Pan test

We at RePan.ch have thoroughly examined the Swiss pan market and analyzed more than 450 models. If you find the right pan, you will not only cook better – but also healthier, more efficiently and with more pleasure. Our 2025 pan test will help you make the perfect choice, taking into account design, coating, stove type and personal preferences.

Introduction

When buying a pan, many people are faced with an overwhelming choice: Stainless steel, cast iron, Teflon, induction-suitable – or would you prefer ceramic? To help you keep an overview, we analyze the most important criteria you should consider when buying.

Table of contents

Types

1. simple sheet pans

  • Advantages: Inexpensive
  • Disadvantages: Irregular heat distribution causes the pan to age more quickly, warps quickly, poor coating adhesion, loosening handles
  • Cooking like this hardly makes you want to

2. aluminum pans with induction base

  • Advantages: Good heat conduction, lightweight
  • Pressed: Perforated plate at the bottom – often unreliable for induction
  • Cast-in: Better contact, but often a weak point in the coating

3. pans with sandwich base

  • Combines several metal layers in the floor
  • Very good heat distribution, robust
  • Disadvantage: The melted plate tends to come loose with the powerful induction hobs in the catering trade

4. pans with capsule base

  • Heat conducting core is completely enclosed
  • Durable & effective for all types of stoves

5. multilayer material pans

  • Whole pan made from 3, 5 or even 7 layers of metal
  • Premium quality, even heat – popular in the catering trade

Coatings

Stainless steel (without coating)

  • Robust, dishwasher safe

  • Requires cooking skills – no non-stick effect

Cast iron (with patina)

  • Naturally non-stick after baking

  • Very durable, but heavy & high-maintenance

Enamel coating (known from baking trays)

  • Hard & resistant

  • Hardly non-stick – unsuitable for frying

PTFE (e.g. Teflon)

  • Excellent non-stick effect

  • Not scratch-resistant – do not use metal cutlery

  • Dishwasher-safe
    Read more: repan.ch/teflon

“Ceramic” coating

  • Sounds ecological, but is based on silicone oils

  • Non-stick effect wears off more quickly, especially in the dishwasher

  • Environmentally questionable

Stove types

Stove typeSuitable pansNotes
Induction cookerMagnetic base required (e.g. stainless steel)Magnetic test!
Gas stoveAluminum or multilayer materialQuick heat adjustment
Ceramic / electric cookerEven floor importantNo warped floor!

Preferences

Shape & size

  • Flat pans = frying

  • Deep pans such as braising or wok pans = stews, curries

  • Ø 24 cm = ideal for singles, Ø 28 cm+ for families

Storage and handling of coated materials

  • No metal cutlery in coated pans – every scratch accelerates ageing

  • Stack or hang up the pans

  • Do not quench pans hot

This means the non-stick pans can last up to 10 years

Stove type

  • Cast iron: suitable for everything – the main thing is hot

  • Cast aluminum: all-rounder – but pay attention to induction suitability

  • Stainless steel: lightweight, but not suitable for gas hobs if coated

FAQ

Which pan lasts the longest?

Cast iron pans will last a lifetime with good care. However, they are heavy, must not be washed with soap and must be baked regularly.

Not always. Correct handling is important.

Virtually irrelevant for induction and gas hobs. If it interferes, then it needs to be replaced or possibly worked on at home with a humming hammer.

“Ceramic” is a nice marketing word. The non-stick effect is based on silicone oils – these wash out quickly.

Food containing protein in particular slides easily in the pan and is easy to clean

No. Many can withstand this, but last longer when washed by hand.

Honestly: When it starts to get on your nerves while cooking.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a professional or a beginner – the perfect pan depends on your stove, your cooking habits and your requirements. Our pan test shows:
✅ Robust pans that are more than just a sheet of metal, such as M-Budget.
✅ Teflon for everyday use & easy cleaning
✅ Cast iron or non-stick multi-layer material for long-lasting performance

👉 Visits RePan.ch/shop for your personal pan comparison with over 450 tested models.

Here are some of our favorites: