Skillets and sauté pans are great for everyday cooking and are therefore best when made from durable and versatile material. While each type is available in an assortment of materials — stainless steel, nonstick surfaces, ceramic, cast iron, etc. — a single layer of material can’t provide all the functions needed for a variety of cooking. 

Lightweight, easy to maneuver, and with unrivaled heat control, the advantages of stainless steel pans make these an absolute staple in any kitchen.

    When grilling with a cast iron griddle plate it's important to preheat the griddle onto the grill before adding food.  This keeps the pan hot enough to create nice grill marks and caramelization.  Make sure to brush the baking sheet with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking and aid in the baking process.  Once the cast iron griddle plate is hot, place the food on a baking sheet and let it cook to perfection.

Believe it or not, the only difference between a skillet and a Frying Pan is in the name. Pan is a general term used to refer to a variety of different cooking vessels. A frying pan (made distinct by the adjective frying) is a shallow cooking vessel with sloped sides that can be used for frying food. 

Stainless steel is another popular material. You have even heat retention in the frying pan or skillet with this type of pan. These pans are a good choice for boiling, baking, and sauteing. Plus, stainless steel is easy to clean. Just take some soap and water to wipe it down. This material gives you more versatility in the kitchen. You can find stainless steel in many different grades. If you want to choose an excellent frying pan, make sure to choose one that has 18/10 stainless steel.

Skillets and frying pans are basically the same types of pan. When it comes time to create a delicious meal, you want the right cooking instrument for the job. Skillets are great for shallow sauces and searing meat, while saute pans can hold a large volume of ingredients. In the end, it is your kitchen and your choice - cook with whatever you want. However, using the right pan for your recipe ensures that you will have a smoother time making those delectable at-home meals.

Professional Kitchens: In professional kitchens, black cast iron griddles and grill pans are essential tools for achieving consistent and high-quality results. They are used for searing steaks, grilling vegetables, and creating signature dishes with distinctive grill marks.

Pans are one of the most important pieces of equipment in a chef’s arsenal and are used for everything from making sauces to cooking pasta. But what pans do the pros at cooking use in their back-of-the-house action?