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.

French skillets also come in different sizes, but they are typically much smaller, ranging from 8 to 12 inches.

Applications of Enamel Cookware:

How to clean: scrub with a plastic brush, which won't scratch. Before cooking, rub 1/2 teaspoon oil inside to safeguard the nonstick surface.

Customization and Personalization: Sizzling steak plates and platters allow for customization and personalization, as diners can add their preferred condiments, sauces, and garnishes directly to the sizzling hot surface, tailoring the dish to their taste.

    For those who enjoy cooking outdoors, a cast iron Dutch oven is a game changer.  Dutch oven durability and heat retention make it ideal for campfire cooking.  Whether you're making chili, pie, or baking bread, a Dutch oven can get the job done.  Dutch oven's versatility and ability to withstand high temperatures make it a favorite among campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

    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.

Non-stick frying pans are also easy to clean and maintain, as food and grease can be wiped away with ease. They are also safe for use on all stovetops, including induction.

From carbon steel to enameled cast iron, we think almost every single kind of pan has its merits. But if you’re just getting into the home cooking game, or you’re looking to expand your toolkit, the sheer variety of pans on the market can feel intimidating—especially if you’re just looking for a good all-purpose pan for weeknight dinners.

Skillets and sauté pans are offered in similar sizes, ranging from 3.5-inch to 17-inch diameters. The most popular are 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch diameters, with most home stoves comfortably accommodating a maximum of 12-inches.

Yes. Cast iron is extremely durable and when properly seasoned can stand up to metal utensils without its surface getting damaged. Metal utensils are a great option to use with cast iron to ensure your utensils can withstand a cast iron's heat retention.

Non Stick Frying Pans