Best Pans for Omelette
Omelet pans are specifically designed for cooking omelets and, if your budget allows, it is best to have one specific pan in your collection specifically for that purpose. If not a frying pan will do, but those in the know will testify that omelet pans make the best omelets.
Usually made from stainless steel and hard-anodized aluminum, an omelet pan has a thick, flat base that can withstand high heat and responds quickly to changes in temperature. It’s tall, gently sloping sides make it easy to work with the omelet as it is cooking and slide it out of the pan when it is done. Many omelet pans are also ovenproof for those who like to finish off their omelets in the oven.
Let’s review some of the best omelet pans on the market:
TRAMONTINA PROFESSIONAL 8-INCH NONSTICK
Features and Performance
This sturdy aluminum pan has a beautiful satin exterior and 3 layers of Whitford’s Eclipse nonstick coating, which is reinforced with crystals and is PFOA-free. It is light, not cumbersome to cook with, and compatible with electric, gas and glass hobs. The silicone handle can be removed from the cast stainless steel handle, the pan is oven safe to 400F, and also dishwasher safe.
Quality and Durability
Designed for use in professional kitchens, Tramontina offers the home cook a rigorous and sturdy pan. Commercial-grade aluminum alloy 3004 has been used in the construction of this pan, making it extremely durable. The materials used, fixtures and design are exactly what a professional chef would expect in this kind of pan. The reinforced, high cure nonstick coating is more durable than most and this pan is guaranteed with a lifetime warranty.
User reviews
Customers are very happy when cooking omelets in this pan and find that the nonstick coating outlasts many of the cheaper nonstick pans on the market. It warps easily on high heats and customers have commented that the handle is too long and makes the pan wobble on the hob.
CALPHALON HARD-ANODIZED 10 AND 12-INCH NONSTICK SET
Features and Performance
The flat, wide bottoms of these pans are perfect for cooking omelets. They are spacious, heat evenly and the 3-layer nonstick coating releases food easily, making clean up very easy. Very little oil is needed when using these pans and will help prolong the lifespan of the nonstick coating. The pan has long, brushed stainless steel handles that stay cool when cooking, is oven safe to 450F, dishwasher safe and suitable for glass, electric and gas hobs.
Quality and Durability
Known for their heavy-gauge construction, Calphalon makes sturdy, heavy-duty pans that provide excellent, even heating. Only wood, nylon or coated utensils should be used in this pan and the manufacturer provides detailed instructions for the maintenance of the nonstick coating. These pans are guaranteed by a full lifetime warranty.
User reviews
This set is well priced and these are good quality pans that make great omelets. Customers who have bought these pans have owned them for many years before replacing them with the same pans because they enjoyed them so much. A very small amount of customers commented that pans warped over time and that they are heavy.
ALL-CLAD HA1 8 AND 10-INCH NONSTICK SET
Features and Performance
Available in 2 piece sets, the All-Clad HA1 pans come in 8 and 10-inch or 10 and 12-inch combinations and in various colors. They heat up quickly and evenly and omelets glide smoothly off the PFOA-free nonstick coating. These pans are induction, oven safe, up to 500F, and while advertised as dishwasher safe should rather be hand washed.
Quality and Durability
Heavy and sturdy, these pans are made of thick-gauge hard-anodized aluminum and have a stainless steel anti-warp base. The strong 3-layer nonstick coating is durable if cared for correctly. All-Clad guarantees these pans with a limited lifetime warranty.
User reviews
This stylish set is very reasonably priced and customers are generally impressed with the nonstick qualities of these pans. Unfortunately, some customers find the handles uncomfortable to hold and only the larger pan works on induction hobs.
PRANZOELITE 11-INCH NONSTICK
Features and Performance
If you are looking for a cheap nonstick pan that is solid and makes a good omelet then the PranzoElite nonstick pans are worth considering. Available in 8 or 11-inch sizing they can also be bought together as a combo. The triple-layer PFLUON nonstick coating is PFOA free and offers advanced anti-friction and diamond permeability so that omelets don’t stick and cleaning is easy. This pan can be used on any hob, including induction and the silicone anti-slip grip handles stay cool. This pan and its handle are not designed for oven use but it is dishwasher safe. You will need to affix the handle to the pan on arrival but this is an easy task, especially since the screws and screwdriver are provided. A bamboo fiber cleaning cloth is also provided and cleans the pan well, preserving the nonstick coating.
Quality and Durability
Made from die-cast aluminum that is 5mm throughout, with a thick base and additional stainless steel layer underneath this pan is part of the Armor range for a reason. It is solid, as heavy as a cast-iron pan, and very durable. The triple-layer nonstick is also designed for durability but needs a lot of care. It cannot be used on high temperatures, in the oven or with metal utensils for this reason.
User reviews
Customers like that the pan is heavy and that the silicone handle is comfortable and easy to grip. The handles are not riveted to the pan and customers prefer the hygienic benefits this offers. The pan wipes clean after cooking and does not need rigorous washing. While most customers like the nonstick performance of this pan, there are a few who have had egg sticking to the pan.
T-FAL E93802 PROFESSIONAL 8-INCH NONSTICK
Features and Performance
The patterns on the Thermo Spot indicator in this pan disappear, and it turns completely red when the pan is perfectly heated and ready for cooking, which is helpful if you are unsure of how hot the pan must be before adding your cold omelet mixture. The Prometal Pro nonstick coating is a 6-layer coating designed to be strong, is safe for use with metal utensils, and omelets don’t stick to this pan. It is oven safe to 400F, dishwasher safe and the stainless steel disc on the base offers anti-warp protection and makes it suitable for use on induction hobs. This pan is not too light and its contoured silicone handle is comfortable to work with.
Quality and Durability
The Prometal Pro nonstick coating is more durable than most on the market, is scratch-resistant, and can handle the heat needed to cook omelets for many years. Guaranteed by a limited lifetime warranty, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use and maintenance. The aluminum pan will not warp as easily as most because of the support offered by the quality stainless steel disc attached to the base of the pan.
User reviews
Customer feedback indicates that the nonstick layer on this pan has a lifespan of 2-3 years and that the pan loses its flat base quickly, becoming raised in the center. The Thermo Spot also begins to fade with use and customers found this pan ineffective on induction and electric hobs.
SKYLIGHT 9.5-INCH NONSTICK
Features and Performance
Elegantly designed, this versatile pan heats quickly and evenly and releases omelets very well after cooking. While Sky Light is not a well-known brand they use the same Whitford nonstick coating used by top brands like Cuisinart, Rachel Ray, and Cuisinox. The stainless steel handle is covered with a comfortable, heat-resistant silicone grip. Available in 9.5 and 11-inches, this pan is dishwasher safe but is not oven safe.
Quality and Durability
Three layers of quality nonstick coating cover this hard-anodized aluminum pan and it’s aluminum alloy core, offering durability and scratch-resistance throughout. The bottom of the pan is not reinforced in any way and may warp with time. Sky Light guarantees this pan with a full lifetime warranty.
User reviews
Customers love that the Sky Light pan is so light and easy to cook with, and easy to clean. Customers have commented that the handle is too heavy and causes the pan to wobble.
OZERI 8-INCH STONE EARTH
Features and Performance
Featuring a naturally stone-derived coating, this pan from Ozeri is PFOA-free. Omelets and eggs cook perfectly with a little oil and slide out of the pan very easily, making cleaning up very easy. Deep and easy to work with, the pan heats evenly and is comfortable to hold as its heat-resistant silicone handles stay cool. While it is oven safe to 446F the manufacturer recommends the pan be used on medium heats but, because it is not PTFE-free, for health reasons it is best not to heat it to that temperature. This pan is induction compatible but is not dishwasher safe, and is available in 8, 10 and 12-inch sizing.
Quality and Durability
This heavy gauge, the die-cast aluminum pan has a magnetized base and a hardened Greblon 3 inner coating that is scratch-resistant and relatively durable. This is a heavy, sturdy pan and while it takes longer to heat up it effectively holds and distributes the heat. The manufacturer recommends oiling the pan by hand before each use and promises satisfaction is guaranteed but offers no warranty.
User reviews
Customers enjoy that the Ozeri pan heats up very quickly and works well for at least 2 years before needing to be replaced because omelets begin sticking to the nonstick coating. Customers find the pan requires a lot of care and it must be seasoned before first use and regularly oiled as well.
COOKS STANDARD 8-INCH NONSTICK
Features and Performance
Well designed for making omelets, this pan has a flat, wide bottom and low sides with a gentle slope making it easy to flip omelets and slide them out after cooking. The aluminum core heats up quickly and distributes the heat evenly across the pan, while the lead, cadmium and PFOA-free nonstick surface easily releases food and is quick to clean. The stainless steel handle is long and stays cool so maneuvering the pan is not difficult despite its weight. The pan is oven safe to 450F and should be hand washed. This pan is also available in 10½ and 12-inch, and as a set of an 8 and 10½ –inch combination.
Quality and Durability
The hard-anodized surface of this pan is thick and durable, while the aluminum core is strong and offers effective heat distribution and retention. The nonstick coating is just as effective but needs to be well cared for. The manufacturer recommends hand washing and avoiding the use of soaps containing lemon.
User reviews
Customers enjoy that this pan is heavy and sturdy but still comfortable to work with, and makes great omelets that don’t stick. Some customers have found that the handle gets very hot.
CUISINART 10-INCH FRITTATA SET
Features and Performance
This set comes with two 10-inch pans that are the same size and are lightweight. They can be used separately but are designed to interlock so that you can turn your omelet upside down to cook on the other side. While only one omelet is made at a time, both pans must be heated separately on different burners so that the second pan is hot enough to continue cooking the omelet when the pans are turned over. Oven safe to 350F, the pans are also dishwasher safe and have ergonomically designed handles that stay cool on the stovetop.
Quality and Durability
The aluminum core heats quickly and evenly and together with the strong nonstick surface makes a durable pan. Individually the pans are lightweight and when interlocked and used together they are not overly heavy or cumbersome. Cuisinart offers a lifetime warranty.
User reviews
Large enough to make a 12-egg omelet, this pan is better suited for larger families and groups. Most customers find that the interlocking of the pans works well and, after a little practice, turning while holding them together is very manageable. Some have commented that the pans don’t close tightly on top of each other and that they leak when flipping. These are thin, light pans and they don’t hold heat well.
NORDICWARE ROLLED OMELET PAN
Features and Performance
Designed for making Tamagoyaki (pan-fried rolled egg) this pan makes a good 2-egg omelet and is very easy to use. If you are unfamiliar with the technique, there are numerous videos available online to guide you through it. Once the pan is heated, pour the scrambled egg into the first compartment and tilt the pan to allow some of the mixture to run into the second compartment, making sure to keep even amounts of egg mixture in each one. The cheese, vegetables, and seasoning are then added to the first compartment while taking care not to overfill with toppings if you are planning on rolling up the omelet. Once the omelet is ready it rolls easily out of the pan onto a plate. The pan is not oven safe or dishwasher safe and the handle does get hot.
Quality and Durability
This pan is very sturdy and well made of cast aluminum with a PFOA-free nonstick coating and is guaranteed with a 10-year warranty.
User reviews
Most customers find the pan easy to use, quick to clean and very durable. It is the perfect dimensions for a 2-egg omelet, browning the underside of the omelet as it cooks. If making a 3-egg omelet it will take a little longer to cook through, making the underside quite crisp and dark. The rolling technique does take a few attempts to perfect, and some customers find the pan difficult to use.
NORDICWARE ITALIAN 8.4-INCH NONSTICK
Features and Performance
Designed to make both frittatas and omelets this pan has a compact design and works well on one burner, effectively distributing even heat to both sides. The pan opens into two halves that can be filled with omelet mixture and fillings and then closed again to bring the two parts of the omelet together. The pan can be flipped to cook both sides of the omelet and it slides easily out of the pan when cooked. The two parts of the pan are permanently joined and hinged making it easy to use and eliminating mess.
Quality and Durability
Made of aluminum and covered inside with a good PFOA-free nonstick coating, this is a light-weight pan that offers good heating. The design itself is not strong and durable but, used exclusively for frittatas and omelets, it will last a while.
User reviews
Customers generally like the design of the pan but find that while the long handle stays cool, the small handle on the lid gets very hot and needs to be used with an oven mitt. Many customers find this pan to be fragile, falling apart at the hinges after just a few uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good size for an omelette pan?
The size pan you choose will depend on how you prefer your omelets. A 3-egg omelet in a 10-inch pan yields a thinner, larger omelet that is light and easier to roll while making it in an 8-inch pan will result in a thicker omelet base. Bear in mind that an 8-inch omelet fits perfectly on a dinner plate. If you are preparing multiple servings at once then a 12-inch pan is better to use. Choosing which size pan to use depends on how you like your omelets and how many people you are cooking for.
What is the difference between a frying pan and an omelette pan?
A frying pan is a multi-purpose pan, designed to fry a wide variety of foods. Omelet pans are specifically designed to fry omelets. They generally have taller sides that are gently sloped that make it easier to move the omelet around and flip it. Flared sides will also make sliding it out of the pan onto your plate much easier.
What type of pan is best for eggs?
After all the effort you’ve put into frying up a great omelet, the last thing you want is for it to stick to the pan and break up. Using a good nonstick pan is key when cooking eggs and is the best way to ensure that they slide easily out of the pan every time. Over time your nonstick coating will wear and your omelets will start to stick, at that point you know its time for a new pan.
Why does my omelet stick to the pan?
If your nonstick coating is still in a good condition but your omelet is sticking to the pan then it may be because you are adding the egg before the pan is well heated. Adding eggs to a cold pan is a sure way to get them to stick. Let your pan heat up well before adding your butter and then add the eggs to the hot pan. Most manufacturers recommend using a small amount of fat when cooking eggs because they are protein-rich and will stick to nonstick coatings.