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Instead, bring in a heavyweight for properly searing meat or fish. (A cheaper pan won't give you that lovely golden crust.) You'll spend more for a model that's ovenproof, moderately heavy and made from either stainless steel-wrapped aluminum, anodized aluminum or cast iron, which most efficiently conduct heat. But it's worth it: The non-stick coating on high-end pans can usually weather more wear and tear than its cheaper cousins, and most of the expensive models also come with a lifetime warranty.
Here are eight skillets – at a wide range of price points – that have earned our seal of approval.
1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
2. Wash pan in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry. Set pan on stovetop over medium-high heat. When hot, remove from heat.
3. Pour in a thin layer of vegetable oil. Using a dry kitchen cloth, carefully wipe oil over entire pan, including the bottom.
4. Turn pan upside-down on a baking sheet. Place in oven for 30 min.
5. Turn off heat and let pan cool completely in oven. Wipe out excess oil with paper towel.
1. The Family Pan T-fal Jamie Oliver Professional Series Anodized Frying Pan, $180. Jamie Oliver's signature skillet has an indicator that turns a solid shade of red when the pan is properly heated – the secret to perfect searing. It's also non-stick and ovenproof and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
2. The Shining Star Beaumark Stainless Steel Skillet, $60. A shiny looker with a pleasing weight, thanks to the heavy-gauge stainless-steel bottom. We also love the Beaumark's comfortable, heat-proof handle and deep sides, perfect for saucy dishes.
3. The Campfire Classic Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, $25. This pan is excellent for searing and makes better crisp-edged pancakes and pan-fried fish than its metal counterparts. This skillet comes seasoned (see above), so you don't have to do it yourself.
4. The Non-Stick Wonder Scanpan Fry Pan, $150. Made from aluminum that's been coated with a ceramic-titanium treatment, the Scanpan boasts a permanent non-stick surface that won't peel, blister or crack – hence the lifetime warranty. It's also ovenproof and dishwasher-safe.
5. The Proud-To-Be Canadian Paderno Stainless Steel Fry Pan, $80. Our associate food editor, Jennifer Danter, swears by her Paderno skillet. Its handle is welded into the base, it's dishwasher-safe and it's made in Canada. This standout pan is also ovenproof and backed by a 25-year warranty.
6. The Elegant Italian Lagostina Prima Italia Skillet, $60. A heavy-gauge base transfers heat rapidly across this sleek non-stick skillet for even cooking. It also comes with a five-year warranty.
7. The Ultimate Omelette Pan President's Choice Anodized Non-Stick Skillet, $15. The price is right on with this affordable non-stick skillet. Like the more expensive models, it's also ovenproof. Treat this pan kindly – plastic utensils only! – and it will serve you well for at least one year.
8. The Cast-Iron Cadillac Le Creuset Iron Handle Skillet, $155. This iconic pan – which boasts both superb heat retention and good looks – is worth shelling out for. It can withstand acidic foods (like tomato sauce) and it's also backed by a lifetime warranty.
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