Which Is Better for My Kitchen: 12 Exec Skillet or Grill Pan?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread explores the decision between acquiring a 12" skillet or a grill pan, with participants sharing their personal experiences and preferences regarding both cookware options. Many contributors reflect on their usage patterns and the practicality of each item in their kitchens and during shows.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, initially considered the 12" skillet but is unsure due to already owning a 10" skillet, contemplating the grill pan instead.
  • Another participant shares their experience of waiting until the end of the earning period to make a decision, favoring the Family Skillet for its frequent use in shows.
  • Several users mention their preference for the 12" skillet, citing its versatility and practicality, with one noting it lives on their cooktop.
  • One participant highlights the ability to prepare larger quantities, such as browning 3 pounds of ground beef, in the 12" skillet.
  • Another participant expresses enjoyment of both pans but ultimately prefers the 12" skillet for its utility.
  • Some participants joke about the humorous aspects of discussing the 12" skillet, contributing to a light-hearted tone in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a general preference for the 12" skillet among participants, although some express enjoyment of the grill pan as well. No clear consensus emerges on which pan is definitively better, as preferences vary based on individual experiences.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their thoughts based on personal usage and experiences with the cookware, particularly in relation to cooking demonstrations and everyday cooking needs.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering which cookware to acquire may find the shared experiences and preferences helpful in making their decision.

S
sfdavis918
I have enough points to get one of these right now. I originally thought I would get the 12" but now I'm starting to rethink. I have the 10" skillet already so I thought I might not use the 12" at home much, but then I thought it would be great to have for shows. I'm not really sure I would use the grill pan at home or show's much, but since I already have the 10" maybe the grill pan is the way to go.

I'm fairly sure that i will be able to earn both by the end of the Pan-O-Rama, but I really want to get something now!:D I think I'm leaning towards the 12", but what would you suggest?
 
Personally, I'm waiting until closer to the end of the earning period before choosing anything. I mean, you can't use up any "leftover" points, so I want to be sure I use up as much as I can!!

Between the two pans, though, I definitely would take the Family Skillet, as I use it at shows quite often, but don't really use the Grill Pan at shows. That being said, they are both great pieces to actually own! I always try to go with what I'll need for my demonstrations first, as you tend to sell what you show!!

Hope that helps,
Paula
 
I love my grill pan, but I would definitely go with the 12" skillet. I know you already have the 10", but you will be amazed at how much more versatile and practical the family skillet is. It will live on your cooktop. Trust me, an extra 2" does make a difference.;) :rolleyes:
 
legacypc46 said:
Trust me, an extra 2" does make a difference.;) :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
*snort*


Sorry about that.

I'd also go with the 12" Skillet. Although if you make a concerted effort to offer panini or 20-minute ribs for shows, you can use the grill pan just as much at shows.
 
Get the 12 incher....you can do cakes and everything in it.
THEN, when you get more points, get the grill pan.
 
chefann said:
*snort*


Ann... Thanks for the good gut laugh first thing this morning!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
 
I think it's too early for me or something...I didn't get the whole 2" thing until just now! :o Anyway, I agree with the other comments in that I truly do love my 12" skillet and it pretty much does live on my cooktop. I can't even remember the last time I used my 10". I do also love my grill pan, but for different reasons. IF I had to pick between the two of them, I would go with the 12" skillet.
 
I agree with Andrea... I haven't even tried to find a place to store my 12" pan... but my grill pan gets put away... it does get used though.. .just not as much... I hope you can get both!
 
If I could only have one of those, it would be the 12" pan!I use that thing almost DAILY! You can brown 3# of ground beef in that thing and still have room to stir!!

But, be sure when you get enough points later to get the grill pan!
 
c00p said:
I think it's too early for me or something...I didn't get the whole 2" thing until just now! :o Anyway, I agree with the other comments in that I truly do love my 12" skillet and it pretty much does live on my cooktop. I can't even remember the last time I used my 10". I do also love my grill pan, but for different reasons. IF I had to pick between the two of them, I would go with the 12" skillet.
Click to expand...
LOL! This was even funnier than Leggy's original comment & Ann's snort!
 
Last edited:
Maybe we need a thread to see who can come up with the "dirtiest" description for the 12" skillet.
It's 12 full inches of hot, hard skillet, sure to satisfy your (cooking) needs. And it won't let you down. You'll use it several times a day.


I will now remove my mind from the gutter so I don't offend anyone else. :)
 
chefann said:
Maybe we need a thread to see who can come up with the "dirtiest" description for the 12" skillet.
It's 12 full inches of hot, hard skillet, sure to satisfy your (cooking) needs. And it won't let you down. You'll use it several times a day.


I will now remove my mind from the gutter so I don't offend anyone else. :)
Click to expand...

Wow! And it's still early!:D

We have an angel smilie....but what we really need is one with horns and a tail!:D
 
Like this guy? http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/evilgrin0007.gif
 
chefann said:
Like this guy? http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/evilgrin0007.gif
Click to expand...


JUST what I had in mind......we need it on our list of smilies here! I bet it would be one of the most used! http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/evilgrin0007.gif
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
Thanks everyone! I'm gonna go for the 12 inches! (hee hee, that was for you Ann!)
 
sfdavis918 said:
Thanks everyone! I'm gonna go for the 12 inches! (hee hee, that was for you Ann!)
Click to expand...
Sounds like something you should tell your DH or boyfriend. :)
 
chefann said:
Maybe we need a thread to see who can come up with the "dirtiest" description for the 12" skillet.
It's 12 full inches of hot, hard skillet, sure to satisfy your (cooking) needs. And it won't let you down. You'll use it several times a day.


I will now remove my mind from the gutter so I don't offend anyone else. :)
Click to expand...

You are SO past that point on CS! But, we love ya anyway!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Knowing DH he would say don't waste the points, you already have it baby!! (I won't say if he's right or not!;) :D )
 
See, this is why the meet 'n' greets at conference were so great. It's like we're already super-close friends in the middle of a sleepover!
 
sfdavis918 said:
Knowing DH he would say don't waste the points, you already have it baby!! (I won't say if he's right or not!;) :D )
Click to expand...

I was going to say he sounds just like my DH......but then I thought everybody else would probably say the same thing about their DH's too!:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the 12-inch Executive Skillet and the Grill Pan?

The 12-inch Executive Skillet is designed for versatile cooking, featuring a flat surface that is ideal for sautéing, frying, and simmering. It has high sides to contain splatters and a lid for steaming. The Grill Pan, on the other hand, has ridges that create grill marks and allow fat to drain away, making it perfect for grilling meats and vegetables indoors.

Which pan is better for cooking meats?

The Grill Pan is generally better for cooking meats, as its ridged surface mimics outdoor grilling, allowing for better searing and flavor development. It also helps to drain excess fat, resulting in healthier meals. However, the 12-inch Executive Skillet can also be used for meats if you prefer a more versatile option for various cooking methods.

Can I use the 12-inch Executive Skillet for grilling?

While the 12-inch Executive Skillet can be used for grilling, it is not specifically designed for that purpose. It lacks the ridges that the Grill Pan has, which means it won't provide the same grilling effect or allow fat to drain away. If grilling is your primary cooking method, the Grill Pan is the better choice.

Which pan is easier to clean?

Both pans are designed with non-stick surfaces, making them relatively easy to clean. However, the 12-inch Executive Skillet may be slightly easier to clean due to its flat surface, which doesn't have the ridges that can trap food particles in the Grill Pan. Regardless, both pans are dishwasher safe for added convenience.

What cooking techniques can I use with each pan?

The 12-inch Executive Skillet is versatile and can be used for sautéing, frying, simmering, and even baking. The Grill Pan is best suited for grilling, but it can also be used for pan-searing and cooking foods that benefit from a grilled texture. Your choice depends on the cooking techniques you prefer to use most often.

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