When purchasing an enamel pot, it is important to consider the quality of the enamel coating.  Look for pans with a thick, durable enamel coating that will prevent chips and scratches.  This will ensure that your enamel pot will last for years to come.

This design allows the pan to accommodate a greater amount of fluid and food, and the slightly sloped ones make it easier to toss and flip your food.

From carbon steel to enameled cast iron, we think almost every single kind of pan has its merits. But if you’re just getting into the home cooking game, or you’re looking to expand your toolkit, the sheer variety of pans on the market can feel intimidating—especially if you’re just looking for a good all-purpose pan for weeknight dinners.

In the labs, we put the carbon steel pans through the same tests as our cast-iron pans: heating evenness, baking, and browning. You have to keep carbon steel pans seasoned, like cast iron, but if you do, they soon develop a smooth patina that makes a pan as slick as nonstick, giving you even more cooking possibilities.

Material World

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. 

They can also be found in a variety of materials. On the other hand, frying pans are a fantastic tool for frying, blistering, and browning food due to their flat bottoms and lack of a top. They’re ideal for high-heat grilling and frying, as well as shallow and deep-frying. There are also aluminum and stainless steel alternatives.

    For those who enjoy cooking outdoors, a cast iron Dutch oven is a game changer.  Dutch oven durability and heat retention make it ideal for campfire cooking.  Whether you're making chili, pie, or baking bread, a Dutch oven can get the job done.  Dutch oven's versatility and ability to withstand high temperatures make it a favorite among campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

    Cast iron cookware has been a staple in the kitchen for centuries, and for good reason.  Its durability, versatility, and ability to retain and evenly distribute heat make  Cast iron cookware a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.  From enameled pots and Dutch ovens to griddles, skillets, and griddles, there are various types of cast iron cookware to suit different cooking needs.

Searing and Browning: The large cooking surface of big black cast iron skillets provides ample space for searing and browning meats, creating a desirable crust and locking in juices for flavorful results.

Sizzle Pan Measure

Best for: Delicate proteins like fish and seafood, melting sugar, making candy, and sauces.

The details: Copper frying pans are expensive, but they offer superb heat conductivity. That means they heat up quickly and cool down just as fast, giving you more control when you’re making something you have to monitor closely, like a caramel sauce. “They’re at the opposite end of the spectrum from cast iron,” Nitahara says. “Because it heats up and cools down quickly, you can bring a sauce right to the brink, then remove it from the heat before it breaks from the high heat.”