Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a pan is the amount of space you have available. If you have a farmhouse kitchen with ample drawer space and a pot rack, for example, you can justify picking up one (or more) of each. For more compact kitchens, however, a smaller multi-material set will allow you to do a lot with a little.

The dual-riveted handle is long and made of the same material as the pan. The straight handle makes it easy to move the skillet and provides a secure grip. Some designs sport a grab handle on the front.

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.

Yes. Like cast iron, a carbon steel pan can handle very high heat and go from the stovetop or grill to the oven without damaging the pan.

The depth of a frypan is usually more shallow than that of a skillet. This makes it more suitable for cooking food like steak, chicken breast, or stir-fried veggies. Its shallow depth also makes it ideal for food that requires frequent flips like frittatas, pancakes, eggs, and fish.

When looking for sizzling plates for sale, consider the specific material, size, and design that best suits your needs. Cast iron sizzling plates are often available at cookware specialty stores and online retailers, while stainless steel and ceramic sizzling plates can be found in kitchenware sections of department stores and online marketplaces. It's important to consider the intended use of the sizzling plate, whether for home cooking or commercial food service, when making a purchase.

Stainless steel pans are a classic in both home and restaurant kitchens—not just because they look professional. Quick to heat up, incredibly responsive to temperature change, and lightweight enough for easy flipping and tossing, high-quality stainless steel does an excellent job cooking everything from delicate vegetables to thick, bone-in steaks and chops.

Frying Pan and Skillets: Are They the Same?

Color Enamel Cookware Set

A lip or triangular protrusion in at least one side is a feature that is frequently missing on a French skillet. This lip makes draining and pouring fluids from the frying pan a breeze.