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.

The frying pan should be light enough for you to lift and move. You should feel safe when cooking because the handle should remain cool. The frying pan is useful for browning, scorching, and reducing the temperature of your food quickly.

The lower sides, which flare outwards, are another essential design component. The outward flare makes it easy to toss omelets, pancakes, and other dishes directly from the pan to a plate.

Coated cast iron pans are glazed with an enamel coating. This eliminates the need for seasoning and makes it easier to clean them. It also prevents iron from leaching into food. Enameled cast iron, however, doesn't resist sticking as well as seasoned bare cast iron. It also doesn't withstand searing heat and can chip easily if dropped.

You can put a copper pan in the oven if you’re making a dessert like a tarte Tatin, but remember that copper can’t take the high heat of cast iron or stainless, so most manufacturers don’t recommend temperatures above 450 °F.

In our tests, we put copper skillets through the same heating evenness and sauté performance tests as stainless steel pans, which are also uncoated. We also cook foods that require controlled heat, including risotto, a gooey banana tarte Tatin, and melted white chocolate. All the copper pans perform well, Fisher says.

Here are two recommended copper pans from CR’s tests.