Pans: Sizing And Fitting Guide

Determining the size of your pans is an important step in your cooking journey. It can be frustrating to start preparing a recipe only to realise that you don't have the right-sized pan. The size of a pan is usually determined by its dimensions and volume. To measure the dimensions, you should measure from the inside edge to the inside edge of the pan, excluding the thickness of the pan. To measure the depth, hold a ruler straight up from the bottom of the pan without slanting it. To determine the volume, pour pre-measured water into the pan until it is filled to the brim. Knowing the size of your pan can help you choose the right one for your recipe, adjust cooking times and temperatures, and figure out how to store it efficiently.

How to measure a pan's dimensions

To measure the dimensions of a pan, you will need a tape measure or a ruler.

First, place the pan right-side-up on a flat surface. Then, stretch the tape measure across the centre of the pan from one top side to the other. This will give you the pan's diameter.

If you are measuring a round pan, you can also measure the diameter by measuring from one end of the rim to the other, passing through the centre. Avoid measuring the outer ends if you want the most accurate result.

To measure the depth of the pan, place your ruler straight up from the bottom of the pan. Do not slant the ruler, even if the pan edge is slanted. Measure straight up.

To determine the volume of the pan (i.e. how much batter it will hold), pour pre-measured water by the cupful into the pan until it is filled to the brim. Use a liquid measuring cup to do this.

If you are measuring a square or rectangular pan, you can measure the length and width of the pan by measuring the longest points of the centre to form a cross. Multiply the two results to get the total volume.

If you are measuring an oval pan, start by calculating the widest part of the centre across the shorter side. Multiply the length of the shorter side by the length of the longer side to get the total volume.

How to measure a pan's depth

To measure the depth of a pan, you will need a ruler. Place the ruler straight up from the bottom of the pan, ensuring that it is not slanted. If the pan edge is slanted, do not slant the ruler, but still measure straight up. This will give you the depth of the pan.

It is important to note that the depth of a pan is different from its volume. The volume of a pan refers to how much batter it will hold. To determine the volume, you would use a liquid measuring cup to pour water into the pan until it reaches the top.

When measuring the dimensions of a pan, always measure the inside edge to the inside edge to ensure that you do not include the thickness of the pan in your measurement.

Additionally, the size of a frying pan is determined by its diameter from rim to rim. However, the cooking surface may be smaller due to the pan's sloped sides. The diameter of the cooking surface is often more important when cooking, as this is the available area for cooking most foods.

How to measure a pan's volume

To measure a pan's volume, you need to first measure its dimensions and depth. To determine the pan's dimensions, measure from inside edge to inside edge so that you do not include the thickness of the pan in your measurement. To measure the depth, place your ruler straight up from the bottom of the pan without slanting the ruler, even if the pan edge is slanted.

Once you have the dimensions and depth, you can calculate the volume. The formula for volume is V = l x w x h, where V is the volume, l is the length, w is the width, and h is the height. Multiply the length by the width, then multiply that result by the height. The answer will be the volume of the pan in cubic units.

You can also determine a pan's volume by filling it with pre-measured water. Pour water by the cupful into the pan until it is filled to the brim. This will tell you how much batter the pan will hold.

Why it's important to know the size of your pan

Knowing the size of your pan is important for several reasons. Here are some key reasons why it's worth taking the time to measure your pans and understand their dimensions:

Cooking Performance

The size of your pan can impact the cooking performance and outcome of your dishes. For example, using a larger pan than specified in a recipe will result in a shallower depth of batter, causing it to bake more quickly. Conversely, a smaller pan will lead to a deeper batter that takes longer to cook. Understanding the size of your pan helps you adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly, ensuring your dishes turn out as intended.

Storage and Organisation

Measuring your pans is crucial for effective storage and kitchen organisation. By knowing the dimensions of your pans, you can determine whether they'll fit comfortably in your kitchen cabinets or if alternative storage solutions are needed. This helps you make the most of your kitchen space and avoid clutter.

Replacing and Upgrading

When it comes to replacing or upgrading your pans, knowing their exact sizes is essential. By having the measurements on hand, you can easily find matching replacements or opt for slightly different sizes if desired. This ensures you don't end up with pans that don't fit your stove, cabinet, or intended use.

Portion Control and Efficiency

Understanding the size of your pans helps with portion control and cooking efficiency. Different-sized pans cater to different serving sizes. A larger pan, for instance, allows you to cook for a bigger group without overcrowding the ingredients, while a smaller pan might be perfect for single servings. Choosing the right-sized pan for your cooking needs ensures you use energy efficiently and don't waste ingredients.

Substituting Pans

Sometimes, you might need to substitute one pan for another due to availability or specific recipe requirements. Knowing the size of your pans lets you make informed substitutions while maintaining the intended cooking area and batter depth. This knowledge prevents last-minute cooking disasters and ensures your recipes turn out as closely to the original as possible.

How to measure a frying pan

Frying pans come in various sizes, and it's important to know how to measure them to ensure you're using the right one for your cooking needs. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to measure a frying pan:

Standard Measurement Technique:

The standard way to measure a frying pan is to determine its overall diameter by measuring from one end of the rim to the other, passing through the centre. This measurement is taken from wall top to wall top, excluding the handles. The industry standard for skillet sizes is the top rim-to-rim measurement.

Round-Shaped Frying Pans:

For round frying pans, you measure the diameter of the inner circle. Avoid measuring the outer ends for the most accurate result. The total diameter will depend on the edge thickness of the pan. Common diameters are 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 cm.

Base Diameter:

The base diameter is the contact surface of the pan with the stove. It will always be less than the diameter of the top. Measure the size of your stove to find the best fit.

Height:

The height of a frying pan is measured from the outer edge of the upper rim to the contact surface. To get the internal height, subtract the thickness of the bottom from the total height.

Capacity:

The capacity of a frying pan indicates its maximum holding ability. It can be determined by measuring the edge-high filling.

Square-Shaped Frying Pans:

For square frying pans, you can follow a similar method as round pans. Measure the two longest points and multiply the results. For example, a square pan with sides of 28 cm each will give you a size of 28 x 28 cm.

Oval-Shaped Frying Pans:

Measuring oval frying pans can be a bit tricky. Measure the widest part of the centre across the shorter side. If the shorter side is 24 cm and the longer side is 38 cm, the result will be 38 cm x 24 cm.

Standard Frying Pan Sizes:

The standard frying pan sizes are categorised as small, medium, and large. A small skillet is approximately 6 inches, a medium skillet is commonly around 8 to 10 inches, and a large skillet is often 12 inches or larger.

Choosing the Right Size:

The right size frying pan depends on your cooking needs and family size. For cooking for yourself, an 8-inch skillet is suitable. For a family of two, consider a 10-inch pan, and for a larger family, opt for a bigger size like a 12-inch skillet.

In summary, measuring a frying pan is straightforward, and you can use a simple ruler or tape measure. Remember to consider your specific cooking requirements when choosing a frying pan size to ensure optimal cooking results.

Frequently asked questions