Are you confused about choosing between a skillet and frying pan for your kitchen? We understand that it can get quite difficult to choose between the two cookware as both have their own advantages and disadvantages. This is why we have prepared a detailed guideline for you. Continue reading to find out more about them.
What is the Difference Between Skillet and Frying Pan?
While a skillet and a frying pan are not much different from each other, the only real difference between the two is in their depth. If you notice carefully, a skillet is a little bit deeper than a frying pan. On the other hand, a frying pan has a flat bottom and is specially used for frying and searing food. Apart from this, a skillet comes with a lid and a frying pan does not.
So, if there is not much difference between the two of them; why do some people prefer using a skillet and why do others prefer using a frying pan? Stay tuned and you will find everything that you need to know.
What Is A Skillet?
Are you one of those people that cannot spot a skillet among all the frying pans? If yes, then you do not need to worry anymore. Keep reading and you will become an expert by the end of it.
A skillet is one of the most versatile instruments for cooking. It is a bit deeper as compared to a frying pan. This is why a skillet is a perfect fit for cooking omelets, fires, and crepes. What’s amazing about these skillets is that you can even cook your entire dinner in them and you will not be disappointed at the results.
Due to their shape and size, a skillet is considered almost similar to a frying pan. Sometimes, even their names are used interchangeably. But, they are not quite as similar to each other as people think they are. In fact, if you look deeper and carefully, both of them are quite different from each other.
A skillet is a bit deeper than a frying pan and has more cooking surface area. Also, since skillets are used for making sauces and curries, they come with a lid as well. That’s the main difference between the two of them.
What are the Different Types of Skillets?
A skillet is available in different types and materials including cast iron, carbon steel etc. Different types of skillets are used for different cooking functions. You can pick the one that best fits your needs. Let’s take a look at the different types of skillets below.
1. Cast Iron Skillets
If you are looking for the oldest and the most reliable piece of kitchen technology, then a cast iron skillet is certainly the right choice for you. It has a very reliable iron bottom that heats up extremely slowly. This is why a cast iron skillet can hold very high temperatures. Not only can they hold high temperatures, but they are also quite durable too. This is why they last forever.
2. French Skillet
Looking for a mixture of a skillet and a frying pan? Then a French skillet is a perfect option for you. They have flared edges that resemble a frying pan and a depth that resembles a skillet. This makes the French skillet a perfect choice to cook more food at a single time. The food will not burn or fry either. This is why they are used for browning, sautéing, and cooking a variety of vegetables and meat. Apart from this, they also have a lip. These lips make them perfect for pouring sauces or liquids.
3. Nonstick Skillet
If you are preparing food that has a high risk of sticking to the pan, then a nonstick skillet would be the perfect choice for you. The nonstick material in the skillet will make the food slip easily off the pan. It will be easier to clean the surface of the skillet after cooking as well.
What are the Uses Of A Skillet?
If you are a seasoned home cook, then you must know the importance of a skillet in your kitchen. They can be used for different purposes which can make your life easier in many ways.
Whether you want to use them for roasting, broiling, baking, searing, pan-frying, you can use them for everything. Apart from this, they are also perfect for pouring sauces or liquids due to lips. This is what makes them a perfect choice for your kitchen.
In fact, the more seasoned your skillet is, the better flavor it will give. This is why some people even use the same skillet for years. As they are quite durable, it is possible to use them for a longer period too. You can even re-season them if their seasoning wears out.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using A Skillet?
Just like a coin has two sides, there are pros and cons of using everything. In the same way, a skillet has pros and cons as well. Some of the pros and cons are discussed below.
Pros
- They are long-lasting
- They are durable
- They can be used for multipurpose
- They are incredibly versatile
- They stay hot for a longer period
- You can easily re-season them
- They are indestructible!
Cons
- The handle can get hot
- It is a bit heavier than other cookware
- Not suitable for cooking acidic food or boiling water
- They may need constant re-seasoning
- It takes longer to heat up
What Is A Frying Pan?
Let’s come to the frying pan now. Although the frying pan is the same as a skillet, it is essentially used to stir fry food rather than cooking food in it. Some people call cast iron pans skillets and nonstick pans are called frying pans. But, this is not entirely the case. Because frying pans are also available in cast iron in addition to carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
A frying pan is less deep than a skillet. Since a frying pan is mostly used for stir-frying vegetables, meat, and other food items, it does not come with a lid as well. This is the main difference between a frying pan and a skillet.
Pros And Cons Of Using A Frying Pan
Just like a skillet, using a frying pan comes with pros and cons as well. So, you need to consider all the pros and cons before deciding to use it. Let’s take a look at its pros and cons below.
Pros
- A frying pan is extremely light in weight
- It can heat up quickly
- The handle does not get hot
- You do not require constant re-seasoning in a frying pan.
- Most of the frying pans today are coming with non-stick coating.
Cons
- You cannot boil water in them
- You cannot cook acidic food in a frying pan
- Unless you are using a nonstick pan, the oil can stick up to the frying pan
When Should You Use A Skillet Or A Frying Pan?
Choosing between a skillet and a frying pan can be confusing. In some food items, a skillet is preferable. While in others, you would require a frying pan. So, it all depends upon the matter of judgment. For example, a well-seasoned pan is perfect for making some eggs for you. On the other hand, if you want to cook a steak, a skillet is the best choice for you.
Although there is not much difference between a skillet and a frying pan, you need to know the main differences between the two of them. Knowing the differences will help you in deciding which cookware to use in cooking certain food items.