What Is a Skillet?
The word skillet can have several meanings. The most common usage is for any type of flat- bottomed frying pan, commonly made from stainless steel, cast iron or aluminum. It is a very general term and skillets may vary greatly in shape and profile but are usually sloped or curved outward. In Britain, the term may also refer to larger, deeper, lidded pots or pans with long handles and legs. Alternatively, particularly in America, the term has come to refer to a rustic type of all-in-one meal that often combines cooked, diced vegetables and meats that are served on a very shallow metal or ceramic skillet-shaped dish.
Today, the term skillet is used interchangeably with frying pan or frypan. More traditionally, however, it refers to a specific type of frying pan, with a flat bottom and flared sides that are relatively low in relation to overall diameter and that curve upwards gradually from the bottom. Old-fashioned cast iron skillets, which are still popular because of their cooking characteristics, generally have sides that gradually slope outwards but do not curve directly up from the bottom.

The earliest skillets were, like most cooking pots and pans, made of iron, and today, cast iron skillets are still a popular kitchen item. Many cooks favor them because they transfer heat very evenly without scorching and are very durable. They require special care however, and this keeps them out of the kitchens of some cooks. Many other metals are used to make modern skillets, including aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. Some pans have a composite composition of copper or aluminum clad with stainless steel, and many are treated with a non-stick coating as well.

An electric skillet is a type of skillet with its own heat source, meant to be used on a counter or table and plugged into a standard wall outlet. Such an appliance has a detachable cord or pan insert to facilitate cleaning. A typical electric skillet will have temperature controls and will have feet to keep it above the work surface to prevent damage to counter or tabletops.

In cuisine, the term skillet has come to be used, particularly in America, to mean a type of one-dish meal served on a metal or ceramic plate or very shallow dish that resembles a regular skillet. Ingredients vary but often include diced, browned potatoes, meats, and vegetables, which can be served unadorned or topped with cheese, gravy, or a sauce. This type of dish is popular as a breakfast and may contain breakfast meats such as ham, bacon, or sausage as well as eggs. Many different skillet dishes for other meals can be found at American restaurants, however. The word may also refer to such a meal prepared entirely in one large pan for convenience and served on regular plates or in bowls.
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Discussion Comments
"In Britain, the term may also refer to larger, deeper, lidded pots or pans with long handles and legs."
Having lived in Britain for 53 years, I have never heard anyone use the term skillet.
Can I just say that every cook needs a cast iron skillet? Really, every cook needs one! The good folks at Lodge do a pre-seasoned skillet that's ready to use right out of the box. I have one and I wouldn't take anything for it.
They're easy to take care of and will last a lifetime and longer. My mom has her great-grandmother's cast iron skillet and it's well over 80 years old. That's her cornbread skillet and it truly is a thing of beauty.
Properly seasoned cast iron is the original non stick coating and as long as you take care of it, that cast iron skillet will last long enough to hand down as an heirloom.
Electric skillets are good things, especially for doing something like frying chicken. They keep the oil at a steady temperature. Since they're covered, they're also good for roasting food.
Electric skillets aren't as common as they used to be, but they're still great appliances. They don't heat up the kitchen and once you get accustomed to using one, I think you'll really like it. I know I love mine. Mine has a nonstick coating so it's easy to clean and I have been really happy with the cooking I've done with mine.
They're not really expensive, either. You can usually get one for about $50USD. I have enjoyed mine.
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