Frying Pan

Guide Note

A frying pan or skillet is a shallow cooking vessel used for stove top use. It can be used fry, sear or sauté food.

Fast Facts

1. Pan derives from Celtic "panna"
2. Copper pans were used in ancient Mesopotamia
3. Word skillet is uncommon outside North America
4. World’s largest functional frying pan has a 15 foot diameter

When buying a frying pan consider the material that it is made from. Stainless steel is a great material for cooking surfaces but lacks the heat conductivity of copper and aluminum. It is a good idea to look at the base of a stainless steel pan to see if there is a disk of copper or aluminum as these metals are better heat conductors. A common material is nonstick Teflon which allows for frying with little oil to no oil and easy clean up. With these pans be sure to use only wooden or plastic utensils as metal ones will damage the nonstick surface.

Consider pans with handles that are of a different material such as stainless steel as these will not conduct heat as well and remain cooler than the pan. Plastic handles do not last as long as metal. Also look for riveted on handles as these are the most durable handles.

When buying a pan with a cover be sure that the cover fits snuggly.