The “20 cm” and “26 cm” labels refer to approximate inner diameter. They do not tell you whether the handle will fit in your storage space or whether the pan works with your heat source. Before adding a pan to a small kitchen, think of a dish you cook often and how much you cook at once. Then check heat-source compatibility, the pan's full dimensions, and storage. If your current pan works, keeping it may be the better choice.
This article uses two models from T-fal's IH Titanium Excellence Vanilla Beige series as examples: G18202 (20 cm) and G18205 (26 cm). This is not a comparison of every product or a universal recommendation. The model-specific official pages were checked on October 17, 2026.
Start with your cooking and storage needs
Write down a dish, how often you make it, the amount you cook at once, your heat source (gas, induction, or an electric plate), and what is inconvenient about your current pan. Household size alone does not determine the right diameter. The space needed to spread ingredients out depends on the dish. Check your pan in use instead of assuming that a given size guarantees even cooking.
Compare inner diameter and full dimensions
The official specifications list G18202 at 35.8 × 20.5 × 7.7 cm, with a 20 cm inner diameter, 1.3 L brim-full capacity, and approximate weight of 0.62 kg. G18205 is 45.2 × 26.8 × 7.7 cm, with a 26 cm inner diameter, 2.4 L brim-full capacity, and approximate weight of 0.95 kg. The dimensions are width × depth × height. Brim-full capacity is not a usable cooking capacity.
See the official pages for G18202 and G18205. The larger model needs more width and depth for storage and is about 0.33 kg heavier when empty. A larger surface may leave more room to arrange food, but inner diameter and brim-full capacity do not establish how many servings you can cook or how they will turn out. Measure the drawer or shelf with the handle in the direction you will use to put the pan away. Check the manufacturer's instructions before stacking pans or storing one upright.
Check induction compatibility by model
Both example models are marked for gas and IH use, but that indication does not apply to other pans. Panasonic explains that IH compatibility depends on the pan's material, base shape, and base size, and that requirements can differ by IH model and heating zone. See its pan-selection guide.
The 20 cm inner diameter is not the diameter of the pan's base. Check the manual for your IH cooktop and confirm the pan's base dimensions. If the official product page does not provide them, ask the manufacturer using the model number. Do not decide from the diameter label alone. Also inspect existing cookware for a warped base, peeling, or damage; Panasonic advises against using cookware with a peeling base in its IH pan guide.
Buying may not solve a real problem
If your current pan cooks your usual dishes, has no concerning damage, and is easy to wash and store, there may be no reason to add another. If a specific problem remains—such as not having enough room to spread food out—identify the dimension or feature that would solve it. Official specifications do not establish current stock, price, or retailer-specific accessories, so check those conditions with the seller before purchase.
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