Tilt skillets or braising pans are made to be slanted. The slant allows for a larger surface area for the pan to meet the heat source. Most tilt skillets are made from cast iron or heavy-duty stainless steel. Cast iron is a dense, heavy material that retains heat well, making it perfect for frying foods. Heavy-duty stainless steel is a great option if you have a stainless steel stovetop. Materials such as stainless steel are less prone to scratching than cast iron. Most tilt skillets have handles that stay cool, which makes them safe to use on any stovetop. They come with a tight-fitting lid for sealing in heat and moisture. Tilt skillets are the best for making pan-seared fish, pan-roasted chicken, and other delicate foods. They have a steeply curved shape that lets food slide easily from the pan to serving plates, and their curved shape also traps steam to keep foods moist and tender. Most skillets come with a non-stick coating, and cast iron and carbon steel skillets will require seasoning and maintenance.