Pots And Pans: The Essential Trio

There are several essential pots and pans that every kitchen needs. While the essentials may vary depending on cooking style, how often you cook, and how many people you usually cook for, there are some basics that everyone should have.

A good skillet is your right hand when it comes to all-purpose cookware. Skillets are used more than any other pot or pan in the average kitchen, so it's important that yours is reliable and functional. They are particularly versatile, good for everything from frying an egg to grilling chicken. There are three materials to choose from: stainless steel, non-stick, and cast iron.

A Dutch oven is another essential. These are good for searing and slow cooking, and are particularly skilled when it comes to heat retention and batch cooking. They can be used for things like baking bread, braising meats, and simmering sauces.

A stock pot is also a must-have. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a pot that takes up an entire kitchen cupboard. Look for something that can fit three chicken carcasses, and that has a taller pot for boiling pasta.

A saucepan is another essential piece of cookware for any home. A saucepan has higher sides than a sauté pan and is better used for simmering or boiling liquids.

Finally, a sauté pan is used for high-heat cooking rather than simmering or boiling. Sautéing is cooking where you intend to flip food, and a sauté pan is particularly good for basting and other techniques that build flavour with constant movement.

Stainless steel skillet

A good skillet is an essential tool for any kitchen. Skillets are also often referred to as frying pans and are used more than any other pot or pan, so it's important that yours is both reliable and functional. They are particularly versatile and can be used for everything from frying an egg to grilling chicken.

There are three materials to choose from: stainless steel, non-stick, and cast iron. Each is best suited to specific methods of cooking. Stainless steel is the most versatile. Non-stick is best for delicate foods like pan-frying fish. Cast iron works well with different heat sources and can be used in the oven or on the grill.

When shopping for stainless steel cookware, you’ll find 3-ply and 5-ply options, indicating the number of bonded metal layers. 3-ply pans tend to be lightweight and less expensive but may cook less evenly and are more prone to scratches. 5-ply pans can be pricier and heavier but will conduct heat more evenly and resist wear and tear.

Made In 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

This skillet is a solid, no-nonsense skillet at a reasonable price. It performed well in all tests, heating evenly and searing chicken breasts beautifully. It's also comfortable to hold and toss during sautéing tests. It's oven-safe and induction-compatible.

All-Clad D3 Stainless-Steel 12-Inch Fry Pan

This skillet is a longtime favourite, known for its responsiveness. It's a super responsive pan that will last a long time. It heated up evenly, seared beautifully, and is only a few ounces lighter than the Made In skillet, making it easier to swirl oil and butter.

Tramontina 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

This is a great budget option. It performed well in all its tests, heating evenly and responding to temperature changes. It seared chicken breasts evenly and sautéed vegetables nicely. It's also induction-compatible. The only downside is that the sides slope up a little too gradually, reducing the usable floor area for searing.

Ninja Everclad Stainless Steel 10.25 Inch Fry Pan

This skillet is on the heavier side but is still comfortable to handle. It heated up very quickly and sautéed onions perfectly. Chicken thighs browned a bit unevenly, but the difference wasn't too extreme. It retained heat well in the oven and cooked chicken thighs to near perfection.

Misen 12-Inch Skillet

This skillet has a chic, minimalist design and impressive heat distribution. However, the extra-long handle felt like it was always in the way, and the angle was a little awkward.

Non-stick skillet

A non-stick skillet is a versatile piece of cookware that is ideal for sticky, delicate tasks such as cooking eggs, crepes, or fish fillets. It is also useful for cooking sticky sauces and is generally easy to clean.

When choosing a non-stick skillet, it is important to consider the material, weight, and oven safety. Here are some recommendations for non-stick skillets based on these factors:

• Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Aluminum Fry Pan: This skillet is made of non-ceramic material and weighs 1.65 pounds. It is oven-safe up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and is ergonomically designed, with a comfortable handle that stays cool to the touch. It has a slightly curved wall and a sturdy yet easy-to-lift weight. It is also dishwasher-safe.
• Cook's Standard Nonstick Hard Anodized Fry Pan: This skillet is a good option for those on a budget, as it costs around $40. It has a non-ceramic coating and weighs 1.65 pounds. The sloped sides make sautéing easier, and it is oven-safe up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Oxo Good Grips Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan: If you're looking for a lightweight option, this skillet weighs only 1.23 pounds and has a comfortable silicone grip. It is made of non-ceramic material and is oven-safe up to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan: This skillet has a riveted, nonslip handle with a removable silicone grip to prevent scorching your hands. It weighs 1.9 pounds and is made of non-ceramic material. It is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan: This is a ceramic non-stick skillet that weighs 2.8 pounds and is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a gradual slope on the edges, making it ideal for flipping food. It also has a stylish look and can be used for serving.
• GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Skillet: This ceramic skillet is oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than most other options. It weighs 1.5 pounds and is easy to clean, even when there is oil cooked on. However, ceramic coatings may not provide as smooth of a release as other non-stick coatings.
• Material Kitchen The Coated Pan: While this skillet is not the best option for high-heat oven use, it excels on the stove, especially for foods that require a bit of color, such as fried eggs or crispy rice. It has a copper interior, which conducts and retains heat effectively. It weighs five pounds and is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dutch oven

A Dutch oven is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used on the stovetop or in the oven. It is ideal for searing, slow cooking, braising, and batch cooking, thanks to its excellent heat retention. Dutch ovens are perfect for baking bread, braising meats, and simmering sauces. They are also handy for soups and chilis.

When choosing a Dutch oven, consider your budget and specific needs. If you're looking for the best performance and styling, the Le Creuset 5.5-quart Dutch oven is a great option, though it comes with a high price tag. For a more affordable choice, the Cuisinart 5-Quart Chef's Classic Enameled Dutch Oven offers similar functionality at a lower cost.

Overall, a Dutch oven is a valuable addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking possibilities and the ability to create delicious meals for years to come.

Stock pot

A stock pot is a must-have for any kitchen. While you may not need one that takes up an entire kitchen cupboard, it should be big enough to fit three chicken carcasses, according to chef Evan Hennessey. This size is ideal for making stock, as you can make it in batches if you need to. A taller pot is also beneficial for boiling pasta, as it allows the pasta to be fully submerged and move around easily.

The Misen 8-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot is a great option for a stock pot. It received high marks across the board when testing and is the perfect size and height for making stock, boiling pasta, or steaming seafood. The lid fits comfortably and stays in place, even during a long simmer, and the rounded lip makes pouring liquids easy.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Tramontina 16-Quart Gourmet Stainless Steel Covered Stock Pot is a solid choice. It's well-priced and performed well in tests. Another affordable option is the Cook N Home Stainless Steel Stockpot, which features rubber-coated handles and boils water quickly.

When choosing a stock pot, it's important to ensure that the metal is thick enough to prevent burning whatever is resting against the bottom surface. While heat distribution and retention are not as big of a concern with stock pots as they are with other types of cookware, you still want to make sure your pot can handle high temperatures without scorching your food.

Cast iron skillet

A cast iron skillet is a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for a wide range of cooking methods, from frying and searing to baking and slow cooking. It is a durable and long-lasting option that can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it a popular choice for camping and grilling. Cast iron skillets are known for their heat retention properties, making them ideal for searing steaks, frying chicken, and achieving a golden-brown crust on dishes like cornbread and apple pie. They are also naturally non-stick when seasoned properly, making them suitable for cooking delicate foods like omelettes and pancakes.

When choosing a cast iron skillet, consider the size that best suits your needs. A 10-inch or 12-inch skillet offers a good balance between cooking surface area and weight, as larger skillets can be quite heavy. Look for a smooth surface, as this makes cleaning easier and prevents food from getting stuck. Some skillets come pre-seasoned, but you may still need to season them yourself to achieve true non-stick qualities. Vintage cast iron skillets from brands like Wagner or Griswold are known for their smoother, more non-stick finish, but modern brands like Lodge also offer good-quality options at more affordable prices.

Frequently asked questions