Frying pans are also useful for toasting nuts and seeds, melting chocolate, and cooking pancakes.

 There are two main types of Dutch ovens: traditional Dutch ovens and camping Dutch ovens.  A traditional Dutch oven has three legs and a flat bottom and is suitable for use over an open fire or coals.  The Camp Dutch oven, on the other hand, has a flat bottom and is designed to be used on the stovetop or in a conventional oven.

Skillets on the other hand, have semi-vertical sides that flare outwards from the base. This is unlike the frying pan because it does not have curved edges. Again, do not confuse skillets with saute pans as the skillet widen outwards while saute pan does not.

Nonstick

Everyone can appreciate a good frying pan—especially when they turn out your favorite pork chops or soft scrambled eggs. A well-equipped kitchen typically contains several different varieties of frying pans or skillets, including cast iron, stainless steel, and nonstick. (We're not counting the other essential pots and pans you should have, too, like a saucepan, heavy-bottomed pot, or even a wok). Here is how to use, clean, and care for each.

Choosing a pan definitely doesn’t need to be stressful—and it shouldn’t be. But choosing a great pan definitely takes a bit of research and forethought. First off: what recipes do you actually plan to use it for? If you’re a single cook whose typical weeknight meals consist of single-serving dishes or reheated takeout, a non stick pan is a great affordable, low-fuss option. If seared duck confit, skillet cornbread, and Spanish tortillas sound more like your speed, it may be worth investing in a stainless steel, enameled cast iron, or carbon steel pan in any size.

You may not realize it, but the skillet’s distinctive form makes it an excellent tool for stirring, flipping and sautéing food. As a result, the sauté pan is likely to be the one you use the most in your kitchen.