When it comes to cooking bacon, the first choice of cookware is a frying pan. But with so many different types and brands of frying pans on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best for bacon. That’s why we’ve done the research to find the best frying pan for bacon so that you can get delicious results every time.
In A Hurry? Our top pick as the best frying pan for bacon is the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet. It’s durability and even-heating required for bacon is phenomenal!
A Quick Glance of The Best Skillets For Bacon
| Category | Brand | What We Liked |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cast Iron | Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | Pre-seasoned and durability |
| Best Hard-Anodized Aluminum | Anolon Smart Stack Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan | Long handle and good food release |
| Best Stainless Steel | All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan | Heats quickly and includes lid |
Be sure to read through the entire article for detailed information on the above recommendations.
Review of the Best Frying Pans for Bacon
To ensure you select the best bacon frying pan, we’ve compiled detailed research of the top choices for cast iron, hard-anodized aluminum and stainless steel pans. Read on to see which one is the best fit for your cooking needs.
1. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12 inch Cast Iron Skillet is our top choice for the best frying pan for bacon. This pan is made from cast iron, which will provide you with the even heating needed for cooking bacon. It’s also pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, so it’s ready to use right out of the box.
We use this pan to cook bacon and other delicious meals when we go camping since it’s so durable. We’ve frequently had other campers come over to our campsite raving about the enticing smell of our sizzling bacon.
Related: Best Dutch Ovens For Camping
The raised edges keep any popping grease contained. To compensate for the shorter handle, a red silicone hot handle holder is included to protect your hand from heat.
Pros
- Induction compatible
- Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
- Brutally tough and durable
Cons
- Heavy
- Not dishwasher safe
2. Anolon Smart Stack Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan
The Anolon Hard-Anodized 12 inch Nonstick Frying Pan is a great choice if you want the best frying pan for bacon and eggs that’s easy to clean. This pan is made from hard-anodized aluminum, which is durable and won’t leave your food with a funny, metallic taste.
It has a Sapphire-reinforced Infinity Slide ™ nonstick surface that is PFOA-free. This is one of the few hard-anodized pans that has a stainless steel bottom, therefore, it is actually suitable for induction cooktops.
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Effortless food release
- Long handle
Cons
- Not suitable for high heat
- Need to use wooden, nylon or silicone utensils to prevent scratches
3. All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan
If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a high-quality bacon pan with a lid, the All-Clad Stainless Steel Fry Pan is a great option. It’s an excellent 12 inch bacon pan Made in the USA.
Related: Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets
This pan is made from stainless steel, which is one of the quickest heating materials around. It’s a life-time lasting pan that will not only give you perfectly cooked bacon but will also have you sautéing unlimited masterpieces like a pro.
Pros
- Heats quickly
- Includes a lid
- Made in USA
Cons
- Expensive
- Can warp if not properly cared for
What To Consider In Selecting The Best Frying Pan For Bacon
A few details need to be considered when choosing the best pan. Such factors are material construction, size and the pan design. We’ve put together the below buying guide to discuss these important factors in more detail:
1. Material Construction
We prefer frying pans made from cast iron, stainless steel, or hard anodized aluminum. These materials conduct heat well and are durable enough to withstand repeated use.
Cast Iron
Cast iron frying pans are the standard and top choice for cooking bacon and eggs. They heat evenly and retain heat well, which means your bacon will cook evenly without any hot spots.
They’re also durable and affordable, making them a great value for the money. The only downsides are the amount of time they take to heat up and they’re pretty heavy.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel frying pans can be used to cook bacon but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure the pan is of good quality. Cheap pans may not heat evenly, which can lead to an inconsistent cook. Second, stainless steel pans are not non-stick. It is best to start with a cold pan so the fat from the bacon can grease the pan to prevent sticking.
Hard-Anodized Aluminum
Hard anodized aluminum frying pans can also be used to cook bacon. This material is lightweight and conducts heat well so your bacon won’t have any weird cooked or undercooked spots. Unfortunately, unless the pan has a stainless steel base, this material is usually not compatible if you have an induction cooktop. You also have to be careful with using extremely high heat which could break down the non-stick coating.
2. Size
A second factor to consider when purchasing a pan for bacon is the skillet size. The average size of an uncooked bacon strip is approximately 11 inches. Uncooked center cut bacon will be a little shorter but you’ll want a frying pan that can accommodate them all. We recommend a pan that is at least 12 inches in diameter.
3. Design
A good frying pan for bacon will be designed as such to provide efficient cooking in a safe way. High side edges and handle length are important to prevent accidents.
High Sides
They should have tall, raised edges to prevent splattering grease. A grill pan with low sides is a definite no-no as oil can spill from the sides and cause a kitchen emergency.
Handle
The length of the handle is also important. A short handle won’t distribute the pan heat adequately and could cause you to burn your hand. Therefore, the bacon frying pan should have a long handle to keep your hand away from the heat.
How do I prevent my bacon from sticking to the pan?
The best way to prevent bacon from sticking to the pan is to start with a cold pan so the fat from the bacon can grease the pan. This way you can typically avoid having to use a non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil.
I know some people who use a little oil when cooking bacon in stainless steel pans but sticking can be avoided if you use the cold pan start method. If your bacon does start to stick, you can loosen it with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
Did You Miss Our Top Pick?
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is the best way to cook bacon for several reasons. Cast iron heats evenly and is also very durable. They’re affordable enough that anyone can own one without spending a lot of money.
Our Final Thoughts
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be sure to find the best frying pan for bacon that fits your needs. Be sure to consider the size, material construction, and design before making your final decision. With the right pan, you’ll be able to cook delicious bacon strips that have the perfect amount of crisp.
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