Comparison Maxmark MK-FP4026M 26 cm vs Maxmark MK-FP4526G 26 cm

— Classic. The traditional type of frying pans most familiar to many, with a flat bottom and walls of medium height. They can be used for both frying and stewing and similar cooking, which makes this variety a fairly versatile solution — especially if you do not need to cook in large volumes.

— Deep frying pan. Frying pans of a traditional design, having a significant height of the sides — from 5.5 to 10 cm (deeper products are usually referred to as stewpans). Such sides allow you to fill the pan with a large amount of liquid contents, and when the lid is open, they provide additional protection of the stove and surrounding objects from grease splashes. Due to this, such dishes are quite versatile, they are widely used both for frying (especially meat or fish) and for stewing.
Note also that wok and tagine are, in fact, special varieties of deep pans; however, such products have their own specific application, so they are separated into separate categories (see below).

— Flip frying pan. The name of such pans comes from the word flip, which means, in particular, "flip in the air." These are relatively deep models (although there are exceptions) of a characteristic asymmetrical shape — the side on the opposite side of the handle is made higher than that of the handle, and is tilted...inward at a slight angle. This design makes it easy to toss and mix the ingredients in the pan; this requires some skill, but allows significant time savings and provides a more uniform processing of products than traditional mixing.

— For pancakes. A distinctive feature of this type of pans is a very shallow depth. This arrangement makes it as easy as possible to flip pancakes and other similar dishes — omelettes, potato pancakes, pancakes (however, pancakes also have their own kind of frying pans — see below). Also note that pancake pans are one of several varieties in which decor for children can be provided (see also below).

— Saucepan. A type of frying pan that has relatively high walls (compared to the total diameter), as well as a clearly defined border between the walls and the bottom (unlike conventional frying pans, where rounded sides smoothly merge into the bottom). In addition, the walls can be made vertical or almost vertical, although this is not necessary. Note that some of these frying pans are close in design to the classic models, others almost do not differ from woks. Anyway, stewpans can be used both for traditional frying and for stewing, sautéing, cooking sauces, etc.; some models even allow cooking.

— Brazier. Frying pans of this type outwardly resemble pans — they have a wide bottom, relatively high walls (usually vertical, without tilt), as well as small paired handles. Such dishes are considered perfect for stewing, both on the stove and in the oven (if the design allows it, of course). Some even consider the brazier not so much a frying pan as a kind of goose. However, nothing prevents the use of such models for frying.

— Wok. A type of frying pan that originally appeared in Asian cuisine. The wok has a hemispherical shape with rather high walls, and the flat bottom is made relatively small, if not completely absent. Thanks to this design, the bottom of the wok heats up to high temperatures during use, while the edges remain relatively cold, so food must be constantly stirred during cooking — this method is considered a classic for many oriental dishes. In addition, woks are well suited for stewing and quick frying.

— Grill. Frying pans designed to be used in the same way as open contact grills (without lid). Such models most often have a square shape(much less often — round or rectangular), as well as a corrugated bottom. For more information about the features of such a bottom, see "Functions and Possibilities", here we note that grill pans are excellent primarily for frying meat and fish, although other applications are also possible. At the same time, the relief and surface coating in many models allow you to cook effectively without adding oil or fat at all.
In addition, more specific types of grill pans can be found on the market — double-sided grills, as well as gas grill pans. These varieties differ markedly in the specifics of the application, and therefore they are placed in separate categories (see below).

— Grill-gas frying pan. A rather specific type of grill pans, designed for use exclusively with gas stoves. The base of the pan is shaped like a ring with a hole in the centre; around this ring is a grate on which cooked foods are laid out, so that the pan itself actually plays the role of a tray for fat, vegetable juice and other similar liquids. When cooking, such dishes are placed with a hole on the gas burner and covered with a solid cap-cap: hot air enters under this cap, and the products in the grill gas are, in fact, baked. At the same time, you can not use fat for cooking, so this method is considered one of the healthiest. However, note that for the effective use of such devices, fuel is required that does not give soot; liquefied gas of a high degree of purification is considered an perfect option.

— Double sided grill. A type of grill pan (see above) that can replace a closed contact grill. The working surface of such a frying pan consists of two halves connected by a swivel mount and capable of being tightly closed. In this case, one half, with higher sides, is considered the main one, and the second plays the role of a clamping cover. This design provides faster, deeper and more even frying than an open grill pan; at the same time, for maximum uniformity, it is advisable to periodically turn the pan upside down and back — a similar possibility is provided for in the design. The disadvantages of double-sided grills include the fact that it is inconvenient to turn over or remove individual pieces on them — for this you need to open the lid, violating the operating mode. However, most often this moment is not fundamental: pieces of the same product, having approximately the same thickness, are fried in such pans very efficiently.

— For paella. Specialized pans for cooking paella — a national Spanish dish of rice or small pasta with various additives and a special sauce. Such frying pans have a characteristic design: a round shape, walls with a clear outward slope, as well as a pair of symmetrical side handles of short length. At the same time, in traditional paella dishes, the sides are rather low, but there are exceptions to this rule.

— Portion. Frying pans designed not only for cooking, but also for serving dishes — for example, it is in a frying pan that the filling for fajitas is traditionally served. Such models usually have a relatively small size and depth, and are also equipped with wooden stands that allow you to safely place a hot pan on the table. The handle can be bent up so as not to create inconvenience on the table. Cast iron is usually used as a material for portioned pans: it is not afraid of contact with metal spoons and forks, and a large weight reduces the likelihood of accidentally moving or overturning dishes.

— Tazhin. A type of tableware that originally appeared in the cuisine of Morocco and the surrounding regions. A tagine is a thick-walled bowl of medium depth, covered with a high cone-shaped lid. Food in this design is cooked at a low temperature, in fact, by languishing, and the finished dish is eaten directly from the bowl, removing the lid. The traditional dish of meat or fish and vegetables with spices cooked in such dishes is also called “tagine”, but, of course, the possibilities of using such dishes are not limited to this.

— For fritters. Frying pans, originally designed for cooking pancakes and other similar dishes — for example, potato pancakes. In the classic version, such a frying pan is of medium size with several portioned recesses on the surface — this is a date for the ability to easily cook pancakes of the same size. Another, rarer option is miniature 1-pancake pans, usually about 12 cm in diameter. Some models may include decor for children, allowing you to cook dishes with funny patterns (see below for more details).

— For waffles. Waffle pans, like the pancake models described above, usually have a surface divided into portions. However, the bottom in such pans has a characteristic “checkered” relief, which makes it easy to cook waffles. In addition, portioned recesses are not necessarily made round — they can also have a different shape, including a very unusual one (hearts, stars, etc.). And some waffle pans even have a double-sided design: they close like traditional waffle irons and in this position can be installed on the stove on either side. This contributes to the most even frying.

— For fish. Frying pans designed for the possibility of frying fish with a whole carcass, without cutting into pieces. Usually, they have an oval shape and at the same time a fairly significant width, which allows you to easily accommodate even a fairly wide fish (for example, a flounder), or even two relatively narrow fish side by side. At the same time, due to the specific shape, the walls of the pan are close enough to the contents, and the heat from them contributes to the uniform cooking of fish; and melted fat almost does not spread from the products in the pan, which allows you to get soft and juicy meat as a result.

Note that the varieties of pans described above can also be sold in sets that combine different types of dishes. Here are some of the more popular options:

• classical + wok;
• classic + grill;
• classic + saucepan;
• classic + for pancakes;
• grill + for pancakes;
• classic + wok + grill;
• classic + saucepan + grill.

The material from which the pan is made.

Aluminium is the most popular nowadays, it is available on the market in several versions — stamped, cast, forged, plus all three of these varieties can be anodized. Noticeably fewer frying pans are made of cast iron and steel, but a lot of such products are also produced. But copper and ceramics are very rare, even exotic options nowadays.

Here is a more detailed description of each of the mentioned materials:

— Cast iron. A classic material, thanks to a number of characteristics, has not lost popularity nowadays. Its main feature is the combination of high heat capacity and relatively low thermal conductivity. This means that the cast-iron pan heats up slowly, but evenly, and cools just as slowly; while cast iron easily tolerates high temperatures. This property makes cast iron pans very versatile and suitable for both "slow" and "fast" fires. This material is usually not coated with a non-stick coating, however, subject to certain care rules, cast iron itself can acquire similar properties — to the point that some dishes can not be stirred at all when cooking on cast iron. Frying pans made of this material are very weighty, but many...consider this an advantage — a heavy pan is as stable as possible. Of the obvious disadvantages, one can name the tendency to corrosion (which requires careful observance of the rules of care), as well as relative fragility — cast iron can crack from an impact that steel or aluminium would have completely endured. Also, food cannot be stored in such dishes — its taste deteriorates.

— Steel. Stainless steel is considered one of the safest materials: it is chemically inert and does not tend to interact with food and other substances. Also, this material is durable, resistant to impacts, weighs significantly less than cast iron and at the same time massive enough to ensure stability. On the other hand, steel also has a number of disadvantages. So, due to the high thermal conductivity, it heats up unevenly, and it does not tolerate high temperatures well — characteristic iridescent stains of the “tint colour” appear. Food in such pans tends to burn — in the end, you either have to put up with this, or look for models with a non-stick coating (and here safety is already determined by the properties of this coating, see below). Washing steel utensils is also quite difficult — abrasive detergents scratch the coating and spoil the appearance, and without them it can take a lot of time and effort.

— Aluminium. The main advantage of aluminium is its low price and, accordingly, availability. Also, it is characterized by good strength, high thermal conductivity and, accordingly, fast heating, and such pans cool down for quite a long time. However, this material also has a number of significant drawbacks. For example, food in an aluminium pan tends to burn, and washing it is associated with a number of difficulties — it is undesirable to use acids and alkalis, the coating is easily scratched. In addition, thin pans are very sensitive to overheating and can warp; this is especially critical on electric stoves, where it is quite difficult to control the temperature, and a flat bottom of the dishes is especially important. Light weight can be called both an advantage and a disadvantage of aluminium: it reduces the stability of the pan, but also makes it easier to work with it. As a result of all of the above, this material is used mainly in inexpensive dishes. Aluminium frying pans can be produced using different technologies, they are described in more detail below; here we note that if the characteristics of the pan indicate simply “aluminium”, then most likely we are talking about a stamped product.

— Extruded aluminium. Stamping is the simplest technology for the production of aluminium pans, it is inexpensive. However, the quality of such products, usually, does not shine: the thermal conductivity is relatively low, and the sensitivity to overheating and the tendency to deformation are high. However, these moments can be partly offset by an increase in thickness or the use of additional inserts; the most advanced of the "thick" aluminium frying pans can be comparable in performance to cast products (see below).

— Forged aluminium. Forging technology in the case of frying pans is good in that it provides the fibrous structure of the metal. This has a positive effect on strength and weight and provides quite decent performance (in particular, thermal conductivity) even with a relatively small material thickness. However forged pans are somewhat more expensive than stamped ones.

— Cast aluminium. This technology involves the manufacture of dishes by pouring molten aluminium into special molds. It is considered the most advanced, because. casting provides an optimal metal structure, as a result — excellent thermal conductivity and high reliability. However such pans are more expensive than forged and, moreover, stamped, and they weigh a little more (the latter, however, is not necessarily a drawback).

— Anodized aluminium. The term "anodized" does not describe the production technology of the cookware itself, but a specific way of processing the aluminium surface; the dishes themselves can be stamped, forged, and cast (see above). When anodized, a strong protective layer is formed on the aluminium surface, which prevents metal from coming into contact with the contents of the pan. This layer is resistant to acids; and if it is not recommended to store food for a long time or cook “sour” dishes in an ordinary aluminium frying pan, then the anodized one has no such restrictions. And in general, such a coating is considered absolutely safe for humans. The disadvantage of this option is traditional — the high price.

— Copper. One of the key advantages of copper is its unusual appearance; thanks to the reddish-golden colour, such dishes really look beautiful and stylish. On the practical side, this material is notable for its high thermal conductivity, thanks to which the pan heats up quickly and evenly — and this contributes to high-quality and fast cooking. Copper is not suitable for regular contact with food — this leads to oxidation and the appearance of harmful substances; however, this disadvantage is compensated by the use of additional coatings (eg, tin or steel). But the unequivocal disadvantage of this material is the high cost. In addition, the copper surface loses its luster literally after the first cooking, and to restore its appearance, it must be washed manually with special products. Thus, few copper pans are produced nowadays, mainly these are “designer” dishes designed for kitchens of a certain style.

— Ceramics. Ceramics accumulates and retains heat well, moreover, it tolerates even strong heat without problems and allows the use of the oven without any restrictions. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of this material is not very high, and it is not well suited for use on burners. As a result, mainly tagines are made ceramic (see "Type"), designed specifically for cooking in the oven.

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.

— 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.

Additional accessories supplied with the frying pan.

— Lid. The presence of a lid in the delivery set will save you from the hassle of choosing: the “native” lid is optimally suited not only in size, but also in terms of the design features of the pan.

— Handle pads. Removable pads on the main handle of the pan. Such devices protect your hands from burns and allow you to safely grasp the handle, even if the pan is very hot. And they are made removable mainly so that the dishes can also be used in the oven without restrictions.

— Spatula. By purchasing a frying pan in this configuration, you do not have to buy a spatula separately; this can be useful, for example, if you equip the kitchen from scratch. Another point is that the included spatulas are, by definition, suitable for coating the pan — this is especially important for Teflon or "marble" (see "Non-stick coating").

— Lattice. The grate is most often supplied with wok pans ( round shape), in this case it is semi-circular. When cooking, it is placed on top of the pan and covers half. The main purpose of such a grate is to place pieces that have already been fried; however, they do not cool due to the heat from the pan. Also, the grate can be found in grill pans, for which there is a cutout in the central part for the burner. Thus, the fire dir...ectly interacts with the cooked products.

— Stand. A stand made of wood or other heat-insulating material is mainly equipped with portioned pans. For more information about such dishes, see "Type", but here we recall that it is used not only for cooking, but also for serving dishes — and when placing a hot frying pan on the table, you cannot do without a stand. In addition, pans of other types can be supplemented with a similar accessory — in such cases, the stand is intended mainly for additional convenience when cooking. For example, she put a hot pan with a ready dish on the kitchen table, freeing the burner for other dishes.