The price of cast iron cookware can vary depending on the brand, size, and type of cookware.  Generally speaking, if properly maintained, cast iron cookware is an investment that will last a lifetime.  While the initial cost may be higher than other types of cast iron cookware, the longevity and performance of cast iron make it worth the purchase.  Additionally, shopping for cast iron cookware on sale or on sale can help you save money while still providing your kitchen with high-quality cookware.

Aluminum is lightweight but strong and doesn't warp when exposed to high heat. Since they're such good conductors of heat, aluminum frying pans are great for frying and sautéing foods. The main drawback of aluminum is that it reacts with alkaline and acidic foods. This causes corrosion and leads to leaching of the metal into the food, which acquires a metallic taste.

saucepans,braiser pans,sheet pans,cake pans,grill pans,bundt pans,roasting pans,saute pans, etc.

It depends. Some manufacturers will label their pans dishwasher-safe, but for the longevity of your pans, it is best to hand-wash stainless steel pans. Dishwasher detergents can be harsh on the stainless steel and may lead to corrosion, and in general, regularly dishwashing your pans will dull and spot them over time.

    When using a cast iron griddle on an electric stove, it's important to make sure the skillet is properly seasoned.  Seasoning your cast iron griddle creates a non-stick surface and prevents rust.  To season the cast iron griddle, coat the cooking surface with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heat on the stove until it starts to smoke.  Repeat this process a few times and your cast iron griddle is ready to use.

Best for: Almost any food that needs frying, browning, or searing. Because it’s ovenproof, stainless is also a good choice for foods that you start on the stovetop and then move to the oven to finish, like thick pork chops.

The details: Nitahara says that 95 percent of the pans used in the CIA’s teaching kitchens are stainless steel because they can take a lot of punishment. “The only time we don’t use them is on egg day, when we use nonstick,” he says. He adds that the shiny surface of a stainless pan makes it easy to see whether your food is browning.

In CR’s tests of stainless steel pans, we measure heating evenness by cooking pancakes, and we gauge how evenly a pan sautés by cooking potatoes until they’re tender. We also conduct a cleaning test to see how easy it is to remove cooked-on food. You’d think that all stainless pans would be about the same to clean, but our tests show that some require a lot more scrubbing than others.

Here are two recommended stainless steel pans from CR’s tests.

Lightweight Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Aluminium frying pans are lightweight and easy to handle, making them a popular choice among home cooks. They are also affordable and widely available, making them an excellent option for those on a budget.

The lower sloping sides of fry pans make them ideal for flipping food, while the higher straight sides of French skillets make them perfect for cooking large quantities of food or making stews and sauces that require simmering.

    If you need smaller enamel cookware, consider adding an enamelware saucepan to your collection.  Perfect for heating sauces, poaching eggs, or cooking grains, this enamelware saucepan versatile pan is a must-have in the kitchen.  

A frying pan sports a shallow broad metal pan with sloping sides and does not have a lid but has an open design for better thermal distribution during cooking.

Cast Iron Skillets Versatility

    Cast iron skillets are a versatile and essential tool for any kitchen.  Known for their durability, even heat distribution, and heat-holding capabilities, they're perfect for frying, baking, and more.  When choosing the right cast iron skillet, there are some key features to consider, including the presence of a lid and the type of handle.