Mainstays 3-Piece Nonstick Skillet Set vs Tramontina Professional Nonstick Fry Pan 12-Inch

Buy the Mainstays set if you want three everyday pans for a starter kitchen or a family cooking eggs, pancakes and sautés at once. Buy the Tramontina 12-inch if you cook hard and want one large, sturdy pan that holds up to restaurant-style heat and heavy use. The Mainstays pans are thin aluminum with a two-layer coating, so they heat fast but dent and wear sooner; the Tramontina is a thicker commercial-grade pan with a riveted handle and a longer track record with cooks. Owners rate the Mainstays set well for value and easy cleanup, while Tramontina's professional line is known for durability and even heating.

• Choose the Mainstays 3-piece set if you need several pan sizes for everyday home cooking and want easy cleanup without committing to one large pan.
• Choose the Tramontina 12-inch if you want a single large, heavy-duty fry pan built for high heat and long service.