Ultimately, the type of frying pan you choose will depend on your individual cooking style, needs, and preferences. No matter which type you choose, a quality frying pan is an essential kitchen tool that will provide you with years of cooking enjoyment.

Pans are one of the most important pieces of equipment in a chef’s arsenal and are used for everything from making sauces to cooking pasta. But what pans do the pros at cooking use in their back-of-the-house action?

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an alloy of multiple metals like iron, nickel, and chromium, all of which contribute different characteristics to create a stronger, higher-performance material. You can also find pans labeled “stainless clad,” which are made from several layers—or ply—of different metals and alloys bonded together for optimized heat conduction and distribution. Our 5-Ply Stainless Clad features five layers of four different metals, resulting in an incredibly durable, corrosion- and rust-resistant pan.

This makes skillets the generally larger option between the two, as its overall diameter can usually range between 20cm to 40cm. The generally larger size of the skillet makes it a better choice to feed families or a crowd. Popular skillet sizes are often the 25cm and 30cm ones, especially so for those who enjoy the versatility to cook single meal portions and larger ones.

 All in all, cast iron cookware is a versatile and durable addition to any kitchen.  Understanding the types of cast iron cookware available, their prices, and where to buy them can help you make an informed decision when adding these essentials to your cooking arsenal.  Whether you're frying, grilling, or baking, cast iron cookware is a timeless investment that will enhance your cooking experience for years to come.

Cast-Iron Frying Pans

Small Cast iron Dutch Oven

They draped these cooking containers above trench walls so they could enjoy warm meals even without access to ovens or stoves.

The geometry of a pan can affect how easily moisture is driven off of food, and how rapidly a sauce will reduce. It's often claimed that the sloped sides of a skillet help moisture exuded by cooking meats evaporate more rapidly, allowing you to sear more efficiently. And this is true, but only given the same cooking area. In other words, a 12-inch skillet with a 10-inch cooking area will sear foods more efficiently than a 10-inch sauté pan. The corollary to this, of course, is that, given an equal amount of food that needs searing over super-high heat (some steaks, for example), the large surface area of a sauté pan does not offer any significant advantages over a skillet—you'll still have to cook in just as many batches.

Round Cast Iron Griddle Pan

    For those looking for more convenience, a cast iron skillet with a removable handle is a great option.  The removable handle takes up less space and makes it easier to store the frying pan.  Cast iron skillet also allows the frying pan to be used in the oven as the handle can be removed to withstand higher temperatures.  This feature increases the versatility of the frying pan, making it suitable for a wider range of cooking techniques.

A sauté pan is better suited than a stockpot for holding liquids, reducing splashing, and cooking many foods at once. The biggest disadvantage of the sauté pan is its size. You’ll notice this since the 12-inch sauté pan is significantly larger than the skillet.

Hard-anodized frying pans are made of aluminum which has been treated to make it hard and durable. They're also non-stick, but unlike the first two types of non-stick pans, they can take high temperatures without getting damaged. They're heavy and they don't get scratched when used with metallic utensils.