A pan is a flat, shallow cooking utensil used for frying, sautéing, or baking food. It usually has a long handle and can be made from various materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or non-stick coatings. When you heat a pan on the stove, it helps cook ingredients evenly, making it essential for preparing meals like scrambled eggs or stir-fried vegetables. There are many types of pans, including frying pans, saucepans, and baking pans. Each type serves a specific purpose in the kitchen. For example, a frying pan is great for cooking meats, while a baking pan is perfect for making cakes or casseroles.