Sure, you could flip a batch of pancakes in a Saute Pan and you could simmer a shallow sauce in a frying pan, but why would you when there's a pan that's meant for the job? Both pieces of cookware are quite versatile and capable of handling several cooking methods. Their key differences, however, will help you choose which one is right for your recipe.

    When choosing a Dutch oven for outdoor cooking, it's important to consider the type of cooking you'll be doing and the specific features that will best suit your needs.  Whether you choose a round cast iron Dutch oven, a camping Dutch oven, or an outdoor cast iron Dutch oven, you can be sure that you are purchasing versatile and reliable cookware that will enhance your outdoor cooking experience.  So the next time you’re out camping or on an outdoor adventure, consider bringing along a Dutch oven to up your outdoor cooking game.

Not all pans are the same, however, and sometimes how your food turns out depends on what type of pan you use. Read on to see some of the most common types of frying pans and what they're used for.

    Cast iron cookware has been a staple in the kitchen for centuries, and for good reason.  Its durability, heat retention, and versatility make it a must-have for any cooking enthusiast.  Among all types of cast iron cookware, cast iron skillets stand out as a versatile and practical tool that can meet a variety of cooking needs.

    One popular option is a cast iron skillet set with a lid.  Cast Iron Skillet Set With Lids usually includes multiple frying pans of different sizes, each with its own lid.  Cast Iron Skillet Set With Lids, the lid helps lock in heat and moisture, making it ideal for cooking dishes that require slow cooking or braising.  

French Skillet

“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.