What is the Difference Between Pans and Skillets?

The terms "pans" and "skillets" are often used interchangeably in the context of cookware, but they do have some differences.

• Pans are a general term referring to various types of cooking vessels, including sauté pans, sheet pans, roasting pans, saucepans, and others.
• Skillets are a specific type of pan with a few distinct characteristics. They have flat bottoms, flared sides, shallow depths, and no lids. Skillets are often used for shallow frying, flipping food, stirring, high-heat searing, or grilling meat at high temperatures.

The confusion between the two terms mainly comes from the generic phrase "pots and pans," which encompasses a wide range of cookware. Frying pans and skillets share the same design and functionality, making them suitable for similar cooking tasks. Some cooking professionals may use the term "skillet" specifically for cast iron skillets. In summary:

• Pans are a broader category of cooking vessels.
• Skillets are a specific type of pan with flat bottoms, flared sides, and shallow depths, often used for tasks like shallow frying and searing.

Comparative Table: Pans vs Skillets

The main difference between pans and skillets lies in their depth and design. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between pans and skillets:

Both pans and skillets are versatile cooking vessels that can be used for various cooking tasks. However, skillets are generally deeper and larger, making them more suitable for searing and slow-cooking, while pans have straight sides and are shallower, making them better for manipulating food with utensils.