The simplest way to understand the difference between these types of pans is to look at the sides of the pan. If the sides are slanted, the pan is a skillet, which is also sometimes called a frying pan or fry pan. If the slides are straight, it’s a sauté pan.

In the United Kingdom, skillets can also refer to larger, deeper, lidded pots or pans with long handles and legs. In the United States,  the term refers to a dish constructed from a shallow skillet-shaped metal or ceramic pan and includes cooked diced veggies and meats.

The difference between a sauté pan and a skillet is a subtle but important one, and it all comes down to shape. A sauté pan, from the French verb meaning to jump (sauter), has a wide, flat bottom and relatively tall, vertical sides. A skillet, on the other hand, has sides that flare outward at an angle. But the real question is, when should you use each one, and do you really need both?

Sauté Pan

Best for: Almost any food that needs frying, browning, or searing. Because it’s ovenproof, stainless is also a good choice for foods that you start on the stovetop and then move to the oven to finish, like thick pork chops.

The details: Nitahara says that 95 percent of the pans used in the CIA’s teaching kitchens are stainless steel because they can take a lot of punishment. “The only time we don’t use them is on egg day, when we use nonstick,” he says. He adds that the shiny surface of a stainless pan makes it easy to see whether your food is browning.

In CR’s tests of stainless steel pans, we measure heating evenness by cooking pancakes, and we gauge how evenly a pan sautés by cooking potatoes until they’re tender. We also conduct a cleaning test to see how easy it is to remove cooked-on food. You’d think that all stainless pans would be about the same to clean, but our tests show that some require a lot more scrubbing than others.

Here are two recommended stainless steel pans from CR’s tests.

Skillets come in various sizes, but the most common is a 12-inch diameter. The sloping edges of this pan make it ideal for stir-frying. Moving ingredients about in a skillet on a regular basis is another quick-cooking technique. This is the pan you use if you want to cook frittatas.

Enameled cast iron cookware sets offer a perfect blend of functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them a versatile and valuable addition to any kitchen. This article delves into the features, applications, and benefits of enameled cast iron cookware sets, highlighting their ability to enhance cooking techniques and elevate the presentation of culinary creations.

Enameled Cast Iron: Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens combine the benefits of cast iron with the convenience of an enamel coating. They are resistant to acidic foods, easy to clean, and come in a range of vibrant colors.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven Cooking

    When it comes to finding iron plates, there are several options to consider.  Many kitchen supply stores and specialty cooking stores sell griddle sizzling hot plate in a variety of sizes and materials.  These  Sizzling Plates come in different materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and ceramic, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

What Is a Skillet?

On the other hand, a frying pan can be used for far more cooking chores than a skillet. Frypans with nonstick coatings allow you to use less oil, resulting in healthier cuisine.