Tossing Ability

The expense—and lack of induction compatibility—can be a deal breaker for some cooks when it comes to copper pans.

Even Heat Distribution: Black cast iron griddles and grill pans distribute heat evenly, ensuring that food is cooked consistently and thoroughly. This feature is essential for achieving optimal searing and browning of meats and vegetables.

Best for: everyday cooking: stir-fries, all sorts of vegetables and sauces, and meat

This means that when cooking non-stickable items like crepes, you may have a more challenging time on the typical stainless steel surface of a French skillet.

While cast iron skillets take longer to heat up than other frying pan materials, they heat evenly and consistently with no hot spots. They are great at retaining heat and can be taken from the stovetop to the oven or grill and then to the table for service to keep the food warm. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is naturally non-stick and can withstand very high temperatures without warping or getting damaged. Cast iron requires frequent maintenance, but the benefit is that it can last a lifetime with routine seasoning and using proper cleaning techniques.