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. 

Frying pans come in a variety of materials. Which type of frying pan is best for you will depend on what you are cooking and the level of maintenance you want to put into your pan. In most cases, you will likely need a few different types of frying pans to satisfy cooking your menu items. Take a look at these five frying pan types to determine which pans you need in your kitchen.

Offering excellent heat conduction, aluminum frying pans dissipate heat quickly for efficient, even cooking. Uncoated aluminum frying pans have a stick-, rust-, and corrosion-resistant surface and should only be used to cook low-acidic foods since acidic foods, such as tomato paste, citrus, and vinegar, react with aluminum and can alter the flavor of your food. Many professional aluminum frying pans are hard-anodized or feature a non-stick coating to make them non-reactive. Aluminum pans are not compatible with induction cooktops since aluminum is not magnetic.

In contrast, French skillets have higher and straight sides, allowing you to cook more food but making it harder to flip.

What Is A Frying Pan?

    One popular option among discerning cooks is the enameled cast iron pots and pans set, which typically includes an assortment of skillets, Dutch ovens, and saucepans – all designed to elevate culinary creations to new heights. Furthermore, for those with an eye for design, enameled cast iron cookware sets are available in an array of vibrant colors, adding a touch of sophistication to any kitchen aesthetic. Whether opting for a classic black or embracing bold hues, such as cobalt blue or cherry red, these sets serve as both functional cooking vessels and statement pieces.