SKILLET VS. FRY PAN: THE BOTTOM LINE

Searing and Browning: The large cooking surface of big black cast iron skillets provides ample space for searing and browning meats, creating a desirable crust and locking in juices for flavorful results.

Proper use and storage of enamel cookware is also key to maintaining its quality. Avoid air-firing enamel pot at high temperatures to avoid damaging the enamel surface. When storing enamel cast iron pots for sale, it’s a good idea to wrap it in a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent scratches or bumps.

Carbon steel is becoming a chefs' favorite choice in the kitchen. These pans heat up quickly and evenly. This material is an excellent choice for non-toxic cookware. It is lighter and less clunky than the heavy cast iron. Carbon steel actually contains more iron than those cast iron skillets. This type of material is versatile, and you can use it for all kinds of cooking.

Contrary to what many expect, skillets are actually great for sautéing and stir-frying. The lighter weight makes them easy to shake, and their sloped sides helps redistribute the food back to the bottom of the pan. The wide opening also allows access to the cooking surface, making it easy to stir the ingredients.

So, Why Is There So Much Confusion in the Kitchen?

The flat bottom allows efficient heat conduction and a larger cooking surface for foods and fluids. You can distribute the food in the skillet due to the bigger size, but the high temperature may cause the food to burn.

Similarly to cast iron, carbon steel pans need to be seasoned before use (though some, like ours, do come preseasoned). As if these pans weren’t already versatile enough, carbon steel is also safe to use on the grill as well as over an open flame.

Conclusion

The ideal cookware size is a personal choice and a lifestyle choice. Smaller skillets and sauté pans are great for one- or two-person meals or quick bites (ex., breakfast scrambles or side dishes), while larger sizes are able to cook family-size portions or complete one-pan meals. 

WHEN TO USE A SKILLET?

While a lid isn’t customary on a French skillet, it shares several characteristics with a sauté pan, so it’s possible to get one with one if you like to preserve the ingredients while cooking.

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.