“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.
One of the main advantages of a cast iron skillet is its ability to handle a variety of cooking methods. Whether you're frying fish in a pan, roasting vegetables on the grill, or cooking a hearty breakfast over a campfire, a cast iron skillet is up to the task. Cast Iron Griddle Skillets large, flat surface provides plenty of room to cook multiple foods at the same time, making it perfect for meal prep for groups or large family gatherings.