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Cast Iron: Traditional cast iron Dutch ovens are renowned for their excellent heat retention and durability. They are ideal for slow cooking, braising, and baking, and can be used on stovetops and in ovens.
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.
When grilling with a cast iron griddle plate it's important to preheat the griddle onto the grill before adding food. This keeps the pan hot enough to create nice grill marks and caramelization. Make sure to brush the baking sheet with a light layer of oil to prevent sticking and aid in the baking process. Once the cast iron griddle plate is hot, place the food on a baking sheet and let it cook to perfection.
For purchasing guidance, please read our review of the best stainless steel skillets and our sauté pan round-up. But whichever pan you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind while shopping.
Sauté Pan
There are various hypotheses as to how this cookware got the name “French Skillet”: