If skillets and frying pans are the same vessels, why is there confusion between the terminology? Much of the confusion between these terms lies with the generic phrase pots and pans. Along with skillets, there are saute pans, sheet pans, roasting pans, saucepans, and bundt pans. In most kitchens, the word pan is a general term that refers to not just a frying pan but a saute pan.

While cast iron skillets take longer to heat up than other frying pan materials, they heat evenly and consistently with no hot spots. They are great at retaining heat and can be taken from the stovetop to the oven or grill and then to the table for service to keep the food warm. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is naturally non-stick and can withstand very high temperatures without warping or getting damaged. Cast iron requires frequent maintenance, but the benefit is that it can last a lifetime with routine seasoning and using proper cleaning techniques.

Another difference lies in how skillets usually come with a small helper handle on the other side for extra support. This is because skillets are often much heavier than frypans, so the extra support is always welcomed. Frypans usually come with a single handle, but there are rare occasions where it may come with a helper handle for larger ones.

A sauté pan is a shallow pan with straight sidewalls. This is the main difference between a sauté pan and a skillet or frying pan, which has slanted sides. The straight sides make the sauté pan better suited for certain tasks that require cooking ingredients in a liquid, such as shallow frying or braising, because these liquids could leak over a skillet’s slated sides.A sauté pan can also be used to sauté, stir-fry, or sear in the same way that a skillet can. However, despite its name, a sauté pan is not necessarily the best pan to use to sauté ingredients, and some chefs actually prefer using a skillet for sautéing because of its slanted sides.

    All in all, whether you choose a classic white enamel cookware set or a more vibrant purple, red, or pink option, an enamel cookware set is a versatile and stylish addition to any kitchen.  With its durability, even heat distribution, and aesthetic appeal, investing in a set of enamel cookware can enhance your cooking experience for years to come.

Here’s where things may get a little confusing, so we’ll start with the basics. For one, both frypans and skillets have handles attached to its side. One difference is that frypans usually have shorter handles compared to the longer one on skillets. The skillet’s longer handle allows for an easier time to move the pan around the stovetop or to transfer it into the oven for baking.

Cast Iron Skillet With Wooden Handle

Aside from their looks, one of the distinct characteristics of copper pans is the fact that they cool rapidly once removed from the heat. Copper is strong and notoriously conductive, so it makes for long-lasting, high-performance, and incredibly responsive cookware—perfect for jam, caramel, and other delicate sauces, as well as searing and sautéing, as well.