You may not need all of the pans on the market unless you are a professional chef or cook for a livelihood.
One area where people get confused is differentiating between two extremely identical pans. The saucepan and frying pan are the best examples of this.
At first sight, two pans may seem to be extremely similar. But, a deeper examination reveals that there are variances between the two.
Moreover, despite their superficial similarities, they are utilized for quite diverse purposes.
Thus, if you’re on a tight budget and considering purchasing one of the two, keep this in mind.
As a result, we’re going to compare and contrast the saucepan and the frying pan.
Contents
Characteristics of a Saucepan vs. a Frying Pan
Whether you look at a saucepan or a frying pan separately, it might be difficult to discern one from the other.
This is even more difficult when you don’t know the qualities of each pan. Each pan is also available in a variety of sizes, materials, colors, and other options.
That is why we will begin by identifying the physical characteristics of each pan.
A Saucepan’s Features
A saucepan is a large cooking utensil with high edges. Saucepans are distinguished by their depth in proportion to their total width.
They are often available in a variety of sizes, ranging from little ones with a radius of 15 cm and a height of 10 cm to bigger pans with a depth of 30 cm and a capacity of 3 to 4 liters.
One of a saucepan’s distinguishing features is its height. Also, a saucepan is not usually shaped like a frying pan.
Some may be stockier, like a stockpot. The height of the pan increases dramatically as the size increases.
In general, saucepans usually come with a lid, however they may also be purchased without lids. Saucepans do have handles, although they are generally shorter than those on frying pans.
Some may even feature an extra handle to help the user have a better grip.
Characteristics of a Frying Pan
A frying pan is much shallower than a saucepan. Slanted sides are one of the most distinguishing features of frying pans.
They are intended to aid in the cooking procedure that is employed while using it.
Frying pans are typically smaller than saucepans, and even the biggest size will seem little when compared to a saucepan.
Frying pans are often wider, beginning at 30 cm, but their sides are significantly lower in height, reaching just 2 to 4 cm.
They feature a longer handle than saucepans and lack a lid (in most cases). But, if necessary, a lid may be placed on top.
Some frying pans come with a cover and may be purchased as a set.
When you look closely at the characteristics of both pans, you can notice that they are significantly different.
By being aware of them, even if you only see one pan at a time, you will be able to distinguish between the two with ease.
Saucepans and Frying Pans for Cooking
Apart from the physical distinctions, there are significant variances in what can be cooked in each pan.
Saucepans are created for a certain cooking method, whereas frying pans are likewise built for a specific cooking technique.
Understanding this component is also crucial since you need to choose a cooking pan that suits both your cooking habits and the cuisine that you want to create.
Using Saucepans to Cook
As the name implies, saucepans are highly handy in the preparation of, you guessed it, sauces. This pan is suitable for cooking practically any liquid.
As a consequence, it is often used for stewing or boiling and is a popular pan for cooking soups and pasta sauces.
It may also be used to cook tiny portions of pasta, risotto, lentils, and any other grain. Nevertheless, they can only contain a restricted amount of 2 to 3 quarts.
That is why, if you are cooking for a larger group, a stockpot is a superior option.
But, if you are just cooking for two or three people, a saucepan may be the best solution. Certain oven-safe varieties may also be used for braising.
Using Frying Pans to Cook
When it comes to frying pans, the name might also offer you an indication of what you can cook in it.
Frying pans are ideal for rapidly frying tiny items and are ideal for creating breakfast meals such as eggs or bacon, as well as pancakes. In addition, the shallow pan is more suited for stir-frying veggies.
Because of the shallow aspect of the frying pan, it cannot be used to boil or prepare sauces like the saucepan.
This is due to the larger breadth area, which allows for quicker evaporation. You are more likely to burn the veggies than than cook them.
As you can see, they serve distinct functions in the kitchen and might be used interchangeably at times. At times, the saucepan might totally replace the frying pan.
Some things, such as pancakes, however, work best when made in a frying pan.
Each Pan’s Benefits and Drawbacks
Therefore, before you make your final choice on which pan to purchase, it is a good idea to study the pros and drawbacks of saucepans and frying pans.
Hence, we’ll take a deep yet brief look at this as well.
The Benefits of a Saucepan
When it comes to benefits, the saucepan really shines since there are so many of them, such as the ones listed below:
- Flexibility – The saucepan is extremely versatile in use and can double up in use for different pans. With a lid on and when popped into the oven, it can almost function like a mini-Dutch oven. Moreover, it can also be used in place of a frying pan.
- Better Heat Distribution – The higher walls of the saucepan make heat distribution more even in the saucepan. This makes it possible to cook different foods without any issues.
- Can Be Used to Cook Anything – Saucepans are not exclusively used for cooking sauces. They can also be great for cooking with soups, pasta, stews, and other liquid-based food items.
- Available in Different Sizes – The different sizes make it possible for you to pick and choose the serving sizes very easily. Additionally, you can easily find a set of three saucepans, which will be inexpensive and save you money.
These are some of the primary advantages that you will enjoy when you utilize saucepans.
The Drawbacks of a Saucepan
Despite their near-perfect nature, saucepans do have certain drawbacks. Some of the most significant drawbacks that you may encounter with them are as follows:
- Limited Volume: Even the largest size of a saucepan limits the volume of liquid or food that you can make in it. It’s perfect for when you are cooking for a small group but for anything larger, you may have to opt for a stockpot instead.
- Higher Risk of Burning: Given how evenly it distributes heat, there’s a bigger risk than you can burn food. You need to monitor what you cook with constant stirring.
- Cleaning Can be Tough: The shape of saucepans makes it difficult to clean in a dishwasher and you will have to do it by hand. Care needs to be taken to ensure that you thoroughly clean it without damaging the pan.
- Difficult to Move: Unless you bought newer versions of the pan with a hob handle at the front, picking up the saucepan once the meal is done can be difficult. The pan can be heavy and there’s a higher chance to drop it.
With them, you can see that, despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks.
Although they are not deal breakers, you should be aware of them.
The Benefits of a Frying Pan
There are several benefits to using frying pans.
These may be an excellent pan to have in your kitchen. The following are some of the most significant benefits of frying pans:
- Better Flavor – It’s widely believed that the shallow yet open frying pan gives more flavorful dishes. This is because it allows the ingredients to breathe as they are cooking, preventing them from getting crowded in the pan.
- Higher Cooking Speed – Frying pans generally cook faster than other pans. This is faster even than the saucepan. The heat also distributes more evenly in frying pans. Additionally, the heat distribution means that the food can easily be cooked on low heat without any worries.
- Versatility in Cooking – When it comes to cooking, the frying pan is very versatile and can be used to cook anything in oil. From eggs and bacon to stir-fry vegetables or rice, this pan can enhance your cooking skills and help you make many different dishes with ease.
- Larger Size than Saucepans – Frying pans generally have a larger size than saucepans and have a wider base. This makes it possible to cooking larger amounts of food as compared to saucepans. The smallest size for frying pans begins at 30 cm wide.
These are some of the most significant benefits of cooking on a frying pan that you may enjoy.
The Drawbacks of a Frying Pan
There are also some downsides to using frying pans.
When it comes to frying pans, you should keep the following in mind:
- Higher Chance of Burning Food – With frying pans, even cooking on low heat will give even heat distribution. This means that you will have to constantly monitor the food you cook on it. The shallow pan also makes burning food a possibility
- Oil is Necessary – Unless you are using a non-stick frying pan, you have to make sure to add oil always when you are cooking with a frying pan. Without it, food will stick to the pan, no matter what heat it is being cooked at.
- Clean up is Difficult – Sine you are always cooking with oil, you have to make sure that you clean the pan thoroughly. Before putting it in the dishwasher, you may have to hand wash it to get the oil off it completely.
- Not Very Versatile – Given the shallow nature of frying pans, they are not suited for cooking a lot of sauces or other foods. At most, they are just good for quick cooking and browning food items.
By keeping these drawbacks in mind, you can guarantee that you make the appropriate choice regarding whether or not to purchase a frying pan.
Frying Pan or Saucepan Which one should you choose?
While deciding which is better, you should evaluate not just the pros and downsides, but also which choice is best for you depending on your cooking style.
It is a good idea to have a variety of saucepans and at least one frying pan in your kitchen.
This means that, even if you just have a saucepan, you can always prepare pancakes if the desire strikes.
Additional articles about frying pans you may be interested in:
- Saucier Pan vs. Saucepan
- Stainless Steel Pans vs. Nonstick Pans
- Ceramic vs. Teflon Frying Pans
- When and How to Recycle Your Frying Pans?
- Skillet vs Frying Pan – Are They Same or Different?