But you'll want to factor in that this material is a lot heavier than stainless steel and can be harder to maneuver and lift. There are certain sauces or foods that aren't recommended to be prepared in a cast-iron skillet. If you're simmering a tomato sauce or other acidic foods, or foods that are more likely to stick, such as eggs or crepes, opt for a skillet that isn't cast iron.

Sure, you could flip a batch of pancakes in a Saute Pan and you could simmer a shallow sauce in a frying pan, but why would you when there's a pan that's meant for the job? Both pieces of cookware are quite versatile and capable of handling several cooking methods. Their key differences, however, will help you choose which one is right for your recipe.

Considerations:

    When choosing a Dutch oven for outdoor cooking, it's important to consider the type of cooking you'll be doing and the specific features that will best suit your needs.  Whether you choose a round cast iron Dutch oven, a camping Dutch oven, or an outdoor cast iron Dutch oven, you can be sure that you are purchasing versatile and reliable cookware that will enhance your outdoor cooking experience.  So the next time you’re out camping or on an outdoor adventure, consider bringing along a Dutch oven to up your outdoor cooking game.

Like their aluminum counterpart, carbon steel frying pans are an excellent conductor of heat. However, they are a more durable and long-lasting option with the proper care, plus they can be used on induction cooktops. They can maintain both low and high temperatures for greater versatility and can cook both delicate foods like eggs and fish as well as sear thick meats like steaks and pork chops. Like cast iron, carbon steel pans require regular seasoning to maintain their non-stick capabilities. However, they heat up faster and are more lightweight, making them a great alternative to cast iron skillets. It is important to note that carbon steel pans are not ideal for cooking acidic foods as they can alter the foods' taste.

When it comes down to it, as far as high-temperature searing (as for steaks) goes, the pans are equally efficient. A skillet offers advantages for sautéing, and a sauté pan offers advantages for shallow-frying, moderate-temperature searing (as for chicken pieces), or braising. In an ideal world, you'd have both, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with the skillet, as sautéing is a step in nearly every recipe I make.