- Beyond its functional excellence, the cast iron skillet holds a nostalgic charm
classic cast iron skillet. It is a link to the past, evoking images of frontier cookouts, hearthside meals, and family recipes passed down through generations. Its weighty presence on the stove or in the oven is a reminder of the durability and resilience that characterized earlier eras.
- The Versatility of a Big Cast Iron Skillet
- Cast iron cookware has been a kitchen staple for generations, known for its even heat distribution, durability, and ability to retain heat. Among the various types of cast iron cookware available, square skillets are particularly versatile and popular.
No, you should hand-wash all non-stick cookware to ensure its longevity. Strong dishwashing detergents and the high heat from the dishwasher will damage the non-stick coating over time.
- Once your skillet is preheated, it's time to add your oil. It's best to use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil, for frying in a cast iron skillet. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet thoroughly, but be careful not to add too much, as this can cause the oil to splatter when frying.
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.One of the drawbacks of copper frying pans is that they require special care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. They must be regularly polished and treated with a special solution to prevent discolouration and tarnishing.
- In addition to their superior heat distribution, white enamel cookware sets are also incredibly easy to clean. The smooth enamel surface resists sticking and is non-porous, making it resistant to stains and odors. Simply rinse with warm, soapy water and wipe clean for hassle-free maintenance. Unlike traditional cast iron cookware, white enamel cookware sets do not require seasoning and are ready to use right out of the box.
- The Crock-Pot Enameled Cast Iron Set embodies durability and resilience, thanks to its robust cast iron construction. Cast iron, known for its superior heat retention and distribution, ensures that your dishes cook evenly, locking in flavors and nutrients. The enameled finish, however, adds an extra layer of convenience and style. Unlike traditional cast iron, this set requires no seasoning, making it easy to maintain and use right out of the box.
Carbon Steel Frying Pans
Durability and Versatility: Enamel cookware, including potjie pots, is known for its durability and versatility. It can be used for various cooking methods, including braising, stewing, and slow cooking, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a pan is the amount of space you have available. If you have a farmhouse kitchen with ample drawer space and a pot rack, for example, you can justify picking up one (or more) of each. For more compact kitchens, however, a smaller multi-material set will allow you to do a lot with a little.
A good choice, especially for heavily used cookware, is a tri-ply or five-ply combination of stainless steel and aluminum (or hard-anodized aluminum). Stainless steel provides a durable surface, providing excellent heat retention and safety. Interior layers of aluminum ensure even heat distribution. All these work together to create the ideal cooking base, whether you’re using a skillet or sauté pan.
In the realm of breakfast delights, few things can rival the crispy, savory perfection of well-cooked bacon. For those who seek culinary excellence in their morning meal, a bacon press proves to be an indispensable tool. But what exactly is a bacon press, and how does one use bacon press cast iron to achieve bacon nirvana? Let's delve into the procedure of using a bacon press to elevate your breakfast game.
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.

However, the issue arises when the pan you’re using is designed for a specific purpose. For instance, a stainless steel French skillet is not suitable for cooking crepes as effectively as a non-stick frying pan since the crepes will stick to the uncoated flat bottom, making them difficult to flip.
Not all pans are the same, however, and sometimes how your food turns out depends on what type of pan you use. Read on to see some of the most common types of frying pans and what they're used for.




Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a pan is the amount of space you have available. If you have a farmhouse kitchen with ample drawer space and a pot rack, for example, you can justify picking up one (or more) of each. For more compact kitchens, however, a smaller multi-material set will allow you to do a lot with a little.


