Are Frying Pans and Skillets the Same?

What is a Bacon Press

The lower sides, which flare outwards, are another essential design component. The outward flare makes it easy to toss omelets, pancakes, and other dishes directly from the pan to a plate.

If you fill the French skillet with food, it will cook rather than fry it. However, the extra depth of these skillets can make them a bit more burdensome to store.

Best for: Almost any food that needs searing, including steak and burgers. Cast-iron pans are ovenproof, so you can use them to roast meats like beef or pork and to bake cornbread, deep-dish pizza, shepherd’s pie, and more. And they retain heat so well that they’re a good choice for deep-frying chicken, doughnuts, or other foods because they keep the oil at a constant temperature.

The details: Cast-iron frying pans are practically indestructible, and they’re handed down for generations in many families. That makes their typically low price even more attractive. And if well cared for, cast iron develops a patina that releases food almost as well as nonstick. But the pans are heavy, and you have to be patient when heating them up because they don’t come up to temperature fast. Once they do, however, they retain heat.

Our tests of coated and uncoated cast-iron pans show how versatile this cookware can be. We sear steaks, brown scallops, and bake cornbread to see how well a cast-iron pan works for home cooks. The best pans ace all these tests. We also judge how easy they are to clean. Because of the enamel coating, the coated pans are a bit easier to clean than the uncoated ones.

Here are two recommended cast-iron pans from our tests.

Because they conduct heat so well, copper pans are good for sautéing, making candy, sauces, and delicate foods like fish and seafood.

    Cast iron Dutch ovens are extremely versatile.   Cast iron Dutch ovens ability to evenly distribute heat makes it ideal for a variety of cooking methods, including braising, braising, frying, and even baking.  The Dutch oven's heavy lid helps lock in moisture and flavor, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes.  Whether you're simmering a hearty stew or baking crusty bread, a cast iron Dutch oven has you covered.

According to one version, Le Creuset coined the term to promote their product as enticing and exotic.

A sauté pan is better suited than a stockpot for holding liquids, reducing splashing, and cooking many foods at once. The biggest disadvantage of the sauté pan is its size. You’ll notice this since the 12-inch sauté pan is significantly larger than the skillet.

    In addition to serving sizzling plate, the sizzling plates can also be used to serve a variety of other dishes, such as burritos, seafood, and even desserts like s'mores.  The versatility of the sizzle pan makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen, offering endless possibilities for creativity and impressive presentations.

 The Dutch oven is a versatile and essential piece of cookware that has been used for centuries.  The Dutch oven is a heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid designed for slow cooking, braising, and baking.  Dutch ovens come in a variety of types and materials, each with its own unique uses and functions.

Faster Cooking Times: The application of a bacon press or steak weight can help reduce cooking times by ensuring that heat is evenly distributed and that the meat is in full contact with the cooking surface, leading to more efficient and consistent cooking.

French skillets can also have non-stick coatings like frying pans, but this is less common due to their straight edges.

Non-stick frying pans are also easy to clean and maintain, as food and grease can be wiped away with ease. They are also safe for use on all stovetops, including induction.

Ceramic Frying Pans