A skillet, sometimes referred to as a frying pan or a frypan, is a shallow pan with slanted sides. Skillets are commonly used to stir-fry or sauté, which refers to a method of cooking in which ingredients are cooked quickly in a small amount of oil or fat, often over relatively high heat. The slanted sides make it easier to stir, flip, and toss ingredients in the pan so that everything is cooked quickly and evenly. After all, the word “sauté” in French literally means to “jump,” just like vegetables “jump” in a skillet when sautéed or stir-fried.But a skillet has other uses, too, and it is considered to be one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in the kitchen. For example, a stainless steel skillet is great for searing meat, chicken, or fish, or for making simple pasta or pan sauces. Simply put, a skillet is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in the kitchen. 

Carbon steel cookware boasts the naturally non stick properties and great heat retention of cast iron, combined with the cooking speed and heat control of stainless steel. We’d recommend reaching for carbon steel when cooking steaks, cornbread, or anything else cooked over high heat—though it’s versatile enough to use for low-heat cooking as well.

Whereas skillets are commonly made from cast iron or stainless steel, giving it its rugged and robust nature. You’ll also be hard-pressed to find a “cast iron frypan”, but you’ll often find “cast iron skillets”. Even though stainless steel is one of the common materials used to make skillets, cast iron is the more popular option.