Braiser vs skillet
Choose a braiser to brown food and then simmer it with the lid on, especially in the oven: chicken thighs, short ribs, a big pan of greens. Choose a skillet for everyday frying and searing on the stove, where one long handle lets you tilt and toss.
| Difference | Braiser | Skillet |
|---|---|---|
| Handles | Two short loop handles | One long handle |
| Lid | Comes with a lid | Usually sold without one |
| Where it cooks | On the stove, then in the oven with the lid on | Mostly on the stove |
| Best for | Browning then braising: chicken thighs, short ribs | Frying, searing, eggs, pan sauces |
On this page
Two exact examples
| Difference | Staub Stackable Cast Iron 4-piece set, Matte Black | Lodge 12-inch / 5-quart Deep Skillet |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Enameled cast iron | Cast iron |
| Cooking surface | Enamel | seasoned cast iron |
| Included shapes | Grill pan; Braiser; Dutch oven | Skillet |
| Supplied lids | 1 | 0 |
| Dishwasher | Dishwasher safe; the maker recommends handwashing | Hand wash only |
| Induction | Works on induction | Works on induction |
What each one is for
A braiser has a wide base and shallow sides, so meat and vegetables brown in one layer without crowding, Le Creuset says; then the lid goes on and it simmers on the stove or in the oven. Its two loop handles make a full, heavy pot easier to lift in and out of the oven. A skillet is open, with one long handle for tilting and tossing on the stove, and usually comes without a lid.
About the braiser listed
The braiser below comes in Staub's stackable set, so the weight shown is the whole set's. For scale, Le Creuset's 3.5-quart braiser is 11.8 inches across and 2.2 inches deep inside, and goes in the oven to 500°F.
What’s in each, measured
Scroll sideways for every column; tap a heading to sort. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it.
| Staub Stackable Cast Iron 4-piece set, Matte Black: Grill pan | 10 in | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Shares the set’s lid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staub Stackable Cast Iron 4-piece set, Matte Black: Braiser | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 3.5 US qt | Not stated | 10 | 7 | Shares the set’s lid |
| Staub Stackable Cast Iron 4-piece set, Matte Black: Dutch oven | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 5.25 US qt | Not stated | 15 | 10 | Shares the set’s lid |
| Lodge 12-inch / 5-quart Deep Skillet | 12 in | 3.43 in | 18.26 in | 5 US qt | 9.28 lb | 15 | 10 | Not included |