We recommend frypans with a CHOICE Expert Rating of at least 80%.

The CHOICE Expert Rating, our overall score that determines which products we recommend, is made up performance (50%), ease of use (25%) and surface durability (25%). Weightings are in brackets.

We assess the evenness of heat distribution by cooking pancakes. We also comment on sticking for non-stick frypans by frying an egg, but this result does not form part of the CHOICE Expert Rating.

This test is conducted on non-stick pans only – the rest automatically receive 100% for this test. A section of the pan is scrubbed 10,000 times by a mechanical arm with a Scotch-Brite scourer attached under a 10kg weight to assess the resilience of the non-stick coating. 

We assess the comfort of the handle, and the balance and weight of the frying pan when lifting. We also look at how easy each pan is to clean.

'Tested model' refers to frypans that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to frypans that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

This is the recommended retail price, but it pays to shop around. We've found you can usually pick up cookware that's heavily discounted.

Does the manufacturer recommend using metal utensils with the frypan?

For better heat distribution, look for a frypan that is fully magnetised on the base. When shopping, take a magnet with you and check the base and sides.

Generally, a pan that is slightly concave (like a wine bottle base) will flatten on heating as it expands. If your pan turns concave on heating, you may find the food runs to the sides of the pan. The majority of the pans we've tested have a concave base when heated.

Measured diameter of the pan's base, in centimetres. For ceramic or induction cooktops, your pan will need to match the size of your cooktop elements.

A thick, heavy base usually has better heat distribution and cooking performance; a too-thin base can burn your food, cook unevenly and might even warp under high temperatures.

Whether the frypan can be put in the dishwasher. Handwashing is generally recommended for most products.

All of the frypans we've tested can be used on induction cooktops.

Whether the frypan is oven safe, and if so, the maximum oven temperature.

Does the frypan have a non-stick coating that allows food to cook and brown without sticking?

Whether the frypan comes with a lid.

Curved sides makes tossing, sliding, flipping or lifting food easier due to the slant in the sides. A straight-sided frypan is good for stirring foods or when making sauces as the contents are less likely to spill out.