The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Pan Set

When choosing a set of pans, it's important to consider the type of cooking you'll be doing and the materials used. For example, stainless steel is a popular choice due to its durability and good heating properties. Some sets include nonstick pans, which can be useful for simmering and avoiding mess, while others focus on even heating and controlled cooking. Ultimately, a good set of pans should meet your specific cooking needs and provide a range of options to cover all your basic cooking requirements.

Cooking evenness

When looking for a set of pans, consider the material and construction. Stainless steel with an aluminum core is a good choice as it provides good heating and durability. Caraway pans are also noted for their extreme nonstick properties, which help to ensure even cooking.

The shape and size of the pans are also important. A 10-inch fry pan, small and large saucepans, a stockpot and a braiser are recommended to cover all the basics. The sloped sides of the pan are perfect for sliding an egg out and the notches under the handles alert you of how far down you can go before it gets too hot.

The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad set is noted for its cooking evenness and speed of boiling. The Cuisinart N91-11 SmartNest set is also praised for its cooking evenness and egg release from an oil-coated pan.

When choosing a set of pans, consider the overall usability and ease of cleaning. The handles should also be cool to the touch when cooking and sturdy.

Speed of heating

The speed of heating is an important factor to consider when choosing a set of pans. The material of the pans can affect the speed of heating. Stainless steel with an aluminum core is a good choice as it offers good heating and durability. The Hestan Nanobond set is a good example of this, with the top and bottom layers being stainless steel bonded with titanium particles, which helps prevent sticking, and the middle layer being aluminum for faster, even heating.

The thickness of the pans can also affect the speed of heating. Thicker pans allow for excellent, controlled heating, which is great for subtle searing and avoiding scorched food. The Caraway set is a good example of this, with the pans feeling thick and allowing for excellent, controlled heating.

The design of the pans can also affect the speed of heating. The sloped sides of the pans are perfect for sliding an egg out of the pan, while the notches under the handles alert you of how far down you can go before it gets too hot.

The size of the pans can also affect the speed of heating. Smaller pans heat up faster than larger pans, so it's important to consider the size of the pans when choosing a set.

The number of pans in the set can also affect the speed of heating. An eight- or ten-piece set is a good choice as it covers all the basics, including a 10-inch fry pan, small and large saucepans, a stockpot, and a braiser.

The brand of the pans can also affect the speed of heating. Consumer Reports has tested and reviewed many cookware sets, including the Cuisinart N91-11 SmartNest set, which has six pans equipped with tabs that make stacking easier. This set is consistently a strong performer across their tests, earning top marks for cooking evenness and egg release from an oil-coated pan. The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad set is another good example, with the pans excelling at quickly bringing water to a boil, cooking evenly, and releasing cooked-on eggs.

Durability

When it comes to durability, a good set of pans should be made from a material that is resistant to heat, corrosion, and wear and tear. Stainless steel is a popular choice for cookware due to its durability. It is resistant to corrosion and has a high melting point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking. Additionally, stainless steel has a long lifespan and is easy to clean.

Another important factor to consider is the construction of the pans. Pans with an aluminum core are known for their good heating properties and durability. The aluminum core helps to distribute heat evenly across the pan, ensuring that food cooks uniformly. Additionally, the aluminum core provides additional strength to the pan, making it less likely to warp or bend over time.

Furthermore, the handles of the pans are crucial for durability. Cool-touch handles are designed to stay cool to the touch even when the pan is heated. This feature ensures safe handling and prevents burns, which can be a significant advantage when cooking at high temperatures. Additionally, sturdy handles provide better control and manipulation of the pan, making it easier to lift and pour contents without losing control.

In summary, when selecting a set of pans for durability, look for materials like stainless steel or pans with aluminum cores, as they offer excellent heat resistance and longevity. Additionally, cool-touch handles and sturdy construction contribute to the overall durability and safety of the pans, making them a reliable choice for long-term use.

Non-stick

When choosing a set of non-stick pans, it's important to consider the material and construction of the pans. Some non-stick pans are made from stainless steel with an aluminum core, which provides good heating and durability. Other non-stick pans are made from titanium-infused stainless steel, which helps to prevent sticking.

Cool-touch handles

The Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad set is an 8-piece set that includes six pans and four lids, including two frying pans, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a stockpot. The handles stay cool to the touch when cooking and were very sturdy, unlike some cookware sets in this price range. The pans excel at quickly bringing water to a boil, cooking evenly, and releasing cooked-on eggs.

The Cuisinart N91-11 SmartNest stainless steel cookware set has six pans equipped with tabs that make stacking easier. This 11-piece set, which includes a lid organizer, is consistently a strong performer across tests, earning top marks for cooking evenness and egg release from an oil-coated pan. And its results in our tests for simmering and bringing water to a boil are almost as good.

The Hestan Nanobond is the cookware I most often recommend. While the price may seem steep, it's comparable to other high-end cookware, and this set includes 10 pieces that I promise you'll use regularly. The top and bottom layers are stainless steel bonded with titanium particles, which helps prevent sticking. The middle layer is aluminum for faster, even heating.

Frequently asked questions