7 Best Pans For Cooking Fish That Are Non Toxic And Healthy 

Cooking fish is a delicate matter— literally. Use the wrong pan, and your beautiful filet can easily break apart when it's time to flip. Bake your fish in the wrong dish, and you'll be spending the evening scrubbing away a stuck-on mess. Whether you're an aspiring home chef or a seasoned culinary enthusiast, mastering the art of cooking fish is an essential skill that sets you apart in the kitchen. But to achieve those mouthwatering results, you need the best pans for cooking fish, and that's where choosing the right pan comes into play.

So, whether you love grilling delicate fillets, pan-searing crispy skin, pan-roasting fish, or poaching succulent pieces, we've got you covered. From understanding the crucial features to look for in a fish pan to exploring the various pan materials and their unique advantages, we will share everything you need to know below. We have also rounded up the best pans for cooking fish on the market for every cooking method.

What to consider when shopping for pans for cooking fish

Material

Choose a pan made from a suitable material for cooking fish. Stainless steel, cast iron, and non-stick-coated pans are among the most prevalent choices. Each has its pros and cons:

Stainless steel: Stainless steel pans are popular for their durability and even heat distribution. Additionally, their non-reactive nature ensures that they do not interact with acidic ingredients found in certain fish marinades or sauces. However, stainless steel pans are not inherently non-stick, so you might need oil or butter to prevent fish from sticking.

Cast iron: Cast iron pans are renowned for their remarkable heat retention and distribute heat evenly. They develop a natural non-stick surface over time through seasoning, where the pan is coated with oil and heated. Cast iron is perfect for achieving a beautiful sear on fish. Nevertheless, they are heavy and require maintenance to keep them in prime condition.

Non-stick coated: Nonstick pans are convenient because they require less oil or butter to cook fish without sticking. They are easier to clean and maintain. Yet, they might not offer equivalent searing or browning capabilities compared to stainless steel or cast iron pans. Overheating or using metal utensils can damage the non-stick coating over time.

If you opt for a non-stick pan, ensure you choose one that is free from PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

Size and Shape

Choose a pan that comfortably accommodates the size of the fish you plan to cook. If you're cooking fillets or smaller fish, a wide and shallow pan is better to ensure even cooking and browning. A deeper pan may be more suitable for whole fish or larger cuts to prevent overcrowding and allow the fish to cook properly.

Weight

The weight of the pan can affect your cooking experience. Like cast iron, heavier pans distribute heat more evenly, making them ideal for searing fish. Nonetheless, managing them can prove more demanding, particularly when frequent movement or flipping of the fish is necessary. In contrast, lighter pans such as stainless steel or aluminum are easier to handle, but they may not retain heat as effectively.

Heat Conductivity

Heat conductivity is crucial for even cooking. Stainless steel pans incorporating an aluminum or copper core boast exceptional heat distribution, blending the advantages of both materials. While copper stands as the ultimate heat conductor, it comes at a higher cost and demands more maintenance.

Handles

Sturdy, heat-resistant handles are essential for safety and ease of use. Handles that are securely attached (riveted or screwed) to the pan are more durable than those welded on. Consider handles that stay cool on the stovetop to prevent accidental burns.

Sides and Edges

Pans with slightly sloping sides and rounded edges allow you to slide a spatula or fish turner underneath the fish easily. This design makes it more convenient to flip or remove the fish without sticking to the edges.

Safe To Use In Oven

Before finishing the fish in the oven, ensure the pan is oven-safe and can withstand the desired cooking temperature. Some pans have plastic or silicone handles, which are unsuitable for oven use.

Versatility

Consider how versatile the pan is for other cooking tasks. Pans suitable for various cooking types (e.g., sautéing, frying, baking) will be more practical and save kitchen space.

7 Best Pans for Cooking Fish

Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan

Best Overall

The Made In Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan is one of the best pans for cooking fish on the market. Its exceptional cooking performance, versatility, and ergonomic design make it a standout choice for seafood enthusiasts and home cooks alike. With this pan in your kitchen, you'll effortlessly achieve restaurant-quality fish dishes and explore new culinary horizons.

The Made In Blue Carbon Steel Frying Pan excels in delivering exceptional cooking performance. Its carbon steel construction distributes heat evenly, allowing for perfectly cooked fish with a delightful sear on the outside and tender, moist flesh on the inside. A standout feature of this pan is its remarkable ability to retain heat. Once heated, the pan maintains a consistent temperature, making it ideal for achieving a golden crust on fish fillets or skin.

Unlike other carbon steel pans, you can purchase seasoned or unseasoned carbon steel pans. The seasoned carbon steel pans are pre-seasoned with a blend of basso oil, coconut oil, and sunflower oil. With regular use and proper seasoning, the carbon steel surface naturally develops non-stick properties. This means less sticking when cooking fish and easier cleanup after cooking.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Performance: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.8/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5

Lodge Seasoned Carbon Steel Skillet

Most Budget Friendly

The Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet undoubtedly stands as the best pan for cooking fish while being budget-friendly. Its exceptional construction, even heat distribution, and pre-seasoned finish make it an indispensable tool in the kitchen. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook looking to elevate your fish dishes, this skillet is a wise investment to enhance your culinary endeavors.

The Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet is crafted with heavy gauge carbon steel materials that ensure even heat distribution throughout the cooking surface. This results in perfectly cooked fish with a desirable crispy exterior and moist, tender interior. The skillet's carbon steel construction also makes it incredibly durable, so you can rely on it for years to come. The skillet comes pre-seasoned, so it eliminates the need for initial seasoning. The non-stick properties of the seasoned surface prevent fish from sticking, making the cooking process hassle-free and the cleanup a breeze.

The Lodge Carbon Steel Skillet is equipped with a long handle that stays cool to the touch while cooking. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless maneuverability when flipping or tossing fish. Additionally, the helper handle opposite the long handle adds extra support and stability when transporting the pan. The 12-inch diameter of this skillet offers the perfect balance of cooking space without being overly bulky. Its versatile design easily accommodates various fish sizes, from small fillets to larger whole fish, making it an excellent choice for preparing family meals or entertaining guests.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.5/5 Ease To Clean: 4.2/5

Our Place Always Pan

Most Versatile

There's a good chance you've already seen the Our Place Always Pan on your Tik-Tok feed. Whether it's steaming fish, deep frying fish or braising fish, this pan may just be able to do it all. The patent-pending multi-functional system replaces eight pieces of cookware: your fry pan, saute pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, saucepan, nonstick pan, spatula, and spoon rest. With a variety of color options available, it looks incredibly stylish when left out on the stove. It's the perfect fish frying pan for apartment dwellers, recent grads, and small kitchens.

The non-stick pan is made with a sturdy aluminum body for a lightweight feel and fast, even heating. Its proprietary non-stick ceramic coating is made without potentially toxic materials like PFOAs, PTFEs, heavy metals, nanoparticles, and other PFAs. A modular lid makes for easy steaming, and a side spout for drip-free pours. The best-selling pan comes complete with a custom stainless steel steamer basket and a nesting beechwood spatula with an integrated spoon rest.

With a 10-inch diameter and high sides, the Our Place Always Pan provides ample cooking space for fish of various sizes. The high sides also minimize splatters and accommodate the addition of sauces or liquids for fish recipes that require simmering. The pan comes with a custom-fit stainless steel steamer basket that doubles as a strainer. This feature is incredibly useful when blanching fish or draining excess liquid from poached fish.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Performance: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality: 4.7/5 Ease To Clean: 4.2/5

Demeyere Industry Searing Pan

Best Stainless Steel Pan For Fish

One of many's favorite ways to prepare fish is through a pan-searing method, as pan-searing fish gives it a bit of color, a crisp texture and draws out the flavor. With this Demeyere Industry Searing Pan, you will get that crispy texture that is harder to achieve with a non-stick surface.

This Demeyere Industry 12.5 Inch Searing pan is crafted from 5-ply construction, ensuring outstanding heat conduction and retention. It also provides ample cooking space for various fish sizes, while its straight sides help contain liquids and prevent splatters. With the patented Silvinox surface treatment, your pan will maintain its silvery finish, resists fingerprints, and be easy to clean. Manufactured in Belgium, this pan showcases a stay-cool 18/10 stainless steel handle that is securely welded and exceptionally hygienic.

Stainless steel is renowned for its remarkable heat retention capabilities. The Demeyere Industry Pan holds heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for achieving a delectable sear on fish fillets and ensuring they remain moist and tender on the inside. The stainless steel surface resists staining and is straightforward to clean, whether by hand or in the dishwasher. The pan's interior is also designed for easy food release, which minimizes sticking and simplifies cleanup.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.9/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5

Caraway Fry Pan

Best Frying Pan

If you're new to the world of frying fish (or frying anything for that matter), this Caraway Fry Pan is for you. While its non-stick coating surface is perfect for pan-frying fish, it works great for eggs, pancakes, vegetables, and other healthy cooking. The stylish coordinating lid, available for separate purchase, facilitates effortless steaming and poaching as well!

The pan's aluminum core construction ensures superb heat distribution throughout the cooking surface. This ensures that the entire fish fillet receives consistent heat, resulting in evenly cooked fish with a beautiful golden crust. The eco-friendly pan features a non-toxic mineral-based coating that won't leach harmful chemicals into your food as it cooks and a riveted stainless steel handle. It is free from PFOA, PTFE (like Teflon), heavy metals, and other PFAs. Plus, it releases 60% less CO2 during production than most non-stick pans.

The pan rapidly heats up and promptly responds to temperature changes, granting you precise control over the cooking process. This proves especially advantageous when cooking delicate fish that demand a gentle touch. As for cleaning up after fish preparation, the Caraway Fry Pan makes it a breeze. Wipe off effortlessly with a soft sponge and mild soap thanks to its non-stick coating, residue, and grease. Adding to its convenience, this pan is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup even more effortless. Budding chefs can choose from six aesthetically-pleasing color options, ranging from sage green to marigold yellow. The versatile non-stick frying pan can be used on any induction, gas, or electric stove, and it's safe to use in the oven for up to 550 degrees.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Performance: 4.9/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 4.9/5

Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick

Best Ceramic Nonstick

The GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Non-Stick Saute Pan is, without a doubt, the best ceramic non-stick pan for cooking fish. Its advanced non-stick coating, eco-friendly design, and exceptional heat distribution make it a standout choice for seafood enthusiasts and home cooks alike. With this pan in your kitchen, you'll effortlessly achieve perfectly cooked fish every time without worrying about sticking or unhealthy chemical coatings.

The GreenPan Valencia Pro features an advanced ceramic non-stick coating that delivers superior performance. Cooking fish fillets and delicate seafood becomes a breeze as the non-stick surface ensures effortless food release without any sticking or tearing. A standout feature of this pan is its dedication to promoting health and environmental consciousness. The ceramic nonstick surface is free from toxic chemicals like PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium, providing a safe and eco-friendly cooking experience.

The 4.5-quart capacity of the saute pan is ideal for cooking fish fillets and even whole fish with ease. Its spacious cooking surface allows for ample space to brown, sear, or simmer fish without overcrowding. The GreenPan Valencia Pro Saute Pan is designed for versatility, making it suitable for various cooking techniques beyond fish preparation. Its deep sides and tight-fitting lid allow for easy sautéing, braising, or simmering of fish and other dishes.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.9/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5

Lodge Wildlife Square Grill Pan with Fish

Best Grill Pan for Cooking Fish

The Lodge Wildlife Square Grill Pan with Fish stands out as the best grill pan for cooking fish. Its unique fish design, excellent heat retention, and even heat distribution make it a standout choice for seafood enthusiasts and home cooks seeking the ultimate grill pan. With this pan in your kitchen, you'll effortlessly achieve perfectly grilled fish with beautiful grill marks and delectable flavor.

The highlight of this cast iron grill pan is its intricate fish design on the cooking surface. This distinctive feature not only adds an aesthetic touch but also serves a functional purpose by creating grill marks and ensuring even heat distribution for perfectly seared fish. The pan's cast iron construction ensures exceptional heat retention, allowing for consistent and even cooking of fish fillets and keeping fish moist and flavorful. It possesses the versatility to handle a wide array of fish dishes. This pan delivers excellent results, from simple grilled fish fillets to more elaborate seafood recipes.

The grill pan's square shape and generous cooking surface provide ample space for various fish sizes and cuts, accommodating fillets and whole fish alike. The grill pan's fish design imparts beautiful grill marks on fish fillets, enhancing the visual appeal of your dishes. Additionally, the grill marks add a touch of smoky flavor, elevating the taste of your grilled fish.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Performance: 4.9/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality: 4.9/5 Ease To Clean: 4.5/5

How We Picked

Having conducted extensive research and careful consideration, we are thrilled to introduce a meticulously curated assortment of the highest-quality fish-cooking pans currently on the market. Our selection process included scrupulous hand-picking, drawing from personal experiences, analyzing feedback from various retail platforms, and seeking invaluable insights from seasoned chefs. By prioritizing crucial aspects like materials, quality, heat retention, durability, and value, we can confidently guarantee that our readers will find only the most exceptional fish-cooking pans on our esteemed list.