According to one version, Le Creuset coined the term to promote their product as enticing and exotic.

A good non stick pan is like a cozy pair of sweatpants—we reach for it when we want something quick, easy, and low-stress. While many pans, like cast iron and ceramic, offer non stick properties, non stick cookware generally refers to modern pans (typically aluminum and/or stainless steel construction) coated with layers of a durable non stick coating.

“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.

Frying pans typically have a diameter of 8 to 12 inches, meaning you can put several different sizes of frying pans in your kitchen.

6 – Carbon-Steel Frying Pans

Is a Skillet the Same as a Frying Pan?

    For those who like pops of color in their kitchen, enamel cookware sets in purple, red, and pink are a great choice.  Not only do these vibrant hues add a fun and playful element to your cooking space, enamel cookware sets also make for stunning dishes.  From sautéing and searing to braising and baking, boldly colored enamel cookware sets are designed to handle a variety of cooking techniques.

    Round Cast Iron Griddle Pan, on the other hand, are great for cooking single items like steaks, burgers, or vegetables. The round cast iron griddle pan's compact size makes it easy to handle and store, and its round shape makes it easy to flip food.  The round cast iron griddle pan's raised edge is also ideal for cooking dishes with sauces or gravies, preventing spills or drips.