Short answer: a 28 cm frying pan is the most versatile size – it cooks everyday meals for two to four people and fits most hob zones. Choose 24 cm if you usually cook for one or two, 20 cm for eggs and small portions, and 30–32 cm for larger families or batch cooking. If you can have two pans, 24 cm + 28 cm is the most useful combination.
What fits in each frying pan size?
| Diameter | Typical portions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 20 cm | 1 person | 1–2 eggs, an omelette, toasting nuts or spices |
| 24 cm | 1–2 people | breakfast, two fish fillets, a small stir-fry |
| 26 cm | 2–3 people | everyday meals when 28 cm feels too heavy |
| 28 cm | 2–4 people | two steaks, chicken breasts, a family omelette |
| 30 cm / 32 cm | 4–6 people | large batches, meatballs, paella-style dishes |
The diameter is measured across the top rim. The flat cooking surface is a few centimetres smaller, so a 28 cm pan has a usable base of roughly 22–24 cm, depending on the model.
Why the right size matters
Too small and the food is crowded: steam can't escape, the pan cools down and meat or vegetables stew instead of browning. Too large and the empty areas overheat while the food cooks unevenly, and the pan is heavier to lift and wash. Leave a little space between pieces of meat, and you'll get a better crust.
Match the pan to your hob
For even heat, the base of the pan should cover the cooking zone as closely as possible. This matters most on induction, which only heats the area of the base above the coil. A 32 cm pan on a small zone will have a hot centre and cool edges. If your hob has one large zone, that is where the 28–32 cm pan belongs. More in our induction cookware guide.
Which sizes should you combine?
- One pan only: 28 cm non-stick.
- Two pans: 24 cm non-stick for eggs and fish + 28 cm stainless steel for meat.
- Large family: 28 cm + 32 cm, plus a small 20 cm pan for eggs.
Buying several sizes at once is often cheaper as a frying pan set – for example the Helix 3-piece stainless steel set or the Dune 2-piece non-stick set (20 + 24 cm).
Don't forget the lid and the oven
If you want to cover the pan, check that a lid of the same diameter is available. If you finish dishes in the oven, check that the pan – and its handle – fits your oven and is oven-safe: most BergHOFF non-stick pans are oven-safe to 180 °C and Helix stainless steel pans to 250 °C.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular frying pan size?
28 cm. It is large enough for family meals but still easy to handle.
What size frying pan for two people?
24–28 cm. Choose 28 cm if you often cook meat and vegetables at the same time.
What size pan for steak?
A 28 cm pan fits two steaks without crowding. For one steak, 24 cm is enough.
Is a bigger frying pan better?
Only if you cook larger amounts and your hob has a matching zone. Otherwise it heats unevenly and is heavier to use.
Still deciding on material? Read how to choose a frying pan or browse all BergHOFF frying pans.