Dutch ovens come in various types, including traditional cast iron, enameled cast iron, and aluminum. Traditional cast iron Dutch ovens are seasoned and require regular maintenance to prevent rust and maintain their non-stick properties. Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens have a porcelain enamel coating, offering easy maintenance and a variety of color options. Aluminum Dutch ovens are lightweight and excellent conductors of heat, making them suitable for outdoor cooking.
With tall sides and a wide base, sauté pans pack more weight. Larger sauté pans may even come with a secondary helper handle, which is a small loop handle attached opposite the main long handle as well as a cover or lid. This is helpful, as the weight of larger sauté pans is difficult to move around, especially since they can hold plenty of food.
But you'll want to factor in that this material is a lot heavier than stainless steel and can be harder to maneuver and lift. There are certain sauces or foods that aren't recommended to be prepared in a cast-iron skillet. If you're simmering a tomato sauce or other acidic foods, or foods that are more likely to stick, such as eggs or crepes, opt for a skillet that isn't cast iron.




“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.
Durability: Cast iron Dutch ovens are built to last and can withstand high temperatures and heavy use. When properly cared for, they can be passed down through generations, making them a long-lasting investment.
Dutch Oven Use
Cooking Surface
All in all, the sizzle plate is a must-have if you want to bring the sizzle of a restaurant-style steak into your own kitchen. With a variety of options available for purchase, you can easily find the perfect sizzling plate to create your own sizzling steak experience at home.


porcelain cookware set.