Most stainless steel pans are oven-safe. However, the max oven-safe temperature may vary by manufacturer and product line, so it is necessary to check your item's specification sheet before use.

French skillets can also have non-stick coatings like frying pans, but this is less common due to their straight edges.

Big black cast iron skillets are a staple in kitchens, offering versatility, durability, and exceptional heat retention. This article explores the features, applications, and benefits of big black cast iron skillets, highlighting their ability to handle a wide range of cooking tasks and enhance culinary creations.

Like their aluminum counterpart, carbon steel frying pans are an excellent conductor of heat. However, they are a more durable and long-lasting option with the proper care, plus they can be used on induction cooktops. They can maintain both low and high temperatures for greater versatility and can cook both delicate foods like eggs and fish as well as sear thick meats like steaks and pork chops. Like cast iron, carbon steel pans require regular seasoning to maintain their non-stick capabilities. However, they heat up faster and are more lightweight, making them a great alternative to cast iron skillets. It is important to note that carbon steel pans are not ideal for cooking acidic foods as they can alter the foods' taste.

Benefits of Big Black Cast Iron Skillets:

    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.

For purchasing guidance, please read our review of the best stainless steel skillets and our sauté pan round-up. But whichever pan you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping.

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:

The French skillet is a frying pan and a sauté pan rolled into one. You can fry foods in the skillet and sauté or cook with a light sauce that requires more room.

French skillets and frying pans can share many similarities in size and material. However, the main difference lies in the shape of their sides. Frying pans have sloping lower sides, whereas French skillets have straighter and higher sides, giving them a more luxurious appearance.

Yes. Like cast iron, a carbon steel pan can handle very high heat and go from the stovetop or grill to the oven without damaging the pan.