Kitchen Cookware Essentials

There are a few essential pots and pans that every kitchen needs.

A good skillet is your right hand when it comes to all-purpose cookware. Skillets, also known as frying pans, are used more than any other pot or pan in the average kitchen. A large skillet is the true workhorse of the kitchen—it's perfect for rapidly browning large quantities of vegetables or meat, pan-roasting a whole chicken, or browning a pork tenderloin or a 3-rib beef roast. A 10-inch non-stick skillet is also a good option—these are perfect for omelettes, pancakes, frittatas, and anything else that might get stuck to the pan.

A Dutch oven is another essential. Dutch ovens are good for searing and slow cooking, and they're 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 another must-have. Every kitchen should have at least one large pot for big jobs like making stock, boiling a whole country ham, or making pasta sauce from fresh tomatoes.

A wok is one of the most versatile tools in the kitchen. It's perfect for indoor smoking, braising, steaming, and deep-frying.

A saucier can perform all of the functions of a saucepan, with the added advantage of rounded edges that make whisking and combining ingredients easier.

Other useful pots and pans include a sauté pan, a rondeau, a casserole dish, and a square baking pan.

Stainless steel skillet

A good skillet is your right hand when it comes to all-purpose cookware. Skillets are used more in the average kitchen than any other pot or pan, making it important that yours is both 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. Each is best suited to specific methods of cooking. Stainless steel is the most versatile.

Made In 12-Inch Stainless Steel Skillet

This skillet is a solid, no-nonsense skillet at a reasonable price. It performed well in all its tests, heating evenly and responding to temperature changes. It's a good option for those often cooking for upward of four or five people, but it's honestly useful to have both a 10-inch and 12-inch skillet.

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

This skillet is a longtime favourite, a responsive model that will give steaks, fish, poultry, and even cauliflower slabs a beautiful golden crust. It's durable and a few ounces lighter than other top picks.

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. The price tends to fluctuate, but it's generally very reasonably priced (less than $50).

All-Clad D3 12-Inch Stainless-Steel Skillet with Lid

This skillet is surprisingly comfortable to manoeuvre. Weighing just under three pounds, it was hefty enough to offer great heating but not so heavy as to cause wrist strain. It heated up the quickest and browned flour and sliced onion consistently, without evidence of hotspots.

Ninja EverClad Commercial-Grade Stainless Steel 10.25" Tri-Ply Fry Pan

The Ninja skillet heated from cold to scorching hot in less than a minute. It did a fabulous job of retaining heat in the oven and cooked chicken thighs to near perfection. A quick wash with soapy water was all that was needed to get the Ninja skillet completely clean.

Misen Stainless Skillet

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

OXO Mira Series Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Fry Pan

We were pleasantly surprised by the durability of this skillet. It showed a slight physical shift during a thermal shock test but not much. It was also easy to clean. Overall, we feel this is an ideal pick for beginner cooks due to its versatility and reasonable cost.

Non-stick skillet

A non-stick skillet is a versatile piece of cookware that is perfect for preparing sticky and delicate foods such as eggs, crepes, and fish fillets. It is also excellent for cooking sticky sauces and stir-frying. While non-stick skillets come in various materials, sizes, and price ranges, here are some options to consider:

Zwilling Madura Plus Nonstick Aluminum Fry Pan

This skillet is an excellent blend of affordability and quality. Its sturdy yet comfortable handle stays cool while cooking, and the pan itself has a nice curve to its walls. The Zwilling Madura Plus is oven-safe up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and can be washed in a dishwasher without any negative effects. It is available in sizes ranging from eight to twelve inches, making it a versatile option for different cooking needs.

Cook's Standard Nonstick Hard Anodized Fry Pan

This skillet offers excellent value for money and is ideal for everyday use. Its sloped sides make sautéing a breeze, and its sturdy yet lightweight construction ensures ease of handling. The Cook's Standard skillet is oven-safe up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, and its non-stick coating has proven to last for several years with proper care.

Oxo Good Grips Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan

If you're looking for a lightweight skillet that's a breeze to maneuver, the Oxo Good Grips is an excellent choice. Its silicone grip handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, and its non-stick coating has held up well over time. While it is recommended to hand-wash this skillet, it is oven-safe up to 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tramontina Professional Aluminum Nonstick Fry Pan

The Tramontina skillet stands out for its riveted, nonslip handle, which provides a secure grip and can withstand oven temperatures. Additionally, its removable silicone cover ensures that you don't scorch your hands while cooking. This skillet is oven-safe up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and is a durable yet reasonably priced option.

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan

The Caraway skillet is a ceramic non-stick option that truly delivers on its non-stick promise. Its surface is exceptionally slippery, making it ideal for cooking anything that requires reliable flipping. The gradual slope of its edges further enhances its performance. This skillet is oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.

GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Skillet

The GreenPan Valencia Pro is another excellent ceramic option that is favored by several experts. Its non-stick coating has proven to be durable, and it is oven-safe up to an impressive 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This skillet is easy to clean, and its sloped sides make it a versatile tool for various cooking tasks.

Material Kitchen The Coated Pan

The Material Kitchen skillet is a standout option for high-heat cooking. Its copper interior conducts, retains, and cools heat exceptionally well, making it ideal for achieving that perfect crispy texture. Despite its lightweight construction, it feels balanced and sturdy in the hand. This skillet is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a versatile tool in the kitchen.

Cast iron skillet

A cast iron skillet is a must-have in your kitchen. It is a versatile and durable piece of cookware that can be used on various heat sources, including the oven, grill, stovetop, campfire, induction, and electric.

A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking that requires intense and long-lasting heat. It is perfect for searing steaks, frying chicken, crisping bacon, and baking pies, cornbread, and pizzas. Cast iron skillets also give a beautiful golden-brown crust to your food.

When choosing a cast iron skillet, consider the size. A 10- to 12-inch skillet will give you ample space to work without being too heavy to handle. Look for a smooth surface, as food can get stuck in the crevices of rough cast iron. Pre-seasoned skillets are also available, but you may still need to season them yourself to achieve true non-stick qualities.

Some popular cast iron skillet brands include Lodge, Wagner, Griswold, and Smithey. Vintage cast iron skillets from brands like Wagner and Griswold have a smoother, more non-stick finish than modern cast iron. However, a good modern brand like Lodge will also serve you well.

Dutch oven

Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, also known as French ovens, have become increasingly popular due to their ease of maintenance. While they may come with a high price tag, often costing upwards of $300, they offer durability, versatility, and functionality.

• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This is a classic choice and is valued worldwide. It comes in a variety of colours and sizes, and is known for its heirloom quality and versatility. While it is an investment piece, usually costing around $300, it is built to last.
• Staub Round Cocotte: This Dutch oven performed exceptionally well in tests, perfectly browning chicken and cooking rice. It has a sturdy construction and is fairly priced, usually retailing for around $400.
• Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This is a more affordable option, usually priced at $59, that performs just as well as its more expensive competitors. It has a double layer of enamel coating and comes in a variety of exterior colours. It distributes and retains heat well, making it a great choice for cooking a variety of dishes.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven: This is a budget-friendly option, usually priced under $100, that offers excellent value for money. It has a beautiful construction and performs well in cooking a range of dishes.

Stock pot

A stock pot is a large, deep pot that is most often used for making stock, which forms the base for soups and sauces. It is also used for cooking healthy meals, stews, chillies, and boiling noodles, pasta, corn, vegetables, and seafood. A stock pot is designed to heat quickly and simmer for a long time. It is usually the largest pot in your kitchen, with tall walls, a flat bottom, and a wide opening. Its capacity ranges from 4 to 24 quarts, with some sources mentioning sizes up to 36 quarts for general home use. The larger sizes are suitable for commercial use.

The stock pot's design makes it ideal for holding larger amounts of liquid, and its tall walls and narrow top prevent the dissipation of water. When choosing a stock pot, consider the height for safety reasons, especially if you are on the smaller side. You should be able to easily reach the hot pan to stir, pick up, and pour its contents. Additionally, the shape of the stock pot matters. It can have a flared or oblong base, and you should select a shape that fits your stove to ensure even heating.

• Copper: Heats rapidly and evenly but tends to be expensive and requires regular maintenance.
• Aluminum: Affordable option that heats quickly. However, it may not provide an even cook, and it can react with certain foods, altering their taste and causing discolouration.
• Stainless steel: Lightweight, sturdy, and budget-friendly. It heats quickly and evenly.
• Anodized aluminum: Heats reasonably quickly and evenly but is slightly more expensive and not dishwasher-safe.
• Coated carbon steel: Lightweight, known for enameled cast iron Dutch ovens. However, the enamel can discolour over time, and the paint may chip.

The size of the stock pot you need depends on your intended use. Smaller sizes, ranging from 2 to 5 quarts, are suitable for couples or small families who want leftovers. Medium-sized pots, holding 6 to 9 quarts, are ideal for serving larger quantities to approximately ten people. Large stock pots, ranging from 10 to 12 quarts, are perfect for large families or small parties, accommodating up to 12 people. If you entertain frequently or batch cook, consider an extra-large stock pot of over 13 quarts, which can feed up to 14 people.

Frequently asked questions