Everyone can appreciate a good frying pan—especially when they turn out your favorite pork chops or soft scrambled eggs. A well-equipped kitchen typically contains several different varieties of frying pans or skillets, including cast iron, stainless steel, and nonstick. (We're not counting the other essential pots and pans you should have, too, like a saucepan, heavy-bottomed pot, or even a wok). Here is how to use, clean, and care for each.

Like skillets or frying pans, our 3.5 qt Saute Pan can be used to cook on the stovetop. Unlike a frying pan, a Sauté Pan is usually much deeper. The Saute Pan's straight, vertical sides are designed to hold a greater volume and prevent spills while limiting the cook's access with a spatula. 

   For small chips, epoxy repair kits designed for enamel and porcelain surfaces can be used. Clean the chipped area thoroughly, apply the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions, and carefully smooth the surface. Once the epoxy has dried, the repaired area should be sanded and polished to blend with the surrounding enamel.

Once the pan has cooled, handwash the pan in warm water with mild dish detergent and a sponge. For stuck-on foods, use the rough side of the sponge or wooden spatula to scrape off food bits. Never use steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers to clean stainless steel pans as this can scratch the metal. If your stainless steel pans are labeled as dishwasher-safe, make sure to use a metal-safe detergent to protect the pans' surface.

A:The disadvantages of using copper core frying pans include their high cost and their tendency to discolor with prolonged use.

Best for: Delicate proteins like fish and seafood, melting sugar, making candy, and sauces.

The details: Copper frying pans are expensive, but they offer superb heat conductivity. That means they heat up quickly and cool down just as fast, giving you more control when you’re making something you have to monitor closely, like a caramel sauce. “They’re at the opposite end of the spectrum from cast iron,” Nitahara says. “Because it heats up and cools down quickly, you can bring a sauce right to the brink, then remove it from the heat before it breaks from the high heat.”

Washing Cast Iron Grill Pan

Nonstick