Best Pan For Deep Frying: Top Picks And Tips

Best pan for deep frying: a deep, heavy-bodied stainless or nonstick sauté pan with lid.

I hate oily splatters and cold centers in fried food. When I want crisp, golden results at home, the right pan makes the difference between a soggy bite and a crunchy triumph. Whether I’m frying fish for a quick weeknight meal or doing a big batch of chicken for the weekend, choosing the best pan for deep frying cuts cook time, saves oil, and gives more consistent results. In this guide I test pans, compare build quality, heat retention, and cleanup, so you can get the best pan for deep frying without guessing.

SENSARTE 12-Inch Nonstick Deep Frying Pan

I picked up the SENSARTE 12-inch nonstick deep frying pan because it promises a roomy 5-quart capacity and a PFOA/PFOS-free coating. In daily use I found it heats evenly on my gas range and the lid keeps oil temperature stable while frying. The helper handle makes lifting the pan with oil inside a lot safer. Cleanup felt quick because food rarely stuck to the nonstick surface even after frying battered foods.

This pan works well for family-sized batches. It stays light enough to handle but heavy enough to hold steady heat, which matters for deep frying. I used it for fries, shrimp, and tempura with reliable results. If your goal is a versatile, easy-clean pan that can handle shallow to medium deep frying, this one is a solid pick.

Pros:

• Large 12-inch surface and 5-quart capacity—good for batch frying
• Nonstick coating speeds cleanup after frying greasy foods
• Induction compatible—works on multiple cooktops
• Helper handle makes moving a hot, oil-filled pan safer
• PFOA/PFOS-free for peace of mind on coatings

Cons:

• Nonstick can wear with metal utensils or high heat
• Not as heavy as cast iron—less thermal mass for very large batches
• Lid may trap steam for breaded items that need crisping without moisture

My Recommendation

I recommend this SENSARTE 12-inch option for cooks who want the best pan for deep frying without the weight of cast iron. It’s great for busy cooks who want fast cleanup and consistent browning. If you fry for a family and need quick turnaround, this pan offers both size and convenience.

Best for	Why
Weeknight family frying	Large capacity and easy cleanup
Induction stovetops	Induction compatible base
Light handling	Helper handle reduces strain

SENSARTE 10-Inch Stone Nonstick Skillet

The SENSARTE 10-inch stone-coated skillet is one of my go-to pans for quick frying tasks and crisp searing. The stone-like nonstick finish stands up well to repeated use and looks matte and professional. It’s slightly shallower than the 12-inch model, which makes it ideal for crisping a few items at once without wasting oil. I liked how the pan returned to temperature quickly after adding food.

For single-serving or two-person meals, this is a compact, reliable pick when you need the best pan for deep frying in a small footprint. It is easy to handle and store. I used it for chicken tenders and fritters and got even frying and minimal sticking.

Pros:

• Stone nonstick finish offers durable, easy-release cooking
• Compact 10-inch size fits small kitchens and stovetops
• Quick to heat and responsive to temperature changes
• Comfortable stay-cool handle for safer frying
• Easy to store and lightweight to maneuver

Cons:

• Smaller capacity—not ideal for large batches
• Stone finishes still require careful use to avoid scratching
• Limited oven tolerance compared to all-stainless options

My Recommendation

If you want a compact pan that still behaves like the best pan for deep frying in small doses, this SENSARTE 10-inch skillet is a winner. I recommend it for singles, couples, or anyone with limited storage. It’s especially handy for quick weeknight fry sessions and for cooks who hate long cleanup.

Best for	Why
Small kitchens	Compact size saves space
Quick single servings	Fast heat-up and responsive control
Low-effort cleanup	Nonstick surface reduces scrubbing

Gas One 10QT Aluminum Fry Pot

The Gas One 10QT aluminum fry pot is designed for serious frying. It’s roomy and includes a perforated basket for safe dunking and draining. In my outdoor fry tests for seafood and whole-bird frying, the pot held heat well and made it easy to manage oil temps. The sturdy handles gave me confidence when lifting hot oil outdoors.

This pot is the kind of tool I reach for when I want the very best pan for deep frying large seafood boils, whole chickens, or massive batches of fries. It’s heavy-duty but still surprisingly easy to handle when paired with a sturdy cooking stand or burner. Clean-up takes a bit more effort but is manageable.

Pros:

• 10-quart capacity handles large batches and whole items
• Perforated basket simplifies frying and draining
• Food-grade aluminum for fast heating and even cooking
• Easy-grip handles improve safety while moving the pot
• Durable construction for outdoor and casual deep frying

Cons:

• Large and heavy—needs space and a robust burner
• Not ideal for indoor stovetops on some ranges
• Aluminum can dent if mishandled

My Recommendation

This Gas One 10QT fry pot is the best pan for deep frying when you plan big batches or outdoor frying. I recommend it for tailgates, backyard gatherings, and cooks who want restaurant-style capacity at home. It’s worth the storage space if you fry large items often.

Best for	Why
Large gatherings	10QT capacity handles volume
Outdoor frying	Designed for open-burner use
Whole bird frying	Roomy pot and basket included

SENSARTE 13.3-Inch Large Deep Frying Pan

The SENSARTE 13.3-inch deep frying pan is the big sibling of the 12-inch model with extra capacity and a slightly wider cooking surface. I liked how it handled larger batches while remaining stable on my gas burners. The nonstick coating again made cleanup fast, and the lid helps preserve heat when I’m doing long frying sessions. It’s a reliable workhorse for families who want the best pan for deep frying without buying a full fryer.

When I tested breaded cutlets and larger pieces of seafood, the pan delivered even browning and consistent results. It’s especially useful when I want to fry multiple batches without crowding the pan. This pan strikes a balance between home comfort and near-commercial capacity.

Pros:

• Extra-large 13.3-inch surface for bigger batches
• Deep walls reduce splatter and oil loss
• Nonstick coating speeds the cleanup routine
• Induction compatible and versatile across stovetops
• Comes with a lid to stabilize oil temperature

Cons:

• Bulkier to store than smaller models
• Still not as heavy as tri-ply stainless for extended heat retention
• Nonstick lifespan depends on care and heat limit

My Recommendation

For families that want the best pan for deep frying and need ample capacity, the SENSARTE 13.3-inch pan is a top option. I recommend it for cooks who do batch frying regularly and who value fast cleanup. It performs well for fries, cutlets, and larger seafood portions with consistent results and ease.

Best for	Why
Large families	Wide surface for more food
Batch cooking	Allows multiple batches without crowding
Induction users	Compatible with modern cooktops

LOLYKITCH 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Sauté Pan

The LOLYKITCH 12-inch tri-ply stainless sauté pan is my go-to when I want long-term durability and the best pan for deep frying with superior heat retention. The tri-ply construction combines a stainless cooking surface, aluminum core, and stainless exterior. That makes it heavier and more stable on the burner. When I fry thicker items or larger batches, the heat stays even and steady.

I used this pan for crispy chicken thighs and thicker fish fillets. The browning was excellent and consistent. Cleanup is straightforward, though not as effortless as nonstick. For cooks who want professional performance and longevity, this stainless tri-ply pan delivers real value.

Pros:

• Tri-ply build gives excellent heat distribution and retention
• Stainless surface tolerates higher heat and metal utensils
• Oven safe—extend frying into finishing in the oven
• Heavy-duty feel and long lifespan
• Induction compatible and suitable for every cooktop

Cons:

• Heavier to lift, especially when filled with oil
• Requires more effort to clean than nonstick
• Higher up-front cost than simple aluminum pans

My Recommendation

I recommend the LOLYKITCH tri-ply stainless pan for cooks who want the best pan for deep frying with professional-level heat control and longevity. I reach for it when I need even browning and the option to finish dishes in the oven. It’s a great investment if you fry frequently and want a pan that lasts.

Best for	Why
Serious home cooks	Professional heat control and durability
High-heat frying	Stainless tolerates higher temps
Oven finishing	Safe to move from stovetop to oven

FAQs Of best pan for deep frying

What should I look for when choosing the best pan for deep frying?

Look for deep walls, even heat distribution, and a stable base. Materials like tri-ply stainless or heavy aluminum hold heat well. Nonstick coatings help with cleanup but watch heat limits. A tight-fitting lid and helper handle add safety and control.

Is nonstick or stainless better for deep frying?

Both have benefits. Nonstick trims cleanup time and uses less oil. Stainless tri-ply gives superior heat retention and tolerates higher temperatures. I use nonstick for quick, light fry jobs and stainless for heavy, high-heat frying.

How much oil do I need for deep frying in a pan?

Use enough oil to fully submerge what you’re frying, or at least half to three-quarters depth for partial deep frying. For pans listed here, 1–4 quarts often suffice depending on batch size. Monitor temperature with a thermometer for safety and consistent browning.

Can I use these pans on induction cooktops?

Several pans in this list are induction compatible, like the SENSARTE models and the tri-ply LOLYKITCH pan. The Gas One outdoor fry pot is better suited to open burners, not typical indoor induction ranges. Check product specs for induction compatibility before buying.

How do I maintain the nonstick coating when deep frying?

Avoid metal utensils and use medium-high heat rather than max. Let the pan cool before washing. Hand wash with a soft sponge and mild detergent. Avoid thermal shock like plunging a hot pan into cold water to extend the coating life.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you fry for family meals and want easy cleanup, the SENSARTE nonstick pans are the best pan for deep frying for most people. They balance size, weight, and convenience while giving crisp results.

For large outdoor batches, get the Gas One 10QT fry pot. For pro-level performance and longevity, choose the LOLYKITCH tri-ply stainless pan as the best pan for deep frying in professional-style kitchens.