Ironically, a skillet is actually far superior at sautéing food than a sauté pan. To properly sauté, small to medium-sized pieces of food are cooked rapidly in hot fat, with constant agitation. The sloping sides of a skillet allow you to easily shake the pan, performing the jump-flip maneuver that cooks like to show off with. It's more than just ego-padding, though. It's the most efficient way to redistribute the food in the pan, ensuring even cooking for all pieces.

Yes. Like cast iron, a carbon steel pan can handle very high heat and go from the stovetop or grill to the oven without damaging the pan.

CERAMIC FRYING PANS

It depends. Some manufacturers will label their pans dishwasher-safe, but for the longevity of your pans, it is best to hand-wash stainless steel pans. Dishwasher detergents can be harsh on the stainless steel and may lead to corrosion, and in general, regularly dishwashing your pans will dull and spot them over time.

Is a frying pan and a skillet the same?

    One popular option is a cast iron skillet set with a lid.  Cast Iron Skillet Set With Lids usually includes multiple frying pans of different sizes, each with its own lid.  Cast Iron Skillet Set With Lids, the lid helps lock in heat and moisture, making it ideal for cooking dishes that require slow cooking or braising.  

How to Measure a Fry Pan

Ceramic pans are similar to non stick pans, but with one crucial difference. Because part of the coating releases every time it heats up (that’s the “self-sacrificing” bit), ceramic pans become less non stick with every use, making for a pan with a shorter lifespan. On the plus side, ceramic pans’ aluminum core makes them relatively lightweight and easy to handle.

The main drawbacks of ceramic cookware include safety concerns, relatively poor heat distribution, and less longevity than many non stick pans.

Cooking Purpose

Stainless steel pans are a classic in both home and restaurant kitchens—not just because they look professional. Quick to heat up, incredibly responsive to temperature change, and lightweight enough for easy flipping and tossing, high-quality stainless steel does an excellent job cooking everything from delicate vegetables to thick, bone-in steaks and chops.

No matter which piece of cookware you initially lean toward, it’s important to look at a few key factors before you purchase your skillet or sauté pan.