Like a frying pan or skillet, saute pans can be used for stovetop use. However, there is one difference: a saute pan is deeper than a frying pan or skillet. The saute pan has vertical, straight sides designed to prevent spills and hold more ingredients. Saute pans also have a long, single handle, and sometimes, there is a small side handle to help with the additional weight of the ingredients. Plus, saute pans come with a lid to hold in the moisture which makes it perfect for cooking sauces.