Materials, coatings, shapes, sizes...there are several things to take into account when choosing a frying pan or skillet.
Everyone has at least one round frying pan. The most classic version, round frying pans can be used to cook the vast majority of foods.
But there are other shapes as well:
The table below will help you choose the right diameter, but keep in mind that frying pan depths may vary:
For 1 to 2 people | 20 cm diameter |
For 2 to 3 people | 24/26 cm diameter |
For 3 to 4 people | 26/28 cm diameter |
For 4 to 5 people | 28/30 cm diameter |
For 5 to 6 people | 30/32 cm diameter |
For 6 to 8 people | 34/36 cm diameter |
Note: The choice of diameter not only depends on the number of people in your household, but also on the size of your cooktop.
Before choosing a frying pan diameter, it is important to measure the diameter of your cooktop:
If your frying pan is too small for your cooktop, it can overheat and become damaged.
If your frying pan is too big, then the pan takes longer to heat up and some parts of the pan are hotter than others.
Ideally, your kitchen should be equipped with several different-sized frying pans. This will enable you to maximize the performance of your cookware!
Not all frying pans or skillets are compatible with all types of cooktops. It depends on their primary material and their composition. Most Ferlord cookware is compatible with all types of hobs. However, be sure to check the symbols on the packaging before purchasing a product.
Oven-safe frying pans are versatile and easy to clean. They let you start a recipe on the stove and finish it in the oven. Our frying pans with detachable handles can be used in the oven without the handle. To determine whether the frying pan is oven-safe, check for the following symbols on the packaging of the product:
There's no such thing as a magic pan that can be used for all your recipes! Each material and coating has its pros and cons. Let's explore them below.
Stainless steel cookware can come with or without a coating. Coatings make stainless steel frying pans easier to use and clean. The handles of these pans are made of welded or riveted stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic.
This material is mostly used by professionals. It offers a number of advantages, but also requires special care. At Ferlord, we only use this material for certain types of cookware: grill pans (which are perfect for cast iron), and of course, our iconic cast iron Dutch ovens.
Different materials and coatings require different care. However, there are certain precautions you can take for all your cookware.
1. Never heat while empty: this can warp the body of the frying pan, severely damage its coating, and make the cookware unusable.
2. Never rinse hot frying pans with cold water: the difference in temperatures can also damage or warp the cookware. Wait at least 10 minutes before washing or soaking the pan.
3. Never use a knife to cut food directly in your frying pan, especially if the pan has a non-stick coating. As a rule of thumb, never use metal utensils with your cookware (stainless steel is an exception).
4. Most of our frying pans are dishwasher safe. However, keep in mind that dishwasher detergents are more aggressive than dishwashing liquids. Over time, they can cause deposits to form and even shorten the lifespan of your frying pan. We therefore recommend washing your cookware by hand whenever possible.
5. Avoid aggressive products such as oven or barbecue cleaners, and never use bleach. See our tips for removing stubborn stains.
6. Wipe your frying pan with a cloth before putting it away. This will prevent the formation of stains caused by water drops that are left to dry on their own.
See our Use and Care Guide for more information on caring for your frying pan.