The primary difference between using a frying pan and using a saucepan lies in their design and purpose, which determines the types of food they are best suited for. Each cookware has its unique advantages, and which one you should use more often depends on the specific dish you're preparing.
Frying Pan:
Shape and Design: Frying pans have a flat bottom and slightly sloping or flared sides. This design allows for easy tossing and flipping of food during cooking.
Cooking Technique: Frying pans are ideal for cooking food quickly over high heat. They are well-suited for techniques like sautéing, stir-frying, shallow frying, and searing.
Best for: Frying pans are perfect for cooking foods that require direct contact with hot oil or butter, such as eggs, pancakes, meats (like steak, chicken, or fish), and vegetables that need to be seared or caramelized.
Saucepan:
Shape and Design: Saucepans have taller, straight sides and a flat bottom, often with a lid. The tall sides are designed to prevent liquids from splattering during cooking.
Cooking Technique: Saucepans are best used for cooking food that requires liquid, such as boiling, simmering, poaching, and making sauces or gravies.
Best for: Saucepans are excellent for preparing soups, stews, pasta, rice, boiled vegetables, and sauces that need to be cooked in a liquid base.
Which one to use more often depends on your cooking preferences and the dishes you frequently prepare. If you enjoy cooking a lot of stir-fries, seared meats, or crispy vegetables, then you'll find yourself using a frying pan more often. On the other hand, if you prefer making soups, sauces, or dishes that require simmering, a saucepan will be your go-to tool.
However, it's worth noting that having both a frying pan and a saucepan in your kitchen arsenal provides versatility and allows you to cook a wide variety of dishes. So, if possible, having both and knowing when to use each will enhance your cooking experience.