Skillets and frying pans are used similarly, many people use the term interchangeably despite referring to specific cookware. They also have similar sizes, materials, and bottoms, making it all the more confusing.

1. One of the most distinct characteristics of each is depth. Skillets tend to be deeper than frying pans. The depth of each instrument plays a role in preparing the dishes commonly associated with each.
2. Another important difference is their sides. Skillets have straight sides while frying pans have slanted or sloping sides.
3. Skillets are designed for braising and cooking dishes with thick sauces, so they are deeper. To effectively cook such dishes, it is important to prevent steam from escaping, which is why they have straight sides.
4. On the other hand, frying pans are usually used for dishes that require high heat such as grilling and shallow frying. These cooking methods are known for removing moisture from ingredients, which is why frying pans are much more efficient for this purpose.