1. Cast Iron Skillets

Skillets can be made from different types of material. Stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron are common options. Some skillets are made from a combination of aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum pans that have a thin gauge (read: not very thick) aren't the best choice since they are more likely to warp.

Best for: Almost any food that needs frying, browning, or searing. Because it’s ovenproof, stainless is also a good choice for foods that you start on the stovetop and then move to the oven to finish, like thick pork chops.

The details: Nitahara says that 95 percent of the pans used in the CIA’s teaching kitchens are stainless steel because they can take a lot of punishment. “The only time we don’t use them is on egg day, when we use nonstick,” he says. He adds that the shiny surface of a stainless pan makes it easy to see whether your food is browning.

In CR’s tests of stainless steel pans, we measure heating evenness by cooking pancakes, and we gauge how evenly a pan sautés by cooking potatoes until they’re tender. We also conduct a cleaning test to see how easy it is to remove cooked-on food. You’d think that all stainless pans would be about the same to clean, but our tests show that some require a lot more scrubbing than others.

Here are two recommended stainless steel pans from CR’s tests.

Stainless steel has anti-corrosive qualities and distributes equal heat. It is also long-lasting, sturdy, and non-stick. Since it’s PTFE coated, it poses no health risks.

 One of the most attractive things about enamel pots is their bright colors.  From classic orange enamel pots to charming pink enamel pots and soothing blue enamel pots, there's a color to suit every kitchen aesthetic.  Colorful enamel coating not only adds a touch of character to your kitchen but also provides a durable and easy-to-clean surface suitable for cooking a variety of dishes.

Camping Dutch Oven

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.

    Regardless of size, cast iron skillets are a kitchen essential that can handle a variety of cooking tasks.  Whether you're cooking for one person or more, there's a cast iron skillet to suit your needs.

    Dutch oven's multifaceted functions make it a cornerstone of culinary excellence. Whether braising, baking, frying, or outdoor cooking, this iconic cookware delivers consistent, delicious results time and time again. As chefs and home cooks continue to explore the endless possibilities of the Dutch oven, its status as a kitchen essential remains unchallenged. So why not unlock the full potential of your culinary repertoire with the timeless versatility of the Dutch oven?

    Another option is a cast-iron flat-top grill, which offers a large, flat cooking surface that's perfect for cooking multiple foods at the same time.  The even heat distribution of a Cast Iron Flat Top Grill ensures your food cooks evenly and creates a delicious sear, while the flat-top design makes flipping and flipping food easy.

    When looking to buy cast iron cookware, it's essential to consider factors such as the number of pieces included in the set, the type of enamel coating used, and the reputation of the manufacturer. Opting for an enameled cast iron cookware set ensures versatility in the kitchen, allowing for seamless transitions from stovetop to oven to table.

Contrary to what many expect, skillets are actually great for sautéing and stir-frying. The lighter weight makes them easy to shake, and their sloped sides helps redistribute the food back to the bottom of the pan. The wide opening also allows access to the cooking surface, making it easy to stir the ingredients.

NON-STICK FRYING PANS