The best electric frypan in NZ overall is Breville’s Banquet Pan, a 2200W die-cast unit measuring 38cm by 29.5cm and 7.8cm deep, with settings for keep warm, saute, pan fry and sear and a built-in tilter for draining fat away from the food. It is also the classic bach appliance, because it cooks a full meal from a single power point when the kitchen is small, the hob is unreliable, or there simply isn’t one.
Do you need a new electric frypan in your kitchen? This guide covers five real electric frypans available in New Zealand, from banquet-style rectangular pans to compact skillets.
A good electric frypan heats evenly and holds a high temperature reliably. They’re a staple for cooking eggs or bacon in the morning, but they’re just as useful for searing meat, frying chicken, or cooking a whole meal away from a busy stovetop — and being electric, they’re handy for entertaining or wherever there’s a power point but no cooktop space.
The most common materials are aluminium with a non-stick coating, stainless steel, and ceramic non-stick. Aluminium with non-stick is the most common and easiest to clean; stainless steel is more durable and won’t scratch as easily but usually costs more; ceramic non-stick avoids PFAS coatings if that’s a preference.
How to Choose the Best Electric Frypan for You
Cooking surface and shape: Electric frypans are usually rectangular (banquet-style), square, or round, and the right shape depends on what you’ll cook most. A rectangular banquet pan suits family-sized meals and roasts, while a smaller round skillet suits everyday eggs, bacon, and quick meals for one or two.
Depth: A shallow pan won’t cope with anything that needs simmering liquid, like a casserole or stew. Look for a deep pan with a lid if you want to use it for more than just frying.
Material and non-stick coating: Aluminium frypans with a non-stick coating are the lightest and easiest to clean, but the coating quality varies, so check reviews for how well it holds up over time. Stainless steel is heavier and more durable but usually pricier. Ceramic non-stick coatings are a PFAS-free alternative worth considering if that matters to you.
Detachable power cord: A detachable cord makes the pan much easier to clean and to bring to the table for serving, since you’re not left managing a permanently attached cord.
Quick Comparison
| Rank | Frypan | Best for | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breville The Banquet Pan | Best overall | Non-stick, banquet |
| 2 | Sunbeam DiamondForce Banquet | Best durable non-stick | Non-stick, banquet |
| 3 | Breville The Thermal Pro | Best premium, no coating | Stainless steel, banquet |
| 4 | GreenLife Square Electric Frypan | Best PFAS-free ceramic | Ceramic non-stick, square |
| 5 | Sunbeam DiamondForce Electric Skillet | Best compact / budget | Non-stick, compact skillet |
The Best Electric Frypans NZ
1. Breville The Banquet Pan
Breville’s Banquet Pan is a well-rounded all-rounder for family meals, with a 2200-watt die-cast element and heat settings for keep warm, saute, pan fry and sear. At 38cm x 29.5cm and 7.8cm deep, it comfortably fits a family-sized meal, and comes with a toughened glass lid so you can keep an eye on food without losing heat. A built-in pan tilter lets you drain fats away from the food as it cooks, and the non-stick surface wipes clean easily afterwards.
2. Sunbeam DiamondForce Banquet Electric Frying Pan
Sunbeam’s DiamondForce Banquet is reinforced with two layers of engineered diamond particles, giving a non-stick coating Sunbeam says is twice as durable as traditional non-stick cookware. A 2400-watt element cast into the base heats quickly and evenly, backed by a thermostat for consistent temperature, and the tilt & baste lever lets you drain fats or baste food hands-free. At 38cm x 29cm, it’s a deep pan with plenty of room for family-sized meals, soups, and casseroles, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
3. Breville The Thermal Pro Stainless Steel Frypan
If you’d rather avoid a non-stick coating altogether, this Breville Thermal Pro is a large, brushed stainless steel banquet frypan with a powerful 2400-watt element and precise settings for sear, simmer, saute, pan fry and keep warm. Stainless steel won’t scratch or wear the way a non-stick coating eventually will, making this the pick for anyone wanting a frypan built to last years of heavy use, though it comes at a noticeably higher price than the non-stick options on this list.
4. GreenLife Square Electric Frypan
The GreenLife Square Electric Frypan uses a ceramic non-stick coating that’s free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium, for anyone who’d rather avoid traditional non-stick chemicals. Its 12″ x 12″ surface and 5-quart capacity give plenty of room to sear, sauté, griddle, stir-fry, steam, roast or bake, and the tempered glass lid has a steam vent so you can keep an eye on food without lifting the lid. Stay-cool handles and a non-slip base make it easy and safe to move around the kitchen or table.
5. Sunbeam DiamondForce Electric Skillet
For a smaller kitchen or anyone who doesn’t need a full banquet-sized pan, this compact 25cm Sunbeam skillet carries the same durable DiamondForce non-stick coating as Sunbeam’s larger banquet pan, in a 1400-watt size that’s easier to store and quicker to heat. It’s a genuinely well-reviewed budget pick if you mostly want something for everyday eggs, bacon, or a quick meal for one or two, rather than cooking for the whole family.
If you are planning the whole kitchen, the guide to benchtop ovens covers the other appliances worth costing in.
Verdict
There’s no single best electric frypan for everyone, only the right one for how you cook. If you want a reliable, well-rounded family-sized pan, the Breville Banquet Pan is the safest all-rounder pick, while the Sunbeam DiamondForce Banquet is worth choosing instead if a durable, scratch-resistant non-stick coating and a tilt & baste lever matter to you.
If you’d rather avoid a non-stick coating altogether, the Breville Thermal Pro’s stainless steel surface is built to last, and the GreenLife Square is the pick if you want ceramic non-stick without PFAS chemicals. For smaller households or anyone short on storage space, the compact Sunbeam DiamondForce Electric Skillet is the easiest one to live with day to day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric frypan worth it?
Yes, if you regularly cook for a family, entertain, or want extra cooking surface without using your stovetop. Electric frypans are especially useful when your cooktop is already full, or for keeping food warm at the table during a meal.
Can you put an electric frypan in the dishwasher?
It depends on the model — many non-stick electric frypans have a dishwasher-safe pan body, but the heating element and control unit should never be submerged in water. Always check the specific product’s care instructions before washing.
What’s the difference between a banquet frypan and a skillet?
A banquet frypan is typically a larger, rectangular, deep-sided pan designed for family-sized meals, roasts, and dishes with liquid like casseroles or stews. A skillet is usually smaller and round, better suited to everyday cooking like eggs, bacon, or a meal for one or two.
Is ceramic or non-stick coating better for an electric frypan?
Traditional non-stick (like Sunbeam’s DiamondForce) tends to be more scratch-resistant and longer-lasting day to day, while ceramic coatings are PFAS-free, which matters if you’d rather avoid those chemicals. Both work well when cared for properly — avoid metal utensils and abrasive cleaning on either type.
How do I stop my electric frypan’s non-stick coating from wearing out?
Use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils rather than metal, avoid high heat with an empty pan, and hand wash where the manufacturer recommends it rather than relying on the dishwasher. Coatings on any electric frypan will wear out eventually with heavy use, but gentle care extends their life significantly.
