Frying pan, saute pan, and skillet are all terms that you're likely familiar with but may not be able to explain differences between them. Although these cooking vessels are similar, they are not all the same. Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, having proper pans for the dish you're preparing will make your cooking preparation a lot easier, and more importantly — yield the best results. So if you're now wondering, what exactly makes a skillet, well…a skillet, you're not alone.
The features of a cast iron Dutch oven are also worth noting. Its durability and heat-retaining properties make it ideal for slow cooking and long stewing. Dutch Oven Material distributes heat evenly, ensuring food cooks evenly and without hot spots. Additionally, a Dutch oven can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even over an open flame, making it a versatile tool in any kitchen.
Ironically, a skillet is actually far superior at sautéing food than a sauté pan. To properly sauté, small to medium-sized pieces of food are cooked rapidly in hot fat, with constant agitation. The sloping sides of a skillet allow you to easily shake the pan, performing the jump-flip maneuver that cooks like to show off with. It's more than just ego-padding, though. It's the most efficient way to redistribute the food in the pan, ensuring even cooking for all pieces.
The quick answer is, no. A skillet and frying pan are different because of each’s cooking surface and design. There is often confusion because the terms “skillet” and “frying pan” are often used interchangeably. And you can typically use either one of them for many cooking preparations, even if one is better suited for a specific cooking method. Plus, both of these style pans are often made from the same materials and come in similar sizes, so it's easy to understand why there can be confusion. While similar, a skillet is technically a bit deeper and has a slightly larger cooking surface area than a frying pan.