Since there is no coating to worry about damaging, untreated stainless steel pans are a more durable option than non-stick pans. However, they are not naturally non-stick, so burnt-on food can be a pain to remove; therefore, they may not be the best option for cooking delicate foods. Stainless steel pans tolerate much higher temperatures and are great for browning and searing foods like meats and vegetables.

Copper is a great heat conductor, so copper frying pans heat up pretty quickly, but they lose heat just as fast. This prevents food from continuing to heat and burning up even after removing the source of heat. They're the exact opposite of cast iron. They're also not as resistant to high temperatures as cast iron and stainless steel. Anything above 450 degrees is a no-no.

Fry pans are specifically designed for frying and can be used to fry almost anything with less oil than deep-frying. They can also be used for other cooking methods and are versatile enough to replace other pots.

    Furthermore, the Dutch oven's versatility extends beyond the stovetop. Its ability to withstand high temperatures makes black cast iron dutch oven ideal for baking bread, creating crusty artisan loaves with a soft, airy interior. The enclosed environment of the Dutch oven traps steam, resulting in a perfectly crisp crust – a feat that is difficult to replicate with other baking vessels.

Again, these cookware measurements are taken at the top, so the flat cooking area of a skillet will be a few inches below its listed size. (Note: If cooking on a glass-top stove, the skillet’s curved sides won’t come in contact with the heat source.) 

Sizzling plates are popular kitchenware items used for serving and cooking sizzling hot dishes. They are designed to retain heat and keep food sizzling hot as it is served to the table. Here, we will explore the materials used to make sizzling plates, where to buy them, and their various uses.

Once the pan has cooled, handwash the pan in warm water with mild dish detergent and a sponge. For stuck-on foods, use the rough side of the sponge or wooden spatula to scrape off food bits. Never use steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers to clean stainless steel pans as this can scratch the metal. If your stainless steel pans are labeled as dishwasher-safe, make sure to use a metal-safe detergent to protect the pans' surface.

Contrary to what many expect, skillets are actually great for sautéing and stir-frying. The lighter weight makes them easy to shake, and their sloped sides helps redistribute the food back to the bottom of the pan. The wide opening also allows access to the cooking surface, making it easy to stir the ingredients.

Cast Iron Frying Pan