Searing on Stovetop vs. Oven: Two Different Tools
When you think of searing, a heavy skillet probably comes to mind. The Large Fry frying pan is designed for stovetop searing with its nonstick ceramic coating, but it's not the only option. The Little Hottie ceramic baker can also achieve a nice sear when used in the oven, though its shape and material serve a different primary purpose.
Both pieces are from Great Jones and share a commitment to non-toxic materials, but they differ in how they handle heat. Let's break down which one fits your searing needs.
Key Differences at a Glance
The Large Fry is a 10.25-inch nonstick frying pan with a welded handle and no rivets or seams. It's safe on all stovetops, including induction, and is designed without PTFE and PFOA chemicals. The Little Hottie is an 8-inch square ceramic baker with oversized handles, oven-safe up to high temperatures, and also dishwasher-, freezer-, and microwave-safe.
- Stovetop use: Large Fry is designed for direct stovetop heat, making it ideal for pan-searing meats or vegetables. Little Hottie is not recommended for stovetop use; it's built for oven, microwave, and freezer.
- Oven searing: Little Hottie excels in the oven, where you can sear by broiling or roasting at high heat. Large Fry is also oven-safe, but its lower sides make it less suitable for oven searing larger cuts.
- Surface area: Large Fry offers a 10.25-inch round cooking surface, great for multiple pieces at once. Little Hottie's 8-inch square provides a smaller area, better for single servings or sides.
- Material and care: Large Fry's ceramic nonstick coating is scratch-resistant and easy to clean, but requires gentle utensils. Little Hottie's ceramic stoneware is scratch- and stain-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
Product Facts
- Large Fry: Our 10.25-inch nonstick frying pan is made with a nontoxic ceramic coating that's healthier for both you and planet Earth. Safe for all stovetops (including induction). This means you can use the Large Fry directly on your stovetop for traditional pan-searing without worrying about chemical coatings.
Large Fry - Little Hottie: Ceramic stoneware is scratch- and stain-resistant and extremely easy to clean. Oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly. Little Hottie is perfect for oven searing and cleanup is effortless, though you cannot use it on the stovetop.
Little Hottie
Which One Should You Choose for Searing?
If your searing happens primarily on the stovetop — for example, browning chicken thighs, steaks, or vegetables before finishing in the oven — the Large Fry is the better choice. Its wide, flat surface and induction compatibility give you even heat and easy flipping.
If you prefer oven-based searing, such as roasting vegetables or broiling fish fillets, the Little Hottie's ceramic stoneware retains heat well and its compact size fits smaller portions. Plus, its oversized handles make it easy to pull from a hot oven.
Neither piece is a cast iron skillet, but both offer non-toxic alternatives for different searing methods. Choose based on where you want the heat to come from.
