The Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Perfect Pan

Choosing the right pan can make or break a dish. The material of your cookware can affect every aspect of your culinary creations, so it's important to select the right one to improve results and make cooking and cleaning easier.

For example, a nonstick frying pan is perfect for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, pancakes, and fish, whereas a cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing and high-temperature cooking. Stainless steel tri-ply is the best material for general cookware, and glass or ceramic pans are perfect for casseroles as they conduct heat slowly and evenly.

When deciding what type of pan to get, consider what you cook most often and the type of stovetop or oven you have.

Nonstick frying pans are great for cooking delicate foods like eggs, fish, and pancakes

Nonstick frying pans are a great choice for cooking delicate foods, such as eggs, fish, and pancakes. The nonstick coating prevents these foods from sticking to the pan, making them easy to flip and manoeuvre. They are also ideal for low-fat or low-oil cooking as they require little to no oil, butter, or fat.

Nonstick frying pans are typically made from aluminium coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon. This coating provides a slick, nonstick surface that is perfect for cooking delicate foods. While some older nonstick pans may contain chemicals like PFOA, most modern nonstick cookware is PFOA- and PFOS-free.

In addition to their nonstick properties, these pans are lightweight, easy to clean, and affordable. However, they require special care as they must be washed by hand, and metal utensils cannot be used to avoid scratching the coating.

When choosing a nonstick frying pan, consider the size, compatibility with your stove type, oven safety, and durability. Some pans may also come with additional features like stay-cool handles or lids for added convenience.

Overall, nonstick frying pans are an excellent choice for anyone looking to cook delicate foods with ease and convenience.

Stainless steel pans are versatile and can be used for almost any type of cooking, including searing, browning, and braising

Stainless steel pans are a great addition to your kitchen, offering versatility and durability. They can be used for almost any type of cooking, including searing, browning, braising, and even baking. Here are some reasons why stainless steel pans are a good choice:

Durability and Heat Resistance:

Stainless steel is known for its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. It can be used on various cooktops, including gas, electric, glass top, and induction stoves. Stainless steel pans can also go directly from the stovetop to the oven, making them ideal for dishes that require multiple cooking methods.

Even Heating:

High-quality stainless steel cookware is often made with multiple layers of metal, such as aluminum or copper, which are excellent conductors of heat. This multi-ply construction ensures even heating throughout the pan, reducing the likelihood of hot spots that can burn your food. While cast iron pans are notorious for uneven heating, stainless steel offers a more consistent cooking experience.

Responsive Cooking:

Stainless steel pans are responsive to changes in temperature, making them suitable for a variety of cooking techniques. They heat up and cool down at a moderate pace, allowing you to adjust the heat as needed without losing control over your dish. This responsiveness makes stainless steel ideal for sautéing and creating pan sauces.

Non-Reactive Material:

Unlike some other materials, stainless steel is non-reactive to acidic foods such as tomatoes or wine. This means that it won't alter the flavor of your dish by transferring flavors from the pan to your food. Stainless steel is an excellent choice for clean cooking and preserving the pure flavor of your ingredients.

Easy Maintenance:

Stainless steel cookware is generally easy to maintain and clean. While it may require more oil or fat to prevent food from sticking, it doesn't need the same level of special care as cast iron pans, which require regular seasoning. Stainless steel pans can be washed with soap and a sponge, and some are even dishwasher-safe, although hand-washing is recommended for longevity.

Induction Compatibility:

Many stainless steel pans are compatible with induction cooktops, making them a versatile choice for various kitchen setups. However, it's important to check the base of the pan or the product description to ensure induction compatibility before purchase.

Versatility in Cooking Techniques:

Stainless steel pans can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques. They are excellent for searing, as they can withstand high temperatures and produce a beautiful golden crust on steaks, fish, and poultry. They are also great for browning, as they allow the Maillard reaction to occur, enhancing the flavor of your dishes. Additionally, stainless steel pans are suitable for braising, a slow-cooking technique that involves cooking meat and vegetables in a small amount of liquid.

Cast-iron pans are ideal for high-heat cooking and can be used for searing, frying, and slow-cooking

Cast-iron pans are incredibly durable and can last for generations if properly cared for. They are ideal for high-heat cooking and can withstand temperatures that other pans cannot. This makes them perfect for searing steaks, frying potatoes, and slow-cooking stews. Cast iron has excellent heat retention, so once it's hot, it stays hot. This makes it ideal for deep-frying as it can keep the oil at a constant temperature.

Cast iron pans are also very versatile. They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and even over a campfire. They are great for searing, frying, baking, and slow-cooking. You can use them to cook anything from steaks and burgers to cornbread and pizza.

While cast iron pans are fantastic for high-heat cooking, they do have a few drawbacks. They are slow to heat up and can be difficult to manoeuvre due to their weight. They also require special care and maintenance to keep them in good condition. However, with proper seasoning and care, cast iron pans can be a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Enameled cast-iron pans are perfect for low-and-slow cooking and are non-reactive, making them great for baking and braising

Enameled cast-iron pans are a great addition to your kitchen. They are perfect for slow cooking, baking, and braising due to their non-reactive nature and excellent heat retention.

Enameled cast iron is a fantastic option for those who want the benefits of traditional cast iron without the hassle of seasoning and maintenance. The enamel coating provides protection from rust, and the pans can be washed with soap and water, making cleanup a breeze. These pans are also ideal for cooking acidic foods, as they won't react with ingredients like tomatoes or wine, ensuring your food maintains its pure flavor.

When it comes to cooking performance, enameled cast-iron pans excel at low-and-slow cooking. They heat up evenly and retain heat for extended periods, making them perfect for braising, stewing, and baking. The enamel coating also provides a food-friendly surface that, while not technically non-stick, helps release food more easily than uncoated cast iron.

Additionally, enameled cast-iron pans are a great choice for searing and frying. The high heat retention of cast iron means you can get a beautiful sear on steaks, burgers, and other meats. The enamel coating also makes cleanup easier after frying, as it is less prone to sticking than traditional cast iron.

However, it's important to note that enameled cast iron is prone to chipping and scratching, so care must be taken to avoid extreme temperature changes that could cause thermal shock and cracking. Nonetheless, enameled cast-iron pans are a worthwhile investment, offering both functionality and beauty in your kitchen.

Copper pans offer superior heat conduction and control, making them a favourite among professional chefs

Copper pans are a favourite among professional chefs due to their superior heat conduction and control. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, distributing an even temperature over the bottom and sides of the pan. In fact, copper is the second-best conductor of heat, with silver being the first. This even heat distribution allows food to cook evenly and gives cooks more control over temperature and subtle changes in heat and intensity. For example, sauces will not stick, hollandaise will not separate, and melting chocolate is effortless. Copper pans are also ideal for delicate proteins like fish and seafood, as they heat up quickly and evenly, but lose that heat just as fast. This means that food can be prevented from burning, and a boil can be quickly reduced to a simmer.

Copper pans are also beautiful, with a showstopping mirror finish. However, they are expensive and require regular polishing or they will develop a natural patina over time. They are also relatively heavy, with a single medium skillet weighing over 3 lbs. Overall, copper pans offer superior heat conduction and control, making them a favourite among professional chefs.

Frequently asked questions