Frying pan vs skillet
Buy either name: a frying pan and a skillet are the same open pan with low, flared sides and one long handle. Choose by material and size instead. The pan that really differs is the sauté pan, with straight sides and a lid.
| Difference | Frying pan | Skillet |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Low, flared sides and a flat floor | Low, flared sides and a flat floor |
| Handle | One long handle | One long handle |
| Lid | Usually sold without one | Usually sold without one |
| Where the name is used | Common in recipes and outside the US | Common in the US, and the usual name for cast iron |
On this page
Two exact examples
| Difference | Made In 10-inch Stainless Clad Frying Pan | Lodge 8-inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Stainless clad | Cast iron |
| Cooking surface | stainless steel | seasoned cast iron |
| Included shapes | Skillet | Skillet |
| Size as sold | Skillet: 10 in | Skillet: 8 in |
| Supplied lids | 0 | 0 |
| Lid oven limit | No lid in the box | No lid in the box |
| Empty total weight | 2.25 lb | 3.44 lb |
| Dishwasher | Dishwasher safe; the maker recommends handwashing | Hand wash only |
| Induction | Works on induction | Works on induction |
Same shape, different materials
A stainless frying pan and a cast iron skillet do the same frying job. What differs is the material: its size, care, weight and oven limit. The name doesn't tell you the material, and the material doesn't change the name.
What’s in each, measured
Scroll sideways for every column; tap a heading to sort. “Not stated” means the maker doesn’t publish it.
| Made In 10-inch Stainless Clad Frying Pan | 10 in | 10.5 in | 7.5 in | 3.5 in | 1.75 in | 18 in | 2.25 lb | Not included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge 8-inch Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | 8 in | Not stated | Not stated | 1.87 in | Not stated | 12.75 in | 3.44 lb | Not included |