“There are a few things to consider when you’re buying cookware, including how you cook, durability, and price,” says Lance Nitahara, an assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, N.Y. “On the low end of the price scale are nonstick and cast iron; copper is on the high end. But each does a different thing.”
Below, you’ll find advice on how to choose the right frying pan for how you cook, plus highlights of top-performing pans from CR’s tests, listed alphabetically and not by rank. You can see how all the pans we test perform in our frying pan ratings and learn more about the different types of pans in our cookware buying guide.Excellent heat conductor, durable, easy to clean; Expensive, prone to discoloration with prolonged use Cast iron is usually what you think of when you mention the word “skillet.'' Cast iron is heavy, and it can be hard to maneuver in the kitchen. However, many people love cast iron because it can retain heat. Newer pans will need to be seasoned with a light coating of oil. After the pan is seasoned, cast iron has excellent non-stick abilities.
- Another advantage of cast iron griddles is their ability to retain heat


All in all, a cast iron Dutch oven is a versatile and reliable tool that can enhance your cooking experience, whether at home or outdoors. Cast Iron Camp Oven ability to withstand high temperatures, distribute heat evenly, and retain heat for long periods of time makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen. With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron Dutch oven can last for generations, making it a worthwhile investment for any cooking enthusiast.


Frying Pan Sizes
Copper Frying Pans
Versatility and Culinary Capabilities:
Skillets have less cooking area which may be a drawback, depending on what you're cooking. That said, skillets have the advantage of making it easy to toss or shake ingredients so that they cook evenly, thanks to the pans’ slanted sides. (You know, the professional chef move, when instead of using a wooden spoon to stir or mix the ingredients, with a quick jerk of the wrist, the ingredients are tossed and quickly caught back in the pan.) Skillets are great pans for sauteing foods and stir-frys because of how easy the pan is to move with agility.

If you love sizzling plates and delicious food, then sizzling plates are a must-have for your kitchen. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, a sizzling iron plate can take your culinary creations to the next level. These versatile Sizzling Plates are perfect for preparing and serving a variety of dishes, from sizzling fajitas to mouth-watering designs.


Surface Area
Enameled cast iron pans offer all the benefits of unfinished cast iron, with the touch of added convenience usually associated with non stick.
Which leads us to a similarity they both have; a flat cooking surface.


enamel coated cast iron frying pan.
NON-STICK FRYING PANS

porcelain enamel pots and pans. This makes them a worthwhile investment that will withstand years of use in the kitchen.
Versatility: Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, including braising, stewing, roasting, frying, and baking. They are suitable for both stovetop and Dutch ovens use, making them a popular choice for one-pot meals.