Made from: stainless steel, an alloy that doesn't chip, rust, or react with food; heats up moderately, quickly, and evenly

Cast Griddle Plates Size

“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.

Frying pans are usually made from various materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, aluminium, and copper. Each material has unique properties that make it suitable for specific types of cooking.

As long as it is labeled oven-safe, aluminum pans are safe to use in the oven. Aluminum has a high melting point of 1,221 degrees Fahrenheit so it can handle high cooking and baking temperatures.

Cast Iron Construction: Dutch ovens are crafted from heavy-duty cast iron, known for its excellent heat retention and distribution. This allows for even cooking and makes them suitable for a wide range of cooking methods, including braising, roasting, baking, and stewing.