Help the cooks in your restaurant prepare diverse dishes with skillets that sear, sauté or pan fry. The pans are essential when cooking everything from traditional comfort foods to eclectic regional dishes to experimental fusion cuisine.

Versatile skillets will be in high use whether the staff is cooking vegetables and proteins or whipping up quick pan sauces. Opt for sizes, construction details and features to accommodate a variety of cooking conditions and applications:

1. Choose versatile non-stick and stainless steel skillets capable of moving from the stovetop to the oven.

2. Stock up on durable cast iron skillets, including versions that go from oven to table top for a piping hot presentation.

3. Buy electric skillets to help cooks prepare or warm dishes at small scale or outdoor buffets.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order basic non-stick and stainless steel skillets to meet the majority of your kitchen's needs

While non-stick skillets facilitate easy cleanup, stainless models with aluminum or copper encapsulated bottoms provide high heat capacities and better heat distribution. Choose models with oven-safe handles, particularly if your cooks use the pans to pan sear proteins and finish the cooking process in the oven.

I recommend: Instawares offers a selection of non-stick skillets ranging from 7 to 14 inches. Check the skillets list to choose the type of handle, coating and thickness to suit your restaurant’s cooking needs. Shop a selection of stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum and non-stick skillets at Tundra.

Opt for cast iron skillets for durability, versatility and high-heat applications

If you want skillets that generate consistent cooking temperatures without troublesome hot spots, opt for cast iron versions that are equally effective on the stove, in the oven or under the broiler. Also consider stocking the kitchen with enough flat cast iron skillets to prepare and serve fast-cooking meats like chicken or steak fajitas.

I recommend: Find skillets at wholesale prices at The Restaurant Source. Cast iron models include such features as wood handles, colored coatings and flat or ridged bottoms to generate grill marks. Able Kitchen stocks round and oval-shaped fajita skillets to cook and keep the dishes warm throughout the meal.

Use electric skillets when cooks need even heating or prepare dishes outside the kitchen

Although your cooks may not use electric skillets every day, the models are effective for applications like low-heat poaching or frying and cooking at the precise temperatures. The skillets are also handy if cooks are roasting, sautéing or frying away from the conventional stovetop at a temporary outdoor event, for example.

I recommend: J.E.S. Restaurant Equipment sells 11 to 16 inch electric skillets with warp-proof covers and non-stick finishes. Compare various skillets, information and pricing. An equipment and skillets provider for small kitchens, hotels and restaurants, The Catering Chef offers stainless steel and aluminum non-stick electric skillets. Click on the photos for additional uses and features.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Rust may develop on cast iron skillets that aren't dried or stored properly. If you notice build up on the pans in your kitchen, remove the rust with hot water and a scouring pad and then re-season the skillets by coating with a layer of lard and baking in a 250-degree oven for up to two hours.