Hard-anodized frying pans are made of aluminum which has been treated to make it hard and durable. They're also non-stick, but unlike the first two types of non-stick pans, they can take high temperatures without getting damaged. They're heavy and they don't get scratched when used with metallic utensils.

While there are instances where you can interchange these two pans, for more specific tasks, there aren’t any.

Can You Use Metal Utensils on Aluminum Pans?

Non- stick pans are light in weight and heat up very fast. They work best under low heat and should never be subjected to high temperatures. They also get scratched by metallic utensils, so always use plastic or silicone cooking spoons with them.

Carbon steel cookware boasts the naturally non stick properties and great heat retention of cast iron, combined with the cooking speed and heat control of stainless steel. We’d recommend reaching for carbon steel when cooking steaks, cornbread, or anything else cooked over high heat—though it’s versatile enough to use for low-heat cooking as well.

 Dutch ovens are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods.  Dutch ovens are perfect for stews, soups, chili, braised meats, and roasted vegetables.  A Dutch oven can also be used to bake bread, making the Dutch oven a must-have for home bakers.

    Cast iron griddles and grill pans are essential tools in any kitchen, offering a variety of ways to cook a variety of foods.  These heavy-duty cookware are known for their durability and ability to evenly distribute heat, making cast griddle pan  a popular choice for many home cooks and professional chefs alike.

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.”

French skillets and frying pans can share many similarities in size and material. However, the main difference lies in the shape of their sides. Frying pans have sloping lower sides, whereas French skillets have straighter and higher sides, giving them a more luxurious appearance.

Shape