No seasoning needed However, cast iron frying pans require special care and maintenance, including seasoning and proper storage. They are also not dishwasher safe and can be challenging to clean if not cared for properly.
With their straight sides, sauté pans have similar bottom and top measurements, so a 12-inch pan will offer a cooking area of the same size. Sauté pans are often described according to capacity, and a good choice for home cooking is anywhere from 1 quart to 7 quarts.
- Cast iron cookware has been a staple in kitchens for centuries due to its exceptional heat retention and distribution. It allows for even cooking, making it perfect for achieving those sought-after sear marks on your food - a characteristic that defines the classic grill experience. A grill pan, with its ridged surface, mimics the outdoor grilling, allowing fat to drip away while imparting a smoky flavor without the need for an open flame.
“There are a few things to consider when you’re buying cookware, including how you cook, durability, and price,” says Lance Nitahara, an assistant professor at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, N.Y. “On the low end of the price scale are nonstick and cast iron; copper is on the high end. But each does a different thing.”
Below, you’ll find advice on how to choose the right frying pan for how you cook, plus highlights of top-performing pans from CR’s tests, listed alphabetically and not by rank. You can see how all the pans we test perform in our frying pan ratings and learn more about the different types of pans in our cookware buying guide.
Additionally, the versatility of cast iron skillets extends to outdoor cooking. Whether you're grilling on the grill or cooking over an open flame while camping, this versatile cast iron skillets can handle high temperatures and deliver consistent cooking results. Cast Iron Skillet sturdy construction and insulating properties make it a solid choice for outdoor cooking adventures, ensuring you can enjoy delicious meals even away from the comfort of your kitchen.


Kitchen Cookware Multifunction Rectangular Frying Pan Cast lron Wok
It depends. Not every non-stick pan is oven-safe, so you should confirm with your pan's manufacturer. Some non-stick pans are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.
Lightweight enameled cast iron cookware offers the same benefits as heavy enameled cast iron cookware, such as excellent heat retention and even cooking, but with the added benefit of being easier to handle and operate. This makes Lightweight enameled cast iron cookware a great choice for home cooks who want the performance of cast iron without the bulk.


