What is a pan primarily used for in cooking?

A pan is primarily used as a flat metal cooking dish, which makes it versatile for various cooking methods such as sautéing, frying, searing, and even baking, depending on its type. The design of a pan typically allows for direct contact with heat sources, enabling efficient cooking of foods.

The term "pan" usually refers to a shallow, flat vessel, and its surface area promotes even cooking and browning. Because of this design, pans can be integral to preparing dishes that require quick cooking or that benefit from the Maillard reaction, which develops flavor and color when proteins and sugars react under heat.

While some pans can be used for deep frying or baking, not all are suited specifically for those purposes. Additionally, they are not designed for refrigeration, which serves a completely different function in food preservation. Thus, the correct answer highlights the core use of a pan as a flat cooking implement rather than other methods of food preparation or storage.