Durability and Longevity: Big black cast iron skillets are built to last a lifetime and beyond. With proper care and maintenance, they become seasoned over time, developing a natural non-stick surface that improves with use.

    If you're cooking for a larger group or preparing large batches of food, a large or extra-large cast iron skillet is the best choice.  These griddles offer plenty of room to cook multiple portions at once, making them perfect for dishes like stir-fries, burritos, and even deep-dish pizza.  Large Cast Iron skillets and Extra Large Cast Iron Skillet size and ability to retain heat make them a great choice for outdoor cooking, whether on a grill or over an open fire.

    Using a cast iron griddle plate in the oven is a great way to get the flavor and texture of grilling, especially when grilling outdoors isn't possible.  Preheat a baking sheet in the oven over high heat and carefully add food to the cast iron griddle plate.  The high heat of the griddle will help create a delicious sear on your food, mimicking the effects of an outdoor grill.

The lower sides, which flare outwards, are another essential design component. The outward flare makes it easy to toss omelets, pancakes, and other dishes directly from the pan to a plate.

The sides are usually only 1-2 inches high, as the purpose of the pan is to fry food, not simmer it.

A frying pan's thickness is measured in either gauge or mils. -1 mil is equal to 1/1000, so the higher the mil, the thicker the metal. The gauge works oppositely - the higher the gauge, the thinner the metal. A thick pan is more durable than a thin pan but may not conduct heat as quickly. Most commercial frying pans will fall between a thick 10-gauge construction and a thinner 22-gauge construction.

    When using a cast iron griddle on an electric stove, it's important to make sure the skillet is properly seasoned.  Seasoning your cast iron griddle creates a non-stick surface and prevents rust.  To season the cast iron griddle, coat the cooking surface with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heat on the stove until it starts to smoke.  Repeat this process a few times and your cast iron griddle is ready to use.

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.

Sauté Pan