You cannot use metal utensils on aluminum pans. Since aluminum is a soft metal, using metal utensils on an uncoated aluminum surface can damage its surface. You can use metal utensils, except for sharp kitchen knives, on hard-anodized aluminum pans. The anodization process adds a thick layer to the aluminum, which increases its durability and scratch resistance.

The occasional pouring spouts also make skillets ideal for reductions as you can easily pour it out without manually scooping. Not forgetting that skillets are often the outdoor enthusiasts’ favourite companion thanks to its almost indestructible and robust nature.

4 – Stainless Steel Frying Pans

Sizzle Pan Material

The size of the pan defines its purpose to some extent. For example, a 6-inch skillet is suitable for frying an egg, while a larger pan is necessary for frying multiple eggs simultaneously or creating stir-fry or shallow fry dishes.

While cast iron skillets take longer to heat up than other frying pan materials, they heat evenly and consistently with no hot spots. They are great at retaining heat and can be taken from the stovetop to the oven or grill and then to the table for service to keep the food warm. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is naturally non-stick and can withstand very high temperatures without warping or getting damaged. Cast iron requires frequent maintenance, but the benefit is that it can last a lifetime with routine seasoning and using proper cleaning techniques.

Modern copper pans—including ours—tend to be lined with stainless steel, which makes for a more durable pan than the more traditional (but much higher-maintenance) tin-lined copper pans.