Pots, Pans, And Griddles: What's The Difference?

Pots, pans, and griddles are all used for cooking, but they have distinct differences. A pot is a round, deep container with a handle and a lid, used for boiling liquids and cooking soups, stews, and sauces. A pan, or frying pan, is a round, flat metal plate with a long handle, used for frying, searing, and sautéing foods. A griddle is a large, flat or ridged metallic plate, usually rectangular or square, heated from underneath and used for grilling or frying foods. Griddles are ideal for cooking large batches of food and are especially good for breakfast foods like eggs, bacon, and pancakes.

Differences between pots, pans, and griddles

Pans are used for frying and have high walls to prevent liquids from pouring

Pans are a versatile cookware item that can be used for a variety of cooking styles and techniques. They are typically made from cast iron, but can also be found in ceramic, steel, copper, or aluminium. Pans are usually round, with a diameter of 8-12 inches, high edge walls, and a handle. The high walls prevent liquids such as cooking oils from pouring out of the pan and help to contain spattering. They are perfect for frying and braising, and can be used for everything from a breakfast fry-up to cooking steaks, fish, and shallow casseroles.

Pans with high walls are ideal for retaining liquids and preventing splashing and spilling while stirring. They are also useful for cooking techniques that require longer cooking times, such as slow cooking, frying, baking, or roasting. The high walls can affect the searing process by trapping steam and preventing it from escaping. Additionally, the extra metal in the sides of the pan can make it harder to heat up.

Pans with high walls are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes. They are perfect for busy households as they heat up efficiently and are easy to clean. The non-stick coating makes cooking and cleaning easier and healthier, as less oil is required.

Overall, pans with high walls are a great addition to any kitchen, offering convenience, versatility, and efficiency for a wide range of cooking needs.

Pots are deeper than pans and are used for cooking methods like boiling or stewing

Pots, pans, and griddles are all used for different cooking methods. While pots are deeper and ideal for boiling or stewing, pans are used for frying and sautéing. Griddles, on the other hand, are large, flat surfaces used for grilling and toasting.

Pots are deeper than pans and are designed for cooking methods that involve a significant amount of liquid, such as boiling, stewing, or braising. Their depth allows for ingredients to be fully submerged in water or broth, making them perfect for preparing soups, stews, and broths. The tall sides of pots also help contain liquids and prevent them from spilling over during cooking.

The depth of pots makes them ideal for cooking large batches of food, as they can accommodate a larger volume of ingredients and liquid. This feature is especially useful when preparing meals for a family or a large group of people. Additionally, pots are often equipped with lids, which help trap heat and moisture, further enhancing the cooking process.

Pots are typically made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, or cast iron. These materials are durable and conduct heat effectively, ensuring even cooking. Some pots may also have non-stick coatings, making them easier to clean and ideal for preparing delicate dishes.

While pots are versatile and can be used on various cooktops, including gas, electric, and induction stoves, their depth may make them less suitable for certain cooking techniques that require quick evaporation of liquids or easy access to the ingredients. In such cases, a pan might be a better option.

Pans, also known as skillets, have a shallower design compared to pots, making them more suitable for cooking methods like frying, sautéing, and searing. The shorter sides of pans facilitate easy access to the ingredients and allow for better control during cooking.

The open design of pans also promotes evaporation, making them ideal for reducing sauces or cooking techniques that require quick evaporation of liquids, such as deep-frying. Pans come in various sizes, from small to large, allowing for greater flexibility in the amount of food that can be cooked.

Additionally, pans are typically made from materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, copper, or ceramic. These materials offer excellent heat conduction and retention, ensuring even cooking. Some pans may also have non-stick coatings, which can be beneficial for certain types of cooking and make cleanup easier.

While pans are versatile and can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques, they may not be the best option for cooking methods that require a large amount of liquid, as the lower sides may not contain the ingredients and liquids effectively. In such cases, a pot with its deeper design would be more suitable.

Griddles are flat, square or rectangular, and are used for even cooking

Griddles are ideal for cooking foods that require a flat surface, such as eggs, pancakes, French toast, and other breakfast foods. They are also great for cooking foods that require a lot of space, like bacon, or for cooking several things at once. Griddles are also good for cooking foods that require high heat, like smash burgers, as they allow for more contact between the cooking surface and the food.

Griddles are usually made from cast iron, carbon steel, cast aluminium, or chrome steel. They are durable, easy to use, and versatile. They are also easy to clean, as they are typically made with non-stick materials.

Grills expose food to an open flame and are suitable for cooking larger quantities of food

Grilling is a form of cooking that involves applying heat to the surface of food, often from below, using a grill, cast iron/frying pan, or a grill pan. Grill pans are similar to frying pans but have raised ridges to mimic the wires of an open grill. Heat transfer when using a grill pan is by direct conduction.

The direct cooking method subjects the food to very high temperatures, with grilling surfaces reaching anywhere from 260 to 371 degrees Celsius. This high heat allows you to sear the parts of the food touching the grill while simultaneously cooking the parts that aren't with radiating heat. The resulting range of temperatures creates a complex mixture of flavours and aromas.

Grills are suitable for cooking larger quantities of food as they can be placed directly above the flames, exposing the food to very high temperatures. This direct heat grilling can also be used to cook smaller pieces of food using a skewer, brochette, or rotisserie.

Grilling is often presented as a healthy alternative to cooking with oils, although the fat and juices lost by grilling can contribute to drier food. However, studies have shown that cooking beef, pork, poultry, and fish at the high temperatures reached during grilling can lead to the formation of potentially harmful substances and carcinogens, including heterocyclic amines, benzopyrenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

To reduce the formation of these compounds, it is important to avoid overcooking meat and to marinate it before grilling. Additionally, precooking meat in a microwave can help reduce the length of exposure to high heat.

Griddles are ideal for cooking breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes

More Cooking Space

Griddles typically have a larger surface area than a frying pan, allowing you to cook more food at once. This is especially useful when making pancakes, as you can easily double your recipe and cook multiple pancakes simultaneously. The larger surface also gives you plenty of space to flip your pancakes without them sliding off the griddle.

Even Heat Distribution

The flat, smooth surface of a griddle ensures even heat distribution, resulting in consistent cooking every time. This is essential for getting that perfect golden brown colour on your pancakes and achieving the desired level of doneness for your eggs.

Temperature Control

Electric griddles offer precise temperature control, allowing you to set the desired temperature for your cooking needs. This feature is especially useful when cooking eggs, as you can adjust the temperature for different styles of eggs, such as sunny-side up or over easy.

Non-Stick Surface

Most griddles have a non-stick surface, which makes cooking and cleaning a breeze. Eggs and pancakes are less likely to stick to the griddle, and cleanup is as simple as wiping down the surface with a damp cloth. No more struggling with stuck-on egg residue!

Grease Drainage

Some griddles have a tilting mechanism or a ridged surface that allows grease to drain away from the food and into a drip tray. This feature is particularly useful when cooking bacon and eggs, as it reduces the amount of smoke and splatter that can occur when grease builds up.

In summary, griddles are a fantastic option for cooking breakfast foods like eggs and pancakes due to their ample cooking space, even heat distribution, temperature control, non-stick surface, and grease drainage capabilities. They make preparing your morning meal a breeze and help you achieve delicious results every time.

Frequently asked questions