For durable, long-lasting pans that are easy to clean and usable on induction cooktops, stainless steel frying pans offer a great solution. Their non-reactive properties make them an excellent pan for slow-simmering tomato sauces and other acidic recipes. Stainless steel does not conduct heat well, so most commercial stainless steel pans will have an aluminum-clad bottom to promote even heat distribution and eliminate hot spots. The main drawback of stainless steel pans is that they aren't naturally non-stick, but this can be combated with proper preheating and cooking oils.

Aluminum is one of the most easily available natural elements, so aluminum frying pans are quite affordable. It is an excellent conductor of heat and heats up faster than stainless steel. In fact, aluminum is sometimes incorporated in stainless steel pans to improve their conductivity.

Cooking Surface Applications: The spacious cooking surface of big black cast iron skillets allows for the preparation of large quantities of food, making them suitable for family meals, entertaining, and batch cooking. They can handle everything from searing steaks to cooking pancakes and deep-dish pizzas.

Now that we’re familiar with their sizes, let’s move on to the differences between frypans and skillets in terms of their cooking surface!

Pans are an essential tool in any kitchen, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine their uses and which ones are the best fit. The various sizes, shapes, and coatings can make it difficult to choose.

While it is possible to sauté in a straight-sided sauté pan, it's not easy, requiring constant stirring and turning with a wooden spoon or spatula.