Comparison Biol 1028C 28 cm vs Biol 1024 24 cm black

The total size of the pan (not including the handle). For round models, in this case, the outer diameter is indicated, for square ones — most often the outer size on one of the sides. For sets of several frying pans (see "Quantity in a set"), respectively, data are given for all items from the set.

The smallest modern frying pans are 18 cm, 16 cm, or even less. Most models fall in the 20 to 28 cm range, with even diameters being much more popular than odd ones. So, products with sizes of 20, 22, 24, 26 and 28 cm are produced noticeably more than models of 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 cm. And in the largest frying pans, the diameter is 30 cm or more ; There are many such models on the market.

In general, the size primarily depends on the total capacity of the pan and the ability to place certain ingredients on it (a large piece of meat, a whole fish, etc.). The actual volume, however, is also associated with the height of the sides (see below); however, frying pans of the same type tend to be similar in this height, and their capa...city is characterized primarily by their diameter. In addition, the overall dimensions of the cookware also determine the possibility of using it in a particular oven (if there is such a possibility in principle, see "Functions and Capabilities"); but compatibility with a particular burner is best assessed by the directly claimed bottom diameter (see below) — it is usually less than the total diameter, with rare exceptions.

The diameter of the bottom of a pan that has a round shape.

This parameter is necessary first of all in order to assess the compatibility of the pan with a particular burner on the stove. It is especially relevant if the product is planned to be used on an electric stove: the diameter of the burner must be at least not less than the diameter of the bottom, otherwise the heating will turn out to be uneven and inefficient. And in induction electric stoves (see "Functions and capabilities — Induction bottom"), these diameters must match at all. The selection of suitable frying pans is somewhat simplified by the fact that modern electric stoves usually have burners of different diameters, and in some models the heaters can even be adjusted in size — up to autofocus in separate induction cookers). However, even in such cases, it's ok to clarify whether the pan fits into the range of suitable sizes.

The height of the walls is selected by the manufacturer depending on the type of pan (see above) and its size, however, similar products may vary in the height of the sides. In such cases, it is worth considering the features of the intended application. So, high sides are convenient for stewing, preparing sauces and other types of cooking that involve a large amount of liquid; in addition, they allow you to fit more content. On the other hand, deep pans are more expensive and heavier. The shallow depth, in turn, makes it easy to flip pancakes, omelettes and other similar dishes, but reduces capacity.

The material of the lid supplied with the pan.

— Metal. The main advantages of classic metal lids are high strength and impact resistance: you don't have to worry about breaking such a lid by accidentally dropping it on the floor (or something heavy on it). In addition, most metal lids are oven-safe(see Extras). On the other hand, the metal is opaque, and the only way to determine the state of the cooking product is to lift the lid, which is not always convenient (especially if you have to check often). Also, this material is prone to scratches when washed with abrasive products, brushes, etc.

— Glass. Glass lids appeared as an alternative to opaque metal ones. Their main advantage is obvious: the ability to observe what is happening in the pan without removing the lid. In fairness, it should be noted that fogging and pollution during the cooking process often impair visibility, but it is still higher than through metal. In addition, glass is better tolerated by “hard” washing with abrasive products. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting, first of all, fragility and sensitivity to shock — there is a certain risk of cracking such a cover if handled carelessly. However, the construction usually uses fairly thick glass, and for such a nuisance you need a fairly strong blow, so in general, glass lids are quite safe.

— Ceramics. Ceramic lids are...used exclusively in frying pans made of the same material (see above). Recall that such pans usually belong to tagines and are designed for cooking in the oven; the same material of dishes and lids contributes to uniform heating.

— Cast iron. Another lid material used in combination with the same material of the pan itself (in other words, cast iron lids are used exclusively with cast iron cookware). By most features, this material is similar to the metal described above: on the one hand, it is durable, on the other, it is opaque. The key difference between cast-iron covers and ordinary metal ones is their greater thickness. On the one hand, this contributes to the preservation of heat inside the dishes, on the other hand, it significantly affects the weight and cost. Therefore, this material is rarely found nowadays — mainly among stewpans and braziers (see above), for which the described advantages are more important than the disadvantages.

— Metal. Metal handles, usually, are made of the same material as the pan — steel or aluminium (see above). Their main advantages are high strength and resistance to heat — in fact, the handle can withstand the same temperature as a frying pan. This ensures maximum fire safety: if you unsuccessfully leave the pan with the handle over the fire, the metal will only heat up, but will not catch fire, and you can put such a pan in the oven without problems. At the same time, this material is characterized by high thermal conductivity — in other words, the handle heats up very much along with the pan itself. Because of this, it is possible to remove the dishes from the fire only with the help of special devices (for example, rags — "grabbers" made of thick fabric) — holding the handle with bare hands, you can get burned.

— Cast iron. The material used for the handles in cast iron pans (see "Pan Material"). It has all the characteristic advantages and disadvantages of metal handles (see above).

— Bakelite. A kind of plastic; was created a long time ago, but is still widely used due to a number of advantages. In the case of frying pans, the main one is low thermal conductivity: Bakelite handles heat up so little that they can be fearlessly taken with bare hands when the pan is hot. In addition, this material is fireproof: even if you accidentally leave the pen ov...er an open fire, it will not catch fire, at most it will char. For added safety, many handles of this type have a combined design: a small part, directly at the pan, is made of metal, the rest is Bakelite. In terms of strength and brittleness, this material is somewhat weaker than metals, but it can withstand most shocks and shocks without problems, and is insensitive to scratches, moisture and chemicals. As a consequence, handles of this type have become widespread in modern frying pans. The most striking disadvantage of bakelite can be called poor suitability for use in the oven; however, dishes with removable handles can correct the situation (for both points, see "Additionally").

— Wood. The wooden handles have a nice "classic" look, but they conduct almost no heat, which allows them to be handled with bare hands. At the same time, this material is quite sensitive to moisture, dirt, prone to cracking and relatively short-lived; and its fire safety is very low — a handle carelessly placed over a fire can easily be charred, or even catch fire. In addition, such handles are not suitable for ovens, they must be removed (if such a possibility is provided, see "Additional") or other dishes should be used in the oven. As a result, wood is quite rare in modern frying pans and is a kind of image material intended for lovers of traditional design.

— Silicone. By itself, this material is too soft for use in the handles of pans in its pure form; therefore, in this case, a metal handle with a silicone overlay is usually meant. Silicone provides good thermal insulation, such handles, usually, can be safely taken even when the pan is heated; besides, they are softer and more pleasant to the touch than, for example, bakelite. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the sensitivity to strong heat, which is why in pans compatible with ovens, silicone handles have to be made removable.

— Induction bottom. Possibility of use of a frying pan on electric stoves of induction type. Heating in such stoves occurs due to the electromagnetic field created by special elements, and it is not the stove that is heated, but the dishes directly standing on it. This is convenient in many respects, but it imposes rather severe restrictions on materials — not all utensils, even metal ones, will work normally with this technology. Therefore, when choosing a frying pan for an induction cooker, you should separately pay attention to compatibility.

— Multi-layered bottom. A bottom made of several layers of a particular material. This design is believed to provide additional strength, resistance to overheating and uniform heating, as well as reduce the likelihood of deformation. However, such pans cost accordingly.

— Corrugated bottom. The bottom, which has a set of protrusions — usually in the form of characteristic stripes. Such a surface may cover the entire working area of \u200b\u200bthe pan or only part of it; and most models with this feature belong to one or another type of grill (see "Type"), although there are other types of pans with a corrugated bottom. Anyway, the peculiarity of such a surface is that only protrusions are in direct contact with the product being cooked, and fat, vegetable juice or other liquid that boils under the influence of h...eat flows into the recesses between them. Due to this, characteristic fried stripes form on the finished dish, and the surface between these strips is not so much fried as welded. The corrugated surface is considered optimal, in particular for cooking meat: since fat can drip off the product, the finished dish is less greasy than when using a smooth surface. Also, such surfaces are quite convenient when frying fish and some other types of products.

— Thermal sensor. The indicator signaling about degree of heating of a frying pan. The simplest and most common version of such an indicator is an insert made of a special material that changes colour when heated to a certain temperature. There are also more advanced options, up to built-in digital thermometers with displays for monitoring temperature and an audible signal when it reaches the desired value. Anyway, if you have a temperature sensor, you will not have to check the degree of heating with the help of improvised means — a drop of water, a piece of dough, etc. In addition, the temperature sensor prevents excessive heating and saves electricity or gas (depending on the type of stove). And for models with a Teflon or marble non-stick coating (see above), as well as aluminium cookware (see “Frying pan material”), the latter is also important because when overheated, the coating can release harmful substances, and aluminium can deform. However the temperature sensor is only a signal device, and you still have to take measures to avoid overheating manually.

— Drain chute. A device in the form of a characteristic goon or spout on the edge of the pan, which allows you to conveniently drain non-fat, sauce, gravy and other liquids from non-fat. Drain gutters are often made in pairs — from opposite sides; due to this, holding the pan by the handle, you can drain its contents both to the right and to the left — depending on which direction is more convenient or more accessible at the moment.

— Removable handle. Detachable pan handle. This feature is useful primarily for those who plan to use the pan as oven dishes — dishes without a handle are easier to place inside. And if the handle is bakelite or wooden(see "Handle Material"), then it must be removed before installation in the oven — these materials do not tolerate high temperatures. In addition, the ability to remove the handle makes it easier to store and transport — in this respect, this function is similar to the folding handle described below.

— Foldable handle. A feature found mainly in grill pans (see "Type") of square and rectangular shapes (although there are exceptions to these rules). A similar handle is mounted on a swivel mount, and when folded, it fits directly on the working surface of the pan and in this position does not protrude beyond its edges. This greatly simplifies storage and transportation, including in comparison with the removable handles described above: the folding device is always with the pan without getting lost. On the other hand, not all such handles are compatible with ovens; and if such compatibility is provided, it is often necessary to use a lid so that the folded handle does not lie directly on the dish being prepared.

— Auxiliary handle. The presence of an additional handle on the pan, on the opposite side of the main one. Such a handle is much shorter and usually has the shape of a loop; its presence allows you to easily hold the dishes with two hands, which is convenient for large volumes of cooking. Note that frying pans with a pair of identical handles (like those that are installed on pans) do not belong to this category.

— Dishwasher safe. Possibility of washing the frying pan in the dishwasher. Such machines have their own requirements for dimensions and materials, and therefore, if you plan to use a dishwasher, you should choose compatible pans — they are guaranteed not to create problems.

— Use in the oven. The possibility of using a frying pan for cooking in the oven. Such pans must be able to withstand high temperatures well (especially for non-stick coatings, see above), and are often equipped with either a removable handle or small paired handles, which facilitates placement in a limited volume. Usually, stewpans and woks are made “under the oven”, and among ordinary frying pans (see “Type”) this function is quite rare.

— Internal partitions. Partitions dividing the working surface of the pan into separate zones. This feature allows you to cook several dishes at the same time and avoid mixing flavors. Also note that in some models, individual zones differ in the shape of the surface: on one side of the partition, the bottom can be corrugated (see above), on the other, traditionally smooth.