Skillets and Flat Pans: Gift Ideas

Shopping for cookware can be quite confusing if you are new to the cooking world. There are so many types of skillets and flat pans that it is easy to become confused and buy the wrong one. Just because it is a large, flat steel pan does not mean it is a frying pan. There are many types of flat pans, including skillets, sauté pans and the traditional paella pan. Depending on what you are cooking, you may need one of the above, or you may need one of each.

If you plan on cooking at all, you should have a basic skillet, which is about 12 inches in diameter and has straight sides. Skillets have one long handle and one short handle. You also should have a sauté pan, which is smaller with slanted sides, one handle and usually a lid. A stainless steel frying pan is also essential for browning meats. A large paella pan is another option to consider. These pans are used for making a Spanish dish called paella, which really does not turn out the same if you make it in anything other than an authentic paella pan. This large pan has short, vertical sides and usually two short handles. It is uniquely designed to create a thick crust on the paella as it simmers.

Every kitchen needs multiple flat pans. All frying-pan type pans are not created alike, and having several varieties can make it easier to turn out top-notch dishes every time you cook.