Choosing the right frying pan size can make a bigger difference than most people expect.
A pan that is too small can overcrowd food and make cooking awkward.
A pan that is too large can take up unnecessary hob and storage space.
The simple answer is:
A 20cm frying pan is best for one person, eggs and smaller portions. A 24cm pan is a good everyday size for one or two people. A 28cm frying pan is usually better for larger portions, families and one-pan meals.
If you are not sure which size to choose, this guide explains the difference between 20cm, 24cm and 28cm frying pans and helps you work out which size is best for the way you cook.
What Size Frying Pan Do I Need?
For most kitchens, a frying pan between 24cm and 28cm is the most versatile choice.
However, the best frying pan size depends on:
- How many people you cook for
- What foods you cook most often
- How much hob space you have
- Whether you batch cook
- Whether you already own another frying pan
Here is a simple guide.
| Frying Pan Size | Best For | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 20cm | 1 person and smaller portions | Eggs, omelettes, breakfasts |
| 24cm | 1–2 people | Everyday frying, meat, fish, vegetables |
| 28cm | 2–4+ people | Family meals, larger portions, one-pan dishes |
These are general guidelines rather than strict rules.
Portion size matters just as much as the number of people you are cooking for.
Is a 20cm Frying Pan Big Enough?
A 20cm frying pan is considered a small or compact frying pan.
It is ideal for:
- One or two eggs
- Small omelettes
- Individual breakfasts
- One chicken breast
- Small portions of vegetables
- Reheating leftovers
- Cooking for one person
Because it is smaller, it is also usually easier to handle, clean and store.
For someone who lives alone or regularly cooks smaller meals, a 20cm frying pan can be one of the most useful pans in the kitchen.
Who Should Buy a 20cm Frying Pan?
A 20cm frying pan is a good choice if:
- You mainly cook for yourself
- You regularly cook eggs
- You prepare smaller portions
- You want a lightweight everyday pan
- You have limited kitchen storage
- You already own a larger frying pan
A 20cm frying pan also works very well as a second pan in a larger household.
What Can You Cook in a 20cm Frying Pan?
A smaller frying pan is surprisingly versatile.
You can use it for:
- Fried eggs
- Scrambled eggs
- Omelettes
- Pancakes
- Sausages
- Bacon
- Small portions of vegetables
- One chicken breast
- Toasted sandwiches
- Individual portions
For everyday breakfasts and smaller meals, a 20cm frying pan is often all you need.
What Is a 24cm Frying Pan Good For?
A 24cm frying pan sits between a compact pan and a larger family-sized frying pan.
That makes it a very useful all-round size.
You can use a 24cm frying pan for:
- Chicken breasts
- Fish fillets
- Steak
- Vegetables
- Two-person meals
- Small stir-fries
- Fried breakfasts
- Sautéed potatoes
- Eggs and omelettes
For many couples, a 24cm frying pan offers a good balance between cooking space and easy handling.
Is a 24cm Frying Pan Big Enough for Two People?
For many meals, yes.
A 24cm frying pan is usually large enough for two modest portions.
It can work well for:
- Two chicken breasts
- Two fish fillets
- Vegetables for two
- A small stir-fry
- A two-person breakfast
However, if you regularly cook larger portions or want more room for browning, a 28cm pan may be the better choice.
Who Should Buy a 24cm Frying Pan?
A 24cm frying pan is ideal if:
- You normally cook for one or two people
- You want one versatile everyday pan
- You do not want something too large or heavy
- You cook meat, fish and vegetables regularly
- You have limited hob space
For many households, 24cm is the most balanced frying pan size.
What Is a 28cm Frying Pan Best For?
A 28cm frying pan gives you significantly more cooking space.
It is particularly useful for:
- Family meals
- Larger portions
- Stir-fries
- One-pan dinners
- Several chicken breasts
- Burgers
- Larger breakfasts
- Multiple pieces of fish
- Sautéed vegetables
- Batch cooking
The extra space helps food cook more evenly because ingredients are less likely to be overcrowded.
Why Does Frying Pan Size Matter for Browning?
Browning works best when food has enough contact with the pan and enough space around it.
If too much food is packed into a small frying pan, moisture can build up.
Instead of frying and browning, the food may begin to steam.
This is especially important when cooking:
- Chicken
- Steak
- Mushrooms
- Vegetables
- Burgers
A larger pan gives moisture more room to escape and allows food to brown more effectively.
Is a 28cm Frying Pan Too Big?
Not for most family kitchens.
A 28cm frying pan is one of the most useful sizes for larger portions.
However, it can feel unnecessarily large if you mainly cook:
- One egg
- One portion
- Small breakfasts
- Small amounts of vegetables
A larger pan can also:
- Take up more storage space
- Feel heavier
- Use more hob area
- Be less convenient for very small meals
This is why many people benefit from owning more than one frying pan size.
20cm vs 24cm Frying Pan
If you are choosing between 20cm and 24cm, think about how much food you normally cook.
Choose a 20cm frying pan if:
- You cook mainly for one
- You make eggs regularly
- You want a compact pan
- You already own a larger pan
Choose a 24cm frying pan if:
- You cook for one or two
- You want more flexibility
- You cook meat and vegetables regularly
- You want one versatile everyday pan
24cm vs 28cm Frying Pan
This is one of the most common frying pan size decisions.
Choose 24cm if:
- You normally cook for one or two people
- You prefer a lighter pan
- You have limited hob space
- You cook smaller portions
Choose 28cm if:
- You cook for three or more people
- You regularly make larger meals
- You want more room for browning
- You cook stir-fries
- You make one-pan dinners
- You cook several pieces of meat at the same time
20cm vs 28cm Frying Pan
The difference between these two sizes is significant.
A 20cm frying pan is best for smaller meals.
A 28cm frying pan is better for larger portions.
Choose 20cm for:
- One person
- Eggs
- Small breakfasts
- Small portions
- Quick meals
Choose 28cm for:
- Families
- Larger meals
- Stir-fries
- Batch cooking
- Several ingredients at once
If you regularly cook both types of meal, owning both sizes can be very practical.
Do You Need More Than One Frying Pan?
For many households, yes.
One frying pan can handle a lot of cooking tasks, but having two sizes gives you much more flexibility.
A very practical combination is:
20cm + 28cm
The 20cm frying pan handles:
- Eggs
- Small breakfasts
- Individual meals
- Small portions
The 28cm frying pan handles:
- Larger dinners
- Family meals
- Stir-fries
- Batch cooking
- One-pan meals
This combination covers most everyday frying tasks.
Does Frying Pan Size Include the Rim?
Frying pans are usually measured across the top of the pan.
That means the flat cooking surface at the bottom is generally smaller than the advertised size.
For example, a 28cm frying pan does not necessarily have a completely flat 28cm cooking base.
This is worth remembering when comparing different pans.
Does Frying Pan Size Need to Match the Hob Ring?
Ideally, the base of your frying pan should be reasonably well matched to the size of the hob zone.
A pan that is much smaller than the heating zone may waste heat.
A pan that is much larger than the zone may heat less evenly.
For induction hobs, you should also make sure the pan is induction compatible.
What Frying Pan Material Should You Choose?
Size is only one part of the decision.
You should also think about the cooking surface.
Ceramic Non-Stick Frying Pans
Ceramic non-stick frying pans are useful for:
- Eggs
- Pancakes
- Delicate foods
- Everyday frying
- Easy cleaning
- Cooking with less oil
They are a good choice for households that want convenience and straightforward everyday cooking.
Stainless Steel Frying Pans
Stainless steel frying pans are excellent for:
- Searing
- Browning
- Meat
- Vegetables
- Pan sauces
- Everyday durability
They require a little more cooking technique than non-stick pans, but they are extremely versatile.
Which Frying Pan Size Is Best for Eggs?
For one or two eggs, a 20cm frying pan is usually ideal.
The smaller cooking surface means eggs fit neatly in the pan without spreading too far.
It is also easier to control when cooking:
- Fried eggs
- Scrambled eggs
- Small omelettes
- Pancakes
Which Frying Pan Size Is Best for Steak?
For one steak, a 24cm frying pan can work well.
For two steaks or larger cuts, a 28cm frying pan usually gives you more room.
Avoid overcrowding when searing meat, as this can reduce browning.
Which Frying Pan Size Is Best for a Family of Four?
For most families of four, a 28cm frying pan is the better option.
It gives you enough room for larger portions and several ingredients at once.
It is especially useful for:
- Stir-fries
- Chicken dishes
- Pasta sauces
- Large breakfasts
- One-pan meals
- Vegetables
Which Frying Pan Size Is Best for One Person?
A 20cm frying pan is often the most convenient size for one person.
However, if you regularly cook larger meals or meal prep, a 24cm pan may offer more flexibility.
Which Frying Pan Size Is Best Overall?
If you are only buying one frying pan, a 24cm or 28cm model will suit most households.
Choose 24cm if you normally cook for one or two people.
Choose 28cm if you regularly cook larger portions or family meals.
A 20cm pan is best as either:
- A dedicated small pan
- A pan for one person
- A second frying pan
Blackmoor Frying Pan Options
Blackmoor offers frying pans in a range of sizes, materials and finishes.
Depending on how you cook, you can choose from:
- Compact 20cm frying pans
- Versatile 24cm frying pans
- Larger 28cm frying pans
- Ceramic non-stick cookware
- Stainless steel cookware
- Frying pan sets
Popular Blackmoor options include:
- Classic 20cm Non-Stick Frying Pan
- Classic 28cm Non-Stick Frying Pan
- Sherwood 20cm Frying Pan
- Sherwood 28cm Frying Pan
- Stainless Steel Pro frying pans
This means you can choose both the size and cooking surface that suits your kitchen.
So, What Size Frying Pan Should You Buy?
The answer depends on how you cook.
Choose 20cm if you cook smaller portions or mainly cook for one person.
Choose 24cm if you want a versatile everyday pan for one or two people.
Choose 28cm if you cook larger meals, family portions or want more room for browning.
For many households, owning both a smaller and larger frying pan is the most practical option.
The best frying pan is not necessarily the biggest one.
It is the one that gives your food enough space while still being convenient to use every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common frying pan size?
Frying pans between 24cm and 28cm are among the most useful everyday sizes because they provide enough space for a wide variety of meals.
Is a 20cm frying pan small?
Yes. A 20cm frying pan is considered compact and is ideal for eggs, smaller meals and individual portions.
Is a 24cm frying pan big enough for two people?
For many meals, yes. A 24cm frying pan is a good everyday size for one or two people.
Is a 28cm frying pan good for a family?
Yes. A 28cm frying pan offers more cooking space and is better suited to larger portions and family meals.
What size frying pan is best for eggs?
A 20cm frying pan is usually ideal for one or two eggs, smaller omelettes and breakfast portions.
What size frying pan is best for steak?
A 24cm pan works well for one steak, while a 28cm frying pan gives more room for two steaks or larger portions.
Is a bigger frying pan better?
Not always. Larger pans provide more cooking space, but they also require more storage and may be unnecessary for smaller meals.
What frying pan sizes should I own?
A 20cm and 28cm combination offers excellent flexibility for many households.
What is the difference between a 24cm and 28cm frying pan?
A 28cm frying pan provides significantly more cooking space and is better for larger portions, while a 24cm pan is easier to handle and ideal for smaller households.
Explore Blackmoor Frying Pans
Whether you need a compact frying pan for breakfast or a larger pan for family dinners, Blackmoor offers a range of frying pans for different cooking styles and household sizes.
