Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print

Frying Pans and Skillets

264 Results
A frying pan and a skillet are an integral part of any kitchen — after all, who doesn’t love grilled cheese and freshly cooked eggs? To those not familiar with the minor nuances of each one, skillets and frying pans might seem the same. However, a frying pan is actually a skillet with moderately high sides that are slightly flared. As you get ready to make your new purchase, consider this:

What size saute pan do I need?


There are a number of sizes when it comes to skillets and frying pans, but in particular it’s best to have at least two of the following sizes: eight, 10 and 12 inches. A top-quality frying pan can also double as an omelette pan, especially if it has non-stick coating. If you prefer to make omelette creations with yours, you’ll want to remember that seven inches is perfect for a two-egg omelette and eight inches works well for three-egg omelettes.

I can’t decide between a cast iron skillet, ceramic pans or non-stick pans. Help!


As with any cookware, the material you choose is dependent on your budget and cooking concerns. Here’s a quick rundown of common materials, plus their pros and cons:

• Stainless steel: If you like to cook delicate items like sea scallops, stainless steel pans are a great choice. The material is also nonreactive, heavy duty and fairly affordable, though it can suffer from problems with uneven heat distribution.

• Cast iron: A classic for a reason, a cast iron skillet will provide even, steady heat. It’s also highly durable, but can take a while to heat up and, as most of us who have cooked with one know, they’re fairly heavy.

• Copper: This is another great choice for cooking food that requires precise cook times. A copper frying pan will heat up immediately, but also lose heat quickly once it’s removed from the burner.

• Aluminum: Whether wrapped in stainless steel or anodized, this material is lightweight and perfect for everyday cooking. It’s easy on your budget, but it can warp or scratch when used with high heat.

• Ceramic: This versatile material holds up against high levels of heat and is easy to maintain thanks to a naturally non-stick surface. They’re one of the least reactive materials for cookware, but they can also be heavy and can crack if dropped.

• Non-stick: Get ready to reduce the fat in all your recipes thanks to this material. This type of skillet is also easy to cook with and even easier to clean, but make sure you avoid using metal utensils to keep from scratching the non-stick surface off. There are also concerns over the release of toxic gas at high heat, so keep these frying pans under 500 degrees Fahrenheit.