Best Sauté Pan For Easy One-Pot Cooking

Make a variety of meals with a sauté pan.

Best Saute Pan

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

Rustle up comforting stove-top suppers with the best sauté pan. With a wide base, straight sides and lid, a sauté pan is a cross between a frying pan and a saucepan. It's the perfect size for cooking your favourite zucchini linguine as long pasta will fit lengthways in a sauté pan for even cooking. The best pans have key features in common: they are made from durable materials that conduct heat and have riveted handles for long-lasting use. Also, expect versatility as premium pots and pans are oven-safe and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

"Sauté" is a cooking technique that involves quickly frying food in a small amount of fat over high heat. The word originates from the French word "sauter," meaning "to jump" or "leap," referring to the rapid tossing of food in a pan. Like a frying pan, a sauté pan is perfect for quick, high-heat cooking – ideal for searing, browning and stir-frying. Moreover, a sauté pan is wide and shallow, so it's useful for reducing sauces, shallow frying and poaching. Finally, an oven-safe sauté pan is ideal for one-pot meals. For example, for a simple casserole, brown your meat on the hob, add vegetables and stock, top with some herby dumplings and cook through in the oven.

Best Sauté Pans At A Glance:

Best overall sauté pan: Ninja ZEROSTICK Sauté Pan with Lid – View on Ninja Kitchen
Best sauté pan for induction hobs: Ballarini Salina Aluminium Sauté Pan with Lid – View on Zwilling
Best sauté pan for versatility: Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with Lid – View on John Lewis

Look for premium sauté pans that are tri-ply stainless steel. The exterior and interior layers sandwich an aluminium inner core, providing excellent heat conductivity. Stainless steel does not discolour, react with food or alter flavours. A pan with a magnetic base is suitable for an induction hob and is the best option for fast and energy efficient stove-top cooking.

Be aware that coatings on cookware differ. Choose from Teflon non-stick and other branded iterations of non-stick technology. Health issues surrounding non-stick pan coatings mean some people prefer uncoated pans. But, with increased health and environmental awareness newer cookware is PFOA, PFAs, lead and cadmium free by law. If you still don't know your skillet from your saucepan, scroll to the FAQs below for more cookware know-how, including what coatings to avoid on pots and pans.

Best Sauté Pan

Best overall sauté pan

Ninja ZEROSTICK Sauté Pan with Lid
Price: £62.99 (was £69.99)

ninjakitchen.co.uk

From spaghetti carbonara to beef stir-fry, cook with little to no oil in Ninja's ZEROSTICK Sauté Pan with Lid. Twenty times stronger than normal non-stick, Ninja's ZEROSTICK can withstand anything you throw at it. The extremely durable cooking surface is metal-utensil safe, scratch-resistant and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The 26cm sauté pan with tempered glass lid fits a 20cm induction ring. In addition, the pan can be used on electric, gas and ceramic hobs too. Built to last with stainless steel handles, this durable forged aluminium cookware is superlative, no matter the cooking level.

Customer review: "I must say, it's been a game-changer in my kitchen. The quality of this pan is outstanding, evident from the moment you pick it up. What truly sets it apart is how evenly it cooks food. Whether I'm searing a steak or sautéing vegetables, everything turns out perfectly cooked and with a beautiful sear. Plus, the non-stick surface makes clean-up a breeze.

Pros

  • Oven-safe and induction compatible
  • Tough and long-lasting ZEROSTICK
  • Scratch-resistant and withstands metal

Cons

  • The non-stick coating needs a little TLC to last
Dimensions:Dia 26cm
Weight:1.9kg
Material:Hard-Anodised aluminium, cast stainless steel handles
Hob Compatibility:Suitable for all hob types including induction 
Non-Stick:Yes – ZEROSTICK
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:Yes – up to 260°C
  • Suitable for all hob types
  • PFOA, lead and cadmium free
  • 10 year guarantee
  • Oven safe to 260°C

Best sauté pan for induction hobs

For versatile dishes cooked in minutes, the Ballarini Salina Aluminium Sauté Pan with Lid is an excellent choice for induction hobs. Zwilling is synonymous with premium cookware, and this pan is made from solid aluminium for rapid heating. Also, it has extremely scratch-resistant 6-ply GRANITIUM Ti-X non-stick coating and an extra layer of titanium, so you can cook with metal utensils without damaging the coating. The pan conducts heat efficiently, thanks to the special radiant induction technology built into the base.

Customer review: "5 Stars, recommended"

Pros

  • Suitable for induction hobs
  • Energy efficient rapid heat distribution

Cons

  • Not many customer reviews
Dimensions:L48 x W30 x H12cm; Dia 28cm
Weight:2.70kg
Material:Aluminium
Hob Compatibility:Induction
Non-Stick:Yes
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Handle remains cool when cooking
  • Forged aluminium cookware
  • Granitium Titanium Extreme non-stick coating

Best sauté pan for versatility

Fancy ratatouille on the hob or chicken cacciatore in the oven? Le Creuset 3-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan with Lid is versatile cookware that is oven safe to 220°C and also dishwasher safe. Every feature of this pan is built for durability, with a cast handle that's riveted for strength and a core of aluminium that's sandwiched between premium-grade stainless steel for even and efficient heat distribution. Holding 2.9 litres and suitable for all hob types, this is a pan that can passed on thanks to a lifetime guarantee.

Customer review: "I've had Le Creuset enamel cast iron casseroles and they have lasted a life time. But this is an excellent addition for making top of the oven casseroles with its tight fitting lid. I also use it to fry vegetable and put it under the grill when needed. It's a good quality stainless steel and cleans up very easily."

Pros

  • Suitable for use on all hob types
  • Precision-pour rim
  • Oven-safe

Cons

  • Surface is untreated
Dimensions:Diameter 24cm
Weight:Not specified
Material:Stainless steel
Hob Compatibility:All types of hob
Non-Stick:No
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Lifetime guarantee included
  • 3-ply material prevents hot spots during cooking

Best large non-stick sauté pan

CAROTE Saute Pan with Lid, 24cm

Rrp: £60.99

Price: £39.99

Just a little wipe with olive oil is enough to rustle up delicious sautéed mushrooms or pork chops in a creamy sauce, with this ultra non-stick CAROTE Sauté Pan with Lid. This large pan can hold six litres, and it has a flat bottom that allows for even heat distribution. This 100 per cent natural granite pan cooks fast on all hob types and is completely non-toxic. It's scratch resistant and extremely easy to clean – a great sauté pan for a family and late night stovetop suppers.

Customer review: "Excellent deep pan, very easy to clean. I've made several large curries which were so easy to clean up. Wipes out easily for washing. Time will tell how long non stick lasts, but I'm quietly confident."

Pros

  • Durable, non-stick surface
  • Easy to clean
  • Heats up fast

Cons

  • Take care if using metal utensils as this can damage the non-stick coating
Dimensions:H9 x W32 x L43cm; Diameter 32cm
Weight:2.54kg
Material:Classic granite
Hob Compatibility:All hobs, including induction
Non-Stick:Yes
Dishwasher Safe:No
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Available in 24cm, 28cm or 32cm diameter and in Classic Granite or White Granite
  • PFOA and PFAs free, no lead and no cadmium
  • Matching cookware available

Best Teflon-coated sauté pan

From colourful fajitas to pan-seared steak, the Stellar 7000 Sauté Pan can be used for a wide range of dishes, from simple to complex. The non-stick coating is genuine Teflon Platinum Plus and the pan can be used on all hob types, including range cookers. The pan is oven-proof up to 240℃ and it has oven-safe handles made from solid cast steel, riveted for added strength. The 2.5 litre capacity is ample for families. Expect quality cookware from Stellar, this pan is made from 18/10 mirror-polished stainless steel and features a thick 'hot forged' base, for fast and even heat distribution on all hob types.

Customer review: "Superb value as Stellar products are, I defy anybody to find a better product at this price. I've been using Stellar pots and sauce pans as a professional chef for 20 years or more now."

Pros

  • Resoundingly positive reviews
  • Tough, long-lasting and scratch resistant
  • Quality brand

Cons

  • Larger size pans in the range are often sold out
Dimensions:H10 x W24 x L47cm; Diameter 24cm
Weight:2.3kg
Material:Stainless steel
Hob Compatibility:All hobs
Non-Stick:Yes
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Lifetime guarantee
  • 10-year non-stick warranty
  • Matching cookware and different pan sizes are available

Best budget sauté pan

Imagine tucking into gently poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce. Ideal for a weekend shakshuka, this sauté pan has a vented glass lid so you can keep an eye on what's cooking. The affordable Judge Just Cook JJC29 Teflon Sauté Pan with Glass Lid is made from aluminium, which is an efficient heat conductor and for fast and even cooking. The pan features Stay-Cool handles and an easy to clean Teflon non-stick coating.

Customer review: "Good all purpose pan. Especially good for soup and making white sauce. Light enough but also sturdy. Good design with two pouring sides. Works perfectly on my induction hob."

Pros

  • Reliable, long-lasting and PFOA free
  • Value for money
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Some reviews comment that there was no front handle on the product they received
Dimensions:H6.5 x W28 x L28cm; Diameter 28cm
Weight:1.55kg
Material:Aluminium
Hob Compatibility:Smooth surface induction, gas, ceramic and solid plate
Non-Stick:Yes
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:No
  • Shatterproof, vented glass lid
  • 5 year guarantee

Best sauté pan for ease of use

Tefal 26cm Comfort Max Stainless Steel Non-stick Saute Pan and Lid
Price: £110.00

If you're looking for a pan that allows for low-fat cooking, this Tefal Comfort Max Stainless Steel Non-stick Sauté Pan and Lid is a great mid-range option. It's an Amazon Choice product that's a stainless steel alloy, made from 18 per cent chromium and 10 per cent nickel, for better conduction. Also, the thick anti-deformation induction base contains aluminium, for effective heat distribution and is suitable for induction hobs. The convenient vented glass lid allows you to keep an eye on your one-pot meal. Thermo-Spot technology is a USP of Tefal products and the heat indicator turns red when the pan has reached the optimum temperature for cooking. Ergonomic stay cool handles are made from Bakelite, which will not burn when exposed to heat. It's also very comfortable to grip.

Customer review: "This is now probably my most used pan, it's a good size and the depth means that I can easily cook a meal for four in the pan."

Pros

  • Durable non-stick coating
  • Premium quality stainless steel
  • Ergonomic stay cool handles

Cons

  • Only oven safe for up to one hour at 175°C
Dimensions:Diameter 26cm
Weight:2.01kg
Material:Stainless steel
Hob Compatibility:Electric, gas, induction
Non-Stick:Yes
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Matching cookware available
  • 18/10 premium quality stainless steel
  • Suitable for all hobs
  • Thermo-signal heat indicator

Best large sauté pan

Cuisinart 733-30H 5.5 Quart Sauté Pan

Rrp: £59.95

Price: £49.95
Alternative retailers
Wayfair$49.95View offer
Walmart$59.95View offer
Kohl's$59.99View offer
Overstock$69.95View offer

If you're serious about your cooking, you'll want cookware that the professionals endorse. This Cuisinart Chef's Classic 733-30H Sauté Pan is part of a range of pans, recommended by French chef Paul Bocuse; the only chef to be awarded Michelin 3 Stars for over 36 consecutive years. This mirror finish pan looks the business and it performs too. The aluminium encapsulated base heats quickly and evenly on all hob types. And a tight-fitting lid locks in flavours so pan-seared salmon or a gourmet shrimp scampi is elevated to master chef level.

Customer review: "Have used this for a month now and nothing sticks too it and it's easy to clean."

Pros

  • High quality stainless steel
  • Sturdy and robust
  • Flavours are locked in by tight fitting lid

Cons

  • Big and heavy
Dimensions:‎54.5 x 12.5 x 32cm
Weight:2.79kg
Material:Stainless steel
Hob Compatibility:All stovetops
Non-Stick:Not specified
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe: Not specified
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 5.2 litre capacity

Best sauté pan for professionals

Another option for cooks with culinary aspirations is the Samuel Groves Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Sauté Pan and Lid. This is the heaviest tri-ply stainless steel pan on the market. The aluminium core provides excellent heat conductivity, while the brushed stainless steel exterior and interior is a durable and robust surface. It features twin handles and lid for versatile cooking on the hob or in the oven. Also, Samuel Groves have a 'Pan for Life' refurbishment service where non-stick pans can be recoated and worn rivets replaced, then re-polished back to new.

Customer review: "Superb quality, not too heavy but good, thick metal which distributes heat well. Made in Britain which is so good for sustainability as it avoids international shipping (and of course supports local businesses too). I have no doubt that this pan will outlast me."

Pros

  • Highest quality tri-ply stainless steel
  • Induction hob compatible
  • Professional

Cons

  • Handles are metal and get hot
Dimensions:H9 x Diameter 26cm
Weight:2.3kg
Material:Tri-ply stainless steel
Hob Compatibility:Induction compatible
Non-Stick:No
Dishwasher Safe:No, hand wash only
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Oven-safe up to 200°C
  • Handcrafted in the UK
  • Samuel Groves 'Pan for Life' refurbishment service available

Best lightweight sauté pan

For curry in a hurry or a simmering stew, the Circulon Style Hard-Anodised Non-Stick Sauteuse Pan and Lid is a lightweight and versatile pan. Suitable for all hob types this sauté pan is made from robust hard-anodised aluminium and has a special non-stick coating so little to no oil is needed. Strong riveted side handles are made to last, and the stylish 'S' shape lid handle is elegant and unique to the brand. Customers have praised its even heat distribution, weight and non-stick properties.

Customer review: "I bought this pan as I particularly wanted a sauté pan that I could place in the oven, after initially preparing ingredients on my hob. The pan works really well on my Siemen's induction hob and I was very impressed with the evenness of heat distribution during cooking. The lid handle is very comfortable to hold and the side handles stay cool to the touch. Great non stick surface too. I am hoping to get many years use from this item as it looks so well made and sturdy."

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Stylish 'S' shape lid handle
  • TOTAL® non-stick coating

Cons

  • Metal pan handles heat up
Dimensions:H8.3 x W31.1 x D36.3cm
Weight:1.45kg
Material:Hard Anodised Aluminium
Hob Compatibility:Induction compatible
Non-Stick:Yes
Dishwasher Safe:Yes
Oven Safe:Yes
  • Available in 20cm, 24cm and 27cm diameter
  • Oven safe to 260°C
  • Lifetime guarantee

Our Verdict: Best Sauté Pan

We recommend the Ninja ZEROSTICK Sauté Pan with Lid. This pan ticks the most boxes for its excellent quality and price-point. Third party abrasion testing on the coating proved that ZEROSTICK is 20x tougher than traditional non-stick. In addition to cooking with less oil, the non-stick coating also makes cleaning a breeze. This sauté pan is compatible with all hob types and is oven-safe up to 260°C. Also, the lid is designed with practicality in mind, as the high quality tempered glass has a vent and robust stainless steel rim. With a 10-year guarantee, the Ninja ZEROSTICK Sauté pan has received over 550 positive reviews on Ninja's website. 93 per cent of customers recommend it.

FAQs: Best Sauté Pan

What features should I look for when buying a sauté pan?

The best sauté pans typically have a combination of features that make them versatile, durable and effective for a variety of cooking tasks. In general, consider your budget and look for trusted brands that are renowned for quality cookware.

Known for its durability, resistance to staining and even heating properties, stainless steel is the best material for a sauté pan. Premium pans will have multiple layers of metal (e.g. stainless steel, aluminium or copper) for better heat distribution and retention. Because sauté pans are used for high heat cooking go for cookware that's high quality for long-lasting performance.

Ideal for low-fat cooking and easy food release, non-stick coated pans release food with ease and are a doddle to clean. Choose a high-quality non-stick coating, otherwise the cooking surface may chip and crack. Be sure to check the product specification with regard to whether the pan is dishwasher-safe or hand-wash only.

Consider what size and capacity pan will best suit your cooking needs. If you're cooking for a large household, you'll need a pan with a bigger diameter and deeper sides for filling pasta dishes and massive frittatas.

Stay-cool handles that are also ergonomic are a useful feature for safe and secure handling. Some larger pans have helper handles for added stability when carrying the pan.

A tight fitting lid is an important feature: speed up cooking, retain heat and flavour and reduce spattering. Go for a tempered glass lid with a vent so you can monitor cooking without removing the lid.

Hob compatibility is generally mentioned in the product specification. Ensure the sauté pan is compatible with your stove-top, whether it's gas, electric or induction.

A sauté pan should have a reasonable weight that you can comfortably handle it, even when it's full of food.

What are the drawbacks of a sauté pan?

Sauté pans typically have lower sides than other cookware, which limits their capacity for cooking large batches or recipes with a lot of liquid. In addition, some sauté pans can be heavy, especially those made of materials like cast iron, which may make them challenging to handle. Also, due to their shallow design, sauté pans are not suitable for deep-frying.

Are sauté pans suitable for induction hobs?

Many sauté pans are suitable for induction hobs if they have a magnetic base; typically they are made of stainless steel with aluminium, or cast iron.

What coatings should I avoid on cookware?

Not all non-stick coatings are the same. Non-stick cookware was coated with PFOA and PFAs, but these industrial chemicals have proven to be harmful to our health and the environment. These man-made coatings are known as 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down. PFAS Free is a project, run by environmental charity Fidra to reduce chemical and plastic pollution. PFAS Free write about the non-stick properties of PFAS and the extent these harmful chemicals are in our domestic products.

Teflon non-stick coating has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as safe for human use. The coating is made with with perfluorinated compounds (PFC). Teflon have a comprehensive list of myths and facts about non-stick coatings.

Sol-gel ceramic coating is a type of non-stick coating applied to cookware. It's made from inorganic materials and is typically considered safe. It's an alternative to traditional non-stick coatings because it's free from harmful chemicals like PFOA and PFAS.

In short, look for non-stick cookware that's PFOA and PFAs free and has no lead and no cadmium.

What are the alternatives to non-stick cookware?

There are several alternatives to non-stick coatings on cookware. Just be sure to avoid using metal utensils and abrasive scouring pads on these pans. Also, they'll fare better if you cook on a low to medium heat.

Stainless steel is durable and still relatively easy to clean with proper care. Also, stainless steel does not discolour, react with food or taint flavours.

Cast iron has natural non-stick properties when properly seasoned and retains heat very well. Seasoning in cooking refers to the process of coating and heating cookware with oil to create a non-stick surface.

Carbon steel pans are similar to cast iron in that they become naturally non-stick when seasoned.

Some ceramic cookware is non-stick without using PFAS or PFOAs, but it requires more careful use.

Enamel-coated cast iron combines the non-stick properties of enamel with the heat retention of cast iron.

Anodized aluminium offers a stick-resistant surface and even heat distribution. Be aware that it's not dishwasher-safe, it's also unsuitable for cooking acidic foods, as they affect the surface.

Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for A Modern Kitchen, specialising in kitchen appliances. When she's not testing coffee machines, she flexes her creative flair as an artist.

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