Heavy Cookware: What's It Called?

Heavy pots and pans are often referred to as skillets or Dutch ovens. They are usually made from cast iron, which is a thick and heavy-duty material. Cast iron skillets are versatile and can be used for anything from stir-frying to braising and slow cooking. Dutch ovens are large, sturdy pots with tall sides, often made from cast iron, that can be used on a stove or in an oven for slow-cooking stews, braising meats and even baking bread.

Dutch ovens are heavy, wide, and shallow, with thick, curved walls and tight-fitting lids

Dutch ovens are ideal for cooking a wide variety of dishes, from tough cuts of meat to no-knead bread, soups, and stews. Their weight helps maintain a constant temperature for even cooking, and their thick walls ensure that heat is distributed evenly. Dutch ovens are available in enamel cast iron or cast aluminum options, both of which are oven-safe and induction-ready.

Dutch ovens are a great addition to any kitchen, providing a versatile and durable cooking vessel that can be used on various heat sources, including stovetops, ovens, and even campfires. Their ability to retain heat makes them perfect for slow cooking, and their wide and shallow shape makes them ideal for searing and braising meats.

Dutch ovens are also known for their tight-fitting lids, which help trap moisture and flavor during the cooking process. The curved walls of the Dutch oven facilitate easy stirring and maneuvering of food. Their weight and sturdiness make them a long-lasting investment for any home cook or professional chef.

Overall, Dutch ovens are a must-have for any kitchen, offering versatility, durability, and superior heat retention for a wide range of cooking applications.

Saucepans are used for making sauces, soups, and reheating leftovers

Saucepans are a kitchen essential, used for a variety of cooking tasks. They are typically deep, round pots with a long handle and a lid, and come in a range of sizes and materials.

Saucepans are ideal for cooking liquids, making them perfect for making sauces, soups, and reheating leftovers. Their tall, straight sides and small surface area relative to their height allow for even heat distribution, making them ideal for cooking liquidy foods. They are also great for boiling water, cooking rice, steaming vegetables, and boiling eggs.

Saucepans are versatile and can be used for simmering, reheating, steaming, and melting. They are also useful for cooking grains like oatmeal, boiling pasta, and making fondue. With a steamer basket, a saucepan can be used for steaming dumplings, sticky buns, meatballs, and puddings.

While saucepans can be used for frying, a skillet or frying pan is a more suitable option due to their wider surface area and lower sides, which make flipping and turning food easier.

Stockpots are large, deep pots with flat bottoms, used for cooking liquid foods

Stockpots are usually made from stainless steel, which is an excellent heat conductor and spreads heat evenly. Stainless steel is also durable, easy to clean, and dishwasher-safe. Some stockpots may also have a disc of aluminium at the bottom to improve heat conduction.

When choosing a stockpot, it is important to consider the size, material, and weight. The handles should be comfortable, sturdy, and easy to grip, and the pot should have a tight-fitting lid. It is also important to ensure that the stockpot is compatible with your stove, as some stockpots are designed for induction cooktops.

Some popular stockpot brands include Cuisinart, Cook N Home, Tramontina, All-Clad, and Farberware. These brands offer a range of sizes and features, such as non-stick coatings, tempered glass lids, and riveted handles.

Cast iron skillets are heavy-duty and distribute heat evenly

Heavy pots and pans are typically referred to as cast iron skillets. Cast iron skillets are heavy-duty and distribute heat evenly. They are similar to fry pans but are made of cast iron, which makes them pretty heavy. They are great for browning, braising, stewing, slow cooking, and baking. They are also versatile and can be used for searing steaks, frying potatoes, baking garlic knots, cornbread, and more.

Cast iron skillets are a great investment and can be used for various cooking methods. They are durable and can last a long time with proper cleaning and maintenance. One of the benefits of cast iron skillets is their ability to retain heat. This makes them ideal for cooking methods that require high and even heat distribution, such as searing steaks.

However, it is important to note that cast iron skillets are not non-stick. They require proper seasoning before use, which involves rubbing oil or fat into the skillet and heating it. This process fills in the pores of the cast iron and creates a non-stick surface. Additionally, cast iron skillets should not be soaked in water or left wet, as this can lead to rusting.

Cast iron skillets are a great addition to any kitchen and can be used for a variety of cooking methods. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime.

Fry pans or skillets are essential kitchen workhorses, perfect for stir-frying and searing proteins

Fry pans or skillets are essential in any kitchen and are one of the most versatile pieces of cookware you can own. They are characterised by their flat bottoms, flared or sloped sides, shallow depth, and long handles. This design makes them perfect for stir-frying and searing proteins, as well as flipping food, shallow frying, and grilling meat at high temperatures.

The sloped sides of fry pans or skillets make it easier to stir, flip, and toss ingredients so that everything cooks quickly and evenly. The long handle keeps your hands away from the heat and allows for easy manoeuvring of the pan and its contents. The flat bottom and large, flat cooking surface provide ample space for cooking.

Fry pans or skillets come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel, ceramic, and non-stick coatings. Each material has its own advantages and considerations in terms of heat retention, responsiveness, maintenance, and price. For example, cast iron skillets are durable and retain heat well but are heavier, while stainless steel skillets are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean but may have hot spots.

When choosing a fry pan or skillet, consider your cooking needs, level of expertise, and budget. If you're a beginner, look for cost-effective options that are easy to use and maintain. You may also want to invest in multiple sizes to accommodate different cooking tasks. Remember to always follow the care instructions for your specific pan to ensure its longevity.

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