Copper frying pans are the most expensive on the market, but they offer many benefits that make them a great investment for serious cooks. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, and copper frying pans distribute heat evenly and quickly, making them ideal for cooking delicate dishes such as sauces and eggs.

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.

Made from electrochemically treated aluminium, the surfaces of hard anodised aluminium frypans are twice as rigid as stainless steel and stick-resistant. They heat up evenly and quickly and are the pan of choice for many professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. Because of their durability, you can use metal utensils without worrying about scratching or chipping the surface of your pan. They’re also incredibly easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

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.

The sloped shape and light weight of skillets make them perfect for quick cooking and stir-fries.

 When caring for enameled cast iron cookware, it is important to avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the enamel surface.  Instead, choose wooden or silicone utensils to maintain the integrity of the coating.  Additionally, it's best to hand wash enamel-coated cast iron cookware to prevent the enamel from chipping or getting damaged.

 One of the main advantages of enameled cast iron cookware is its ability to evenly distribute heat.  This ensures food cooks consistently and prevents hot spots from causing uneven cooking.  Enamel coating also makes cookware easy to clean and maintain because it resists staining and does not require the same degree of seasoning as traditional cast iron.

Round Cast Iron Griddle Pan

    No matter which type of cast iron cooking griddle you choose, it's important to properly care for and maintain your cast iron cookware to ensure its longevity and performance.  Seasoning your cast iron cooking griddle regularly and cleaning it properly after each use will help prevent rust and maintain a nonstick cooking surface.

Why chefs prefer stainless steel cookware over aluminium cookware?

No, carbon steel pans are not dishwasher safe, as they can rust in moist environments. Instead, carbon steel frying pans should be hand-washed with warm water and a soft-bristle brush or non-scouring sponge.

    For those looking for more convenience, a cast iron skillet with a removable handle is a great option.  The removable handle takes up less space and makes it easier to store the frying pan.  Cast iron skillet also allows the frying pan to be used in the oven as the handle can be removed to withstand higher temperatures.  This feature increases the versatility of the frying pan, making it suitable for a wider range of cooking techniques.