Contrary to what many expect, skillets are actually great for sautéing and stir-frying. The lighter weight makes them easy to shake, and their sloped sides helps redistribute the food back to the bottom of the pan. The wide opening also allows access to the cooking surface, making it easy to stir the ingredients.
- Cast iron pots have been around for centuries, known for their exceptional heat retention and distribution. However, it is the addition of enamel that elevates this classic cookware to new heights. Enamel, a glass-like coating, not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also eliminates the need for seasoning, making it user-friendly for those who may be intimidated by traditional cast iron.
After cooking, it's crucial to properly clean and maintain your cast iron skillet. While some people may be tempted to use soap and water, it's best to avoid harsh detergents as they can wash away sauce from the cast iron grill pan. Instead, use a brush or sponge to gently scrub the pot with warm water. After cleaning, dry the cast iron grill pan thoroughly and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.


Best for: Almost any food that needs searing, including steak and burgers. Cast-iron pans are ovenproof, so you can use them to roast meats like beef or pork and to bake cornbread, deep-dish pizza, shepherd’s pie, and more. And they retain heat so well that they’re a good choice for deep-frying chicken, doughnuts, or other foods because they keep the oil at a constant temperature.
The details: Cast-iron frying pans are practically indestructible, and they’re handed down for generations in many families. That makes their typically low price even more attractive. And if well cared for, cast iron develops a patina that releases food almost as well as nonstick. But the pans are heavy, and you have to be patient when heating them up because they don’t come up to temperature fast. Once they do, however, they retain heat.
Our tests of coated and uncoated cast-iron pans show how versatile this cookware can be. We sear steaks, brown scallops, and bake cornbread to see how well a cast-iron pan works for home cooks. The best pans ace all these tests. We also judge how easy they are to clean. Because of the enamel coating, the coated pans are a bit easier to clean than the uncoated ones.
Here are two recommended cast-iron pans from our tests.

cast iron bacon flattener.
STAINLESS STEEL FRYING PANS



large cast iron skillet. This makes it a great tool for a variety of cooking methods, from frying and braising to baking and roasting. Plus, the large cooking surface allows you to cook multiple items at once, making meal prep a breeze.