- Cast iron, known for its durability and heat retention, is a material that has stood the test of time. The mini version, however, brings a new level of convenience and versatility to the table. Its compact design makes it perfect for smaller spaces or for those who prefer single-serve meals. It's also ideal for cooking enthusiasts who love to experiment with different dishes without committing to a full-sized grill pan.
The ideal cookware size is a personal choice and a lifestyle choice. Smaller skillets and sauté pans are great for one- or two-person meals or quick bites (ex., breakfast scrambles or side dishes), while larger sizes are able to cook family-size portions or complete one-pan meals.





Once you've decided which frying pan material you need, the next step is to figure out the pan size. Frying pans come in different sizes, with 8-, 10-, and 12-inch being the most popular sizes across the industry. The smaller the pan size is, the faster it heats up and evenly distributes the heat, but the faster it will lose its heat. While it may seem like a larger pan size is always better, some foods, such as eggs, benefit from cooking in a smaller, more contained space. We have listed the most common commercial frying pan sizes below and what they are best for:
Stainless steel frying pans are light but durable. By itself, stainless steel is not a particularly good conductor of heat, so some pans have a better heat conductor such as aluminum sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel. For example, the Carl Schmidt Pro-X 3 Pc Set Frying Pan Stainless Steel Cookware Non-Stick, which also has a non-stick coating. It's heavier than a single layer pan, but it cooks the food more evenly.
Most of these pans have a long handle, making it easy to move the pan on and off the stove. However, larger frying pans may include a smaller grab handle to carry the weight.
The sides are usually only 1-2 inches high, as the purpose of the pan is to fry food, not simmer it.
To use a cast iron grill pan, first preheat over medium-high heat. Once hot, place food on the ridged surface of the cast iron grill pan and let it sear and develop those mouth-watering grill marks. It's important to avoid overcrowding the cast iron grill pan, as this can prevent proper browning and cooking. Additionally, using a spatula or tongs specifically designed for use with cast iron cookware can help protect the sauce in the cast iron grill pan.
A large cast iron Dutch oven is perfect for cooking a large meal or feeding a crowd. These heavy-duty pots are great for slow-cooking, braising meats, and making soups. The thick walls and tight-fitting lid of a large cast-iron Dutch oven help distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for simmering and baking. Their size also makes them perfect for baking bread or making large batches of chili.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

