Pots And Pans: A Lifetime Investment

Pots and pans are an essential part of any kitchen, but with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which ones to buy. Here's an introduction to help you choose the best pots and pans that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to choosing the right pots and pans, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to assess your cooking needs and skills. If you're an experienced home chef, you may prefer stainless steel cookware, which offers superior heat distribution and durability. On the other hand, if you're a beginner or prefer low-maintenance options, non-stick cookware sets can be a great choice as they are easier to clean and maintain. Additionally, consider the material of the pots and pans. Cast iron, for example, is a classic choice known for its durability and heat retention but requires more care and maintenance. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is low maintenance but may not distribute heat as evenly.

When investing in pots and pans, it's worth considering purchasing a set that includes a variety of sizes and types of cookware. A good set should ideally include saucepans, skillets, a sauté pan, and a stockpot or Dutch oven. It's also essential to choose a set with lids made of metal rather than glass, as they tend to last longer and are more durable. While some sets can be pricey, they often offer better value than buying individual pieces. However, if you're on a budget, there are affordable options available that provide good performance and durability.

In conclusion, when choosing pots and pans to buy for life, consider your cooking needs, budget, and the types of materials that will best suit your cooking style. By investing in a high-quality set that includes a variety of cookware, you'll be well-equipped to handle any culinary task, from frying an egg to simmering a stew.

Stainless steel

Grade of Stainless Steel:

The grade of stainless steel is often indicated as a fraction, such as 18/10, which represents the percentage of chromium and nickel in the alloy. Higher grades, such as 18/10, are more resistant to rust and retain their shine and polish.

Core and Construction:

Look for pots and pans with a fully-clad construction, where an aluminum or copper core is sandwiched between layers of stainless steel. This enhances heat distribution and prevents hot spots. The number of layers is usually indicated as "ply," with tri-ply (three layers) and 5-ply being common options.

Number of Pieces:

Consider the number of pieces included in the set and whether they match your cooking needs. Basic sets typically include a stockpot, saucepan, skillet, and lids. Larger sets may include additional pieces such as a sauté pan or multiple skillets of different sizes.

Tramontina Tri-Ply Clad 10-Piece Set:

• Pros: Excellent performance in searing and browning, durable, induction compatible.
• Cons: May feel unbalanced to some users, doesn't stack together easily.
• Price: $230

Cuisinart Chef's Classic Stainless Steel 7-Piece Cookware Set:

• Pros: Heats up quickly and evenly, sturdy, stays cool when cooking, affordable.
• Cons: Not ideal for high heat, some sticking may occur.
• Price: $110

All-Clad D5 Stainless Brushed 5-Ply Bonded Cookware Set:

• Pros: High-quality construction, even cooking with no sticking, ergonomic handles, oven and broiler-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cons: Handles may be uncomfortable for some users.
• Price: $800

Made In 10-Piece Stainless Set:

• Pros: Well-balanced, oven-safe up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit, includes a non-stick pan, induction compatible, lifetime warranty.
• Cons: Doesn't include a non-stick pan.
• Price: $779

Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware Set:

• Pros: Securely riveted handles, fill lines in pans, dishwasher-safe, oven and broiler-safe.
• Cons: Straining holes may cause quicker evaporation, smaller saucepan handle may get hot.
• Price: $200

Le Creuset Stainless Steel Cookware Set:

• Pros: Thorough cooking with no hot spots, very reactive to temperature changes, durable.
• Cons: Only includes a 10-inch fry pan, no storage accessories.
• Price: $830

Anolon Nouvelle Stainless Cookware Set:

• Pros: Uniform heat distribution, great for searing food, oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, dishwasher-safe.
• Cons: Small saucepan may be unsteady on large grates.
• Price: $300

Non-stick

Factors to Consider

When choosing non-stick pans, there are several factors to keep in mind:

• Coating Material: There are two main types of non-stick coatings: traditional non-stick and ceramic non-stick. Traditional non-stick coatings are made with PTFE (Teflon) and tend to be more durable and non-stick than ceramic coatings. However, some people prefer ceramic coatings as they are usually free of certain chemicals used in traditional non-stick coatings.
• Weight and Handle Design: Opt for pans with long, thick, or wide handles that are comfortable to grip and stay cool during cooking. Lighter pans heat up quickly but may burn food if not careful, while heavier pans can withstand higher temperatures but may be harder to manoeuvre.
• Cooktop Compatibility: If you have an induction cooktop, ensure the pan has a magnetic base, usually made of steel, to work with your cooktop. Most non-stick pans are compatible with gas and electric cooktops.
• Oven and Dishwasher Safety: Check the oven-safe temperature ratings of the pans. Some non-stick pans cannot be used at high temperatures. Also, while some pans are dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is generally recommended to prolong the life of the non-stick coating.
• Price: Non-stick pans vary in price, with cheaper options available but may not last as long. Consider your budget and how often you plan to use the pans.

Recommended Non-Stick Pans

• Best Overall: The Made In 10-Inch Non-Stick Frying Pan is PFOA-free, oven-safe up to 500°F, and suitable for all stove types, including induction. It performed exceptionally well in tests, cooking pancakes, fish, and frittatas evenly without sticking.
• Best Value: The Tramontina Professional Non-Stick Restaurant Fry Pan is a heavy-duty, PFOA-free pan that is dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 400°F. It is compatible with gas, electric, and ceramic glass cooktops and comes with a silicone handle guard for a secure grip.
• Best Ceramic: The GreenPan GP5 Infinite8 Ceramic Non-Stick 10-Inch Frypan features a durable, non-toxic ceramic coating that is also PFOA-free. It is induction-compatible and performed well in tests, producing crispy salmon fillets, evenly browned pancakes, and a well-cooked frittata.
• Best for Beginners: The Calphalon Contemporary Non-Stick 10-Inch Fry Pan is a good option for beginners as it can withstand higher heat without being ruined. It has a safety feature in the handle to prevent burns and is made in the USA.
• Best Splurge: The Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Fry Pan is PFOA-free, dishwasher-safe, broiler-safe, and oven-safe up to 500°F. It has an ergonomic, hollow handle to prevent overheating and provides consistent and even cooking performance.
• Best Professional Pan: The All-Clad Stainless Steel Non-Stick Fry Pan is the most expensive option but offers even heat distribution, compatibility with high heat and induction cooktops, and is oven-safe, dishwasher-safe, and metal utensil-safe.

Ceramic

Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Cookware Set

This set includes seven pieces: a 10.5-inch frying pan, a 3-quart saucepan with cover, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid. It also comes with storage solutions for both the pans and lids. The set is oven-safe up to 550°F and induction compatible. The pans are on the heavier side but are still comfortable to hold. The only downside is the limited number of pans and the high price.

GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick 11-Piece Cookware Set

This set includes three skillets in different sizes, two saucepans, a sauté pan, and a 5-quart Dutch oven, as well as lids and pan protectors. It has excellent nonstick properties and can be used over high heat and under the broiler. The stainless steel handles stay cool during stovetop cooking, and the set is induction compatible. However, it does not include a large stockpot.

Bialetti Ceramic Pro 10-Piece Non-Stick Cookware Set

This set includes two sauté pans, two saucepans, a deep sauté pan, and a 6-quart Dutch oven, all with lids. It has a sleek and elegant look with gray-on-gray bodies and slim stainless steel handles. The frying pan produced perfect over-easy eggs with no sticking. The only downside is that the lids don't fit very well, and the set is not induction compatible.

GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick 16 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set

This set includes a wide variety of pieces in different sizes, as well as utensils. The pans are surprisingly light and easy to use and handle. However, there is a learning curve when it comes to controlling the heat. The frying pan heated up very quickly, resulting in a stuck-on egg.

T-fal Initiatives Ceramic Cookware Set

This set includes three frying pans, two saucepans, a Dutch oven, and four nylon utensils. It is lightweight and easy to handle, with ergonomic handles that stay cool during use. The nonstick coating is effective, and the set is oven-safe up to 350°F. However, there are no lids for two of the frying pans, and the utensils are smaller than average and tend to bend during use.

Carbon steel

Merten & Storck Carbon Steel Frying Pan

This pan is pre-seasoned and offers a non-stick finish right out of the box. Fried eggs glide across the surface, and cuts of steak achieve a nice, even sear without any added oil. It is on the heavier side, which may be too heavy for some to sauté comfortably, but its large size makes up for this. It is also very affordable, functional and versatile, and comes with a standard lifetime warranty.

OXO Carbon Steel Obsidian Pan

This lightweight, super non-stick and very affordable pan is a great budget option. It comes pre-seasoned and, after an initial wash, can be wiped with a damp paper towel in between testing stages. It produced a crisp, browned bottom when baking cornbread, which popped right out with minimal coaxing and no sticking. It also comes with a silicone handle to make it easier to grip while transferring to the oven, grill or anywhere else.

De Buyer Carbon Steel Pan

This high-quality, thick-gauge carbon steel pan comes with a lifetime guarantee. De Buyer is a French-based company that has been making carbon steel pans for 200 years. It is a great option for those who want ultimate control over their pan's seasoning. While this pan wasn't quite as non-stick as some of the pre-seasoned ones, great seasoning takes time and only gets better.

BK Pre-Seasoned Carbon Steel Pan

If all you want is a super-even sear, the BK carbon steel pan is a great option. It offers a deep and even heat, and was able to give one of the best results when cooking steak or fried eggs. However, it didn't perform as well during baking.

Cast iron

Durability and Heat Retention

Affordability and Accessibility

Versatility and Ease of Use

Health Benefits

Longevity and Heirloom Potential

Frequently asked questions