You want to match the pan to the job to get the best results in the kitchen. Skillets and saute pans are versatile, and they can handle most types of cooking methods. However, it is best to choose the suitable pans for your recipe. Take time to assess whether a saute pan or skillet is the right choice.

Indoor and Outdoor Cooking: Griddles and grill pans made of black cast iron are suitable for use on stovetops, grills, and even campfires, providing flexibility for indoor and outdoor cooking. This versatility makes them ideal for a range of culinary settings.

Hearty and Flavorful Meals: Dutch ovens are perfect for creating hearty and flavorful meals such as stews, soups, roasts, and casseroles. Their ability to maintain a consistent temperature and seal in moisture results in tender and succulent dishes.

“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.

    One of the most popular types of Dutch ovens for outdoor cooking is the round cast iron Dutch oven.  This classic design features a deep round pot and tight-fitting lid, perfect for cooking stews, soups, and roasts over an open fire.  The Round Cast Iron Dutch Oven shape distributes heat evenly, ensuring food is cooked to perfection every time.