While a lid isn’t customary on a French skillet, it shares several characteristics with a sauté pan, so it’s possible to get one with one if you like to preserve the ingredients while cooking.

So we know that the frypan is generally smaller than the skillet, but does that also mean it has a smaller cooking surface? It sure does. Its overall smaller build gives it a smaller cooking surface, while its shallower depth also reduces the amount you can cook on it. But its compact size certainly gives you an easier time when it comes to cooking smaller portions.

Contrary to what many expect, skillets are actually great for sautéing and stir-frying. The lighter weight makes them easy to shake, and their sloped sides helps redistribute the food back to the bottom of the pan. The wide opening also allows access to the cooking surface, making it easy to stir the ingredients.

No, aluminum pans should be hand-washed only. Aluminum cannot withstand the high heat of the dishwasher or harsh dishwashing chemicals, which can tarnish or stain the surface.

It’s important to note that frying pans should not be confused with cast iron skillets, which are a distinct type of cookware. To learn more about the differences between skillets and frying pans, check out our post dedicated to the topic.