Knot-Tying Cookware: Pots And Pans Essentials

Choosing the right pots and pans for your wedding registry can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. While there are lots of different types of pots and pans, there are a few key pieces that consistently make their way into kitchen cookware sets.

A skillet (or frying pan) is a must-have for impatient cooks who want to stir-fry veggies, fry eggs, or flip burgers. A sauté pan is similar but has straight sides, making it ideal for saucy recipes as it prevents food from spilling out. A saucepan is perfect for making bigger batches of sauce, cooking grains, or heating up soup. A stockpot is essential for making large quantities of broth, boiling potatoes or lobster, and cooking in bulk. A Dutch oven is great for making hearty stews, slow-roasted chicken, and even baked bread.

When choosing your pots and pans, consider your eating, cooking, and cleaning habits, as well as the material of the cookware. Stainless steel is durable, versatile, and low-maintenance, while non-stick coatings can chip off over time and release toxic fumes if overheated. Cast iron is built to last but requires seasoning, and copper is ideal for serious chefs as it reacts quickly to temperature changes.

So, what pots and pans do you need for your wedding registry? It all depends on your specific needs and preferences, but with the right set of cookware, you'll be well on your way to culinary success.

Skillets/frying pans

Skillets and frying pans are essential for any kitchen. They are perfect for quick, straightforward cooking tasks, such as frying eggs, stirring up veggies, or flipping burgers. The shape of a skillet—a flat bottom with flared sides—lends itself to impatient cooks who want to get something cooking fast.

When it comes to choosing the right skillet or frying pan, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the material is important. Cast iron skillets, for example, are great for searing steak, pan-roasting chicken, or frying potato pancakes. They do take a while to preheat, but once hot, they deliver a crisp, golden-brown crust. Cast iron is also great for slow cooking or baking. Stainless steel skillets are another option and are known for being durable, versatile, and low-maintenance. They heat quickly and evenly, making them a popular choice for many chefs. Non-stick skillets are also an option and, as the name suggests, are great for cooking delicate foods like scrambled eggs or flaky fish as nothing sticks to the pan. However, non-stick coatings can chip and deteriorate over time, so these skillets don't last forever.

Another thing to consider is the size. A 10-inch skillet is a good size for guaranteed results with omelettes, Spanish tortillas, or frittatas. A 12-inch skillet is on the larger side and is perfect for cooking larger quantities of food or for bigger households.

When choosing a skillet, it's also worth thinking about the handle. Some skillets come with rubber-covered handles to prevent burns and give the cook extra peace of mind. It's also worth checking whether the skillet is oven-safe and dishwasher-safe, as this will impact how you use and care for it.

• Lodge 12-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet ($30)
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Enameled Cast Iron 5-Quart Round Covered Casserole ($100)
• Tramontina 10-Inch Professional Aluminum Nonstick Restaurant Fry Pan ($40)
• T-fal Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan ($50)
• Calphalon Premier Space-Saving Hard-Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan Set, 8-Inch and 10-Inch ($170)
• All-Clad D3 Stainless 3-ply Bonded Cookware, Fry Pan with Lid, 14-inch ($229.99)

Saucepans

When choosing a saucepan, you'll want to consider the material. Stainless steel is the most versatile option, as it is durable, heats evenly, and can withstand very high temperatures. However, stainless steel can be difficult to clean. Nonstick pans, on the other hand, are easy to use and clean, but their coating can wear off over time.

• Tramontina Covered Sauce Pan with Helper Handle: This 3-ply stainless steel saucepan has a comfortable handle and offers reliable, even heating.
• Made In Cookware Nonstick Saucepan: A durable and oven-safe (up to 800°F) nonstick saucepan that is also dishwasher-safe.
• Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Triple Ply 5.5-Quart Saute Skillet: A heavy, durable, and versatile stainless steel pan that is excellent for browning meats and making grilled cheese sandwiches.

Stockpots

When choosing a stockpot, you should consider the following:

• Handles: Look for handles that are comfortable, sturdy, and easy to grip. Avoid handles that are too narrow or thin, as they can be difficult to hold, especially when the pot is full.
• Size: Stockpots typically range from 8 to 20 quarts. For most home cooks, a 12-quart stockpot is a good size—large enough for making big batches of stock or sauce, but small enough to fit inside a base cabinet. If you need more capacity, a 16-quart stockpot is a good option, but it will take up more storage space.
• Material: Most quality stockpots are made from stainless steel. Avoid aluminum stockpots, as they can react with acidic foods and warp over time. Enameled steel is also not recommended, as the coating may crack or chip over time.
• Cladding: Cladding is the layering of metal in a stockpot, typically aluminum surrounded by stainless steel. Full cladding on the bottom and sides will improve cooking efficiency and protect against scorching but will increase the price.
• Price: You can find stockpots ranging from around $30 to nearly $400. While you don't need the same level of performance as a skillet or sauté pan, it's important to choose a pot that is well-built and will last.
• Cuisinart 12-Quart MultiClad Pro Stainless Stock Pot: This stockpot has comfortable, sturdy handles and a snug-fitting lid. It has triple-ply stainless steel cladding and a thick base layer that manages heat well. It is dishwasher-safe and induction-friendly.
• Cook N Home 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot: This budget-friendly option has rubber-coated handles that protect your hands from the heat. It has stainless steel and aluminum cladding on the bottom, which provides even heating. It is dishwasher-safe and induction-friendly.
• Vigor 12-Quart Aluminum Clad Stainless Steel Stockpot: Another good budget option, this stockpot has a thick, stainless-clad aluminum base that heats up quickly and browns food evenly. The handles are set far from the sides, making it easy to carry. It has a stainless steel lid and is dishwasher-safe and induction-friendly.
• Tramontina 16-Quart Gourmet Stainless Steel Covered Stock Pot: If you need a larger capacity pot, this 16-quart model from Tramontina is a good choice. It shares the same design as their 12-quart model but offers more capacity. It is dishwasher-safe and induction-friendly.
• All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 12-Quart Covered Stock Pot: This stockpot is a splurge option, but it is well-built with sturdy rivets, wide, comfortable handles, and a tight-fitting lid. It is slightly lighter than some other models, making it easier to maneuver. It is dishwasher-safe and induction-friendly.

Dutch ovens

Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven from Lodge comes in a variety of exterior colors and has a cream-colored interior for excellent visibility. It is oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and comes in different sizes ranging from 1.5 to 7.5 quarts. The wide handles make it easier to grip, and it is recommended to hand wash this product.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven

The Le Creuset Dutch oven is known for its heat distribution and retention. It comes in a wide variety of colors and has excellent performance on the stove and in the oven. The enameled surface may show a network of fine lines or cracks with repeated impact with metal utensils, but this is a common occurrence and usually does not affect performance. This product is dishwasher-safe.

Lodge Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven

This raw cast-iron Dutch oven from Lodge comes pre-seasoned and is ready to use out of the box. The lid of this Dutch oven doubles as a skillet, so you get two pots in one. It can be used with metal utensils and can withstand rough handling. However, the lid does not have a top handle, and the handles get very hot during use. This product is not dishwasher-safe.

Crock-Pot Artisan 5-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

The Crock-Pot Artisan Dutch oven has excellent non-stick performance and is available in many color options. It has even heat distribution and retention, and the lid's texture allows for self-basting. The oversized handles make it easy to grip, and the metal knob and Dutch oven are oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This product is not dishwasher-safe.

Staub Wide Round Oven Shallow Cocotte

The Staub cocotte is wider and slightly shallower than other pots of the same size, with a black interior that is less likely to show food stains. It has excellent heat distribution and retention, and the heavy lid keeps the vessel well-sealed. The nubs on the interior of the lid create a self-basting feature by redirecting condensation back into the pot. This product is dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended.

Non-stick pans

However, non-stick pans do have some drawbacks. The non-stick coating will eventually wear out, so it is not advisable to buy a large set of non-stick cookware. Most people only need one or two non-stick pans to round out their cookware collection. Additionally, there are health and environmental risks associated with the production of PTFE non-stick coatings, and all non-stick coatings, whether PTFE or ceramic, are delicate and will eventually wear out.

When choosing a non-stick pan, look for one with a slick, flat surface, even heat distribution, and flared sides, which enable quick and accurate flipping. The pan should also be well-balanced and comfortable to hold, with a handle that provides a secure grip.

Some recommended non-stick pans include:

• Tramontina Professional 10-Inch Restaurant Fry Pan: This pan has a classic flared-lip shape, a slick non-stick coating, and a comfortable handle. It distributes heat evenly and is affordable, typically costing around $30.
• Tramontina Tri-Ply Base 10-Inch Nonstick Fry Pan: This pan is a good choice for induction cooktops as it has an encapsulated bottom. It heats up quickly and evenly, and its smooth, hollow stainless steel handle stays cool and provides a comfortable grip.
• Misen's Nonstick Pan: This pan has superb heat distribution, a solid flat base, and a comfortable-to-hold, silicone-sheathed handle. However, it is more expensive, typically costing around $55, and may not be as durable as other options.
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set: This set includes 8- and 10-inch skillets that are thick, slick, and suitable for all cooktops, including induction. They have aluminum bodies, bent lips, and riveted cast stainless steel handles. However, the sides are more upright, which can make flipping food with a spatula more difficult.
• Ozeri 10-Inch Stainless Steel Pan with Nonstick Coating: This pan has flared sides, a bent lip, coated rivets, and a superslick coating. It heats evenly and has a comfortable handle, but the smooth stainless steel handle can be slippery to grip when your hands are wet or greasy.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic Pro 10-Inch Nonstick Pan: This pan has a slick cooking surface, a bent lip, and a riveted handle. However, its sides are straighter than other options, which can make flipping food more challenging.

Frequently asked questions