What is the benefit of a 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.

    One popular option among discerning cooks is the enameled cast iron pots and pans set, which typically includes an assortment of skillets, Dutch ovens, and saucepans – all designed to elevate culinary creations to new heights. Furthermore, for those with an eye for design, enameled cast iron cookware sets are available in an array of vibrant colors, adding a touch of sophistication to any kitchen aesthetic. Whether opting for a classic black or embracing bold hues, such as cobalt blue or cherry red, these sets serve as both functional cooking vessels and statement pieces.

Cast iron is usually what you think of when you mention the word “skillet.'' Cast iron is heavy, and it can be hard to maneuver in the kitchen. However, many people love cast iron because it can retain heat. Newer pans will need to be seasoned with a light coating of oil. After the pan is seasoned, cast iron has excellent non-stick abilities. 

Carbon Steel Frying Pans

Bacon Press: A cast iron bacon press is a heavy, flat weight with a handle, designed to be placed on top of bacon strips or other meats as they cook. It helps to prevent curling and ensures even cooking by applying consistent pressure to the meat.

Indoor and Outdoor Cooking: Griddles and grill pans made of black cast iron are suitable for use on stovetops, grills, and even campfires, providing flexibility for indoor and outdoor cooking. This versatility makes them ideal for a range of culinary settings.

    A large cast iron Dutch oven is perfect for cooking a large meal or feeding a crowd.  These heavy-duty pots are great for slow-cooking, braising meats, and making soups.  The thick walls and tight-fitting lid of a large cast-iron Dutch oven help distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for simmering and baking.  Their size also makes them perfect for baking bread or making large batches of chili.

The geometry of a pan can affect how easily moisture is driven off of food, and how rapidly a sauce will reduce. It's often claimed that the sloped sides of a skillet help moisture exuded by cooking meats evaporate more rapidly, allowing you to sear more efficiently. And this is true, but only given the same cooking area. In other words, a 12-inch skillet with a 10-inch cooking area will sear foods more efficiently than a 10-inch sauté pan. The corollary to this, of course, is that, given an equal amount of food that needs searing over super-high heat (some steaks, for example), the large surface area of a sauté pan does not offer any significant advantages over a skillet—you'll still have to cook in just as many batches.