Best for: Almost any food that needs searing, including steak and burgers. Cast-iron pans are ovenproof, so you can use them to roast meats like beef or pork and to bake cornbread, deep-dish pizza, shepherd’s pie, and more. And they retain heat so well that they’re a good choice for deep-frying chicken, doughnuts, or other foods because they keep the oil at a constant temperature.

The details: Cast-iron frying pans are practically indestructible, and they’re handed down for generations in many families. That makes their typically low price even more attractive. And if well cared for, cast iron develops a patina that releases food almost as well as nonstick. But the pans are heavy, and you have to be patient when heating them up because they don’t come up to temperature fast. Once they do, however, they retain heat.

Our tests of coated and uncoated cast-iron pans show how versatile this cookware can be. We sear steaks, brown scallops, and bake cornbread to see how well a cast-iron pan works for home cooks. The best pans ace all these tests. We also judge how easy they are to clean. Because of the enamel coating, the coated pans are a bit easier to clean than the uncoated ones.

Here are two recommended cast-iron pans from our tests.

Even Heat Distribution: Black cast iron griddles and grill pans distribute heat evenly, ensuring that food is cooked consistently and thoroughly. This feature is essential for achieving optimal searing and browning of meats and vegetables.

    All in all, a cast iron Dutch oven is a versatile and reliable tool that can enhance your cooking experience, whether at home or outdoors. Cast Iron Camp Oven  ability to withstand high temperatures, distribute heat evenly, and retain heat for long periods of time makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen.  With proper care and maintenance, a cast iron Dutch oven can last for generations, making it a worthwhile investment for any cooking enthusiast.

Enamel-coated Cast Iron Cookware Care

    Yellow and green enamel basins bring a cheerful and lively atmosphere to the kitchen, perfect for those who like bright, vibrant colors.

    Another important piece of enamel cookware is the Enamel Fondue Set.  Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a cozy evening, a Enamel Fondue Set is a fun and interactive way to dine.  The enamel coating not only adds a pop of color to your table, but it also provides a non-stick surface for easy soaking and cleaning.

Like a frying pan or skillet, saute pans can be used for stovetop use. However, there is one difference: a saute pan is deeper than a frying pan or skillet. The saute pan has vertical, straight sides designed to prevent spills and hold more ingredients. Saute pans also have a long, single handle, and sometimes, there is a small side handle to help with the additional weight of the ingredients. Plus, saute pans come with a lid to hold in the moisture which makes it perfect for cooking sauces.

Baking and Roasting: These skillets are versatile enough to be used for baking and roasting, making them suitable for preparing dishes such as cornbread, roasted vegetables, and even desserts like skillet cookies and cobblers.