For those looking for more convenience, a cast iron skillet with a removable handle is a great option.  The removable handle takes up less space and makes it easier to store the frying pan.  Cast iron skillet also allows the frying pan to be used in the oven as the handle can be removed to withstand higher temperatures.  This feature increases the versatility of the frying pan, making it suitable for a wider range of cooking techniques.

French skillets are used by those who desire to stick to a low-fat diet, such as sautéing low-fat oil vegetables and browning meats. Many people enjoy braising curries and rich sauces in modern French skillets because they come with lids.

Nowadays, “French skillet” refers to the specific design aspects of the cookware rather than its place of origin.

This pan has a flat bottom and flared edges that may be slightly curved. It is often used for cooking. Some skillets, such as copper, cast iron, or aluminum, are coated with a nonstick coating to make cleanup easier.

Cast-Iron Frying Pans

“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.