I store my 14-inch skillet?
A: Store it in a dry place. If you stack other pans on top, put a towel or paper towel between them to protect the surface.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!