So Which One Is It?

If you still can’t seem to pick, however, we’d suggest our Multi-Material Frying Pan Set. This three-piece collection includes a Stainless Clad, a Non Stick, and a Carbon Steel Frying Pan, so you’ll have all of your bases covered—with room to grow.

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.

    Both lightweight enameled cast iron cookware and heavy enameled cookware are available in a variety of bright colors, adding a touch of style to any kitchen.  Whether you prefer the convenience of lightweight cookware or the sturdiness of heavy-duty enamel, there's an enamel cookware option to suit every cooking style and preference.