A frying pan sports a shallow broad metal pan with sloping sides and does not have a lid but has an open design for better thermal distribution during cooking.

In the labs, we put the carbon steel pans through the same tests as our cast-iron pans: heating evenness, baking, and browning. You have to keep carbon steel pans seasoned, like cast iron, but if you do, they soon develop a smooth patina that makes a pan as slick as nonstick, giving you even more cooking possibilities.

The main difference between a skillet and a pan is their shapes. A skillet has shorter, curved sides, while a sauté pan has straight, vertical sides.

Whereas kitchen enthusiasts and cooking professionals who chose the skillet will enjoy the versatility, near indestructible durability, and in turn the longevity offered by the skillet. Ultimately, one is only better than the other depending on the lifestyle you lead.

    In the realm of culinary craftsmanship, few materials have stood the test of time quite like cast iron. Renowned for its durability, heat retention, and versatility, cast iron cookware has been a staple in kitchens for generations. However, it's the evolution of this classic kitchen essential that has sparked a new wave of interest among chefs and home cooks alike – enter enameled cast iron cookware sets.

Enamel Pots Size

When to Cook With a Pan 

Durability and Longevity: Big black cast iron skillets are built to last a lifetime and beyond. With proper care and maintenance, they become seasoned over time, developing a natural non-stick surface that improves with use.

Cast Iron Skillet Set With Lids

Enameled cast iron pans offer all the benefits of unfinished cast iron, with the touch of added convenience usually associated with non stick.

The difference between a sauté pan and a skillet is a subtle but important one, and it all comes down to shape. A sauté pan, from the French verb meaning to jump (sauter), has a wide, flat bottom and relatively tall, vertical sides. A skillet, on the other hand, has sides that flare outward at an angle. But the real question is, when should you use each one, and do you really need both?

Handles

You want to match the pan to the job to get the best results in the kitchen. Skillets and saute pans are versatile, and they can handle most types of cooking methods. However, it is best to choose the suitable pans for your recipe. Take time to assess whether a saute pan or skillet is the right choice.