Pans For Sides: Catering For 45

When it comes to cooking for a large group of people, having the right-sized cookware is essential. For sides for 45 people, you'll likely need a combination of pans, including frying pans and saucepans.

A standard 12-inch frying pan can be a good option for cooking for four people, so you may need several of these, depending on the type of sides you're preparing. Frying pans with a diameter of 10-12 inches are ideal for cooking large quantities of food and are commonly used by most cooks. If you're preparing smaller sides, such as eggs or sauces, an 8-inch frying pan may be sufficient.

For saucepans, the most common sizes range from 1 to 4 quarts. A 4-quart saucepan is typically suitable for a family, while a 1-quart saucepan is ideal for individuals. If you're cooking sides like pasta or rice, you'll likely need larger saucepans, while smaller sizes can be used for sauces.

In addition to the number of people you're cooking for, other factors to consider when choosing pan sizes include the weight, your stovetop size, the material of the pan, and the available storage space.

Frying pans: 8-12 inches in diameter, with 10-12 inches being the ideal size for cooking large amounts

When cooking for a large number of people, it is important to have the right-sized cookware to prepare the right amount of food without overcrowding the pan. Frying pans, also called skillets, are a must-have in any kitchen and are used almost daily.

Frying pans typically range from 8 to 12 inches in diameter, with 10 to 12 inches being the ideal size for cooking large amounts of food. A 12-inch frying pan can handle almost any dish and is large enough to cook for four people. It is also a good option for frying, sautéing, and browning without the hassle of overcrowding. Even if you are only cooking for two, a larger pan can be beneficial as it provides more space for foods that need room to spread out.

A 10-inch frying pan is another versatile option and is great for eggs, reducing sauces, or browning a few cutlets. It is also easier to clean and store compared to a 12-inch pan, as most 10-inch pans do not have a helper handle.

While not as common, an 8-inch frying pan can be a useful addition to your cookware set, especially if you have a larger pan as well. It is perfect for single servings and can be used for dishes like Dutch babies, frittatas, pancakes, or toasting spices and nuts.

When deciding on the size of your frying pan, consider what you typically cook, how many people you usually cook for, and how much storage space you have. If you have limited storage, a smaller pan might be a better option, but if you frequently cook for a large group, a larger pan will be more suitable.

Saucepans: 1-4 quarts, with 2 and 4 quarts being the most popular

When cooking for a large group of people, it's important to have the right-sized cookware. If you're serving sauces, soups, or small batches of vegetables or rice, a 1-quart saucepan will be sufficient. However, if you're cooking for a family of four or more, a larger saucepan is necessary. A 4-quart saucepan is ideal for cooking pasta or boiling potatoes and can serve up to four people.

Saucepans typically range from 1 to 4 quarts in size, with 2 and 4 quarts being the most popular options. Smaller saucepans, ranging from 1 to 2.5 quarts, are perfect for single cooks or small families. They are easy to wash and store and are ideal for heating small amounts of liquids or making single servings of soup or sauce.

On the other hand, larger saucepans of 3 to 4 quarts are incredibly versatile. For some, a single 3 or 4-quart saucepan is sufficient for everyday use. Having two saucepans, such as a small 2-quart and a larger 4-quart, is an excellent combination for most cooking purposes.

When choosing saucepan sizes, it's essential to consider the number of people you plan to cook for and the types of dishes you'll be preparing. If you're making sauces, a smaller saucepan will suffice, while pasta, rice, or soup calls for a larger saucepan. Additionally, the evaporation rate, weight, manoeuvrability, heating time, heat retention, storage space, and cost are all factors to keep in mind when selecting the right saucepan size for your needs.

Sauté pans: 3-6 quarts, with 4 quarts being a good standard size

When cooking for a large number of people, it's important to have the right-sized cookware. Sauté pans are a versatile option, perfect for searing, frying, braising, boiling, and more. They are also great for liquid-based recipes due to their tall sides and large surface area.

The size of a sauté pan is typically measured in quarts, with the most common sizes ranging from 3 to 6 quarts. The 4-quart size is a good standard option, accommodating most meals, but a 3-quart pan may be sufficient if cooking for fewer people.

A 3-quart sauté pan has a cooking surface diameter of approximately 11 inches, which is large enough to sear two small chicken breasts. If you need to cook more than that, a larger pan might be necessary. For example, a 6- or 7-quart pan would be ideal for cooking five or more chicken breasts or salmon fillets.

The size of the pan also affects its heat conduction. Larger pans take longer to heat up, so if you're looking for a quick option, a smaller pan might be preferable. However, once fully heated, larger pans retain heat for longer periods.

When choosing a sauté pan, it's important to consider the weight and manoeuvrability. Larger pans are heavier and may be more difficult to handle, especially when filled with food or liquid.

In addition to the size of the pan, the material it is made of is also important. Sauté pans are commonly made from stainless steel, PTFE-based non-stick, or cast iron. PTFE-based non-stick pans have the most heat limitations and typically can't exceed 500°F. For high-heat cooking, stainless steel or cast iron pans are better options.

When deciding on the size of your sauté pan, consider the number of people you typically cook for, the type of dishes you prepare, and the amount of storage space you have. For cooking for 45 people, a larger pan, such as a 5- or 6-quart option, would be more suitable.

Casserole dishes: 2.3 quarts for a couple, 4.3 quarts for a family of four

When cooking for a large group of 45 people, it's important to consider the size of your pans to ensure you have enough food for everyone. While the specific size will depend on what you're cooking, here are some guidelines for casserole dishes:

Casserole dishes are a versatile piece of cookware that can be used for soups, stews, pot roasts, sauces, and more. When choosing a casserole dish, consider the number of people you're typically cooking for. For a couple, a 2.3-quart (or 2-litre) round casserole dish is suitable, while for a family of four, a larger 4.3-quart (or 4.2-litre) dish is recommended. These sizes ensure you have enough food without needing to cook multiple batches.

If you're looking for more specific guidelines on pan sizes for sides, a good rule of thumb is to have at least one small, medium, and large pan. This gives you the flexibility to prepare different types of dishes. For example, a small pan might be an 8-inch frying pan, a medium pan could be a 10-inch frying pan, and a large pan could be a 12-inch frying pan. With these sizes, you can cook a variety of dishes, from eggs and sauces to meats and vegetables.

Additionally, consider the type of food you'll be preparing. For dishes with liquids, such as soups or braises, a deeper pan is preferable. On the other hand, if you want a crispy topping on dishes like gratins or mac and cheese, a shallower, wider pan is ideal.

When in doubt, it's generally better to use a larger pan than a smaller one to avoid any overflow issues. You can always cook a smaller portion in a larger pan, but a smaller pan may not accommodate the intended amount of food.

Skillets: slightly deeper than frying pans, usually made from cast iron

Skillets, also known as frying pans, are a staple in any kitchen. They are characterised by their rounded sides and are used daily by cooks. Skillets are slightly deeper than frying pans and are usually made from cast iron.

When choosing a skillet, it is important to consider the size, material, design, and price. The size of the skillet will depend on how many people you typically cook for and how much storage space you have. A 12-inch skillet is a good option for larger families, while an 8-inch skillet may be more suitable for cooking for one or two people.

Skillets are typically made from cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick coating. Cast iron skillets are durable, retain heat well, and can be used on the stove or in the oven. They require proper seasoning and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Stainless steel skillets are also versatile and can be used for tasks such as sautéing and pan-frying. Non-stick skillets are ideal for delicate foods like fish and eggs and are easier to clean.

In terms of design, skillets with flared or rounded sides offer more cooking space and make flipping or stirring food easier. The weight of the skillet is also important to consider, especially if you plan to move it around the stove frequently. Some skillets come with a "helper handle" on the opposite side of the main handle for easier lifting and manoeuvring.

When it comes to price, skillets can range from budget-friendly options to more expensive, high-end models. It is important to invest in a high-quality skillet that will last for years with proper care.

Overall, skillets are a versatile and essential piece of cookware for any kitchen. Cast iron skillets, in particular, are a great option for their durability, heat retention, and versatility.

Frequently asked questions