Pots And Pans: Choosing The Right Size

When it comes to buying pots and pans, it's important to consider the size that best suits your needs. Size plays a crucial role in your cooking experience and can make a significant difference in your daily cooking tasks. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a large group, selecting the right size pots and pans can enhance your cooking efficiency and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.

Pots and Pans Buying Guide

Frying pan sizes

Frying pans are one of the most versatile and frequently used pieces of cookware in the kitchen. They are ideal for cooking a wide range of foods, from eggs and pancakes to thick steaks. Frying pan sizes are determined by the pan's overall diameter, with common sizes ranging from 20cm to 30cm (8-12 inches) in diameter.

8-inch Frying Pan (20cm)

The 8-inch frying pan is a small and basic size perfect for cooking for one person. It is ideal for frying eggs, bacon, or mixing sauces. This size is suitable for college students, singles, or those with small kitchens.

10-inch Frying Pan (25cm)

The 10-inch size is considered the most versatile option for family use. It offers a good balance between cooking space and heating time. It is perfect for cooking multiple servings, such as frying 3 eggs, 2 chicken breasts, or sautéing a large amount of vegetables.

12-inch Frying Pan (30cm)

The 12-inch frying pan is ideal for larger portions or families. It provides ample space for cooking without overcrowding the pan. This size is perfect for frying 4 eggs, 3 chicken breasts, or making a pan pizza. It is also a good choice for oven-safe baking pans.

14-inch Frying Pan (35cm)

The 14-inch frying pan is suitable for cooking for large groups or meal prepping large quantities of food. It offers a generous cooking surface and excellent heat retention.

When choosing a frying pan size, consider your household size, the types of dishes you typically cook, and the available storage space in your kitchen. It is recommended to have at least a small, medium, and large pan to cater to different cooking needs. Additionally, the material of the frying pan is an important consideration, with options such as cast iron, non-stick, stainless steel, and carbon steel available, each offering unique advantages.

Pots and pans for beginners

Pots and pans are a necessity in every kitchen. They are the most basic cookware essentials, used for anything from searing steaks to warming up soup.

What to Consider When Buying Pots and Pans

When buying pots and pans, it is important to consider the size, type, and material.

Size

Small sizes are convenient and simple to use, while larger sizes are more versatile and can cook larger quantities of food.

Type

There are several types of pots and pans available, each serving a different purpose. Some common types include frying pans, skillets or fry pans, sauté pans, saucepans, stock pots, roasting pans, woks, and grill pans.

Material

Pots and pans are made from various materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common materials include:

• Nonstick coating: Easy to clean and requires less butter or oil, but must be maintained properly to protect the coating.
• Aluminum: Affordable, lightweight, and conducts heat well, but needs processing to make it suitable for cooking and cannot be used on induction stovetops.
• Copper: The most conductive material, offering quick heating and cooling, but it is the most expensive option and requires maintenance.
• Stainless steel: Durable, practical, versatile, and safe to use in the dishwasher and oven, but the best stainless steel cookware can be expensive.
• Cast iron: Durable, affordable, and naturally nonstick, but requires seasoning to prevent rust and is slow to heat and cool.

For beginner cooks, it is recommended to have a bare minimum of two pots and two pans—a large and small size of each.

Frying Pan/Skillet

A good basic option for beginners is a 12-inch nonstick pan, which can be used for daily cooking and requires less fat and cleanup time. Another essential is a cast-iron skillet, which conducts and retains heat well and is very versatile. A 12-inch size is practical for holding larger items like steaks and butterflied chicken.

Saucepan

A 4-quart saucepan with tall, straight sides is useful for preventing rapid moisture loss when steaming, blanching, making sauces, or cooking soups and desserts. A smaller, 2-quart nonstick saucepan is also handy for cooking foods that stick easily, such as mashed potatoes or corn chowder.

Stock Pot

A stock pot is essential for cooking large quantities of food. A 12-quart pot is a useful size, capable of holding enough water to boil pasta for a crowd or making large batches of soup or chili. Look for a pot with a thick bottom to prevent scorching and burning.

Roasting Pan

If you plan to cook large pieces of meat, such as a whole chicken or turkey, a roasting pan is a must-have. A standard size is 16-by-13 inches, with low sides to allow for even browning.

Sauté Pan

A sauté pan is similar to a skillet but with taller sides and a larger capacity, making it more versatile. A 10-inch size is considered versatile for family use, while a 12-inch size is ideal for cooking larger quantities of food.

Grill Pan/Wok

A grill pan or wok is great for busy people who want to cook quick, stir-fry meals at home. They provide a large cooking surface and are ideal for tossing vegetables or thin cuts of protein on high heat.

Final Thoughts

When choosing pots and pans, consider your specific needs and cooking habits. For beginners, it is best to start with the essentials and then add more specialized pieces as needed. With proper care, pots and pans can last a long time, so investing in good-quality pieces is worthwhile.

Pans for cast iron skillets

When it comes to choosing the right pans for cast iron skillets, size is an important consideration. Cast iron skillets are versatile and durable, making them a popular choice for many cooks. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right pans:

First, cast iron skillets come in various sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. The size you choose will depend on your specific needs and cooking habits. If you're cooking for one or have limited storage space, a smaller 8-inch skillet may be ideal. This size is perfect for frying eggs, bacon, or making sauces. On the other hand, if you're cooking for a larger family or entertaining guests, a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet will provide more room and versatility. These larger sizes are great for cooking multiple pancakes, omelettes, or larger portions of fish.

Additionally, it's worth considering the depth of the skillet. While most cast iron skillets have a standard depth, some specialty skillets may be deeper, allowing for more volume. Deeper skillets are excellent for recipes that require more liquid or for cooking larger cuts of meat.

Another factor to keep in mind is the weight of the skillet. Cast iron is known for its durability, but it can also be heavy. If you plan to move your skillet around frequently or have limited strength, you may want to opt for a lighter-weight option. Some cast iron skillets are designed with a lightweight construction, making them easier to handle.

Finally, consider the handle design. Cast iron skillets typically have a single handle, but some larger skillets may feature an additional "helper" handle, which makes it easier to lift and manoeuvre when the pan is full. Look for handles that stay cool during cooking and provide a comfortable grip.

In summary, when choosing pans for cast iron skillets, consider the size, depth, weight, and handle design. Cast iron skillets are available in various sizes to suit your cooking needs. By selecting the right size and features, you can ensure that your cast iron skillet becomes a trusted companion in your culinary adventures.

Saucepan sizes

Saucepans with a capacity of 1.4 to 1.7 quarts are considered small and are ideal for cooking small quantities of food, such as heating sauces, cooking noodles, or poaching eggs. Saucepan sizes of 2 quarts and above are more versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including heating sauces, making pasta, and cooking rice. Some larger saucepans come with a steamer that can be used to steam eggs or corn while cooking.

When choosing a saucepan, it is important to consider the type of cooking you want to do, the number of people you will be cooking for, and your level of expertise. If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a basic set and then add specialty pans as needed. It is also important to choose a high-quality saucepan that is made from a suitable material for your hob or cooker.

Pots and pans for different hobs

The type of hob you have will determine the type of pans you can use. For example, induction hobs require magnetic pans, such as cast iron or stainless steel, and won't work with pure aluminium or copper pans.

Gas hobs

Any type of pan can be used on a gas hob, but it's important to regulate the flame to prevent it from extending beyond the base of the pan, as this can damage the handle and waste gas. Traditional cast-iron pans can be used, but be careful not to drag them across the hob as they may cause damage.

Electric sealed plate hobs

Any flat-based pan can be used on electric hobs, which are cost-effective and conduct heat fully and evenly to the pans.

Ceramic hobs

Ceramic hobs are easy to use and clean, and quickly reach cooking temperature. They are compatible with heavy-gauge coated aluminium or hard anodized stainless-steel pans with thick bases. Good-quality enamel on steel or cast-iron pans can also be used but may scratch the hob surface. Pans made of exposed aluminium or copper should be avoided as they can leave a residue that is difficult to clean.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs require pans with ferrous iron content that allows a magnetic field to be created. Pans made of cast iron or stainless steel will work, while pure aluminium or copper pans will not.

In addition to the compatibility of different materials, there are other factors to consider when choosing pots and pans. For example, lids are useful for retaining heat and steam during cooking, and glass lids are popular as they allow you to monitor the progress of your food without removing the lid. Handles and handgrips also vary in shape and design, with some incorporating ergonomic features for improved comfort.

The material of the pan will also impact its performance and longevity. For example, aluminium pans are affordable and lightweight but may not be as long-lasting as other materials. Stainless steel pans, on the other hand, are durable and resistant to rust and corrosion but may need help with heat conductivity.

Ultimately, the choice of pots and pans will depend on your budget, cooking needs, and frequency of use. If you're just starting out, a basic set of saucepans and a frying pan may be sufficient, while more experienced cooks or those with specific culinary interests may want to invest in higher-quality, speciality cookware.

Frequently asked questions