How to measure skillet size?
If you are in the market for a new skillet, it can be difficult to determine what size will best suit your needs. How big should it be? How deep? How wide? These are all important questions that need answering before you buy. To answer these questions, it becomes critically important to know how to measure skillet size?
This blog post will help guide you through the process of measuring your skillet so that you get exactly what you need!
How to measure skillet size – A simple way!
Here is a simple way to measure skillet size: Get a measuring tape. Place the skillet on a flat surface. Hold the measuring tape in one hand and stretch it across the cross-section of the skillet. The resulting measurement will give you the circumference of the skillet. In order to calculate the area of the skillet, divide it by 6.28. Take the square of the resulting number and multiply it with 3.14.
You must know that there are a number of factors you must consider while choosing the right size of a skillet. Here is a list of the key factors you must take into account before making a purchase decision for a new skillet.
Measure your stove
The best place to start is by measuring the size of your stove. How long are the burners? How wide are they? What do you need to fit on them? This will usually give you a good idea about the right size of skillet for your needs.
Measure any additionaml space requirements
Once you have that information, it’s time to measure any additional space requirements. How deep does it need to be so that food doesn’t spill out while cooking or when moved during cleaning? How much room should there be between pots and pans for easy stirring without interference from other items in your cupboard? How much space will be needed for your hand to move around the side of the pan? How high should it need to be so that you can still use the stovetop when items are stacked inside?
All these factors help you determine the right kind and size of the skillet.
What size skillet do I already own now?
Usually, the skillets used in homes have a size of 12, 14, or 16 inches in diameter. There are also skillets with the size of 20-inch diameters that can be used on a large cooktop when cooking for larger groups of people. A good idea is to see what size skillet are you currently using. If that size is sufficient for you, stick to that size for future purchases.
What kinds of pots/pans do I own now (e.g., deep vs shallow)?
You can select the size of a skillet to purchase by keeping in view the kind of pots or pans you own at the moment. This is because the size of the skillet depends on what kinds of pots or pans you are planning to use with your new skillet.
For example, if you have a deep pot then it would be ideal for you that the pan should also be deep enough in which case an average-sized person can comfortably stir without any discomfort and boiling water will not splash out. However, if you own shallow pots/pans then purchasing skillets having really large diameters is recommended because they allow boiling food quickly along with easy access when stirring.
What other cookware do I plan on using?
If there are certain types of cookware that go perfectly well together (e.g., frying pans), look for options where both pieces match each other’s dimensions so that you can easily stack them inside the cupboard.
Will I be cooking for a large family?
If you’re planning on cooking food for larger groups of people, then it’s especially important that your cookware is spacious enough to accommodate all those dishes as well as give everyone room to move around and stir without bumping into each other (and potentially spilling ingredients).
When buying skillets in this case, look for options with at least 12-inch diameters! If possible, get even larger sizes since they provide more space than their smaller counterparts.
Is there any special feature required?
You might need certain features like nonstick coatings etc., which are also considered when choosing skillet sizes different materials used in making pans are also considered when choosing the size of a skillet, including stainless steel and cast iron.
How often am I planning on using this new skillet?
You should also consider how often you will be using the new skillet, whether it is daily or only occasionally. This way, your purchase won’t end up sitting in a cupboard for years on end without ever seeing action!
How much time will I spend cooking?
An important factor that determines what skillet size you should purchase is the amount of time you plan to spend on cooking. If you are a person who spends most of their time cooking, then it is advised that you should purchase the skillets with larger diameters. However, if your amount of daily cooking is not very much and there isn’t any special requirement for cookware like heavy-duty etc., then purchasing a smaller-sized skillet would be appropriate too.
What types of foods am I planning on cooking in this skillet?
Another factor that affects the skillet size you should buy is the types of food you plan to cook in your new skillet. Do you plan to use it for fried eggs or boiling pasta water for spaghetti? Or do you want to use your new skillet for cooking meat and vegetables together?
This is another important factor that determines the skillet size you should buy. For example, if the food requires a large surface area (e.g., pancakes), then choose skillets with larger diameters because they provide more room than their smaller counterparts.
How far away is the power outlet from where my new skillet will be placed on the countertop?
One more important factor that determines skillet size you should buy is how far away the power outlet is from where your new cookware will be placed on the countertop. If it’s too close to a plug, then purchasing skillets with larger diameters would cause problems since they require longer cords and might even prevent other appliances from being plugged in nearby.
In this case, using smaller-sized skillets provide an easier solution because their cord lengths are shorter than those of bigger ones! Plus, if there isn’t much space around your kitchen counters for arranging all kinds of cooking equipment, then buying a small-sized nonstick pan makes sense as well due to its compact design which saves up precious cupboard storage space while providing enough room for cooking.
How to measure skillet size – Final thoughts
In conclusion, when shopping for a new skillet it is always best to consider the above factors in order to find the right fit. Of course, they still vary from person to person depending on their cooking needs and preferences but at least following these guidelines makes finding that perfect size much easier!
