Frying pans have flat sides that distribute heat evenly. The low sides also act as a barrier to prevent liquid from spilling out.

Use a clean paper or lint-free towel to wipe out any excess oil and grease. Wash the pan with warm water and a soft-bristle brush or a non-scouring sponge. For stuck-on food, fill the pan with just enough water to cover the bottom and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Allow the pan to cool and then scrape the food off with a spatula. Immediately dry the pan with a paper or lint-free towel and then evenly rub a light layer of cooking oil onto the pan.

Typically made by adding a non-stick coating to aluminum pans, non-stick frying pans are ideal for cooking delicate foods with a tendency to stick, such as fish, fried eggs, and pancakes. The non-stick coating limits the amount of oils and fats needed to cook food and makes cleanup a breeze since your food won't stick to the pan. Non-stick pans are best used in low to medium heat settings to extend the coating's life. Using a non-stick pan in high-heat applications can damage the coating and cause it to smoke, peel, or flake.

The following is a side-by-side comparison highlighting the differences and similarities between the two pans.

Cast Iron Skillet Set With Lids

From carbon steel to enameled cast iron, we think almost every single kind of pan has its merits. But if you’re just getting into the home cooking game, or you’re looking to expand your toolkit, the sheer variety of pans on the market can feel intimidating—especially if you’re just looking for a good all-purpose pan for weeknight dinners.

They have a single, long handle, like fry pans, but also usually feature a smaller side handle to help the cook lift the added weight of more food. Saute Pans also usually come with a lid designed to hold in moisture. This makes them much more useful for slow cooking with sauces.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Cooking