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

Saute pans have straight sides and usually come with lids. French skillets, on the other hand, have slightly sloped sides and are typically smaller in size. They also do not usually come with a lid, unlike saute pans.

Lid Availability

Non stick pans have a relatively short lifespan, and require a bit of extra care to protect them from damage.

But you'll want to factor in that this material is a lot heavier than stainless steel and can be harder to maneuver and lift. There are certain sauces or foods that aren't recommended to be prepared in a cast-iron skillet. If you're simmering a tomato sauce or other acidic foods, or foods that are more likely to stick, such as eggs or crepes, opt for a skillet that isn't cast iron.

Dutch Oven Materials:

Outdoor Cooking: The potjie pot is well-suited for outdoor cooking, making it a popular choice for camping, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. Its robust construction and ability to withstand open flames and coals make it an ideal companion for outdoor culinary adventures.

Recipes that you plan to grill up fast under high heat, meats that need to be seared, or foods that require constant flipping and stirring with a spatula are most conveniently prepared in a frying pan. The nicely sloped sides of a frying pan also make it possible to toss up a small portion of stir-fry. However, to achieve a perfect finish on this type of shallowly fried dish, a bowl-shaped Wok works best.