Paderno 12.5-inch Black Steel Frying Pan

Crowding is what keeps a home cook from getting a good sear. When four steaks or a pound of mushrooms share a pan too small for them, the moisture they release has nowhere to go and the food steams. A 12.5-inch black steel pan gives each piece room, so it browns.

This is the size for a family meal or for cooks who entertain, and it is wide enough to pan-roast a whole spatchcocked chicken. Black steel stores heat well, recovers quickly after cold food goes in, and grows more nonstick as its seasoning builds.

Paderno or Matfer?

Both are thick black steel. Paderno rivets its handles to the pan wall, while Matfer Bourgeat welds them; if baking in the pan is part of the plan, Matfer is the one we recommend. For searing and sautéing on the stovetop, Paderno comes in at a better price than either Matfer or Made In.

Need more capacity? The 14.125-inch is the next size up. For one or two people, the 9.5-inch is easier to handle.