The Differences Between Skillets and Pans

With their flared rims, skillets provide a wide, open view and convenient access to stir, move, or flip ingredients around. The smooth, curved sides also help you quickly slide a finished dish from fry pan to plate. 

Non-stick fry pans are a preferred choice when cooking on low heat as the external coating suffers damage when exposed to excessive heat. You could use non-stick pans for more delicate meals like crepes, eggs, pancakes and more. However, non-stick cookware cannot produce the searing effect, which means it excludes many of the more popular recipes.

Stainless steel cookware, being the workhorse of your kitchen, can be used for making pretty much anything, including steaks, pork, chicken, and braises.

A multi-ply frying pan with an aluminium core is recommended for the best results when cooking at high temperatures.

However, as cookware diameters are measured at the opening (i.e., from side to side of the top), a 12-inch skillet means roughly 10-inches of real cooking surface. Any food that leans on the curved edges is not in direct contact with the heat and won’t cook as quickly as food on the bottom surface. However, the wide opening and relatively light weight of skillets makes them very easy to maneuver so food can be quickly shifted inside. 

Perfectly Seared Fish

Copper frying pans are also visually appealing and add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. They are also safe for use on all stovetops, including induction.

And if you’re a fan of big breakfasts at brunch spots? A cast iron skillet will certainly come in handy to recreate an almost similar vibe. Lastly, outdoor enthusiasts who often spend time cooking outdoors will favour the versatility of the skillet as its indestructible nature allows you to easily carry it and cook outdoors.