A skillet, sometimes referred to as a frying pan or a frypan, is a shallow pan with slanted sides. Skillets are commonly used to stir-fry or sauté, which refers to a method of cooking in which ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat, often over relatively high heat. The slanted sides make it easier to stir, flip, and toss ingredients in the pan so that everything is cooked quickly and evenly. After all, the word “sauté” in French literally means to “jump,” just like vegetables “jump” in a skillet when sautéed or stir-fried.But a skillet has other uses, too, and it is considered to be one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in the kitchen. For example, a stainless steel skillet is great for searing meat, chicken, or fish, or for making simple pasta or pan sauces. Simply put, a skillet is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in the kitchen. 

Choosing a pan definitely doesn’t need to be stressful—and it shouldn’t be. But choosing a great pan definitely takes a bit of research and forethought. First off: what recipes do you actually plan to use it for? If you’re a single cook whose typical weeknight meals consist of single-serving dishes or reheated takeout, a non stick pan is a great affordable, low-fuss option. If seared duck confit, skillet cornbread, and Spanish tortillas sound more like your speed, it may be worth investing in a stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or carbon steel pan in any size.

Since there is no coating to worry about damaging, untreated stainless steel pans are a more durable option than non-stick pans. However, they are not naturally non-stick, so burnt-on food can be a pain to remove; therefore, they may not be the best option for cooking delicate foods. Stainless steel pans tolerate much higher temperatures and are great for browning and searing foods like meats and vegetables.

What Is A Frying Pan?

Benefits of Enamel Cookware:

Q: What are the disadvantages of using cast iron frying pans?
A: The disadvantages of using cast iron frying pans include their heavy weight, the need for seasoning and maintenance, and their tendency to rust if not properly cared for.

Even big manufacturers such as Cuisinart have shifted much of their skillet production to China. One approach to finding out where a skillet came from is to look underneath.

Baking and Roasting: These skillets are versatile enough to be used for baking and roasting, making them suitable for preparing dishes such as cornbread, roasted vegetables, and even desserts like skillet cookies and cobblers.