The Bon Appétit-Approved Cookware Set: Elevating Your Culinary Creations

Bon Appétit's experts recommend building your own cookware set, rather than buying a full set. They suggest investing in a few high-quality, versatile pieces that will last a lifetime.

For example, a cast-iron skillet is durable, lasts forever, and can be used for almost any task, from searing steak to baking. A non-stick skillet is also a good option for sticky foods like fried eggs. A large stainless-steel stockpot is great for making stock, canning sauces, and boiling pasta. For braises, soups, and stews, an enameled Dutch oven is a good choice. It has the added benefit of transitioning seamlessly from stovetop to oven.

Some other recommendations from Bon Appétit's editors include a Vitamix blender, a Japanese clay donabe, and a John Boos walnut wood cutting board.

Carbon steel pans are lightweight, easy to clean, and highly conductive

Carbon steel pans are a great addition to your cookware set. They are lightweight, easy to clean, and highly conductive.

Firstly, carbon steel pans are lightweight. They are much lighter than their cast-iron counterparts, which can weigh up to 8 pounds for a 12-inch skillet. In comparison, a 12-inch carbon steel pan typically weighs less than 5 pounds. This makes carbon steel pans easier to handle and manoeuvre, especially when transferring them from the stovetop to the oven.

Secondly, carbon steel pans are easy to clean. While they do require some maintenance and special care, they can be kept in good condition with a few simple steps. After cooking, simply wipe the pan with a paper towel or cloth to remove any food residue. If there are stuck-on food bits, you can boil some water in the pan to loosen them, and then scrape them off with a metal spatula. For more stubborn residue, a mixture of coarse salt and oil can be used as a gentle abrasive. It is important to avoid using dish soap or putting carbon steel pans in the dishwasher, as this can strip away the seasoning.

Finally, carbon steel pans are highly conductive. They are made from an alloy of steel and carbon, which gives them excellent heat conductivity and retention. They can withstand high temperatures and respond quickly to changes in heat. This makes them ideal for a variety of cooking tasks, such as stir-frying, sautéing, and searing. They can also be used on a variety of cooktops, including induction, gas, and electric ranges, as well as open flames like campfires and grills.

Overall, carbon steel pans are a great choice for cooks who want lightweight, easy-to-clean, and highly conductive cookware. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.

Non-stick pans are great for eggs, fish, and reheating leftovers

Non-stick pans are a must-have in your kitchen. They are ideal for cooking eggs, fish, and reheating leftovers. Here are some reasons why:

Easy to Clean

Non-stick pans are a breeze to clean compared to traditional stainless steel or cast-iron pans. Food slides right off the non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze. You can simply wipe down the pan with a soft sponge or cloth, and you're done! This is especially useful when cooking sticky foods like eggs, which can be a chore to clean without a non-stick surface.

Perfect for Eggs and Fish

Non-stick pans are indispensable when it comes to cooking eggs. Whether you're making fluffy omelets, scrambled eggs, or fried eggs, a non-stick pan ensures that the eggs slide right off the surface without sticking. The same goes for fish; you can achieve a perfectly browned salmon skin without the fish sticking to the pan.

Reheating Leftovers

Another great use for non-stick pans is reheating leftovers. You can pop your leftovers into the pan, and they'll heat up evenly without sticking or burning. This is especially useful for reheating saucy or cheesy dishes that might otherwise stick to a traditional pan.

Versatile and Durable

Non-stick pans are also very versatile. They can be used on various cooktops, including gas, electric, induction, and even grills. They are typically oven-safe, so you can easily transfer them from stovetop to oven, making them perfect for dishes that require multiple cooking methods. While non-stick coatings may not last forever, with proper care, they can last several years.

Tips for Using Non-Stick Pans

• Avoid using non-stick cooking spray, as it can build up on the non-stick coating and make it less effective.
• Hand-wash your non-stick pans with mild soap and water instead of putting them in the dishwasher.
• Avoid using metal utensils, as they can scratch the non-stick coating. Opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead.
• Don't use non-stick pans over high heat, as it can damage the coating. Stick to low to medium heat for best results.

So, if you're looking to build your ideal cookware set, definitely consider investing in a high-quality non-stick pan. It will make cooking eggs, fish, and reheating leftovers a breeze, and you'll spend less time scrubbing your pans!

Stainless steel skillets are heavy-duty and can be used for roasting meat and stir-fries

Stainless steel skillets are a must-have in your kitchen. They are heavy-duty and can be used for various cooking methods such as roasting meat and stir-fries. Here's why you need one:

Durability and Versatility:

These skillets are built to last and can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for searing, roasting, and stir-frying. They can go from stovetop to oven, and some brands are even grill-safe.

Even Heating:

Stainless steel conducts heat well, ensuring even browning and cooking. This is especially important when roasting meats or stir-frying vegetables, as it prevents hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking.

Responsive Heating:

Stainless steel skillets respond well to changes in heat, making them suitable for various cooking techniques. You can easily adjust the temperature while cooking, ensuring you don't overcook your food.

Non-Reactive Material:

Unlike some other materials, stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it won't alter the flavour of your food. This is particularly important when making pan sauces with acidic ingredients like tomato paste or wine.

Easy Maintenance:

While stainless steel skillets require some care, they are generally low-maintenance. You can wash them by hand or put them in the dishwasher, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips for Using Stainless Steel Skillets:

• Preheat your skillet before adding any ingredients. This ensures your food cooks evenly and helps create a temporary non-stick surface.
• Use oils with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or peanut oil, for best results.
• For stir-fries, cut your meat and vegetables into thin slices to ensure quick and even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook your ingredients in batches if needed to prevent steaming.

So, if you're looking for a durable, versatile, and easy-to-use skillet, a stainless steel skillet is an excellent choice. It will enable you to roast, sear, and stir-fry like a pro!

Cast-iron skillets are durable and can be used for frying steak and baking

Cast-iron skillets are durable, efficient, and endlessly useful. They are also incredibly versatile, making them a worthy investment for every cook. Here are some ways you can use a cast-iron skillet:

Frying Steak

Cast iron skillets are ideal for frying steak because they get screaming hot and stay hot. The skillet's ability to hold heat is similar to that of a wok, making it perfect for stir-fries as well. The high heat and even heat distribution of a cast-iron skillet allow you to get a beautiful sear on your steak, with a deep brown color and crust without accumulating burnt, black bits at the bottom of the pan.

Baking

Cast-iron skillets can also be used for baking. Preheating the pan as the oven comes to temperature will impart a crunchy, golden crust to your baked goods. This is why cast-iron skillets are a popular choice for baking cornbread. The batter will sizzle when you spread it into the preheated pan, resulting in a crunchy, golden crust. Cast-iron skillets are also great for baking other items such as garlic knots, cornbread, or even a giant chocolate chip skillet cookie!

In addition to these specific use cases, cast-iron skillets can be used for a variety of other tasks such as roasting vegetables, frying eggs, and making stir-fries. They are a durable and versatile addition to any kitchen.

Dutch ovens are good for braising, soups, and stews

Dutch ovens are excellent for braising, soups, and stews. Their shape and weight make them ideal for these cooking tasks.

Dutch ovens are deep cooking pots made from cast iron, with two small handles and a tight-fitting lid. They are oven-safe, stovetop-safe, and fire-safe. Their weight and heft mean you probably won't use a Dutch oven every day, but it's a great tool for slow cooking.

Dutch ovens are particularly good for braising, a cooking technique in which meat and vegetables are sautéed to a golden brown and then simmered with a liquid to finish cooking. The durable cast iron keeps the food at a consistent temperature for even cooking. Plus, when removed from the heat, the dish will stay piping hot for at least 30 minutes.

Dutch ovens are also great for soups and stews. Their tall sides allow you to work with a large amount of liquid, and their narrow, thick base is perfect for simmering and braising tougher cuts of meat that require a medium-to-large amount of liquid.

Dutch ovens are versatile, too. They can be used for casseroles, roasting, deep-frying, boiling pasta, rice, or other grains, and even baking bread.

If you're building a well-stocked kitchen, a Dutch oven is a great investment.

Frequently asked questions