When it comes to the materials used in frying pan production, stainless steel is the most commonly used, although ceramic and aluminum pans are also available. Stainless steel is an excellent anti-corrosion metal that distributes heat well and is very durable.

Skillets on the other hand, have semi-vertical sides that flare outwards from the base. This is unlike the frying pan because it does not have curved edges. Again, do not confuse skillets with saute pans as the skillet widen outwards while saute pan does not.

Countless Egg Dishes

If you were to buy only one of these skillets, it should be stainless steel. Stainless steel is your everyday hero. There's a reason why stainless steel cookware sets are so coveted. It can cook everything and doesn't need any special treatment. No time to wash? It's ok to leave stainless steel soaking in water.

When it comes down to it, as far as high-temperature searing (as for steaks) goes, the pans are equally efficient. A skillet offers advantages for sautéing, and a sauté pan offers advantages for shallow-frying, moderate-temperature searing (as for chicken pieces), or braising. In an ideal world, you'd have both, but if I had to pick one, I'd go with the skillet, as sautéing is a step in nearly every recipe I make.