Samuel Groves has been making cookware for more than 55 years, so you can be sure that it’s something special. This pre-seasoned 28cm skillet is a case in point. It’s made from hand-cast cast iron, 70% of which is recycled, and is finished with a pair of sleek and sturdy stainless steel handles on either side. As it’s deep with sloped sides, it’s perfect for everything from curries to stews and steaks. Two handles make it easy to move around and at 2.78kg, it’s a fairly manageable weight.

Flat base: Especially useful for electric cooking, these pans cover the entire hob ring and don't waste any heat.

Versatile and durable, the best cast iron skillet will cook everything from a juicy steak to a tasty frittata

It’s more of an investment than other cast iron skillets in our round-up, but its minimal maintenance and ease of use are reason enough to buy. Cast-iron skillets can be a hefty investment, so if you’re not sure how much use you’ll get out of one, this affordable pan is a great choice. Pre-seasoned, it includes a short handle with a handy hanging loop, as well as pouring lips at either side so you can pour away excess fat. It also has high sloped sides, making it ideal for cooking food in sauce. Clean it after each use. Clean your pan thoroughly after each use by washing it with soap and water and scrubbing out any gunk or debris from the bottom. I use the scrubby side of a sponge for this.

One negative we noticed is that oil tended to gather at the edges, hinting that that surface may not have been completely flat. Another was that the cooking surface wasn’t always an even temperature, meaning we occasionally had to move food around to achieve consistent browning. However, it held onto the heat well and our food came out cleanly without mess. It’s probably not one for the perfectionists, but those with a tight budget who still demand plenty from a pan will enjoy cooking with this simple skillet. This material heats up slowly but retains heat well, making it good for slow, even cooking on a low heat and achieving the perfect sear on meat. Just remember that your food will continue to cook for some time after the heat has been turned off.Enamelled cast iron is a good choice for those who love the durability and heat retention of the material but are less keen on maintaining a seasoned surface. This pan fits the bill nicely and is also attractive and affordable. There’s a long, slim handle that’s easy to grip, and although it does grow warm as you cook, the enamel offers some protection against heat compared to bare cast iron. We cooked for 10 minutes and were still able to lift the pan without issue, although it’s still recommended you wear an oven glove. It’s oven-safe up to 260℃ as well, so great for popping under the grill to crisp up dishes. Barbary & Oak Round Cast Iron Casserole Pan with Durable Enamel Interior Stylish cooking essential ideal for family mealtimes

Copper pans have to be cleaned with a dedicated copper polish to keep them looking their best. Don't use them on a glass-topped hob unless they have a sandwich-base construction. This means a layer of metal – usually aluminium – is sandwiched on top and below another metal (in this case, copper). This improves the pan's heat retention in the same way as wearing many layers of clothes. It improves the cooking performance, too. Hard-anodised aluminium This coating is usually applied to aluminium, cast-iron and steel pans. Price varies according to the metal of the pan. Enamel pans generally do not spit, scratch easily or react with food, but they can chip if they’re not handled with care. Induction hobs are increasingly popular but they aren't compatible with all saucepans. If you're using the wrong pan, it'll either not heat up or the indicator light will start flashing. The only suitable pans are those with a magnetic base, such as cast iron or stainless steel. Pure aluminium or copper pans will only work if the base is bonded with a magnetic metal. Range cookers (for example, Aga or Rayburn)

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Made from quality cast iron, this fry pan is robust, durable and built to last. Cast Iron retains the heat, keeping your food warmer for longer, as well as for even cooking and browning If there’s one thing you should have in your kitchen arsenal, it’s a cast iron skillet. More durable than your average frying pan, the best cast iron skillets are built to last a lifetime, given the proper care and maintenance. Keeps the food elevated from the bottom of the pan, providing enough room for fats and oils to drain for healthier cooking results