When it comes to fried carbs, you just can't beat the taste of a crispy fried chip and finding the best chip pan that can create the tastiest chips for yourself and your loved ones in the comfort of your kitchen will save you a lot of time and money (plus trips to the chippy).
Despite many of us choosing to invest in healthier ways to cook our chips - in an air fryer or an oven - chip pans are still a firm favourite in many households. The best chip pans are typically made from materials that conduct heat well, have a sturdy construction, and offer safety features like a lid and a heat-resistant handle.
Best chip pans at a glance
• Best Overall: KitchenCraft Large Chip Pan with Basket and Lid - View now on Amazon UK
• Best for families: Premier Housewares 5L Deep Fat Fryer Enamel Chip Pan - View now on Amazon UK
• Best all-round: Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 PossiblePan with ZEROSTICK - View now on Ninja
In this guide, we've rounded up the best chip pans on the market and have answered all the frequently asked questions, from how do they differ from more traditional pans, what is the best oil to use and how to use them safely.
Best Chip Pans
Best Overall
This large chip pan from KitchenCraft will have you feasting on crispy chips in no time at all. The stainless steel pan is induction compatible and features a vented lid with phenolic knob to stop fat droplets from spitting out of the pan. We also like the heat-resistant handle and integrated pan rest holder, making it easy to move.
Customer review: "Used this the same day. Great on my induction hob. The basket has a extra bit to balance on the side of the pan when draining the food. Excellent product, really pleased."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Serves 3-4 people easily
Cons
- Some may find it heavy
Best value
www.argos.co.uk
Argos always delivers when it comes to value for money and this 22cm Stainless Steel Chip Pan comes complete with a mesh insert to make lifting and draining hot chips a breeze. Suitable for induction hobs and oven-safe. Plus, it is also dishwasher safe, what more could you want?
Customer review: "I have had several of these pans from Argos and find them to be the best for cooking chips. They are great quality robust pans and easy to use. Recommend this."
Pros
- Robust
- Easy to use
- Good value
Cons
- One review said they had to buy a smaller basket as you cannot shake the chips during frying
Best for induction hobs
The Vista Chip Pan will create satisfyingly crunchy chips for you and your family to enjoy and is compatible with induction hobs thanks to its 'hot forged' base that also allows even heat distribution. Also allows removal of excess fat from food with the built-in drip rest.
Pros
- Suitable for all hob types
- Can just be used as a normal saucepan too
Cons
- No reviews as of yet
Best all-round
![Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 PossiblePan with ZEROSTICK [Sea Salt Grey]](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/10/2023/09/Ninja-Foodi-9-in-1-PossiblePan-with-ZEROSTICK-Sea-Salt-Grey.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
ninjakitchen.co.uk
The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 allows you to cook nine different ways, you can Steam, Simmer, Roast, Braise, Bake, Sauté, Sear, Boil and Fry your way to quick snacks and delicious dinners. A little different from can replace 8 pieces of cookware – use it as a frying pan, sauté pan, skillet, saucepan, steamer, roasting pan, baking dish and strainer. You can cook crispy chips and so much more.
Customer review: "I have several frying pans, but this one beats all of them. This pan is versatile as it steams and I can put it in the oven, but the most important thing is that it doesn't stick. I can fry anything and be assured that nothing will burn or stick to the bottom. I love it. It's a stylish, good-sized frying pan and there is a choice of colours to choose from. I do enjoy using this pan. It's so versatile."
Pros
- Incredible non-stick
- Good quality
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best for families
As well as being great value, the Premier Housewares Enamel Chip Pan has enough space for all the family, making it perfect for everyday use. It is also dishwasher safe, so you don't have to worry about washing it up by hand.
Customer review: "reat pan and fits enough chips for 4 people, can wash the whole thing and comes up spotless (except the basket which is difficult to get spotless on any pan)."
Pros
- Good size
- Simple to use
- Lightweight but sturdy
Cons
- Basket wiggles about
Best stainless steel
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Thanks to the durability and the ability to distribute heat evenly, stainless steel chip pans are a great choice and we love this one from Robert Dyas that has a generous four-litre capacity. The lid has a gap that allows the lid to remain closed while the stainless steel frying basket is inside. All parts can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Tough material
Cons
- No reviews yet
Verdict: Which Is The Best?
We love the large chip pan from KitchenCraft that has tons of amazing reviews and is still great value. The pan is compatible with all hob types including induction.
Chip pan FAQs
What is a chip pan?
A chip pan is a kitchen utensil specifically designed for deep-frying foods like french fries, potato chips, and other items. It consists of a deep pot with a basket or strainer for safely immersing food in hot oil.
What material is considered the best for a chip pan?
The best chip pans are typically made from materials that conduct heat well, have a sturdy construction, and offer safety features like a lid and a heat-resistant handle. Stainless steel and cast iron are popular materials for chip pans. They are durable and distribute heat evenly, which helps achieve crispy results.
What type of oil should I use in a chip pan?
Vegetable oils with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, are commonly used in chip pans. They are suitable for frying at higher temperatures.
Are chip pans safe to use?
You should always follow safety advice when using a chip pan. Always use them on a stable surface, monitor the oil temperature, and never leave them unattended while cooking.
The UK Fire Service recommends:
-
Never fill a chip pan more than a third full of oil
-
Consider using a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer
-
Never leave your cooking unattended. Even if the phone or doorbell rings. Remember – fires start when your attention stops
-
If you’ve consumed alcohol, don’t be tempted to cook with a chip pan.
“Chip pan fires cause one fifth of all accidental dwelling fires attended by the fire and rescue service in the UK each year. Nearly 20 people are killed or injured every day in accidental fires that start in their kitchen, the most common of these caused by deep fat frying. If you do choose to deep fat fry your chips, make sure you do it safely.”
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's busy baking, rennovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in her jungle garden with her three cats and sausage dog Waffle.