There’s really nothing better than waking up on Sunday morning and firing up the stove for some good old-fashioned bacon. Bacon is a staple in many homes, a traditional breakfast food that offers succulent favor and amazing crunch. But how do you make sure you’re using the best pan for the job?
There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the frying pan.
First, you want to think about cleaning up. Nobody really enjoys the cleanup job after they’ve had a delicious breakfast, but it has to be done. The right bacon pan can keep cleanup from being such an arduous chore.
Bacon grease will sometimes adhere to pans, leaving stains that don’t seem to come out no matter what you do. One of the best things you can do to avoid this is to get a non-stick pan. Non-stick surfaces won’t bind to grease, so you don’t have to worry about your bacon cooking to the bottom of the pan.
You’ll also want to consider the materials that the pan is made with. There are a multitude of different materials that might be used. Cast-iron pans are popular, as are pans made from anodized aluminum. An ideal pan can withstand heat without warping. It should also be sturdy enough that it won’t become damaged with multiple uses.
You should keep in mind the amount of available cooking space as well. More square inches of cooking space means more room for more bacon. But the larger the pan, the harder it will be to store. You should use a size that suits your priorities.
With all that in mind, here are some great options for cooking bacon.
Comparison Table
| Brand Name | Dimensions | Material | Nonstick |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1. T-fal Our Best Pick  Check Price | 12 x 12 inches | Cast iron | Yes |
#2. Rachael Ray Check Price | 11 x 11 inches | Hard enamel | Yes |
#3. All-Clad Check Price | 13 x 20 inches | Anodized aluminum | Nonstick |
The Best Frying Pans for Bacon
#1. T-fal E83407 Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re a bacon lover who’s a fan of traditional cookware, this cast iron skillet from T-fal might be up your alley. It’s one of the most heavy-duty options available. The skillet gives you the best results for heat distribution and retention. The design helps ensure that the heat spreads evenly throughout the pan, keeping you from undercooking or accidentally burning your bacon.
One of the benefits of this skillet is that it’s pre-seasoned. You can use it straight out of the box. And since it’s non-stick, you don’t have to worry about stubborn grease being impossible to wash away.
Bacon preparation tends to be a two-handed job. That’s why this skillet comes with an extra-long handle. You also get the thumb rest that’s a signature of T-fal products. Additionally, there’s a helper handle on the side that’s easy to grip. Dual pouring spouts allow you to drain the bacon fat effortlessly.
This pan is capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 600 degrees, so you can use it in the oven or over your campfire. It’s a great option for those who like a heavy-duty pan in the kitchen.
#2. Rachael Ray Deep Griddle and Glass Press
If you want more flair and style in your kitchen, this griddle from Rachael Ray is a great option. There’s 11 square inches of cooking surface, with a durable construction that reduces hot spots and encourages even heating. The exterior is made from porcelain enamel. You can get this griddle in a multitude of different bold colors.
The handle is comfortable and grip-friendly, with dual riveting to provide extra strength. You can use this pan to make multiple pounds of delicious bacon in one cooking session. As an added bonus, the griddle comes with a glass sandwich press. This shatter-resistant tool lets you make delicious sandwiches with all the leftovers from breakfast.
#3. All-Clad 3013 Double Burner Grande
If you come from a large family, you probably want a good amount of cooking space for your bacon. For people making large meals, this option from All-Clad might be the best one. The wide-ridged cooking surface has dimensions of a whopping 20 x 13 inches.
This is a great choice if you like super crispy bacon, since the pan gives the fat room to drain. The construction is hard-anodized aluminum, allowing for fast and even heating. It’s easy to clean up thanks to the nonstick properties. In addition, the warp-resistant base ensures that you’ll be able to use the pan for multiple years.
The handles are made from stainless steel, providing an aesthetically pleasing contrast to the all-black base. Since the pan is designed for use over two burners, you can make double the bacon to feed even the hungriest of families.
Final Thoughts
When you’re cooking bacon, you want a pan that can stand up to the job. Your ideal bacon skillet should be able to perfectly cook the dish the way you prefer it. Once you know how to choose the right construction and design, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
If you’re cooking for a huge amount of people, the All-Clad may be the option for you. It provides more than twice as much cooking space as any other option on the list. Since it uses two burners at once, you can do a great deal more cooking without breaking a sweat.
If you want a more versatile, stylish option, the Rachael Ray griddle might be best for you. Its construction allows for even heating throughout. Though it has the smallest cooking space on the list, it also includes a sandwich press, so you can turn your leftover bacon into delicious sandwiches.
And for those who prefer tradition, the T-fal is a great option. This heavy cast iron pan can always get the job done. It’s comfortable to use and has enough convenience features to outshine the competition.
Further Reading:
