Having a few well-chosen pieces rather than a rack crammed with pots and pans of all shapes and sizes allows you to cook whatever you want while also providing the performance required to cook it well.
A saucepan is a versatile pan that every seasoned pro or home cook’s kitchen should have. However, getting your hands on the right pan isn’t as easy as cooking your favourite soup or sauce. You can’t buy everything and overwhelm your kitchen with too much cookware.
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing the perfect pan.
Cost
Your budget, frequency of cooking, type of food, and how well you care for your pots and pans all impact how much you spend.
The cost of your cookware will almost certainly influence what you purchase. So, only buy the best cookware you can afford, and find pans on the market that are quality bargains for their price.
Size
The most common pans usually fit 1-2 litres of dishes and should be enough to feed a family of up to four members. So, if you have more people in your family, you can scale your sizing option as you decide. The important thing is to choose a size that corresponds to the size of your household or the people you want to serve dishes for (for restaurants or events).
Material
If you use pans frequently, it’s also important to invest in the materials for your pans materials. Here are four of the most common ones on the market:
Stainless Steel
This pan is dishwasher safe and provides even heat distribution. Stainless steel is also ideal for display in small kitchens.
Cast-iron
For centuries, cast iron has been used to make cookware. Users laud cast iron cookware’s superior cooking capabilities. In addition, cast-iron cookware is extremely durable and is frequently passed down through generations.
Aluminium
Many aluminium pans have enamelled exteriors and nonstick interiors. This structure helps aluminium pans with stain resistance, cleaning ease, and durability. aluminium can also be hard-anodized or cast to resemble cast iron while being lighter and better at conducting heat.
Copper
Copper pans distribute heat efficiently, making them a favourite in professional kitchens. Although they’re a bit pricey, they are a good investment if you intend to use them frequently due to the premium materials and quality performance.
Finishes
You can choose two pan finishes that complement your cooking style: nonstick and enamel.
Nonstick
A thin layer of coating on the surface of nonstick pans prevents food from sticking and makes them easy to clean. Nonstick pans are also ideal for health-conscious individuals who want to reduce their use of oil.
Enamel
Enamel is a nonstick coating that is also environmentally friendly. Compared to nonstick pans, enamel has a very long lifespan and can last a lifetime.
Handles
Handles are also an important part of your buying process. As you know, your hands will constantly be gripping medium-length-handled pans. If you want to maintain composure, you can opt for longer handles.
Purchase a pan with a sturdy handle secured with screws or rivets. Remember to put quality first and carefully inspect the seams between the handle and the pan when shopping for one.
Yes, buying a saucepan is an investment you don’t want to take for granted. Quality pans are something you can rely upon during family gatherings, holidays, and other events. So, before you go to a kitchenware store, list every detail you need and pay attention to each one of them.
