Choosing the right kitchen equipment can be confusing especially when two appliances work and sound the same. This is exactly the case when choosing between a frying pan and a griddle pan. They may appear to work the same but it is important to remember that these two pans are different with each having its pros and cons. Hopefully, an analysis of these two pans will shed more light, enabling you to choose the one that suits you best.
The Griddle Pan
A griddle pan is a large square-shaped cast-iron plate used to cook various foods. Cooking food in this pan can be done in a variety of ways like frying, grilling, or even baking. Normally, there are two types of griddle pans. First, there is a conventional griddle pan which is mostly used outdoors. Secondly, there are the indoor pan types which are more modern.
3 Pros of a Griddle Pan
1. Perfect for Outdoor Cooking
Not only is this pan amazing for grilling fantastic burgers, but it’s also great for cooking meats. Now, if you utilize an outdoor griddle, you’ll have the extra benefit of cooking outside in the fresh air. This simply means you’re not confined to small kitchen space with all the heat. More importantly, you can walk around your backyard as you grill sausages in this amazing pan.
2. It Comes with a Drip Tray
The griddle pan is loved by many for its drip tray that helps you avoid a messy kitchen. It does this by preventing grease from spilling onto the kitchen floor during cooking. This is quite convenient as it reduces the cleaning time and works considerably.
3. Easy Temperature Control
The most fantastic thing about griddle pans is the ease to control cooking temperatures. This means that you can cook any type of food starting from eggs to meats. All you need to do is set the temperature per the meal you are cooking.
The Frying Pan
This is the most common pan in many homes, with some people referring to it as a skillet. It comes in a round shape and edges that are higher than those of a griddle pan. Most brands are made from wrought or cast iron, but they all serve the same purpose.
5 Pros of a Frying Pan
1. No Chemicals
Unlike griddle pans, no non-stick chemicals are used in manufacturing frying pans. Notably, these non-stick chemicals have many negative health effects such as cancer, liver damage, and other conditions. That said, a frying pan guarantees that you will be eating chemical-free food which is as healthy as it can be.
2. They are Durable
Frying pans are made from cast iron which is one of the most long-lasting materials. For this reason, frying pans are more durable than other pans. Additionally, their robust designs and large frame also ensure that the pan gives you years of quality service. As you may have noticed, some people still use the frying pans they inherited from their grandmother years ago.
3. They are Naturally Non-Stick
Frying pans do not need any chemicals to make them non-stick. Instead, a small coating of oil when cooking is enough. This means that you enjoy a healthy and less fatty meal, while still enjoying the non-stick benefits of this pan.
4. It adds Iron to Your Diet
As odd as this sounds, cooking with a frying pan leaks some iron into your food. This means that you will not be suffering from iron deficiency as many people do. Moreover, doctors recommend that women use frying pans more since they are more prone to the iron deficiency than men.
5. It is More Convenient
A frying pan, compared to a griddle pan is more flexible in terms of functionality. For example, it is easy to use a frying pan in an oven. Besides this, it can be used at any temperature which increases your cooking options. Interesting, right?
Wind Up
As you have seen, both the frying pan and the griddle pan have their benefits. As such, deciding which one is better is entirely based on personal preferences. Alternatively, you can pick the one that cooks your favorite foods better. However, when money is not a limiting factor, it is advisable to buy both, since each has unique benefits.
Photo by Dane Deaner