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Choosing a pan definitely doesn’t need to be stressful—and it shouldn’t be. But choosing a great pan definitely takes a bit of research and forethought. First off: what recipes do you actually plan to use it for? If you’re a single cook whose typical weeknight meals consist of single-serving dishes or reheated takeout, a non stick pan is a great affordable, low-fuss option. If seared duck confit, skillet cornbread, and Spanish tortillas sound more like your speed, it may be worth investing in a stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or carbon steel pan in any size.

Stainless steel frying pans are also great for high-heat cooking and ideal for searing and browning food. They are also safe for use on all stovetops, including induction.

The weight difference between frypans and skillets can vary depending on the size and material used to construct the cookware. As a general rule, frypans are the lighter option between the two.