Ceramic-based pans are also popular due to their non-stick and chemical-free surfaces, but they may not last as long and can be prone to breakage or chipping.

For durable, long-lasting pans that are easy to clean and usable on induction cooktops, stainless steel frying pans offer a great solution. Their non-reactive properties make them an excellent pan for slow-simmering tomato sauces and other acidic recipes. Stainless steel does not conduct heat well, so most commercial stainless steel pans will have an aluminum-clad bottom to promote even heat distribution and eliminate hot spots. The main drawback of stainless steel pans is that they aren't naturally non-stick, but this can be combated with proper preheating and cooking oils.

Enamel Potjie Pot: The enamel potjie pot, with its distinctive round belly and three legs, is a traditional South African cooking vessel that has gained popularity worldwide. Its enamel coating provides a durable and non-reactive cooking surface, making it suitable for a wide range of culinary creations.

So we know that the frypan is generally smaller than the skillet, but does that also mean it has a smaller cooking surface? It sure does. Its overall smaller build gives it a smaller cooking surface, while its shallower depth also reduces the amount you can cook on it. But its compact size certainly gives you an easier time when it comes to cooking smaller portions.

Best for: Almost any food that needs searing, including steak and burgers. Cast-iron pans are ovenproof, so you can use them to roast meats like beef or pork and to bake cornbread, deep-dish pizza, shepherd’s pie, and more. And they retain heat so well that they’re a good choice for deep-frying chicken, doughnuts, or other foods because they keep the oil at a constant temperature.

The details: Cast-iron frying pans are practically indestructible, and they’re handed down for generations in many families. That makes their typically low price even more attractive. And if well cared for, cast iron develops a patina that releases food almost as well as nonstick. But the pans are heavy, and you have to be patient when heating them up because they don’t come up to temperature fast. Once they do, however, they retain heat.

Our tests of coated and uncoated cast-iron pans show how versatile this cookware can be. We sear steaks, brown scallops, and bake cornbread to see how well a cast-iron pan works for home cooks. The best pans ace all these tests. We also judge how easy they are to clean. Because of the enamel coating, the coated pans are a bit easier to clean than the uncoated ones.

Here are two recommended cast-iron pans from our tests.

A ceramic frying pan is also non-stick, but, unlike common non-stick pans which are coated with some chemical substance, ceramic pans are coated with a silica gel made from sand or ceramic stone.

Copper Frying Pans

    Once the bacon begins to sizzle and release some fat, carefully position the bacon press on top of the bacon slices. Ensure that the press is evenly distributed over the bacon to promote uniform cooking.

Cast Griddle Plates Size

Stainless steel is an alloy of multiple metals like iron, nickel, and chromium, all of which contribute different characteristics to create a stronger, higher-performance material. You can also find pans labeled “stainless clad,” which are made from several layers—or ply—of different metals and alloys bonded together for optimized heat conduction and distribution. Our 5-Ply Stainless Clad features five layers of four different metals, resulting in an incredibly durable, corrosion- and rust-resistant pan.