Kitchenware Sizing: Pots And Pans

Pots and pans are measured in a variety of ways, depending on their shape. Circular pots and pans are measured by their diameter and depth, while rectangular pots and pans have a length, width and depth. The diameter of a circular pot or pan is measured from rim to rim, while the length and width of a rectangular pot or pan are measured from the outside edge of one side to the outside edge of the other side. The depth of a pot or pan is measured from the top edge to the bottom of the pot or pan.

Diameter is key: Measure rim to rim

When it comes to pots and pans, diameter is key. This is the most important measurement to know when selecting cookware, as it determines the size of the cooking surface. The diameter is the distance measured from one rim of the pan to the other, across the centre. This is known as the upper inner diameter.

The diameter is measured in centimetres or inches, and the most common sizes are 16, 20, 24, 28 and 32 cm. Some countries also use intermediate sizes such as 14, 22, 26 and 30 cm.

When measuring the diameter, it's important to measure the inside of the rim. Some brands may measure from the outside, which can add an extra quarter to half an inch to the overall size. This is important to note when buying a lid for your pan, as a lid designed for a 28 cm pan with a thin rim should also fit a 28 cm pan with a thick rim.

Flared edges can also be deceiving when it comes to diameter. Some brands measure the diameter from flared edge to flared edge, while others don't. This can make the size of the pan seem larger than it actually is, especially when it comes to the cooking surface. The cooking surface is the flat area at the bottom of the pan, which is what you use to cook foods like steak, eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches. On average, the cooking surface diameter is two to three inches smaller than the advertised size of the pan.

So, when choosing a pan, always check the diameter to ensure you have enough space to cook your food. This is especially important if you're cooking for a large household or entertaining, as you'll need a larger pan to accommodate more food.

Measure height: Outer edge to contact surface

When measuring the height of pots and pans, the measurement is taken from the outer edge of the cookware to the contact surface. This is the surface that comes into direct contact with the stove. The height is measured from the top edge of the cookware, perpendicular to the contact surface, and does not include lids, handles, or other attachments.

The height of a pot or pan is important to know when determining storage options. For example, if you have a small kitchen with limited cabinet space, you may need to measure your cabinets to ensure the cookware can fit. Additionally, the height of the cookware can impact the cooking process. For instance, taller pots with higher sides are better suited for liquid-based meals, as the contents are less likely to spill over.

It's worth noting that the height of a pot or pan is not always standardized across different brands and types of cookware. Some manufacturers may include lids, handles, or other attachments in their height measurements, so it's important to read the item descriptions carefully.

To measure the height of a pot or pan accurately, use a tape measure or a ruler. Place the cookware on a flat surface and measure from the top edge to the contact surface, ensuring that the measurement is taken perpendicular to the surface.

By knowing the height of your pots and pans, you can make more informed decisions about storage, cooking techniques, and the types of meals you can prepare.

Measure volume: Multiply width, height, length

Pots and pans are typically measured by their diameter, which is the distance from rim to rim. However, some brands measure from the outside of the rims, which can add between a quarter and half an inch to the measurement. The diameter is usually measured at the top inside of the pan, on the inside of the rim. This is known as the upper inner diameter.

The height of a pot or pan is also important. The height is measured from the top edge of the cookware, perpendicular to the contact surface, excluding any lids, handles, etc. The inner height can be calculated by subtracting the base thickness from the overall height.

The volume of a pot or pan can be calculated by multiplying the width, height, and length of the container. For round pots, the volume can be calculated by treating the pot like a cylinder and using the equation: volume = height x π x radius^2. For rectangular pots, the volume can be calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height.

Pot size: Depends on plant's root mass

When it comes to pots and pans, measurements are crucial. For pots, this is especially true when choosing the right size for your plants. The size of a pot directly impacts the growth and health of the plant. While the diameter is the most common measurement, the volume or capacity of the pot is also important.

The diameter of a pot is measured at the top inside, from one inner edge to the other, and this is known as the upper inner diameter. This is the standard measurement used to classify pots and is usually what is referred to when specifying the size of a pot, e.g. a "28 cm pot" has an upper inner diameter of 28 cm.

The volume or capacity of a pot, on the other hand, refers to how much the container can hold when filled to the brim. This is important when considering how much soil and water a pot can hold, which in turn affects the growth of the plant.

When choosing a pot for a plant, it is important to consider the plant's root mass. The pot should be large enough to accommodate the roots with room to grow. If a pot is too small, the plant can become root-bound, leading to slow or stunted growth. On the other hand, if a pot is too large, it can cause issues with aeration and moisture, potentially leading to root rot. Therefore, it is generally recommended to choose a pot that is two inches larger in diameter than the plant.

For example, a 10-inch plant is typically sold in a pot with a 10-inch diameter, which corresponds to a volume of 2.5 to 3 gallons. When repotting, it is recommended to move up to a pot that is one to two inches larger in diameter, depending on the current size of the pot.

In addition to diameter and volume, other factors to consider when choosing a pot include the shape, material, and thickness. The shape of the pot can affect the growth of the plant, the arrangement of multiple pots, and the ease of watering. The material and thickness of the pot can impact the insulation and durability of the container.

By taking these factors into account and choosing the right pot size for the plant's root mass, you can create an optimal environment for your plants to thrive.

Frying pans: Measure flat cooking surface

Frying pans come in various sizes, with the most common being 8-,10- and 12-inch pans. However, the size displayed on the box or online is usually the diameter from rim to rim and may not accurately reflect the actual size of the flat cooking surface. This is because frying pans have sloped or flared walls, which means the flat cooking area is smaller than the diameter. The steeper the walls, the larger the cooking surface.

To measure the flat cooking surface of a frying pan, place a small level in the centre of the pan and mark where the pan starts to curve upward. The flat cooking surface of most 12-inch frying pans is around 9 inches, while the flat part of most 10-inch frying pans is about 8 inches.

The size of the flat cooking surface is important when cooking foods like steak, eggs, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches. For example, if you're making a thick, fluffy omelette, a small frying pan is better as the walls help contain the eggs before they become firm. In a large pan, eggs can spread too thin and become overcooked.

The size of the frying pan you need depends on several factors, including how many people you usually cook for, how much storage space you have, and what types of food you plan to cook. If you have a small kitchen or only cook for one or two people, a smaller 8- or 10-inch pan may be sufficient. If you have a larger household or frequently cook for a crowd, you may need a 12-inch or larger pan.

Frequently asked questions