Searching for that perfect item to finish your kitchen set? Or looking to try that new recipe you found? A skillet is the item of culinary dreams.
For in the oven or on the stove, a skillet is the delicious blend of pan and dish. Used for decades throughout cultures, there are some things you need to know before you go spending your hard-earned cash.
This guide includes the materials, sizes, and uses of a skillet. You can’t really go wrong in purchasing the skillet to complete your kitchen arsenal.
Packed with a skillet made for every level of cooking and family size, finding your skillet has never been easier!
Skillet Materials
While often blended together with a frying pan, a skillet is very different. Skillets hold a deeper bottom and generally come with a lid.
While any skillet can be used to cook a variety of foods, different materials and sizes are ideal for different cooking tasks. Below you will find the materials and sizes and what they are best used for.
Copper Skillets
Copper skillets are high-quality, traditional cooking tools. They respond to temperature changes incredibly quickly, making precise heat management simple. Ideal for rapid sears, sautéing, frying, browning, and simmering because of their exact control.
To avoid tarnishing, they should be carefully hand-washed. Copper skillets are expensive, but they are typically regarded as a wise investment and are recommended by expert chefs. Copper skillets, with their warm, gleaming appearance, are also a lovely addition to your kitchen.
Cast Iron Skillets
A cast-iron skillet is one of the most durable and long-lasting kitchen appliances. The heavy-duty iron bottom warms slowly and can withstand extremely high temperatures, making it ideal for roasting, frying, searing, and baking.
Cast iron skillets not only perform a wide range of cooking tasks, but they also last a lifetime. Over time, the skillet will not bend or lose its usefulness.
However, you must take an active role in its upkeep, which includes seasoning the metal and hand-washing the pan on a regular basis. Your cast-iron skillet will be a kitchen staple for a long time as a result of your hard work.
Non-Stick Skillets
Working with food that is delicate or may stick to the pan, such as eggs, is best done in a nonstick skillet. The skillet has a nonstick coating that allows food to simply slide off the pan for easy cleanup.
Because the pan’s smooth surface reduces the need for cooking oil to keep food from sticking, it’s a healthier option for cooking. Nonstick skillets are also acid-resistant, making them ideal for use with acidic components such as fruit or wine.
Skillet Sizes & Uses
With each family having its own unique needs, inside and outside the kitchen, let’s discuss the different sizes of skillets. From mini to extra-large there is a skillet that is fit to serve your home’s every need.
Mini Skillets (15cm And Under)
Smaller food items are best cooked in these pans, which ensure quick and equal heating all around. These are ideal for small gatherings or as a fun alternative to a typical serving platter. Serving meals in little cast iron skillets is a unique way to make a statement.
Small Skillet (16-20cm)
When cooking for two people, a small skillet comes in handy. While the skillet’s surface area is on the small side, the skillet’s often taller walls will aid in preventing overflow. Prepare yourself for the ideal meal for two!
A small skillet is a perfect size for a warm, home-cooked meal for 2 or a delicious heart-warming pie for one. Once you’ve devoured your meal, make sure to give the skillet a gentle wash with warm soapy water.
Adding a little amount of oil to restore the sheen and keep the skillet seasoned will have it in mint condition for your next culinary adventure.
Medium (21-25cm)
Medium-sized skillets are ideal for meals that require a large number of ingredients in the pan, such as stir-fries. This skillet can hold a recipe for a larger group of people and is ideal for cooking for a family of four to five people.
Large (26-30cm)
Large skillets are ideal for browning large cuts of meat or cooking large quantities of pasta or rice.
Giving room for the rice to become fluffy or the meat to become juicy and tender. This skillet is ideal for large families or items that need a lot of room.
Extra-Large (Over 31cm)
There’s plenty of room in this skillet! It’s ideal for grilling to provide a smoky flavor to meats and veggies, and it’ll feed the entire party. Using its large surface is also a terrific, rustic way to serve appetizers at a gathering.
Skillet Features
Cool-Touch Handle
Have you ever reached for a panhandle, only to discover it’s scorching hot? By purchasing cool-touch handles, you can ensure that you will never grip a heated handle again.
A covering of rubber or another material is often placed over the metal handle to prevent heat from reaching your hand.
PTFE-Free
The most common nonstick coating substance is PTFE. When PTFE is heated to over 260°C, it emits fumes, which can cause nausea and flu-like symptoms if exposed for an extended period of time.
While the average home chef is unlikely to come across these circumstances, some individuals choose to play it safe and use PTFE-free skillets.
Conclusion
To keep it short and sweet, finding the right skillet for your kitchen isn’t difficult. Once you have determined what size you require, it’s simple to discover what material works for you. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a large family cookout, the skillet is the perfect cooking appliance.
From the non-stick variation to the classic cast-iron skillet there’s a skillet for every recipe. Using smaller skillets for desserts and larger skillets for sharing meals there is no stopping what you can create!
Giving the skillet a simple wash with warm soapy water will ensure your skillet is there for every occasion.
