A frying pan is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It is typically 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in) in diameter with relatively low sides that flare outwards, The idea behind the slanted sides is to allow steam to escape so that frying and searing can happen. That being said, a frying pan can be used for sautéing or frying or steam frying.
