Best for: Almost any food that needs searing, including steak and burgers. Cast-iron pans are ovenproof, so you can use them to roast meats like beef or pork and to bake cornbread, deep-dish pizza, shepherd’s pie, and more. And they retain heat so well that they’re a good choice for deep-frying chicken, doughnuts, or other foods because they keep the oil at a constant temperature.

The details: Cast-iron frying pans are practically indestructible, and they’re handed down for generations in many families. That makes their typically low price even more attractive. And if well cared for, cast iron develops a patina that releases food almost as well as nonstick. But the pans are heavy, and you have to be patient when heating them up because they don’t come up to temperature fast. Once they do, however, they retain heat.

Our tests of coated and uncoated cast-iron pans show how versatile this cookware can be. We sear steaks, brown scallops, and bake cornbread to see how well a cast-iron pan works for home cooks. The best pans ace all these tests. We also judge how easy they are to clean. Because of the enamel coating, the coated pans are a bit easier to clean than the uncoated ones.

Here are two recommended cast-iron pans from our tests.

Skillets and sauté pans appear very similar, but the main difference lies in their shape.

If you keep all this information in mind when purchasing your new frypan, you’ll be sure to settle on an option that will make cooking easy and convenient for years to come. Happy shopping, and bon appétit!

    Cast iron cookware has been a staple in the kitchen for centuries, and for good reason.  Its durability, versatility, and ability to retain and evenly distribute heat make  Cast iron cookware a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.  From enameled pots and Dutch ovens to griddles, skillets, and griddles, there are various types of cast iron cookware to suit different cooking needs.

Dutch Oven Material  

Cast Iron Skillet With Wooden Handle

However, if you find yourself stir frying, making fajitas and baked dishes more often than not, you may just prefer the skillet for its fantastic heat retention properties. Think a sizzling fajita for a Mexican themed dinner soiree with your closest friends. A skillet can certainly deliver a fantastic impression that will wow your guests.

Enamel Pots Size