A skillet features the same design and function because they are the same type of pan. Although the word skillet is most commonly used in reference to cast iron skillets, the same piece of cookware could also be called a cast iron frying pan. In other words, the two terms are interchangeable and refer to the same type of pan.

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.

Skillet vs. Saute Pan: What's the Difference?

You may not realize it, but the skillet’s distinctive form makes it an excellent tool for stirring, flipping and sautéing food. As a result, the sauté pan is likely to be the one you use the most in your kitchen.

Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Considerations for Use:

The main drawbacks of ceramic cookware include safety concerns, relatively poor heat distribution, and less longevity than many non stick pans.

    When it comes to cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference.  Cast iron griddles are a versatile and essential addition to any kitchen, offering a variety of cooking options.  Whether you prefer a square cast iron griddle or a round cast iron griddle pan, both options have their own unique benefits to suit different cooking needs.

    Enamel cookware has been a kitchen staple for decades, and for good reason.  Its durability, versatility, and timeless style make it a must-have for any home cook.  Whether you're an experienced cook or just starting out, enamel cookware is a great investment that will last for years to come.

Other reasons why professionals dislike using non-stick frying pan sets include the fact that they are not oven-friendly and can’t be used with metal utensils. The stainless steel pans from The Indus Valley are a great alternative to non-stick pans.

Round Cast Iron Griddle Pan

Stainless steel frying pans are also induction-ready. This means that they can be used on an induction cooker, which uses magnetic energy to heat the pan directly.

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.