Skillet Sizes: Bottom Or Top Measure?

Skillet sizes refer to the top of the pan, not the bottom. This is the industry standard, and the size is measured from rim to rim. The bottom of the pan is likely to be smaller than the top, so using the bottom measurement could lead to overcrowding in the pan.

How to measure a skillet

Frying pans come in a variety of sizes and styles, and it can be confusing to know which one to use for a particular recipe. It's important to know how to measure your skillet to ensure you're using the right one.

The standard way to measure a skillet is to measure its diameter from rim to rim across the top of the pan, excluding the handles. This is the measurement that is usually given in recipes or product descriptions. You can measure your skillet with a simple ruler or tape measure.

It's worth noting that skillets with the same diameter measurement may have different cooking surface measurements due to differences in design, such as the steepness of their walls. For example, two 12-inch skillets may have different cooking surface areas. Therefore, it's a good idea to measure the bottom of your skillet as well, especially if you're looking to replace an old skillet or need to know the exact cooking surface for a recipe.

Additionally, skillets with tapered or sloped sides may have different measurements at the top and bottom, so it's important to specify which part of the pan you're referring to when giving or asking for measurements.

Knowing the size of your skillet is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you're using the right-sized pan for your recipe, preventing overcrowding or insufficient space. Secondly, it helps with storage, as you can determine whether your skillet will fit in your kitchen cabinet. Lastly, it can be useful when replacing an old skillet or buying a lid, as you can ensure that your new purchase will be compatible with your existing cookware.

The importance of skillet size for recipes

Skillet sizes are measured from the top of the pan, from rim to rim. It's important to know the size of your skillet for a number of reasons, especially when it comes to cooking.

Firstly, knowing the size of your skillet can help you to determine whether it will fit in your kitchen cabinet. This can help you to be intentional about your space and reduce clutter.

Secondly, the size of your skillet matters when it comes to recipe success. For example, if you're making a dish for a dinner party and need to double the recipe, you'll need a larger skillet that can accommodate more food.

Additionally, the size of the skillet can impact the cooking process itself. A smaller skillet might be better for single servings, as it can produce more evenly distributed heat and reach higher temperatures. On the other hand, a larger skillet is better for cooking larger amounts of food at once, as it has greater heat retention due to more material being available to hold the heat.

Therefore, it's important to consider the size of your skillet when preparing a recipe. The prevention of overcrowding should be the first consideration when deciding on skillet size, as an overcrowded pan will cause food to steam instead of brown, resulting in an inferior texture and possibly flavour.

Burner size is also a factor to keep in mind. If the skillet is too large for the burner, you may encounter uneven heating. Conversely, if the skillet is too small, you may be wasting energy.

So, the next time you're in the kitchen, make sure you have the right skillet for the job!

Skillet vs. sauté pan

Skillets and sauté pans are often confused with each other, and while they are similar, there are some key differences.

Firstly, a skillet, also known as a frying pan, has sides that flare outward at an angle. In contrast, a sauté pan has straight sides that are relatively tall and vertical. This means that a 12-inch sauté pan will have a larger cooking surface area than a 12-inch skillet. For example, a 12-inch sauté pan will have a cooking surface of about 113 square inches, while a 12-inch skillet will lose about an inch on each side, resulting in a cooking area of only about 79 square inches. This is a significant difference, and it means that a sauté pan can fit more food than a skillet of the same diameter.

The difference in shape also affects the weight of the pan, with a sauté pan being significantly heavier than an equivalent skillet due to its wider base. This extra weight can make it more difficult to handle a sauté pan, especially when shaking or stirring its contents. On the other hand, the lighter weight of a skillet makes it superior for these tasks, as well as for tossing food while cooking.

The straight sides of a sauté pan also allow you to fit a higher volume of liquid, making it ideal for tasks like shallow-frying or braising. The straight sides also make it less likely that liquid will splash out when moving the pan or transferring it into and out of the oven. Sauté pans also typically come with lids, which further prevent splashing and minimise evaporation.

However, the sloping sides of a skillet make it easier to access the food and are perfect for stir-frying and quick cooking techniques where you are moving ingredients around a lot in the pan. They are also good for dishes like frittatas that are served straight from the pan, as the angled walls allow easier access to the bottom of the pan from an angle with a spatula.

When it comes to choosing between the two, it really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you need a pan for high-heat searing, stir-frying, or sautéing, a skillet is a better choice. If you need a pan for shallow-frying, braising, or cooking with a large amount of liquid, a sauté pan is more suitable. However, keep in mind that skillets are more versatile and can be used for a wider range of tasks, even those that a sauté pan is typically used for.

Cast-iron skillets

An 8-inch cast-iron skillet is perfect for one person. You can cook one serving of most foods like stir fry, roasted vegetables, a skillet cookie, and more. If you want leftovers, invest in a 10-inch skillet.

10-inch skillets are the right size for two people. They can fit a large steak, a few chicken breasts, a deep-dish pizza, two servings of stir fry, or much more. You can also use this skillet for baking pies or bread.

12-inch skillets are the best size for families of four. They are the most versatile option for your kitchen. With a 12-inch skillet, you can cook four servings of most foods without having to cook in batches.

For larger gatherings or parties, a 15-inch skillet is the way to go. You can cook 5-7 servings with this size, which is much more than most people need. They are heavy and not practical for everyday use, but they can be useful for cooking for a crowd.

When measuring a cast-iron skillet, the industry standard is to measure the skillet across the top, from the outside rim to rim, not including the handles.

Some common myths about cast-iron skillets include that they are hard to maintain, heat evenly, and are non-stick. While cast iron is tough and built to last, it does not heat evenly and is not as non-stick as materials like Teflon.

How to store skillets

When storing skillets, it's important to keep them in a dry place, as moisture can cause cast iron skillets to rust. Many people choose to store their skillets on the stove, in a cabinet, or in the oven. If you're stacking your skillets, place a paper towel between them to prevent scratches and other damage. You can also hang skillets on walls or on the pantry door, or place them on a shelf.

Before storing your skillets, make sure they are clean and dry. Wash your skillets with hot water, without using soap, and dry them thoroughly. You can also season your skillets with oil, lard, or grease, either in the oven or on the stovetop.

Frequently asked questions