Skillets

A skillet is a versatile cooking tool for all types of cuisine. Skillet cooking covers pan frying, sautéing, scrambling eggs, making pancakes and much more. Given its long legacy and wide popularity, the skillet comes in many sizes, designs and materials. You can choose a model with a lid if you want to capture more heat in the pan. You may prefer a non-stick skillet for certain dishes, like eggs, which easily stick to conventional pans. You might even want an electric skillet to make dishes even when all the burners on your stovetop are busy.

The classic cast-iron skillet can handle high heat and be used on both the stove and in the oven. It’s perfect for making steak that needs to be browned on the stove top and then finished in the oven. It can also be used for baking cornbread and cobblers, and it’s a piece of essential gear for outdoor cooking over open coals or a campfire.

If you have an induction stovetop, make sure that you choose an induction-compatible skillet. This category can include many popular skillet materials, including cast iron skillets, copper skillets and stainless-steel skillets.

To make the best use of your new skillet pan, choose the ideal kitchen utensils for your pan and your cooking activities. For non-stick pans, ensure you use cooking utensils with plastic or rubber ends as metal spatulas and tongs can scratch the non-stick coating.

To keep your new pan in good shape, wash and care for it according to the manufacturer’s directions. Cast iron cookware will need to be seasoned and washed with care to prevent rust and improve performance. Avoid abrasive sponges with non-stick coatings. And always double-check that you have a dishwasher-safe skillet before putting your skillet through a cycle in your dishwasher.

Choosing the right cookware for your kitchen is about suiting your cooking needs and your budget. In addition to a skillet, you may consider small kitchen appliances that can expand your cooking options. For instance, using an air fryer for some dishes instead of pan frying is an easy way to reduce the amount of oil in the dish and the saturated fats in your diet. If you want the option of grilling indoors or making eggs or pancakes on a large griddle, you will appreciate the convenience of an electric griddle.