From fry-up enthusiasts to Michelin star chefs, almost everyone shares a different opinion on what a skillet actually is. While the two terms are often used interchangeably, some people also think of these two kitchen essentials as entirely different utensils. Generally, both skillets and frying pans are round and have sloped sides, but there are some key differences worth noting.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about skillets, including some top tips on how to cook up a storm with your own.

What is a Skillet?

With so many similarities between the two, it can be difficult to distinguish skillets from frying pans. The main difference is a subtle but crucial one, and it comes down to comparatively more depth in skillets.

Above all, slanted sides define a skillet. This feature offers a little bit more flexibility when it comes down to stirring, flipping, and tossing ingredients. While some traditional skillets are made of cast-iron, new technologies in non-stick stainless steel skillets make them a practical option for households and professional kitchens alike.

What is a Skillet Used For?

Like frying pans, skillets boast an incredible level of versatility – making them perfect companions for a wide array of cooking tasks and techniques. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what a skillet is used for.

The best way to decide which pan to use is to determine not only how long your food will take to cook, but also how much liquid your recipe contains and how often you’ll need to stir it.
Skillets make it simple and convenient to prepare multiple types of dishes. These include ingredients that need to be flashed up under high heat, meats that need to be seared, and anything requiring constant flipping. If you’d like to try some simple recipes with your new skillet, perfecting the humble omelette could be a great place to start.

Steak is also a classic that you can master with this piece of kit. The build quality of the skillet used contributes more than you’d think, even if learning exactly how to cook steak first plays an important part. By ensuring even distribution of temperature and locking in just the right amount of flavour, high-quality skillets promise sterling results every time.

Skillet Vs Frying Pan: Which is Best?

Unless you’re attempting complicated technical dishes, it’s unlikely that you’ll notice a massive difference between cooking with a skillet and with a frying pan. You can use a frying pan instead of a skillet for most basic dishes, but there’s no better way to make a meal feel special than to use exactly the right pan for the task.

Even though the word ‘skillet’ is often associated with cast-iron pans, there are plenty of alternative materials used in modern skillet manufacturing. With an aluminium core to boost heat conductivity, anodized skillets combine effortless functionality with impressive non-stick cooking, searing and sizzling.

What is a French Skillet Pan?

A French skillet is the term used to describe a type of pan that falls somewhere between a frying pan and a sauté pan. With flared sides that slope towards the bottom of the pan, French skillets offer more depth, offering various possibilities for the chef.

With this increased depth, you’ll be less likely to see your culinary creations spill or overflow from the edges of your pan. Sloped sides also make it much easier to flip ingredients when you use a French skillet to impress your guests.

Fry to Perfection with a Skillet from Circulon

Ready to turn things up with a new skillet? You can easily be the cook you’ve dreamed of being with a new Circulon skillet for your kitchen. Each pan comes with a lifetime guarantee included as standard, giving you peace of mind that you’ll enjoy your skillet for years to come.

We also offer 15% off if you’re ordering three or more pans with our Build a Bundle deal – so there’s no better time to refine your kitchen repertoire and let your skills grow.

If you’d like to know more about any frying pans, saucepans, or skillets on our website, you can browse our FAQ section online. For any specific questions about your order, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team.