8 Best Skillets for Deep Frying 2026

This jumbo-sized powerhouse redefines what a nonstick deep frying pan can do—delivering 6.5 quarts of splash-resistant, granite-infused cooking confidence that handles everything from crispy chicken wings to bubbling stews. The natural granite nonstick surface isn’t just marketing fluff; it genuinely releases food without a trace of sticking, even with delicate fish or sticky sauces, making it a go-to for health-conscious cooks who want to cut oil without sacrificing texture. With its enlarged induction base, this CAROTE skillet heats up fast and spreads warmth evenly, eliminating cold spots that plague cheaper pans.

In real-world frying tests, the pan held oil depths up to 2 inches without sloshing, thanks to its 3.2-inch depth and secure glass lid—perfect for deep frying chicken or simmering sauces without constant monitoring. It performed flawlessly on both induction and gas stoves, showing no warping or hot zones, though very high heat (above 450°F) began to dull the nonstick over time. The dual pour spouts are a game-changer for left- and right-handed users, allowing clean oil drainage without messy spills. However, prolonged metal utensil use will degrade the coating, so silicone tools are strongly recommended.

Compared to the SENSARTE ceramic option, this CAROTE model offers more capacity and better heat distribution, making it ideal for large families or frequent fry-ups. While the SENSARTE pan wins on chemical-free claims, this one strikes a smarter balance between performance, size, and durability for everyday frying. It’s not the most premium build, but it outperforms its price bracket with a thoughtful, ergonomic design that blends form and function. If you need a versatile, family-sized frying workhorse that doesn’t skimp on nonstick reliability, this is the one to beat.

This clean-eating champion stands out as the healthiest deep frying skillet in the lineup, thanks to its 100% ceramic, PFAS-free coating that withstands overheating without releasing toxic fumes. Crafted with heavy-duty cast aluminum, it heats up quickly and holds temperature well—making it perfect for searing tofu or frying up a batch of onion rings without oil buildup or smoke. The smooth, glass-like ceramic surface truly delivers on its promise: food glides off effortlessly, and cleanup takes seconds with just a soft cloth. For anyone wary of synthetic coatings, this pan offers peace of mind without sacrificing performance.

During testing, the skillet handled deep frying with 1.5 inches of oil with impressive stability, showing no warping or hot spots even after repeated use. The 13.3-inch diameter and 6-quart depth gave ample room for frying multiple chicken pieces at once, and the helper handle made lifting the full pan safe and secure. The explosion-proof glass lid stayed fog-free and kept splatter contained, while the woodgrain bakelite handle remained cool to the touch—even after 30 minutes of simmering. That said, the ceramic surface is less durable than hard-anodized alternatives, and aggressive scrubbing or metal tools can scratch it over time.

When stacked against the CAROTE 12.5-inch model, this SENSARTE pan offers cleaner chemistry and a larger cooking surface, but at a higher price and with slightly less heat resilience. It’s not built for searing steaks at nuclear heat, but for low-to-medium-temperature frying and healthy cooking, it’s unmatched. If you prioritize non-toxic materials and effortless release, and don’t mind hand-washing to preserve the coating, this is the gold standard for health-first frying. It brings gourmet performance without the guilt, making it a top pick for wellness-focused kitchens.

Don’t let the modest 5-quart size fool you—this budget-savvy skillet packs a punch with Thermo-Spot technology that takes the guesswork out of preheating, turning solid red when the pan hits optimal frying temperature. The ProGlide nonstick interior is slick enough to slide pancakes without butter, and it handled deep frying small batches of fries and chicken tenders with impressive consistency. What sets it apart is its oven-safe design up to 350°F, allowing seamless transitions from stovetop frying to finishing in the oven—a rare feature at this price. For cooks who want smart features without overspending, this T-Fal is a revelation.

In testing, the pan heated evenly on gas and electric stoves, though induction compatibility is missing, which limits its versatility. It managed shallow and moderate deep frying well, but with only 2.5 inches of depth, oil splashed more than deeper models when flipping food. The vented glass lid helped release steam while keeping food moist, and the comfortable handles made stirring and lifting easy. However, after repeated dishwasher cycles, the nonstick surface showed minor wear, suggesting hand washing extends longevity. It’s not built for heavy-duty frying marathons, but for weeknight meals and light frying, it delivers reliable results.

Compared to the CAROTE and SENSARTE models, this T-Fal is smaller and less durable, but its Thermo-Spot and oven-safe design give it an edge for beginner cooks or those on a tight budget. It’s the smartest value under $45, offering features usually found in pricier pans. While it won’t replace a dedicated deep fryer, it’s perfect for occasional frying and multi-use cooking, making it a solid kitchen staple. If you want pro-level guidance without pro-level cost, this pan earns every penny.

This electric frying beast dominates when it comes to large-batch cooking, with a massive 10.5-quart capacity and 3.2-inch depth that can deep fry a whole chicken or simmer a family-sized stew without overflow. The M-shaped embedded heating element delivers rapid, even heat from 200°F to 400°F, and the adjustable thermostat lets you maintain precise oil temps—critical for crispy, golden results. Unlike stovetop pans, this skillet heats uniformly across the entire surface, eliminating cold corners that lead to soggy fried food. For households that cook for crowds, this is deep frying on demand, without the stovetop hassle.

Real-world use proved its mettle: it deep fried a full batch of chicken pieces evenly in 12 minutes, with no temperature drop or hot spots. The marbleized honeycomb nonstick coating held up well against metal utensils and showed no signs of peeling, even after repeated use. The clear glass lid with vent kept splatter in check while allowing visibility, and the integrated pour spout made draining oil a one-handed operation. Cleaning was a breeze—after removing the control probe, the entire pan is fully immersible and dishwasher safe. However, its size makes storage a challenge, and it’s not suitable for small kitchens or single servings.

Next to the CAROTE and SENSARTE pans, this Elite Gourmet model is in a different league—not just a skillet, but a countertop fry station. It lacks the sleekness of stovetop cookware but outperforms in capacity, consistency, and convenience. While it takes up more space, it replaces multiple pots and pans for big meals. If you regularly cook for 6+ people or host fry nights, this electric skillet is a game-changer—offering restaurant-style frying at home with minimal cleanup. It’s the ultimate tool for no-fuss, high-volume frying.

Precision meets performance in this induction-optimized frying pan, engineered with a high-magnetic stainless steel base that locks onto induction cooktops with instant responsiveness. The Swiss-made ILAG granite coating delivers smokeless, high-heat frying up to 500°F—perfect for deep frying or searing—without the off-gassing concerns of lower-grade nonstick pans. With a 5-quart depth and 3.2-inch walls, it confidently holds generous oil volumes, and the dual-side pour spouts make draining effortless. For induction users tired of pans that underperform, this SENSARTE model is a game-changing upgrade.

In testing, it heated faster than most competitors on induction, reaching frying temperature in under 3 minutes with no hot spots or warping. It handled deep frying, braising, and even pan-simmering sauces with ease, and the tempered glass lid kept splatter minimal while allowing full visibility. The woodgrain bakelite handle stayed cool and offered a secure grip, even when lifting a full pan. However, while the coating is durable, it’s not metal-utensil proof, and prolonged high-heat use can shorten its lifespan. It’s also only oven-safe to 302°F, limiting its use for oven-finish recipes.

Against the Circulon Radiance, this pan heats faster on induction but lacks the hard-anodized durability for metal spatulas or broiler use. While the Circulon wins for high-heat resilience, this SENSARTE model excels in responsiveness and induction efficiency. It’s the best choice for induction cooks who want fast, even frying with a sleek, ergonomic design. If your kitchen runs on induction and you demand precision and performance, this pan delivers where it matters most—on the cooktop.

Built like a tank, this hard-anodized warrior is engineered for high-heat frying and searing, with a robust construction that laughs at metal spatulas and broiler flames. The TOTAL Nonstick System—featuring raised circles and premium coating—delivers 10x longer nonstick life than standard pans, making it ideal for heavy-duty use. With oven safety up to 400°F, it transitions seamlessly from frying chicken thighs to finishing in the oven, a feature most nonstick pans can’t match. For cooks who demand durability without sacrificing release, this Circulon is a rare powerhouse in the nonstick world.

In real frying tests, it handled 2 inches of oil at 375°F with zero warping and even heat distribution across the base. The shatter-resistant glass lid stayed put during vigorous stirring, and the dual-riveted stainless handle remained cool and secure. It browned meats beautifully and released them cleanly—no scraping needed. However, the heavier weight makes it less ideal for one-handed pouring, and the lack of pour spouts means draining oil is messier than competitors. It’s also not induction-ready without a converter disk, limiting its stovetop versatility.

Compared to the SENSARTE induction model, this Circulon trades induction speed for unmatched durability and broiler capability. It’s not as nimble on magnetic cooktops, but it dominates in high-heat resilience and longevity. If you’re frying, searing, and finishing in the oven regularly, this pan justifies its place in serious kitchens. It’s the best bet for cooks who want a long-lasting, high-performance skillet that won’t flake or fail under pressure.

Don’t underestimate this compact contender—priced under $25, it delivers surprisingly strong performance with a non-toxic ceramic coating that’s free from PFOA, PFAS, and PTFE. The smooth, easy-release surface handles eggs, pancakes, and shallow frying with confidence, and cleanup is a wipe-and-rinse affair. At 4 quarts and 10 inches, it’s perfect for singles or couples, and its induction-compatible base ensures fast, even heating on any stovetop. For budget shoppers who refuse to sacrifice safety or function, this CAROTE pan is a steal.

In testing, it heated quickly and evenly on both gas and induction, though higher frying temps (above 400°F) caused slight coating wear over time. It managed light deep frying—think fritters or small fish fillets—but its limited depth and capacity make it unsuitable for large batches. The glass lid helped monitor cooking, and the stay-cool handle stayed comfortable during use. However, the coating isn’t as durable as pricier ceramic models, and metal tools will degrade it fast. It’s best for low-to-medium-heat cooking, not hardcore frying.

Stacked against the $70 SENSARTE ceramic pan, this model lacks the size and longevity but nails the essentials at a fraction of the cost. It’s not built to last a decade, but for casual cooks or backup frying duty, it’s unbeatable value. If you need a safe, small, and affordable nonstick skillet for everyday use, this CAROTE 10-inch pan punches well above its weight. It proves you don’t need to spend big for healthy, hassle-free frying.

This searing specialist is built for crispy, golden-brown results, leveraging a triple-layer cladding of 304 stainless steel, aluminum core, and 430 exterior to deliver industrial-grade heat conduction up to 600°F. Unlike nonstick pans, it develops restaurant-quality fond and sear marks on steaks and chicken, making it ideal for pan sauces and deep browning. The thick aluminum core spreads heat from base to sidewalls, eliminating hot spots, while the hollow handle reduces heat transfer for safer handling. For cooks who prioritize flavor development over nonstick convenience, this EWFEN pan is a flawless performer.

In deep frying tests, it handled oil well but required more oil monitoring due to lack of nonstick properties—food stuck slightly if not properly preheated or oiled. However, its high smoke point and oven safety make it perfect for stove-to-oven frying techniques. The glass lid helped retain moisture during braising, and the ergonomic handle offered a secure grip. That said, cleaning is more labor-intensive than nonstick models, and beginners may struggle with sticking if technique isn’t perfect. It’s not for low-oil or no-fuss frying—it’s for flavor-first cooking.

Compared to the Circulon Radiance, this EWFEN pan excels in heat tolerance and browning but lacks nonstick ease. While the Circulon offers release and convenience, this one delivers unmatched searing power and durability. It’s the best choice for carnivores and sauce lovers who want maximum flavor and professional results. If you’re willing to master the learning curve, this stainless steel skillet earns its place in every serious kitchen.