Revered for its versatility and ability to elevate dishes to new heights, the Dutch oven has secured its place as a kitchen must-have for chefs and home cooks alike. But what exactly sets this iconic cookware apart, and how can its functions be fully utilized?

Typically made by adding a non-stick coating to aluminum pans, non-stick frying pans are ideal for cooking delicate foods with a tendency to stick, such as fish, fried eggs, and pancakes. The non-stick coating limits the amount of oils and fats needed to cook food and makes cleanup a breeze since your food won't stick to the pan. Non-stick pans are best used in low to medium heat settings to extend the coating's life. Using a non-stick pan in high-heat applications can damage the coating and cause it to smoke, peel, or flake.

Pans are open to even more interpretation. While most cooks consider a pan to be a sauté pan, the term often refers to all types of cooking vessels. The phrase “pots and pans” is synonymous with general cookware, and “pan” is commonly used when describing other pieces — crepe pan, sheet pan, roasting pan, and the like. 

According to one version, Le Creuset coined the term to promote their product as enticing and exotic.

Once the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the cooking surface using tongs and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool briefly before serving and enjoy the delicious results of your efforts.

    Dutch ovens, on the other hand, are known for their versatility.  Dutch ovens can be used for everything from soups and stews to toast and roasts.

Summary

Aside from being available in a range of different colors, the main advantage of enameled cast iron over unfinished cast iron is that it’s much less likely to rust, and is also relatively easy to clean and maintain. And while these pans are more of an investment than mass-market unfinished cast iron cookware, they offer invaluable convenience and elegance that’ll last for several lifetimes.