Joybuy Insights

Choosing a 28 cm frying pan: look out for these specifications and common buying mistakes

A 28 cm frying pan suits many households: large enough for several portions, but usually still suitable for a standard hob. However, the diameter alone does not tell you enough. The material, base, coating and maintenance requirements all determine whether the pan suits your cooking style.

Marketing copy can sometimes make comparisons difficult. For example, a pan may be described as “suitable for all hobs”, but have a relatively small base that does not align properly with your induction zone. Terms such as “PFAS-free”, “durable” and “scratch-resistant” also do not automatically mean that every part of the pan has the same properties.

Three buying pitfalls when choosing a 28 cm frying pan

1. Confusing the top diameter with the cooking surface

The stated 28 cm is usually the diameter at the top rim. The usable cooking area may be smaller, particularly with a high rim, wok shape or thick base. So also check the base diameter and the dimensions of your cooking zone.

A large pan on a small induction zone may heat unevenly. With gas, the flame should also remain beneath the base rather than rising up the sides.

2. Choosing a non-stick coating without considering maintenance

A non-stick frying pan is convenient for eggs, pancakes and dishes requiring little fat. However, many coatings do not cope well with being overheated while empty, metal utensils or sudden changes in temperature.

A ceramic coating is not automatically indestructible. According to product information from various brands, hand washing is often recommended, even when the pan is listed as dishwasher-safe. This can help keep the coating usable for longer.

3. Failing to check “suitable for all hobs”

A frying pan for all hobs must be explicitly suitable for induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen if you want to use it with all these options. For example, the Tefal Easy Cook & Clean 28 cm lists gas, electric and ceramic glass, but not induction. This makes the pan unsuitable for an induction hob, despite its generous size.

Which specifications are important?

Material: aluminium, stainless steel or several layers

An aluminium pan generally heats up quickly and is relatively lightweight. A stainless-steel frying pan is sturdy and resistant to high temperatures, but requires more control when preheating and adding oil to reduce sticking.

According to the product description, a tri-ply or three-layer pan usually combines stainless steel with an aluminium core. For example, the PURECOOK Tri-Ply 304 uses a stainless steel–aluminium–stainless steel structure. According to the manufacturer, this construction is designed to distribute heat more quickly and evenly. This is a manufacturer’s product claim, not a universal guarantee of every cooking result.

Please note: 304 stainless steel refers to a type of steel. It does not mean that the pan automatically has non-stick properties. An uncoated stainless-steel pan requires a different cooking technique: preheat it in a controlled manner, then add oil and avoid turning the heat up unnecessarily high.

Coating and PFAS information

If you are deliberately looking for a PFAS-free frying pan, read the product listing carefully. “PFOA-free” does not mean the same as “PFAS-free”. According to the product description, the Brabantia Onyx features a 100% PFAS-free ceramic coating. The WMF Durado is also listed as PFAS-free and featuring a ceramic coating according to its product specifications.

For ceramic and other non-stick coatings, preferably use wooden or silicone utensils. Also check whether the manufacturer states a maximum temperature. An oven-safe pan may have a different limit from the lid or handle.

Lid, oven use and cleaning

A frying pan with a lid is practical for simmering, reducing sauces and dishes where moisture needs to be retained. Check whether the lid is included; with many frying pans, it is sold separately.

When using a pan in the oven, three points are important:

  • the maximum oven temperature;
  • the heat resistance of the handle;
  • the temperature limit of the glass or plastic lid.

According to the product information, the PURECOOK 28 cm comes with a glass lid and is listed for oven use up to 220 °F. This is a relatively low stated temperature, so always check the current product specifications before using it in the oven.

A dishwasher-safe frying pan can save time, but dishwasher detergent, high temperatures and prolonged exposure to moisture may affect the appearance and coating. Hand washing with a soft sponge and mild washing-up liquid is often the more cautious option.

Which frying pan suits your cooking profile?

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Brabantia Onyx Wok Pan 28 cm

Brabantia Onyx Wok Pan, 28 cm

Why it suits this profile: The lightweight aluminium wok shape is suitable for stir-fries, vegetables, noodles and larger portions. According to the product description, this pan works on induction, gas, electric, ceramic and halogen hobs.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications clearly state that it has a PFAS-free ceramic coating and is suitable for induction. Hand washing is recommended to help protect the coating.

Main benefit & advantages

100% recycled aluminium according to the product description, 28 cm diameter, PFAS-free ceramic coating and dishwasher-safe design.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
WMF Durado frying pan 28 cm

WMF Durado frying pan 28 cm

Why it suits this profile: This stainless-steel pan with a ceramic coating is designed for everyday frying on all hobs, including induction. The product specifications state that it is suitable for oven use up to 250 °C.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list the compatible heat sources, oven limit and PFAS-free ceramic coating separately. The pan is not dishwasher-safe, making hand washing part of its care routine.

Main benefit & advantages

Cromargan 18/10 stainless steel according to the product information, ceramic coating, wide pouring rim and a stated maximum oven temperature of 250 °C.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
PURECOOK Tri-Ply 304 stainless-steel frying pan 28 cm with lid

PURECOOK Tri-Ply 304 stainless-steel frying pan 28 cm with lid

Why it suits this profile: The uncoated tri-ply construction suits anyone who alternates between high-temperature cooking, searing and simmering, and wants to use a lid for sauces and stew-like dishes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that there is no chemical non-stick coating. This avoids coating wear, but you must use the correct stainless-steel cooking technique.

Main benefit & advantages

304 stainless steel with an aluminium core, suitable for induction and the other listed heat sources, dishwasher-safe according to the product information and supplied with a glass lid.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

How to make a 28 cm frying pan last longer

A durable frying pan is not just about the material. Use the pan according to the manufacturer’s instructions:

  • Do not leave a coated pan empty on a high heat for an extended period.
  • Use wooden or silicone utensils with ceramic and other non-stick coatings.
  • Allow the pan to cool before washing it.
  • With induction, check that the base remains flat and makes good contact with the cooking zone.
  • Do not place a heavy pan down heavily on a glass hob.
  • Store coated pans without other pans directly on the cooking surface.

With an uncoated stainless-steel pan, food may initially stick more easily. Preheating over a medium-high setting, then adding oil and allowing the food to cook undisturbed for a moment, generally gives you more control than stirring constantly.

Frequently asked questions about 28 cm frying pans

Is a 28 cm frying pan suitable for induction?

This varies by model. Look in the product specifications for “induction-compatible” or “suitable for all hobs”. Also check the base diameter. A 28 cm pan may have a smaller effective induction base.

How long does a non-stick frying pan last?

Its lifespan depends on use, temperature, utensils and cleaning. A coating may wear more quickly if the pan is overheated while empty or used with metal spatulas and scouring sponges. Replace the pan when the coating is visibly damaged or starts to come away.

Is a PFAS-free frying pan automatically suitable for oven use?

No. PFAS-free describes the stated coating property, not the pan’s suitability for oven use. Check the maximum temperature for the pan, handle and lid separately. This also applies to a ceramic frying pan.