Best Cookware For Gas Stoves

When it comes to cooking, the tools you use can make all the difference. Choosing the right pots and pans for your gas stove is crucial to ensuring your dishes are cooked to perfection.

Gas stoves offer rapid and precise heating, but not all cookware is designed to withstand the direct flame. Therefore, it is important to select pots and pans with excellent heat conduction, resistance to thermal shock, and the ability to handle varying temperatures.

- Stainless steel: Known for its durability, stainless steel is a popular choice for gas stoves. It offers even heating, resistance to rust and staining, and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Many stainless steel pots and pans also have an aluminum or copper core to improve heat distribution.

- Cast iron: Cast iron is ideal for gas stoves due to its exceptional heat retention. It can withstand high temperatures, making it perfect for searing and frying. However, cast iron is heavy and heats up slowly, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

- Copper: Copper cookware heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making it ideal for precise temperature control. However, copper can react with certain foods, so it is often lined with a non-reactive metal like stainless steel or tin.

- Hard-anodized aluminum: This material is durable and non-reactive, making it a good choice for gas stoves. It heats up quickly and evenly, ensuring perfect heat retention for all your culinary adventures.

- Non-stick: Non-stick pans are perfect for delicate ingredients as food doesn't easily stick or burn to the bottom. They are also lightweight and easy to clean.

Stainless steel

When looking for a high-quality stainless steel set, look for products that utilise tri-ply technology. This means the pans feature an aluminium core with a stainless steel top and bottom layer. This layer aids in heat retention and distribution. Quality pans can be more expensive, but they are an investment. If you get superior pans that work well, you won't need to buy them over and over again.

It's also helpful to take proper care of your pans. If you're wondering how to season and care for your stainless steel pans to make them last longer, check out the manufacturer's care page.

Pure stainless steel doesn't distribute heat as evenly as some other materials. However, many stainless steel pots and pans come with an aluminium or copper core to address this issue.

Carbon steel

When it comes to choosing carbon steel cookware, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, carbon steel pans require seasoning to create a non-stick surface. This involves heating oil in the pan until it carbonises and creates a natural non-stick coating. While some pans come pre-seasoned, others will need to be seasoned at home. It's also important to note that carbon steel pans should not be washed in the dishwasher, as the combination of hot water, steam, and detergent can damage the oil coating. Instead, they should be cleaned with hot water and a stiff brush to remove any food particles. Additionally, acidic foods should be avoided as they can be caustic to the metal surface.

• Mauviel M'Steel Black Carbon Steel Pan: This pan is lightweight and has a wide, open surface area that allows for cooking a good amount of food without crowding. While it may be a little heavy for tossing vegetables, it performed well in all other tests.
• Vollrath French Style Carbon Steel Fry Pan: This pan is a favourite among restaurant chefs and offers excellent performance at a fraction of the price of other pans. It is the lightest pan tested and heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly.
• OXO Obsidian Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan: This budget-friendly option is incredibly non-stick and easy to manoeuvre. It is lightweight and comfortable to hold, making it a great choice for those new to carbon steel cookware.
• Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Pan: This pan comes pre-seasoned and offers a supremely non-stick finish. It is a bit heavier than some other options but provides a large cooking surface and even cooking. The stainless steel handle stays cool even after a long spell on a hot burner.
• Smithey Carbon Steel Farmhouse Skillet: This skillet is a high-performing and good-looking option that is hand-forged in limited quantities. It comes beautifully seasoned and develops an even better non-stick surface with use. The round handle is easy to grip, and the pan includes a helper handle for added convenience.

Cast iron

When using cast iron on a gas stove, it is important to heat the pan gradually to ensure even heating. Cast iron performs best when it is given enough time to heat up, so avoid turning the burner to high heat right at the start of cooking. Doing so may result in cold spots that can affect the reliability of your cooking. Additionally, the unevenness of high starting temperatures could cause your pan to warp or crack over time, which is unfortunate as cast iron can otherwise last for generations with proper care.

Overall, cast iron is a great option for gas stoves due to its durability, even heat distribution, and versatility. With proper care, your cast iron cookware can last for generations.

Enamel cast iron

Enameled cast iron is a great option for gas stoves. It is made of a combination of iron and carbon, making it the most durable cookware type. It also conducts heat evenly, making it ideal for gas stoves, and can be used on both stove tops and in ovens.

Enameled cast iron is a good choice for those who want low-maintenance cookware. Unlike regular cast iron, enameled cast iron never needs to be seasoned and can be washed in the dishwasher. The enamel coating prevents food from coming into contact with the raw metal, meaning you can use enameled cookware with any type of food, including acidic options like citrus or tomatoes. However, the coating can crack or chip, rendering the cookware unfit for cooking.

Enameled cast iron cookware can be used on any cooktop and is oven-safe. However, the knobs on the lids of some cookware may not be able to handle extremely high oven heat. When using enameled cast iron on a gas stove, be sure to choose pots and pans with two handles or a long handle and a helper handle on the opposite side. Remember to use oven mitts when handling, as cast iron gets very hot and heavy.

Some popular options for enameled cast iron cookware include the Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, the Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Grill Pan, and the Lodge Cast Iron Chef Collection Skillet.

Non-stick

• Zwilling Deep Fry Pan: This sturdy pan has deep sides, making it versatile for braising and frying. It has a PFOA-free coating and is scratch-resistant and oven-safe up to 300°F.
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set: This affordable set includes two high-quality, versatile, and sturdy pans that are compatible with all stovetops and oven-safe up to 500°F.
• Caraway Frying Pan: This heavy-duty pan has a PTFE-free coating and is safe for all stovetops and oven-safe up to 550°F. It comes with a tight-fitting lid, making it great for simmering.
• Le Creuset Nonstick Pan: This pan is dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, scratch-proof, and compatible with all stovetops. It has a PFOA-free coating that provides even heat distribution.
• Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan: This pan has good heat distribution, a comfortable handle, and a removable silicone sheath for the handle. It is oven-safe up to 400°F and comes in four sizes.

Frequently asked questions