Cody Casey
A saucier is a type of pan that is used to make sauces, risottos, pasta, jams, gravy, and more. It is similar to a saucepan but has a curved bottom and sloping sides, which makes it ideal for whisking and stirring. Its larger surface area and rounded edges make it easier to reach all parts of the pan when cooking. While saucepans and sauciers are interchangeable for some dishes, the saucier's unique shape makes it better for reducing liquids and preventing food from getting stuck to the sides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Making sauces, risotto, pasta, rice, jams, gravy, dessert sauces, soups, broths, stocks, braises, grits, demi-glace, etc. |
| Advantages | Curved/sloped bottom and sides, no corners, larger surface area, easier to stir, whisk, and clean, lightweight, better heat retention, distribution, and control, shorter sides, wider opening, ideal for reducing liquids |
| Disadvantages | Smaller capacity than saucepans, heavier, more expensive |
| Materials | Stainless steel, copper, enameled cast iron, non-stick |
| Brands | Tramontina, All-Clad, Misen, Made In, Great Jones, Le Creuset |
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What You'll Learn
Sauciers are ideal for whisking and stirring
The shape of a saucier also makes it easier to reach all the contents of the pan when stirring, without having to drag your utensil around the bottom edges to ensure you've gotten everything. This is especially useful for dishes that require constant stirring or whisking, such as risotto, gravy, and sauces that need to be slowly reduced. The sloped sides of a saucier also encourage a whisk to get into every crevice, making it ideal for whisking and stirring.
Sauciers are also preferred for whisking and stirring because they are made from materials that are less prone to scratching, such as stainless steel. This means that sauciers will last longer and provide optimum temperature control and heat conductivity. Additionally, the helper handles on sauciers make them easier to lift and move around the kitchen, providing greater control when pouring, which is important when making sauces or creams that require whisking and stirring.
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They are perfect for making sauces
Sauciers are perfect for making sauces, as their curved, sloping sides and rounded edges prevent ingredients from getting stuck in the sides or corners. This is especially useful when whisking and making sauces, as the curved sides prevent clumping and scorching. The curved bottom also provides more cooking surface area, allowing for more efficient reduction of sauces, broths, and stocks.
The wide opening and larger cooking surface area of a saucier make it easier to reach all the contents of the pan when stirring, without having to drag your utensil around the bottom edges. This makes it ideal for dishes that require constant stirring or whisking, such as risotto. The curved bottom also makes it easier to toss pasta in with your sauce, evenly incorporating all the ingredients and distributing the sauce throughout the noodles.
Sauciers are also great for making stovetop jams, make-ahead gravy, and dessert sauces like chocolate ganache and caramel. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes beyond just sauces, including risotto, pastry cream, and even stovetop jams.
The size of the saucier you choose will depend on your needs. The 3 QT size is the most versatile, great for one-pot meals, sauces, and more. If you're regularly cooking large-format meals, a 5 QT size may be a better option.
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Saucepans are better for preventing spills
Saucepans and sauciers are both kitchen staples, but they have slightly different shapes that make them better suited to different tasks. While sauciers are ideal for making sauces, saucepans are better for preventing spills.
Saucepans are designed for cooking sauces and are also suitable for deep frying, boiling water, braising, and steaming vegetables. They are shaped like a cylinder with a flat bottom and feature high, straight sides and a long handle. The high sides of saucepans prevent liquids from bubbling over the edges, while the flat bottoms increase direct heat contact and minimize cooking time. The straight rims of saucepans also help to contain liquids and prevent spills.
Sauciers, on the other hand, have a curved bottom that gently slopes upward, creating cornerless sides. This design makes sauciers ideal for whisking and stirring ingredients, as there are no corners for food to get stuck in. However, the curved bottom of a saucier can make it more challenging to prevent spills, especially when compared to the straight rims of saucepans.
While both saucepans and sauciers have their advantages, saucepans are better suited for preventing spills due to their high, straight sides and flat bottoms.
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Sauciers are more versatile
Sauciers and saucepans may look similar, but sauciers are more versatile. The defining trait of a saucier is its rounded, curved bottom that gently curves upward, rendering the bottom of the pot cornerless. This makes it perfect for whisking sauces, as there are no corners for ingredients to get stuck in. The curved bottom also makes it easier to stir frequently to prevent scorching, making it ideal for cooking risotto. The sloped sides of a saucier make it easier to reach all the contents of the pan when stirring, without having to drag your utensil around the bottom edges.
Sauciers are also great for finishing pasta in its sauce, as the curved bottom allows you to toss the pasta and evenly incorporate all the ingredients. They are also perfect for stovetop jams, make-ahead gravy, and dessert sauces like chocolate ganache and caramel.
Sauciers are available in a range of sizes, typically from 2 to 5 quarts, with 3 quarts being the most versatile size, great for one-pot meals, risottos, sauces, and more. If you're cooking for a larger group, go for the 5-quart size.
While saucepans are great for boiling water, deep frying, and braising, sauciers are more versatile when it comes to cooking. They are also available in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, copper, enameled cast iron, and non-stick. Stainless steel is a good option due to its durability, heat conduction, and resistance to scratching.
Overall, sauciers are a versatile and underrated tool that belongs in every kitchen, whether you're a casual cook or a self-proclaimed expert.
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They are both suitable for rice, pasta, and soups
Both saucepans and sauciers are kitchen staples and key for preparing everyday favourites. They are similar in that they are both suitable for sauces, rice, pasta, braises, and soups. However, each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Saucepans are incredibly versatile and are considered a must-have kitchen staple. They are commonly available in sizes between one and six quarts. They are shaped like a cylinder with a flat bottom, feature high, straight sides, and a long handle. The high sides prevent liquids from bubbling over the edges, while the flat bottoms increase direct heat contact and minimize cooking time. They are excellent when cooking soups and other brothy things, since their high sides help prevent liquids from spilling over. They are also great for rice pudding and even whipping up some quick pickles. Saucepans are also the perfect tool for heating up your leftovers for the next day.
Sauciers are also incredibly versatile and are beloved chef essentials trusted in professional kitchens. They are ideal for making risotto, sauces, and pastry cream. They feature a curved bottom that gently slopes upward, creating cornerless sides that prevent ingredients from getting stuck in the sides. They have more cooking surface area to efficiently reduce sauces, broths, and stocks. They are the perfect tool for finishing pasta in its sauce. Because of a saucier’s curved bottom, you can toss the pasta in with your sauce, evenly incorporating all the ingredients and distributing the sauce throughout your noodles. They are also great for making stovetop jams, make-ahead gravy, and even dessert sauces like chocolate ganache and caramel.
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Frequently asked questions
A saucier is a pan with a curved, rounded bottom and sloped sides, creating a cornerless design. This design makes it ideal for whisking and stirring ingredients, as well as reducing sauces, broths, and stocks.
Sauciers have a larger cooking surface area and shorter sides, making them more versatile. The curved bottom and sloped sides of a saucier also prevent ingredients from getting stuck in the corners, ensuring even cooking and preventing scorching.
Sauciers are perfect for making sauces, risotto, pasta, jams, gravy, dessert sauces, and more. They are ideal for dishes that require constant stirring or whisking, and for reducing liquids.
