While often overlooked, the handle of a frypan is one of its most crucial components. Once you’ve decided on the size and material of your frypan, make sure to take note of the handle on the products you’ve shortlisted. Look for a handle that’s strong and will remain cool when cooking on a stovetop. Wider handles are more beneficial for cooking since they allow for better control, especially when you’re preparing food that needs to be tossed. Lastly, stainless steel handles are ideal for low heat conductivity since they can tolerate higher temperatures than plastic or silicone handles.
- One of the key benefits of a pre-seasoned Dutch oven is its non-stick surface. This means that food will release easily from the pot, reducing the need for added fats or oils during cooking. This not only makes for healthier meals but also makes clean-up a breeze. The seasoning on the pot also helps to protect it from rust and corrosion, ensuring that it lasts for many years to come.
Whereas skillets are commonly made from cast iron or stainless steel, giving it its rugged and robust nature. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find a “cast iron frypan”, but you’ll often find “cast iron skillets”. Even though stainless steel is one of the common materials used to make skillets, cast iron is the more popular option.
- While high-end brands like Le Creuset and Staub are known for their quality enameled cast iron cookware, they often come with a hefty price tag. For budget-conscious consumers, there are more affordable options available that still provide the benefits of enameled cast iron.
- The KitchenAid Cast Iron Grill Pan is not just a pan; it's a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and innovation. Crafted from heavy-duty cast iron, it promises even heat distribution, ensuring that your food cooks evenly without hotspots. This makes it perfect for searing steaks, grilling vegetables, or achieving those beautiful grill marks on your favorite dishes.
They're obviously more expensive than other non-stick pans, but they last longer. So if you're looking for a frying pan that will last you a long time, get a hard-anodized one.
- Classic Cast Iron Skillet A Timeless Kitchen Staple
- As we gather around the table, the unmistakable hiss and sizzle from a well-seasoned cast iron pan serve as a bridge between the past and present. It's a sound that resonates with history, connecting us to the countless meals and memories made possible by these stalwart cookware companies. In celebrating them, we celebrate not just cooking, but a way of life that values quality, sustainability, and the joy of sharing wholesome food with loved ones.
- The black enamel coating on a stock pot brings an air of sophistication and elegance to any kitchen. This coating, made from a blend of glass and metal, offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It provides a non-stick surface that resists scratches, chips, and stains, ensuring that your pot maintains its sleek, black luster even after countless uses. The enamel finish also facilitates easy cleaning, a boon for busy home cooks and professional chefs alike.
- Furthermore, the use of a meat press can lead to healthier BBQ options
- Benefits of a Lightweight Frying Pan
- While unfinished cast iron pans can be extremely affordable, enameled cast iron pans can fetch upwards of $100 apiece.
- Maintenance of a cast iron frying pan is simple yet requires a bit of love. A good wash with hot water, a quick scrub with a stiff brush, and then a thorough dry to prevent rust is all it takes. And while some may shy away from the initial 'seasoning' process, it's a one-time effort that pays off in the long run, rewarding you with a non-stick cooking surface that only gets better with age.
High-heat cooking, searing, browning, slow cooking - Caring for cast iron is easy and straightforward. To clean your pan, simply wipe it with a damp cloth and then dry it thoroughly. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the seasoning. If your pan does become rusty, you can remove it by scouring it with fine-grit sandpaper and then reseasoning it.
- In addition to its functionality, the two-burner cast iron griddle also adds a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen
- When it comes to cooking vegetables, a cast iron vegetable grill pan can be a game-changer. This versatile piece of cookware allows you to achieve that perfect char and smoky flavor that is typically associated with grilling, all from the comfort of your kitchen.
- A reversible double burner grill griddle typically features dual independent burners that allow for precise temperature control. Whether you're searing a steak on the grill side or gently frying an egg on the griddle, the ability to regulate heat ensures perfect results every time. The dual burner design also facilitates simultaneous cooking of multiple items without compromising flavor or texture.
Another option is a cast-iron flat-top grill, which offers a large, flat cooking surface that's perfect for cooking multiple foods at the same time. The even heat distribution of a Cast Iron Flat Top Grill ensures your food cooks evenly and creates a delicious sear, while the flat-top design makes flipping and flipping food easy.
Because the pan is made of stainless steel, it may be thinner and lighter. It takes less time to reach the necessary cooking temperature.
At the end of the day and the beginning of your dinner recipe, your kitchen is your kitchen. You can cook whatever you want, however you want. Using the right pan for your recipe, however, will make smooth work of your delicious at-home dinner plans.
“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.


While cast iron skillets take longer to heat up than other frying pan materials, they heat evenly and consistently with no hot spots. They are great at retaining heat and can be taken from the stovetop to the oven or grill and then to the table for service to keep the food warm. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is naturally non-stick and can withstand very high temperatures without warping or getting damaged. Cast iron requires frequent maintenance, but the benefit is that it can last a lifetime with routine seasoning and using proper cleaning techniques.
How to Clean a Carbon Steel Pan
Cast iron griddles are a versatile and essential tool for any kitchen. Whether you're grilling vegetables, shrimp, or oysters, a cast iron griddle is perfect for delicious results. Additionally, knowing how to properly clean and maintain your Cast iron griddles is critical to their longevity and performance.


Cooking Surface
Enameled cast iron pots with lids are known for their durability and heat retention properties. They are great for slow cooking, stewing and baking. The heavy-duty construction of these pots ensures even heat distribution, making them suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. The lid helps lock in moisture and flavor, keeping dishes tender and flavorful.
On the other hand, the French skillet is excellent for frying large quantities of food or making stews and sauces that require simmering. These dishes are challenging to cook in a frying pan, which cannot hold excess moisture, and the food may easily fall out of the pan. Examples of such meals include risotto and paella.