Another difference lies in how skillets usually come with a small helper handle on the other side for extra support. This is because skillets are often much heavier than frypans, so the extra support is always welcomed. Frypans usually come with a single handle, but there are rare occasions where it may come with a helper handle for larger ones.

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. 

To help give you a running start, we’ve put together a guide to six of the most common pan materials, how to cook with them, what they’re best used for, and how to decide which one is right for you.

Made from electrochemically treated aluminium, the surfaces of hard anodised aluminium frypans are twice as rigid as stainless steel and stick-resistant. They heat up evenly and quickly and are the pan of choice for many professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. Because of their durability, you can use metal utensils without worrying about scratching or chipping the surface of your pan. They’re also incredibly easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

Flavor Enhancement: The seasoned surface of black cast iron griddles and grill pans imparts a unique flavor to foods, enhancing their taste and creating a desirable sear. This adds depth and complexity to the flavors of grilled and seared dishes.