Best 12 Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pans: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)
The best 12 inch stainless steel frying pans include the Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch for all-cooktop family cooking, the Made In Cookware for five-ply heat control, and the EWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying for covered stovetop meals.
On this page (5 sections)
The best 12 inch stainless steel frying pan for most cooks is the Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad, with induction compatibility, a 500°F oven limit and room for larger meals. It suits households that cook for three or four people and want one pan to handle weeknight dinners and weekend meals.
Choose Made In or Misen for five-ply construction, or EWFEN if you want a lid-focused option. Those choices suit cooks who care more about oven range, heat retention or covered cooking than plain stovetop versatility.
A 12-inch pan is a useful size for searing multiple portions, sautéing vegetables and cooking family meals. It gives chicken pieces, steaks and stir-fries room to sit without crowding, which helps browning.
Stainless steel rewards proper preheating and oil, while ceramic or reinforced nonstick surfaces need a different approach. Uncoated steel needs heat and timing to release food, whereas coated surfaces need gentler heat and careful washing.
Size alone does not tell the whole story. Capacity, cooking surface and weight vary between pans, so a careful comparison matters before you choose.
If you are comparing the broader category, start with our guide to the best 12 inch frying pan. Reading that guide first can help you decide whether stainless steel, coated aluminum or another material fits your kitchen.
For a coated alternative, compare these picks with the best ceramic 12 inch frying pan. That comparison is useful if easy release matters more than the browning and durability of bare steel.
Think about your cooktop before you buy. Induction needs a magnetic base, while gas and electric ranges are more forgiving about pan construction.
Think about storage as well. A 12-inch pan with a long handle takes more cabinet space than smaller pans, especially when a lid is included.
The right pick depends on how you cook most often. Searing, sautéing and oven finishing call for different strengths, and no single pan leads in every area.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for all-cooktop family cookingTramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for covered stovetop mealsEWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itMICHELANGELO Fully Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel
Best for rivet-free cleanup - 5
Check itMisen 5-Ply Stainless Steel 12" Frying Pan
Best for high-heat oven finishing - 6
Check itT-Fal Gourmet Stainless Steel Frying Pan Set
Best for two useful pan sizes - 7
Check itLEGEND COOKWARE 5-Ply Stainless Steel 12-Inch Frying
Best for a no-coating pan with lid - 8
Check itLegacy Culinaryware 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Hybrid Frying
Best for ceramic-coated versatility - 9
Check itTramontina Professional 12-Inch Non Stick Large Frying
Best for easy-release cooking
Which 12 inch stainless steel frying pan is best for most kitchens?
The Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply is the strongest all-around choice because it combines a 12-inch size, tri-ply construction, all-cooktop compatibility and a 500°F oven limit. It suits cooks who want one main pan rather than several specialists.
Its stainless steel cooking surface is not nonstick, so technique matters. Preheating the pan and adding oil before food goes in makes a clear difference to release and browning.
We compared construction, cooking surface, capacity, cooktop compatibility, oven limits, lids and care instructions. Each factor affects daily use, from how evenly food cooks to how much space the pan needs.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you are shopping for. That approach keeps the ranking tied to practical needs instead of surface claims.
All-cooktop compatibility is a major plus for homes with induction, gas or electric ranges. A pan that works everywhere reduces the risk of buying the wrong option.
Oven limits matter for recipes that start on the stove. A 500°F limit covers many finishing steps, though some pans offer more headroom.
Care instructions also shape the choice. Dishwasher safe pans suit busy routines, while hand wash pans may suit cooks who prefer closer control over cleaning.
Capacity and cooking surface deserve attention too. Two pans both called 12 inch can hold different amounts and leave different room for food.
| Product | Best for | Construction | Cooktops | Oven limit | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch | all-cooktop family cooking | Tri-ply stainless steel with aluminum core | Gas, electric and induction | 500°F | 9.6 |
| Made In Cookware | five-ply heat control | 5 layers of stainless steel and aluminum | 9.5 | ||
| EWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying | covered stovetop meals | 3-ply stainless steel with aluminum core | Gas, electric and induction | 9.4 | |
| MICHELANGELO Fully Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel | rivet-free cleanup | Fully clad tri-ply stainless steel | Gas, electric and induction | 9.2 | |
| Misen 5-Ply Stainless Steel 12" Frying Pan | high-heat oven finishing | 3 stainless steel layers and 2 aluminum layers | 800°F | 8.9 | |
| T-Fal Gourmet Stainless Steel Frying Pan Set | two useful pan sizes | Gas, electric and induction | 8.7 | ||
| LEGEND COOKWARE 5-Ply Stainless Steel 12-Inch Frying | a no-coating pan with lid | 5-ply stainless steel and aluminum | 8.6 | ||
| Legacy Culinaryware 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Hybrid Frying | ceramic-coated versatility | Gas, electric, ceramic and induction | 8.2 | ||
| Tramontina Professional 12-Inch Non Stick Large Frying | easy-release cooking | Gas, electric and ceramic glass | 9.7 |
The best 12 inch stainless steel frying pans by use
The best choice depends on whether you value all-cooktop compatibility, five-ply heat control, a lid, easier cleanup or a second pan size. The products below are listed from highest score to lowest score.
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch: Best for all-cooktop family cooking
- Tri-ply aluminum core
- Induction compatible
- 500°F oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
This 12-inch tri-ply pan gives family meals a broad cooking surface and works across gas, electric and induction cooktops. Its stainless steel body is not nonstick, so preheating and oil matter.
Pros
- Works on all cooktops
- NSF-certified
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not nonstick
- No lid included
The Tramontina Signature is the best starting point for a household that uses more than one cooktop. Its tri-ply construction places an aluminum core between stainless steel layers, helping spread heat across a large cooking surface.
The pan works on gas, electric and induction cooktops. It is also oven safe to 500°F and dishwasher safe, which makes it a practical fit for recipes that begin on the stove and finish in the oven.
The stainless steel body is non-reactive and not nonstick. Preheat it, add oil, and give food time to brown before trying to move it.
Its riveted stainless steel handle gives a secure grip, while the 12-inch size suits larger meals. Choose it if you want one pan that covers common cooktops and everyday family cooking.
The mirror-polished exterior and satin interior suit a kitchen that values a clean, professional look. Both finishes are easy to wipe and manage after everyday meals.
This pan suits searing, frying and sautéing where browning matters. Crowding still hurts results, so leave space between pieces for better crusts.
Dishwasher use adds convenience for busy nights. Hand washing remains a safe option when you want to protect the finish over time.
Made In Cookware: Best for five-ply heat control
- 5-ply stainless clad construction
- 3.2-quart capacity
- 800°F oven safe
- Made in Italy
Made In uses five metal layers for cooks who want strong heat control and a high oven limit. Its 3.2-quart capacity and 9.5-inch cooking surface are useful reference points when comparing 12-inch pans.
Pros
- Five-ply construction
- 800°F oven limit
- Induction compatible
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Smaller cooking surface than total diameter
Made In is the best fit for cooks who want 5-ply stainless clad construction and a higher oven limit. Five layers of stainless steel and aluminum give this pan a more substantial construction than the tri-ply options.
The pan has a 3.2-quart capacity, a 9.5-inch cooking surface and a 12.5-inch total diameter. Those measurements show why the stated size and usable cooking area are not the same thing.
It works on induction cooktops and is suitable for sautéing, frying, searing, browning and stovetop-to-oven cooking. The stainless steel handle is fastened with rivets, and the pan reaches 800°F in the oven.
Made In recommends hand washing. Pick it when heat control and oven range matter more than dishwasher convenience.
The smaller cooking surface means portion size matters. Two steaks or a batch of vegetables may fit well, while larger family batches may need cooking in turns.
The 1.75-inch depth helps contain food during sautéing. It also keeps oil and juices from moving too far toward the rim.
The handle is designed to stay cool during cooking. That helps when moving the pan from stove to oven or carrying it to the table.
EWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying: Best for covered stovetop meals
- 3.5-quart capacity
- Tri-ply construction
- Included lid
- 600°F oven safe
EWFEN suits cooks who want a 12-inch stainless steel pan with a 3.5-quart capacity and a lid-focused design. Its 600°F limit gives room for stovetop-to-oven recipes, while the handle installation instructions deserve attention.
Pros
- 600°F oven limit
- Induction compatible
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Handle and lid setup need care
- No separate lid component listed in included components
EWFEN suits cooks who want a 12-inch tri-ply pan with a 3.5-quart capacity and a lid-focused design. Its 304 stainless steel interior, aluminum core and 430 stainless steel exterior support use on gas, electric and induction cooktops.
The pan reaches 600°F in the oven and is dishwasher safe. Its design covers frying, griddling, sautéing and searing, including vegetables, meat, fish, pancakes and eggs.
The handle uses a hollow metal design intended to reduce heat transfer. EWFEN also gives specific heat guidance, including low heat for eggs, medium-low for general cooking and medium-high for searing.
The handle installation instructions matter. When assembling a glass lid handle, the instructions say to insert the screws from the inside outward to reduce uneven stress on the glass.
The 3.5-quart capacity gives the pan real room for family portions. That helps when you want to sear and then cover the food without switching vessels.
The flat magnetic base supports steady heat transfer on smooth cooktops. It also helps the pan sit flat on gas and electric ranges.
Avoid heating the empty pan for long periods. Match the heat level to the food, since eggs need gentler heat than a steak sear.
MICHELANGELO Fully Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel: Best for rivet-free cleanup
- Fully clad tri-ply body
- Tempered glass lid
- 600°F oven safe
- Rivet-free interior
MICHELANGELO combines a fully clad tri-ply body with a glass lid and rivet-free interior. It fits cooks who want a smooth cooking surface for searing, sautéing and covered simmering.
Pros
- Lid included
- Rivet-free interior
- 600°F oven safe
Cons
- Handle assembly required
- Heavy at 2.96 kg
MICHELANGELO is the best choice here for cooks who want a fully clad tri-ply pan with a glass lid and a rivet-free interior. Its 12-inch body is designed for steaks, salmon, vegetables, stir-fries and one-pan meals.
The pan uses stainless steel with no coating and works on gas, electric and induction cooktops. It reaches 600°F in the oven, so it can move from stovetop searing to oven finishing.
The tempered glass lid helps retain heat and moisture while letting you watch the food. That makes it useful for simmering, braising and covered stovetop cooking.
The handle needs a one-time assembly. At 2.96 kg, this is one of the heavier picks, so it suits cooks who value a substantial pan more than a light one.
The rivet-free interior creates a smoother surface for cleaning. Food debris has fewer joints to cling to, which can speed up washing.
The fully clad body spreads heat from base to rim. That design supports even searing across a wide surface.
The simple handle setup takes little time. Once fitted, it gives a secure grip for daily cooking.
Misen 5-Ply Stainless Steel 12" Frying Pan: Best for high-heat oven finishing
- 5-ply, 3.0 mm construction
- 3.5-quart capacity
- 800°F oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Misen is aimed at cooks who want a thick 5-ply pan for searing and oven finishing. Its 3.5-quart capacity and stated larger-than-average cooking surface support meals where crowding is a concern.
Pros
- 5-ply, 3.0 mm body
- 800°F oven limit
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Heavy at 5 pounds
- Product data lists gas under compatible devices
Misen is aimed at cooks who want 5-ply construction, a 3.0 mm body and an 800°F oven limit. Three stainless steel layers and two aluminum layers are designed to provide even heating and heat retention.
The 3.5-quart capacity gives it a useful place in family cooking. Misen also describes the cooking surface as 20% larger than most competitors, which may help when you are trying to avoid crowding.
It is intended for searing, sautéing, shallow frying, steaming and oven baking. The handle is designed to stay cool, and the pan is dishwasher safe.
The pan weighs 5 pounds, so keep that in mind when lifting it with food inside. Misen says no seasoning is required, but proper preheating and oil are still important for stainless steel cooking.
The thick body resists warping under high heat. That stability helps maintain contact with the burner or induction surface.
A larger cooking surface suits multiple portions at once. It also makes turning food easier when pieces have room to move.
Dishwasher safe care adds convenience after large meals. Hand washing is still fine if you prefer a gentler routine.
T-Fal Gourmet Stainless Steel Frying Pan Set: Best for two useful pan sizes
- 11-inch and 12.5-inch pans
- Induction-ready base
- 500°F oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
T-Fal is the practical choice when one pan size is not enough. The set includes an 11-inch pan for smaller meals and a 12.5-inch pan for larger portions, with oven and dishwasher support.
Pros
- Two pan sizes
- Induction compatible
- Riveted handles
Cons
- Not a single 12-inch pan
- No lids included
T-Fal is the best option when you want two useful pan sizes instead of one large skillet. The set includes an 11-inch pan and a 12.5-inch pan, giving you a smaller choice for everyday portions and a larger choice for family meals.
Both pans use stainless steel and have an induction-ready base. They also work on gas and electric cooktops, reach 500°F in the oven and are dishwasher safe.
Riveted stainless steel handles provide a secure grip. The pans are suited to searing meats, sautéing vegetables, pan-frying fish and browning proteins.
There are no lids in the set. Choose T-Fal when storage space allows two pans and you want flexibility across meal sizes.
The smaller pan suits eggs, single servings and quick sides. The larger pan suits family batches that would crowd the smaller one.
Using both pans can save time on busy nights. You can cook a protein in one and vegetables in the other without waiting.
If you specifically need a covered 12-inch pan, compare it with the best 12 inch frying pan with lid. A lid changes the set needed for simmering and covered finishing.
LEGEND COOKWARE 5-Ply Stainless Steel 12-Inch Frying: Best for a no-coating pan with lid
- 5-ply construction
- 2.97-quart capacity
- Included lid
- 800°F oven safe
LEGEND COOKWARE fits buyers who want a no-coating stainless steel pan and a lid in the same package. Its 2.97-quart capacity is smaller than some other picks despite the 12-inch size.
Pros
- 5-ply body
- Lid included
- 800°F oven limit
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Smaller stated capacity
LEGEND COOKWARE suits cooks who want a no-coating 5-ply pan with a lid. The pan has a 2.97-quart capacity, a polished stainless steel surface and a 3 mm body made from layers of steel and aluminum.
It works on gas, electric, induction and glass cooktops. The 800°F oven limit supports high-heat searing followed by oven cooking, while the flared rim is designed for pouring.
The included lid makes it easier to cover one-pan meals and retain moisture. The pan is not nonstick, so preheat it and add oil before placing food inside.
LEGEND recommends hand washing. Choose it if you want a durable no-coating cooking surface and a lid, but compare the capacity carefully because it is smaller than some other 12-inch picks.
The no-coating surface suits cooks who want food to contact bare steel. It also avoids worrying about a coating wearing down over time.
The thick 3 mm body helps resist warping. That stability supports even contact with the heat source during searing.
The flared rim helps with controlled pouring. That detail matters for sauces and pan juices at the table.
Legacy Culinaryware 12-Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Hybrid Frying: Best for ceramic-coated versatility
- Tri-ply stainless steel body
- Ceramic nonstick coating
- Included glass lid
- 600°F oven safe
Legacy Culinaryware is the outlier for shoppers who want a 12-inch stainless steel body with a ceramic nonstick surface. It also includes a glass lid and supports stovetop-to-oven cooking up to 600°F.
Pros
- Ceramic nonstick surface
- Lid included
- All-cooktop compatibility
Cons
- Coating needs different care
- Hand washing is recommended
Legacy Culinaryware is the best fit for cooks who want a stainless steel body with a ceramic nonstick surface. Its full-body tri-ply design places an aluminum core between stainless steel layers, and its ceramic coating is free of PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium.
The pan works on gas, electric, ceramic and induction cooktops. It is oven safe to 600°F and includes a tempered glass lid with a steam vent.
This hybrid design changes the cooking routine compared with uncoated stainless steel. The ceramic surface can make food release easier, but hand washing is recommended to help maintain the nonstick finish.
Choose it for frying, searing, griddling, baking and roasting when you want a coated surface. If your priority is uncoated stainless steel, select one of the tri-ply or five-ply pans above.
The raised steel peaks protect the coating in the valleys. That design aims to add durability while keeping release performance.
The glass lid helps monitor food without lifting it. The steam vent also reduces moisture buildup during covered cooking.
Avoid continuous ultra-high heat and aerosol sprays. Those habits can shorten the life of a ceramic coating.
Tramontina Professional 12-Inch Non Stick Large Frying: Best for easy-release cooking
- Heavy-gauge aluminum
- Reinforced nonstick coating
- 400°F oven safe
- Dishwasher safe
Tramontina Professional is the easiest-release option here, but it is not stainless steel. Its reinforced nonstick surface and heavy-gauge aluminum suit cooks who value simple cleanup over stainless steel cooking technique.
Pros
- Reinforced nonstick surface
- Light 1.75 kg weight
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not stainless steel
- Not induction compatible
The Tramontina Professional is included as an easy-release comparison, but it is not a stainless steel pan. It uses heavy-gauge aluminum with a reinforced nonstick coating and is made in Brazil.
It works on gas, electric and ceramic glass cooktops. The pan is oven safe to 400°F and dishwasher safe, making it lighter and simpler to clean than many uncoated stainless steel options.
The 12-inch size gives you room for larger portions, while the 1.75 kg weight is lower than the heavier stainless steel picks. Its commercial-grade aluminum construction is designed for even heat distribution.
Choose it if easy food release is more important than stainless steel construction. It is not induction compatible, so check your cooktop before considering it.
The reinforced coating suits eggs, fish and delicate foods. Those foods often stick more on bare stainless steel without careful preheating.
The removable silicone grip adds handling comfort. It also supports moving the pan between stove and oven within the stated limit.
Heavy-gauge aluminum heats quickly for its size. That can help with responsive temperature changes during everyday cooking.
What should you look for in a 12 inch stainless steel frying pan?
Look first at the pan’s construction, cooktop compatibility, oven limit and care instructions. A 12-inch label tells you the approximate top diameter, but the cooking surface and capacity can vary.
Is tri-ply or five-ply better for a 12 inch stainless steel frying pan?
Five-ply pans use more metal layers than tri-ply pans, but layer count is only one part of the decision. Made In and Misen pair five-ply construction with higher oven limits, while Tramontina, EWFEN and MICHELANGELO use tri-ply designs for broad everyday use.
A thicker pan can also weigh more. Misen weighs 5 pounds, and MICHELANGELO weighs 2.96 kg, so consider how comfortably you can lift the pan when full.
Look at cooktop compatibility next. Induction needs a magnetic base, and not every 12-inch pan includes one.
Oven limit is another key filter. Higher limits support roasting and finishing steps that lower limits cannot handle.
Capacity and cooking surface tell you how much food fits. Total diameter alone can be misleading when sidewalls slope inward.
Lids change how you cook. Covered simmering and braising need a lid, while searing often works better open.
Care instructions affect daily effort. Dishwasher safe pans suit fast cleanup, while hand wash pans need a little more routine.
Does a 12 inch frying pan work on induction?
Yes, many do, but compatibility depends on the pan. Tramontina Signature, Made In, EWFEN, MICHELANGELO, Misen, T-Fal, LEGEND and Legacy Culinaryware are described as induction compatible.
The Tramontina Professional nonstick pan is compatible with gas, electric and ceramic glass cooktops, but its compatible-device data excludes induction.
Should you choose a pan with a lid?
Choose a lid when you often simmer, braise, steam or finish covered meals. EWFEN, MICHELANGELO, LEGEND COOKWARE and Legacy Culinaryware include lid-focused features, while T-Fal’s two-pan set does not include lids.
A lid also affects storage. Measure your cabinet space and check whether the handle and lid can fit together before ordering.
How do you keep stainless steel food from sticking?
Preheat the empty pan on medium heat, add oil, and then add food. Let the food brown before trying to turn or move it.
For the smoothest results, avoid crowding the 12-inch surface. Multiple portions release more easily when they have room to contact the pan instead of steaming against nearby food.
How should you clean and care for stainless steel pans?
Follow the care instructions for the exact pan. Tramontina Signature, EWFEN, MICHELANGELO, Misen and T-Fal are dishwasher safe, while Made In and LEGEND COOKWARE specify hand washing.
For cloudy marks, rinse promptly after acidic or starchy foods and dry the pan thoroughly. Vinegar or a nonabrasive stainless steel cleaner can help with water marks.
Avoid sudden temperature changes when the pan is very hot. Let it cool before washing, especially if the pan includes a glass lid or a ceramic coating.
Proper preheating also protects results. Heat the empty pan on medium, add oil, then add food once the surface is ready.
Avoid crowding the cooking surface. Food releases more easily when it can brown and contact the pan without steaming.
Use utensils suited to the surface. Metal tools are common with bare steel, while coated pans benefit from softer tools.
Store pans so they do not knock against others. That habit helps protect rims, handles and coatings over time.
Which 12 inch stainless steel frying pan should you buy?
Pick the Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply if you want the best balance of size, cooktop compatibility, oven use and easy care. It suits most households that cook across gas, electric and induction.
Choose Made In or Misen for five-ply construction and an 800°F oven limit. Those pans suit cooks who prioritize heat control, thick bodies and high-heat finishing.
Pick EWFEN, MICHELANGELO or LEGEND COOKWARE if a lid matters. A lid helps with simmering, braising and covered one-pan meals.
Choose T-Fal when two pan sizes are more useful than one. The 11-inch and 12.5-inch pairing covers small and large batches without forcing one size for every meal.
Choose Legacy Culinaryware when you want a ceramic-coated stainless steel hybrid. Its coated surface suits easy release, while the steel body supports broad cooktop use.
Check weight before you commit. Heavier pans feel stable, but they can be harder to lift when full of food.
For another material comparison, see our best 12 inch titanium frying pans. That guide helps if you are weighing titanium against stainless steel.
If you need to confirm what the 12-inch measurement means, use How Do You Measure a Frying Pan’s Diameter?. Measuring correctly makes capacity comparisons more reliable.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for all-cooktop family cooking
Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel 12-Inch
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for covered stovetop meals
EWFEN 12 Inch Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best 12 inch stainless steel frying pan?
The Tramontina Signature Tri-Ply is the best 12 inch stainless steel frying pan for most cooks because it works on gas, electric and induction cooktops, reaches 500°F in the oven and has a family-size 12-inch design.
Choose Made In or Misen if five-ply construction and a higher oven limit matter more.
Is a 12-inch stainless steel frying pan big enough for a family?
A 12-inch pan gives you more room for family meals, stir-fries and searing multiple portions than smaller pans. Capacity still varies, so compare the stated quart size and cooking surface before buying.
A broad pan can reduce crowding, but it also needs more storage space and a larger burner area.
Are stainless steel frying pans nonstick?
Most stainless steel frying pans are not nonstick. Preheat the pan on medium heat, add oil, then place the food in the pan after the oil is hot.
Avoid moving food too soon.
Once a browned crust forms, many foods release more easily.
Can a stainless steel frying pan go in the oven?
Many stainless steel frying pans can go in the oven, but the temperature limit varies. The picks here range from 500°F to 800°F, while the Tramontina Professional nonstick pan reaches 400°F.
Check the handle and pan temperature limit before moving a pan from the stove to the oven.
How do you measure a frying pan's diameter?
Measure straight across the top rim from inside edge to inside edge, passing through the center. The stated 12-inch size usually refers to the pan's top diameter, not the flat cooking surface.
Our guide to How Do You Measure a Frying Pan’s Diameter? explains the difference.
