Skillets: When to Use Them & Best Brands

If you’ve ever stepped into a kitchen, chances are you’ve encountered skillets. But when to use skillets and what are the best brands. These pans are capable of cooking everything from a simple fried egg to a fancy steak dinner. They are pieces of cookware for everyone from home cooks to professional chefs. There are many types and brands out there.

There are classic cast iron skillets to sleek stainless steel skillets. But how do you know when to use skillets and which ones are the best skillet brands to invest in? Don’t worry, I am here to help!

This guide, focusing on Skillets: When to Use Them & Best Brands, will break down everything you need to know. I’ll cover what skillets are and the best times to use them for various foods. I explore the top brands and styles on the market, and even give you tips on how to care for them. Get ready to become a skillet expert!

Key Takeaways:

• Skillets are versatile pans defined by their sloped sides, ideal for frying, searing, sautéing, and even baking.
• Common types include cast iron (great heat retention), non-stick (easy release), stainless steel (durable, good for sauces), and carbon steel (lightweight, heats fast).
• Choose the right skillet based on the cooking task: cast iron for searing, non-stick for delicate foods, stainless for precision.
• Top brands like Lodge, Le Creuset, All-Clad, T-fal, and Tramontina offer quality options.
• Proper care, specific to the material (seasoning cast iron, gentle cleaning for non-stick), is crucial for longevity.

What Are Skillets?

So, what exactly makes a pan a skillet? Think of a skillet as a shallow pan with sloped or flared sides and typically one long handle. These sloped sides are key. They make it easier to toss ingredients during sautéing and ease quick evaporation for searing. They also allow you to effortlessly slide foods out, like an omelet or delicate fish fillets.

It’s a design perfected for specific cooking techniques. Exploring the different types of cookware available can help you see where the skillet fits in.

Skillets come in various materials. Each offers distinct cooking properties and impacting how your food turns out. Understanding the right material for cookware is essential:

• Cast Iron: Heavy, provides incredible heat retention and improves with age, developing a natural non-stick surface. Cast iron skillets are true kitchen staples.
  
• Stainless Steel: Highly durable, non-reactive (so it won’t interfere with the taste of acidic ingredients like tomatoes or wine sauces). It often features clad construction. These are layers of metal like aluminum or copper, sandwiched between steel. They sometimes use a patented sandwiching process for much improved heating. Stainless steel skillets are common in professional kitchens.
  
• Non-Stick: Features a coated surface designed to prevent food from sticking, making cleanup easier. Modern nonstick skillets often use PFOA-free coatings.
  
• Carbon Steel: Shares similarities with cast iron (like seasoning) but is significantly lighter and heats up faster. A favorite tool in the restaurant industry and increasingly popular kitchen gear for home cooks.
  
• Copper: Heats extremely quickly and evenly but is often expensive and requires maintenance. Sometimes used as a core in clad stainless steel skillet construction (copper-core skillet).

The main difference between a skillet (often called a frying pan) and a saucepan lies in those sides and depth. A distinction clarified when comparing frying pans vs saute pans. Saucepans have straight, taller sides, better suited for boiling liquids and simmering sauces. It’s also used for cooking grains, where evaporation isn’t the primary goal.

The food industry utilizes both, but for frying, searing, and sautéing, the skillet reigns supreme. Many skillets exist, but understanding these core material differences is key.

Skillet Selector Quiz! 📝

Ready to find the perfect skillet for your cooking style? Take this quick quiz!

When to Use Skillets?

Skillets are incredibly versatile! Their shape and heat-handling abilities make them the perfect tool for a wide range of cooking tasks. Before you start cooking, proper preparation is key, like using the right knife for the task to chop your vegetables. Here’s when to use skillets for the best results:

Cooking Breakfast Dishes

Skillets are breakfast champions. Their flat, wide surface is perfect for cooking many items at once, like in delicious skillet hashes.

• Why they work: A good skillet provides even heat distribution. It’s great for perfectly cooked eggs (fried, scrambled, omelets), crispy bacon, golden-brown pancakes and hash browns. A 10-inch skillet or 12-inch skillet usually offers ample space.
  
• Best skillet type: Nonstick skillets excel for eggs and pancakes. Cast iron skillets deliver unmatched crispiness for bacon and potatoes.

Searing Meats

Want that beautiful brown crust on your steak, pork chop, or chicken breast? A hot skillet is your go-to cookware. Knowing techniques for searing can make a big difference.

• Why they work: Materials like cast iron and carbon steel get incredibly hot and keep that heat exceptionally well. This high, consistent heat triggers the Maillard reaction. This means browning the meat surface, developing deep, savory flavors and locking in its own juices.
  
• Best skillet type: Cast iron pans (iron skillets) are the classic choice for searing. Carbon steel skillets and heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillets (especially those with tri-ply cookware properties) also perform well.

One-Pan Meals

Who doesn’t love fewer dishes? Skillets, particularly a deep skillet, are fantastic for creating delicious one-pan meals.

• Why they work: You can often start by sautéing vegetables or searing meat, add other ingredients, and finish the entire recipe right there. Many skillets are oven-safe, allowing a seamless transition from stovetop browning to oven baking or finishing. Check out this oven-safe cookware guide for more info. Think frittatas, shakshuka, skillet pasta, fajitas – the capabilities are vast. Plus, you can often make delicious pan sauces right in the same pan.
  
• Best skillet type: Cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel skillets are excellent choices. A good nonstick skillet can work for some recipes, too.

Baking Cornbread & Desserts

Yes, you can bake in a skillet! Particularly, cast iron skillets are famous for this, producing incredible results.

• Why they work: Cast iron heats evenly and holds that heat, creating amazing crusts. It’s traditional for Southern-style skillet cornbread to yield perfectly crisp edges. It’s often achieved by heating fat in the pan before adding batter made with flour and other ingredients. You can also bake fruit cobblers, giant cookies, and skillet brownies. It’s a versatile piece for baking.
  
• Best skillet type: Cast iron is king here. Ensure it’s a well-seasoned pan for optimal results. Even some enameled cast iron works well.

Outdoor Cooking

Heading camping or planning a backyard barbecue? A sturdy skillet is essential gear.

• Why they work: Skillets, especially cast iron skillets (iron skillet), are incredibly durable. They can handle the intense heat of a campfire or grill. They’re perfect for campfire breakfasts, searing freshly caught fish fillets or making simple meals outdoors.
  
• Best skillet type: Cast iron is the most popular due to its ruggedness. A carbon steel skillet offers a lightweight option. Forget the fancy, polished pans here; you need durability.

What Are the Best Skillet Brands?

Choosing from the many cookware manufacturers offering skillets can feel overwhelming. Quality matters for performance, longevity, and cooking enjoyment. Consulting lists of the best cookware brands can be a helpful starting point. Here’s what to look for and some top contenders among skillet brands:

Criteria for Choosing the Best Skillet Brands

• Material Quality: Is the cast iron pure and well-cast? Is the stainless steel multi-clad (tri-ply or five-ply pans)? Is the nonstick coating durable and safe (PFOA-free)? High-quality materials define a well-made skillet. Expertise builds trust in the manufacturing process.
  
• Heat Conductivity & Retention: How quickly and evenly does the pan heat? Does it hold heat well for searing? Cast iron skillets excel at retention, copper-core skillets or aluminum-core stainless steel skillets heat quickly.
  
• Durability: Will the pan warp under heat? Is the handle securely attached? Will the non-stick coating last? Look for sturdy construction – avoid cheap pans or less-dependable brands if longevity is key. A durable skillet is a worthwhile investment.
  
• Warranty and Customer Service: Good brands often stand behind their products with solid warranties and helpful support. Manufacturer preference can sometimes be swayed by warranty length.
  
• Price Point: Skillets range from budget-friendly (budget cast-iron skillet) to high-end investments (high-end cookware manufacturers). Determine your budget and find the best quality within it. Reading useful product reviews can help assess value.

Top 5 Overall Skillet Brands

This list includes brands known for quality and innovation across different skillet types, representing a hard-working assortment:

Brand	Material	Price Range	Best For
Lodge	Cast Iron	–$	Everyday cooking
Le Creuset	Enameled Cast Iron	$	Style and performance
All-Clad	Stainless Steel	$	Precision cooking
T-fal	Non-Stick	$	Budget-friendly
Tramontina	Stainless Steel/Cast Iron	–$	Versatility and value

1. Lodge: (https://www.lodgecastiron.com/) The go-to brand for affordable, durable, American-made cast iron skillets. Often comes as a pre-seasoned option. Their no-frills skillet approach offers fantastic value. A true classic brand.
   
2. Le Creuset: (https://www.lecreuset.com/) A high-end cookware manufacturer known for its beautiful and functional enameled cast iron. This style comes in many colors, requires no seasoning, and boasts a lifetime warranty. A beautiful skillet that performs well.
   
3. All-Clad: (https://www.all-clad.com/) The gold standard for professional-quality stainless steel cookware. Their clad stainless steel skillet (All-Clad skillet) options, often uses a patented sandwiching process. It offers superb heat distribution. Favored by professional chefs. Also offers good nonstick skillet options.
   
4. T-fal: (https://www.t-falusa.com/) A hugely popular brand for affordable and reliable non-stick skillets. Known for their Thermo-Spot heat indicator, which shows innovation in user-friendliness. A great choice for everyday nonstick tasks.
   
5. Tramontina: (https://www.tramontina.com/) Offers excellent value across various lines. Their tri-ply clad stainless steel skillets are highly regarded (often compared to All-Clad cookware at a lower price). They produce durable nonstick and cast iron offerings too. Expertise shows in their value proposition.

What Is the Best Type of Skillet to Use?

The “best” type of skillet really depends on what you cook most often, your personal preference, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Let’s break down the main types of skillets in your potential kitchen tool kit:

Cast Iron Skillets

• Pros: Unbeatable heat retention (perfect for searing steak or chicken), extremely durable (durable skillet – can last generations, gaining vintage appeal). They develop a natural non-stick “seasoning” over time. These seasoned pans are prized, inexpensive (budget cast-iron skillet options), and oven-safe. These weighty skillets, often black skillets, are beloved by many cooks. Learn more about cast iron cookware.
  
• Cons: Heavy, requires regular seasoning to prevent rust and maintain non-stick properties. Also not dishwasher safe, and can react with acidic foods (harsh ingredients like tomatoes) if not a well-seasoned pan.

Non-Stick Skillets

• Pros: Food releases easily (ideal for eggs, pancakes, delicate fish fillets), requires less oil or fat, generally easy to clean. A classic nonstick is often a cook’s first pan. Check out this nonstick cookware guide for details.
  
• Cons: The non-stick coating has a shorter lifespan (often needs replacing every few years). Coatings can be easily scratched by metal tools, most cannot handle very high heat needed for a hard sear. They are not ideal for developing fond for pan sauces. Finding a truly durable nonstick skillet can be challenging.

Stainless Steel Skillets

• Pros: Very durable pan, non-reactive, dishwasher safe (usually), oven-safe, excellent for developing fond (browned bits). Fond is for flavorful pan sauces, looks professional. A high-quality stainless skillet is a kitchen workhorse. Understand the stainless steel cookware pros & cons.
  
• Cons: Food can stick if not used correctly (proper preheating and oil are crucial techniques). Poor heat conduction on its own, look for “clad” versions (tri-ply skillet, five-ply pans) with aluminum or copper cores (copper-core skillet) for best performance. All-Clad cookware exemplifies high-quality clad manufacturing.

Carbon Steel Skillets

• Pros: Lighter than cast iron, heats up very quickly and evenly. Responds rapidly to temperature changes (great control for the chef). It develops a natural non-stick seasoning like cast iron, is very durable, and oven-safe. A fantastic lightweight option popular in the restaurant industry.
  
• Cons: Requires seasoning and maintenance like cast iron to prevent rust. Can react with acidic ingredients initially. It’s a durable pan but needs care.

Ceramic Skillets

• Pros: Often marketed as an eco-friendly nonstick skillet option (PTFE/PFOA-free), available in various colors and styles. Explore the ceramic cookware pros & cons.
  
• Cons: The ceramic non-stick coating tends to be less durable than traditional nonstick or seasoned surfaces. It can lose its non-stick properties relatively quickly, and may chip. Quality varies significantly among manufacturers.

(Mention of Copper as a Core Material): Copper itself offers amazing heat conductivity; learn about copper cookware benefits if considering solid copper pans or copper-core options.

What Are the Best Brands of Cast Iron Skillets?

Cast iron deserves its own spotlight within the world of skillets. It’s a favorite for many home cooks and professional chefs. Here are some of the best brands of cast iron skillets, from standard skillets to fancy polished pans:

Why Choose Cast Iron?

People love cast iron for its longevity, its versatility (cooking on stovetop, oven, grill, campfire), and its incredible searing performance. A well-seasoned pan (beloved skillet) is a joy to cook with, connecting cooks to traditional methods. Many skillets try, but few sear like cast iron.

Top 5 Best Cast Iron Skillet Brands

1. Lodge: The undisputed king of affordable, reliable, pre-seasoned cast iron made in their USA factory. Their 10.25-inch skillet and 12-inch skillet are kitchen staples. An excellent no-frills skillet and often the first iron skillet people buy. They even offer a dual-handled lodge skillet.
   
2. Le Creuset: Famous for its stunning enameled cast iron. The smooth enamel requires no seasoning and cleans easily, offering a different style. High quality and price point, a beautiful skillet.
   
3. Finex: (https://finexusa.com/) A modern, new-school style skillet. Features an octagonal shape for easy pouring, a coiled spring handle that stays cooler and machine-polished skillets cooking surfaces (smooth skillets). Premium craft and genius design.
   
4. Staub: (https://www.zwilling.com/us/staub/) Another top brand for enameled cast iron. It often features dark interiors that resist staining and self-basting lids. Superior quality and performance, with a different handle design from Le Creuset sometimes.
   
5. Field Company: (https://fieldcompany.com/) Focuses on vintage-style cast-iron pans. These are smoother and lighter than a typical cast-iron skillet like Lodge. Their silky smooth pans need seasoning but are beautifully crafted. A well-designed pan favored by enthusiasts. Their no.10 skillet is a popular size.

(Note: Other excellent high-end/craft brands like Smithey Ironware and Butter Pat Industries also make fantastic vintage-style cast-iron pans with polished surfaces, catering to cookware geeks seeking smooth skillets).

What Are the Four Core Skillets You Should Own?

While you can cook almost anything in any skillet with practice, having a few core types in your assortment makes life much easier. Here’s a recommended quartet – a hard-working assortment – for a well-rounded kitchen repertoire:

1. 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet (or 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet)

• Why: The ultimate versatile workhorse. The 10-inch skillet is often considered the ideal-size skillet for 2-3 servings. Great for searing meat, frying chicken, baking skillet cornbread, cooking breakfast potatoes and even outdoor use. The 12-inch cast-iron skillet is better for larger families or batches.
  

2. 10 or 12-inch Non-Stick Skillet

• Why: Essential for delicate foods like eggs and fish fillets. Also perfect for pancakes, crepes, and quesadillas. Its ease of use and cleaning make it a practical choice, especially for quick meals. A good option for beginners.
  

3. 10 or 12-inch Stainless Steel Skillet

• Why: Ideal for tasks requiring precision, even heating (with clad construction), and making pan sauces. Excellent for sautéing vegetables, searing scallops and deglazing (using liquid to lift browned bits) to create flavorful sauces. A favorite tool of professional chefs. Opt for a clad stainless steel skillet (like an All-Clad skillet or similar tri-ply skillet).
  

4. 12-inch Carbon Steel Skillet

• Why: A fantastic pan for high-heat cooking techniques like stir-frying or achieving a rapid, hard sear. It heats quicker than cast iron, is lighter, and becomes naturally non-stick with use. A very durable pan loved in the restaurant industry.

This combo covers most cooking needs and techniques. Having the same diameter skillet (e.g., 10-inch) in different materials can be useful for direct comparisons or specific tasks.

How to Care for Your Skillets (By Material)

Proper care ensures your skillets perform well and last long. Following good cookware care & maintenance practices is vital. Caring for skillets varies significantly by material – crucial knowledge for maintaining your cookware:

Cleaning & Seasoning Cast Iron

• Do’s: Clean promptly after use. Often wiping out or rinsing with hot water and a stiff brush (avoid metal scrubbers on seasoned pans unless restoring). Dry immediately and thoroughly (even gentle heat on the stove). Apply a very thin layer of cooking oil after drying to maintain the seasoning.
  
• Don’ts: Never soak cast iron pans in water. Avoid harsh soaps/detergents (they strip seasoning). Never put in the dishwasher. Avoid drastic temperature changes (like putting a hot pan in cold water).
  
• Re-seasoning: If rust appears or food starts sticking, scrub off rust/residue (steel wool is okay here), wash, and dry completely. After coat thinly with a neutral oil (like vegetable or canola), wipe off excess and bake upside down in a hot oven (around 400-450°F / 200-230°C) for an hour. Let cool in the oven. Lodge provides detailed seasoning instructions. A well-seasoned pan is worth the effort.

Maintaining Non-Stick Surfaces

• Key rule: Protect the coating! Use only wood, silicone, or nylon utensils. Avoid high heat which degrades the coating faster. Handwash gently with a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Just as you’d follow safe cleaning practices for knives, be gentle with nonstick surfaces.
  
• Storage: Don’t stack other pans inside without protection (a towel or pan protector) to prevent scratches. Treat your nonstick skillet gently.

Caring for Stainless Steel & Carbon Steel

• Stainless Steel: Usually dishwasher safe, but handwashing preserves the mirror finish of polished pans. For tough residue, soak or use a non-abrasive cleaner like Bar Keepers Friend. Dry promptly to avoid water spots.
  
• Carbon Steel: Treat it like cast iron. Clean gently (often just wipe out), dry immediately, and apply a thin coat of oil. Seasoning is crucial for performance and rust prevention. It will develop a dark patina over time, which is normal and desirable for this steel skillet.

Tips for Using Skillets Like a Pro

Unlock the full potential of your skillets with these simple basic tips and techniques:

• Preheat Your Skillet: Crucial for cast iron and stainless steel to prevent sticking and ensure good searing. Heat the pan over medium heat for several minutes until properly hot before adding oil or fat. For nonstick, preheating should be shorter and on lower heat.
  
• Use the Right Fat/Oil: Match the oil’s smoke point to your cooking temperature. Use high smoke point oils (avocado, grapeseed, canola) for high-heat searing meat. Use butter or olive oil for lower-heat sautéing or eggs. Use enough fat to coat the bottom for even cooking.
  
• Know Oven Safety: Confirm if your entire skillet (including the handle) is oven-safe before transferring it. Most cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel skillets (with metal handles) are oven-safe skillet options. Check manufacturer specs for nonstick, referencing guides like this oven-safe cookware guide.
  
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is a common mistake! Give ingredients space. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, causing food (like vegetables or chicken) to steam instead of brown or sear. Cook in batches if needed. Using safe cutting board practices (how to safely use cutting boards) during prep helps manage ingredients efficiently.
  
• Master Deglazing for Sauces: After searing meat in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet. Remove the meat, pour off excess fat, return the pan to medium heat, and add liquid (wine, broth, water) to scrape up the flavorful browned bits (fond). Add spices or other ingredients to create delicious pan sauces.
  
• Let Meat Rest: After cooking steak or other meat in the skillet, let it rest off the heat for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the own juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

Following these tips will elevate your skillet cooking game.

Where to Buy the Best Skillets

Ready to upgrade your kitchen gear or add to your assortment? You can find great skillet options here:

• Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Sur La Table offer a vast selection from many brands. They’re complete with useful product reviews from other customers. You can find everything from a Lodge 12-inch cast-iron skillet to a high-end All-Clad skillet.
  
• Local Kitchen Stores & Shops: Specialty shops often use knowledgeable staff (sometimes culinary directors or those with culinary education). They can offer personalized recommendations based on your cooking style and preferences. They might carry unique or vintage-style cast-iron pans.
  
• Department Stores: Many department stores carry popular brands like T-fal, Calphalon, and sometimes Tramontina or Cuisinart offerings.
  
• Brand-Specific Websites: Buy directly from manufacturers like Lodge.com or LeCreuset.com. It ensures you’re getting authentic products and can see their full repertoire. Check out sites for Finex, Field Company, or All-Clad too for their similar offerings.

Consider your needs and budget when deciding where to buy your next beloved skillet. Look for sales and compare prices across different retailers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skillets

Here are answers from food writer and cookware enthusiasts like Daniel Cutler to some common skillet questions:

Can I put my skillet in the dishwasher?

• Answer: Strongly depends on the material! Stainless steel (stainless skillet, without non-stick) is generally safe. Non-stick and ceramic sometimes claim to be, but handwashing drastically extends their life. Absolutely NEVER put cast iron (iron skillet users know this!) or carbon steel in the dishwasher – it ruins the seasoning and invites rust. Always default to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Can I use metal utensils on my skillet?

• Answer: No on non-stick or ceramic – you’ll scratch the coating. Yes for cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel. These durable pan surfaces can handle metal spatulas, whisks (carefully), and spoons.

How often should I season my cast iron skillet?

• Answer: Light “maintenance seasoning” (wiping with oil after cleaning/drying) should happen almost every time you use it. A full, baked-on re-seasoning is only needed if the seasoning is damaged, stripped (e.g., by acidic foods left too long in a poorly seasoned pan), or if rust forms. Regular use is the best way to build and maintain seasoning on iron skillets.

Are enamel-coated cast iron skillets better?

• Answer: “Better” is subjective. Pros: No seasoning needed, easier cleanup, non-reactive with acidic ingredients, beautiful style options. Cons: More expensive, enamel can chip or crack if dropped or overheated, won’t develop the same unique seasoned surface as bare cast iron. It’s a trade-off between convenience/aesthetics and traditional performance/durability. Personal preference plays a big role.

What size skillet do I need?

• Answer: An 8-inch skillet works for 1-2 eggs or single servings. A 10-inch skillet (10.25-inch skillet for Lodge cast iron) is highly versatile for 2-3 people. A 12-inch skillet is great for families, larger batches, searing bigger meat cuts, or one-pan meals. Most home cooks find that a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet covers 80-90% of their tasks. A chef’s skillet has higher, more sloped sides than a standard frying pan of the same diameter, offering different capabilities. Consider the many recipes in your repertoire.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Skillets for Your Kitchen

Skillets are undeniably essential tools in any functioning kitchen. They bridge the gap between simple home cooking and professional techniques. Understand the different types of skillets, and know when to use them for specific foods and recipes. Choose wisely from the best skillet brands based on quality and your needs. A great skillet makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Expertise shows when a kitchen is equipped with the right tools.

Invest in a few high-quality pans. Perhaps start with a reliable 12-inch cast-iron skillet and a dependable nonstick skillet. It will form the foundation of a versatile cookware assortment. Don’t be afraid to explore different styles and materials. It will help you find the skillets that best match your cooking habits and preferences. Choose from Lodge iron skillet, an All-Clad stainless steel skillet or a lightweight carbon steel pan. Now, go and cook something delicious in your perfect skillet!