The skillet is among the most frequently used kitchen implement today. These pieces of cookware are a type of frying pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. They are characterized by a flat bottom, sides that flare outwards, a long handle, and no lid. They are often made from materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum.

Skillets can be purchased in the market today in a variety of types. Among these are those made from cast iron, aluminum, Teflon, stainless steel, and copper. Among these types, cast iron skillets are among the most popular and most durable. They are often used for searing, blackening, and frying meats. Another popular type of these pieces of cookware, which is also among the least expensive, are those made from aluminum. These types are also among the better types as they allow heat to distribute evenly, hence, ensuring proper cooking without burning.

Among the types of skillets, alternatively, that are gaining worldwide popularity today are those made from Teflon. Though inappropriate for some cooking preparations such as deglazing, these non-stick types of frying pans are perfect for low-fat cooking as no extra butter or oil is necessary to prevent food from sticking to the pan. Next are those made from stainless steel, which are commended for their corrosion-resistant properties. Skillets made from this type of material are also inexpensive and non-stick. Finally are those made from copper which are also among the most expensive. With copper’s superior electrical conductivity, many cooks prefer using frying pans made from said material despite their price.

With the number of types of skillets now available for consumers to choose from, one may be unsure of the right pans to buy. Three of the most important factors that should be considered when purchasing these items are the material used in their manufacture, their size, and their shape. As mentioned earlier, the materials that can be used in the manufacture of these pieces of cookware are cast iron, aluminum, Teflon, stainless steel, and copper. In terms of size, larger skillets are often preferred as they are excellent for moving food around. One should also consider the shape of the skillet. These items of cookware can be purchased either as circular or square yet a number of rectangular-shaped are also now available.

It is also important to identity where the skillet would be used primarily to be able to identify the various features that cookware should have. For those pans that will be used primarily for braising meat and cooking full meals, for example, one should look for skillets that with straight sides while those who will be using the cookware primarily to fry eggs or brown hamburgers should look for ones with sloped sides. One should also check on the cookware’s handles. Said part should not be made from wood, rather, is rubberized. It also is suggested to go for those with longer handles than smaller ones. Finally, as the prices of skillet range from $30 to more than $200, it is important to identify one’s budget before making any purchase decision.

Almost every process in the food preparation requires the use of skillets. As such, these pieces of cookware can indeed be regarded as indispensable kitchen implements. Hence, it is important to carefully choose among the number of options available in the market which one to purchase.

Jane is a stay-at-home mom and is currently residing in Germany. Because cooking is her hobby, she loves to write about different types of cookware, skillets and Bratpfanne Test (frying pan test).