On its own, an omelet is a light and fluffy egg delight. You can keep it plain by scrambling eggs, adding water or milk, salt and pepper, and cooking it in a pan. When it’s almost done, you flip one half over the other for a perfect eggie pocket. But what really makes this food perfect for any meal of the day is the chef’s ability to transform a simple omelet into a riot of flavor and texture by adding any number of tasty fillings.
Cheese, chives, onions, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, salsa, diced veggies, ham – these are just a handful of the ingredients that can go into an omelet. And while it’s easy to choose the fillings that suit your fancy, actually making a perfect omelet can be more of a challenge. That’s where using the right pan comes in.
Finding the right pan is key to cooking your egg mixture perfectly every time. We feature six omelet pans you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that best suits your needs.
Top Pick Best Basic: Holstein Housewares HH-0937012SS Omelet Maker
Omelets are not just for breakfast. Light and fluffy, once you add some tasty fillings, it quickly becomes a hearty and filling meal, packed with nutrients. Cooked in a regular fry pan, it takes a lot of practice to make an omelet without under or over-cooking it, burning the bottom or breaking it into pieces as you try to fold it or take it out of the pan. If you are looking for an omelet maker that takes all the guesswork out of this delicious egg dish, then this may be the product for you.
The innovative modern design of this Holstein Housewares omelet pan allows you to make two omelets at the same time. This means you can use one side with the fillings you like and the other side to make another one with different fillings. Just pour in the egg mixture, close the lid, and when it’s done, you and your partner can sit down at the same time to enjoy your custom-made omelets, piping hot.
Features include a non-stick coating for easy clean up and food release, a non-slip base for safe cooking, and two indicator lights that let you know when the maker is done preheating and when it is in use. Plus, its space saving vertical design makes for easy storage.
Pros:
- Unique design makes two omelets at the same time
- Non-skid legs
- Non-stick surface
- Cool touch handle
- Manual with recipes included
Cons:
- Pans do not come apart to clean
- Needs to be oiled regularly to keep non-stick feature
Top Pick Best Overall: Nordic Ware Italian Frittata and Omelet Pan, 8.4 Inches
Some people make omelets in a pan on the stovetop, while others prefer something closer to a frittata, which is cooked in the oven. Not all pans are oven safe, so you typically make a frittata in a different pan than the one you use to make omelets. If you’re looking for a pan that does both, then consider this product by Nordic Ware.
This versatile pan makes fluffy omelets or frittatas on the stovetop and in the oven. Simple to use, you just sauté vegetables in one side of the pan and pour scrambled eggs in the other side to create an elegant, healthy breakfast option. The two handles on the pan are easy to grasp, so once the eggs are cooking, it’s easy to close the top and flip the pan to finish the job.
The pan’s aluminum construction distributes heat evenly, giving both sides a perfectly browned finish. The nonstick coating provides quick release and an effortless cleanup.
When you’re done for the day, close it up and its compact size makes it easy to store until you need it again.
Pros:
- For use on the stovetop and in the oven
- Non-stick coating for easy food release and cleanup
- Aluminum construction for even heat distribution
Cons:
- Small handle on lid gets hot
- More expensive than other models
Top Pick Best Original: TeChef – Tamagoyaki Japanese Omelet Pan/Egg Pan
You’ve mastered the art of making the perfect omelet but your favorite pan gave up the ghost and you can’t use it anymore. It’s time to find a replacement. This time, you want something different to help you get more creative in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a pan that will expand your culinary horizons, then consider this model.
This Japanese tamagoyaki pan is perfect for making traditional omelets but it is also specifically constructed to make tamagoyaki, a unique, layered omelet that is a popular way to make eggs in Japan.
Constructed from a patented scratch-resistant PFOA-free Teflon Select non-stick coating, omelets do not stick to the pan, and slip out easily when done. The stainless steel base of the pan is made from extra heavy gauge aluminum, compatible with all stovetops, including induction.
Whether you intend to make and enjoy tamagoyaki or a regular omelet, this pan, with its unique sloped shape, makes it easy to flip and release an omelet. The pan is also ideal for making sandwiches and pancakes.
Pros:
- Has a scratch-resistant PFOA-free Teflon Select non-stick coating
- Sloped shape makes it easy to flip and release an omelet
- Perfect for making tamagoyaki
Cons:
- Handle gets hot
- Small size
Top Pick Best Nonstick: MOKIKA Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid
If you are looking for a healthier option in a non-stick omelet pan, then this one from Mokika may suit your needs.
The innovative eco-friendly stone granite coating from Germany is PFOA and APEO free and is constructed of durable heavy-duty die-cast aluminum and a golden granite stone coating, designed for healthy cooking.
The ergonomic stainless steel and silica gel handle keeps your hands cool and comfortable while you’re cooking. The interior of the pan is made from premium aluminum alloy material, and with its magnetized base, is suitable for induction, electric, gas, ceramic, glass and halogen stovetops.
Pros:
- Stainless steel silicone handle stays cool to the touch
- Superior heat transfer
- Non-stick surface
- Comes with a glass lid
Cons:
- Not recommended for the dishwasher
Top Pick Best Versatile: Cuisinart Frittata 10-Inch Nonstick Pan Set
You have a large family, a hungry crew, and you take pride in whipping up good, healthy food for each meal. Eggs are a staple in your fridge; inexpensive and nutritious, they are versatile enough to be included in many recipes. But the way you like enjoy them is in an omelet. If you’re looking for a good-sized 10-inch pan to make delicious, perfect omelets, then consider this one from Cuisinart.
The innovative interlocking pans work together to easily cook and flip your omelet or frittata, or you can use each pan separately to sauté or brown everyday meals, from pancakes and crepes to steaks and stir-fry.
The aluminum core construction of this pan means it heats up quickly and easily for perfect results. No hot spots to burn the bottom. Pour your egg mixture in the bottom pan and when it begins to set, cover with the top pan and flip so the other side gets done.
The pan is versatile and can be used on the stovetop or in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Other features include a highly durable non-stick cooking surface, contoured ergonomic and riveted handles for a secure grip, dishwasher safe for an easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Interlocking pans can be used together or separately
- Aluminum core construction heats quickly and evenly
- Use on the stovetop or in the oven up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Contoured handles for a secure grip
- Non-stick interior
Cons:
- Handles may not close properly
Top Pick Best Small-Sized: Iwachu Iron Omelet Pan
If you live by yourself or with one other person, you don’t really need a large pan to make omelets. This convenient small pan from Iwachu has all the benefits of a big pan, but without the hassle of cleaning something larger.
Made from cast iron, this 8-½-inch pan heats evenly to prevent undercooking or burning. Its gently curved shape makes it simple to fold and plate an omelet. And there’s no worry about burning your hands; the specially formed handles get warm but never become too hot.
Pros:
- Good for individual use
- Made from cast iron for even heating
- Curved shape makes folding and plating the omelet easy
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
- Not very deep and holds only a one or two-egg mixture
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for an omelet pan so you will choose one that best suits your needs:
Size
Omelet pans range in size between eight and 12 inches in diameter. If you are making an omelet for one or two people, then an eight-inch model would suit your needs best. To make a larger omelet, choose a 10 or 11-inch pan, and one that measures 12 inches is good for making more than two servings.
For practical purposes, you may want to choose a larger pan anyway, since it can be used to cook other items such as frying steak, cooking bacon or making hot sandwiches.
Shape
Omelet pans are usually round or oval in shape, although you can find ones shaped like a square or rectangle. A Japanese tamagoyaki pan is usually square or rectangular in shape. Regardless of the shape, look for a model with higher sides that slope slightly to make flipping an omelet easier. A pan with a flared edge will help in sliding the omelet out without it breaking.
Material
Omelet pans can be made of several different materials from aluminum and anodized aluminum to carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper.
Aluminum is an affordable lightweight option for omelet pans that distributes heat quickly. It can scratch easily, though, and it doesn’t tend to hold up as well as other materials.
Anodized aluminum is a heavier more durable alternative to aluminum that won’t scratch as readily. The downside is that it isn’t the best conductor of heat.
Carbon steel is a lightweight material, is extremely durable and provides even heat distribution. It takes more time to clean since it’s not recommended for the dishwasher.
Stainless steel is an extremely durable material for pans that also happens to be rust-resistant. Unfortunately, it is not a great heat conductor, resulting in uneven heat distribution.
Bottom design
Some pans only work well on a medium heat so to prevent your omelets from burning on the underside, look for a pan that works well on medium and on a high heat. With a thick bottom you’ll have more even heating — and the pan won’t be as likely to warp either.
Handle
When it’s time to flip your omelet, the handle on the pan plays an important role. It’s best to choose a model with a long handle that’s properly balanced, so you can get a good grip. Look for a model with handles that stay cool to the touch to reduce the possibility of you getting burned. A silicone or stainless steel handle is usually best for staying cool.
Flip-over lid
If you find you fail at flipping an omelet, then a pan with a flip-over lid can solve that problem for you. You begin cooking the omelet in one side of the pan, close the lid, and then you turn the whole thing over to flip it without breaking the omelet.
Nonstick surface
We all know how gross eggs can get when they stick to the pan. To avoid this, you can choose a pan with a toxin-free non-stick coating. If you prefer to stay away from non-stick pans, then adding some cooking spray, oil or butter will have your omelets sipping out easily, with a nicely browned surface and delicious flavor.