Best frying pans

Top pick: Eater x Heritage Steel 12" Fry Pan. Five-ply stainless with an aluminum core — it heats evenly, sears hard, and shrugs off metal utensils, so it's the one pan that does most jobs for years. It's not nonstick, so use a little fat and let it preheat.

Who the others suit:

• HexClad Hybrid 12" with lid — if you want one pan that sears and releases eggs; the hybrid surface is the compromise.
• GreenPan Valencia Pro set — if you'd rather have a few sizes of easy-release ceramic nonstick for eggs and fish.
• Our Place Always Pan — if you cook small portions and want light and pretty over heavy-duty.
• Lodge cast iron — if you want maximum sear and don't mind the weight.
• Heritage Titanium — if you want stainless durability with a slicker, harder surface.