extra large ironing board cover and pad_oval tablecloth 60 x 84

One of the most obvious differences between skillets and frypans is its shape. But it is also a factor that often confuses people, simply because they’re both flat-bottomed rounded pans with a handle. Here’s how they differ in regards to shape.

Do chefs use non-stick cookware?

Skillets have less cooking area which may be a drawback, depending on what you're cooking. That said, skillets have the advantage of making it easy to toss or shake ingredients so that they cook evenly, thanks to the pans’ slanted sides. (You know, the professional chef move, when instead of using a wooden spoon to stir or mix the ingredients, with a quick jerk of the wrist, the ingredients are tossed and quickly caught back in the pan.) Skillets are great pans for sauteing foods and stir-frys because of how easy the pan is to move with agility. 

Cast iron is another material to consider because it retains heat extremely well, although it's not the best heat conductor. That means, cast iron takes a while to heat up. Cast iron is best for searing, sauteing, and baking.