Pots And Pans: Sizing For Newlyweds

When it comes to choosing the right size pots and pans to register for, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to understand your cooking needs and habits. For example, if you're an impatient cook who prefers quick and straightforward meals, a skillet or frying pan with a flat bottom and flared sides would be ideal. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with different types of dishes, you might want to opt for a more versatile option like a sauté pan, which can be used for browning, frying, simmering, and braising.

The size of the pot or pan you choose will depend on the quantity of food you typically cook. A small pan, such as an 8-inch frying pan, is perfect for cooking a single portion, while a larger pan, like a 10-12 inch frying pan, is ideal for cooking larger quantities. Additionally, the material of the cookware is an important factor to consider. Non-stick pans, for instance, are great for convenience and easy cleanup, while cast iron pans are perfect for searing meats and can go directly from the stovetop to the oven.

Ultimately, the best size and type of pots and pans to register for will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By taking the time to evaluate your cooking habits and the types of dishes you like to prepare, you can make informed choices that will enhance your cooking experience.

Frying pans/skillets: 8-12 inches in diameter

Frying pans are a kitchen essential, and having a few different sizes is ideal. The most common frying pan sizes are 8, 10, and 12 inches in diameter.

The 8-inch skillet is perfect for cooking a single egg, omelette, or searing a small steak. It's also great for sautéing vegetables as a side dish. This size is ideal for one person and heats up quickly and evenly.

The 10-inch skillet is a good option for frying 2-3 eggs, making sauces, searing salmon, or sautéing vegetables. It's a good size for a household of two, but it can be a bit snug for some dishes.

The 12-inch skillet is the most versatile size. It's perfect for frying 3-4 eggs, searing large cuts of meat, poultry, or seafood, or making a deep-dish pizza. This size is suitable for cooking for a family and fits comfortably on most cooktops.

When choosing a frying pan, consider the size of your household and your cooking needs. If you cook for a large family or group, the 12-inch skillet is a great choice. For smaller households or single servings, the 8-inch or 10-inch skillet might be more suitable.

Additionally, the weight of the skillet is an important factor to consider, especially if you have trouble lifting heavier pans. Cast iron skillets tend to be heavier, while some modern skillets are designed to be lightweight.

Having a variety of frying pan sizes will ensure that you have the right tool for any recipe and will make your cooking experience more enjoyable.

Saucepans: 1.4-2.5 quarts

A saucepan is a liquid-cooking pan that usually features a pouring spout and a small diameter, which means it heats up faster than other pans. Saucepans are perfect for cooking noodles, making simple soups, boiling water, or frying eggs.

Saucepans that are 1.4-2.5 quarts in size are ideal for heating small amounts of food, such as sauces, cooking small quantities of noodles, or poaching eggs. These saucepans are perfect for beginners, college students, or couples. If you're cooking for a larger group, consider a bigger size.

When choosing a saucepan, consider the quality and the material. Good-quality saucepans heat up evenly and don't scratch easily. Some popular materials for saucepans include stainless steel, non-stick, ceramic, cast iron, copper, and aluminium. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, maintenance, and reactivity with certain foods.

In addition to size and material, you may also want to consider the number of saucepans to register for. It's recommended to have at least one saucepan in your kitchen, but having multiple saucepans of different sizes can be useful for different cooking tasks.

Finally, don't forget to consider the compatibility of the saucepan with your stove. If you have a smooth-top surface, you'll need flat-bottomed pans, while an induction cooktop requires magnetic cookware.

Sauté pans: 3-6 quarts

Sauté pans are a great addition to your kitchen, offering more space to cook than a skillet and the ability to simmer and braise. They are also a safer option, with straight sides that prevent food from spilling out.

Sauté pans typically range from 3 to 6 quarts in capacity, with a cooking surface or diameter of 11 to 14 inches. A 3-quart pan is on the smaller end, ideal for cooking one cup of rice or heating up a small amount of sauce or soup. On the other hand, a 6-quart pan is larger and can be used to cook for a small gathering or family, with enough leftovers.

When choosing a sauté pan, consider your specific needs and the size of your stove. If you have a small stove, a larger pan might hang over the edge of the burners, so measure carefully. Additionally, look for a pan with a lid to keep your food warm and prevent splattering.

Some popular options for 3-6 quart sauté pans include:

• All-Clad D3 Stainless 3-ply Bonded Cookware: This pan has a 3-quart capacity and features a tri-ply construction with a responsive aluminum core bonded with two layers of durable stainless steel. It has a large surface area for searing and straight sides to prevent splattering. It is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, and is oven/broiler-safe up to 600°F.
• All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Saute Pan: This 6-quart pan is a versatile option, offering a large surface area for searing and straight sides to hold in liquid. It is made with a tri-ply construction and is compatible with all cooktops, including induction. It is also oven/broiler-safe up to 600°F.

Stockpots: for making large quantities of broth, stock, or boiling food

Stockpots are an essential piece of cookware for making large quantities of broth, stock, or boiling food. They are also great for steaming corn, whipping up lobster boils in the summer, or boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes.

When choosing a stockpot, it is important to consider its size, material, and features. Here are some recommendations and things to consider when choosing a stockpot:

• Size: For most home kitchens, an 8-quart or 12-quart stockpot is a good size. It is large enough for making big batches of stock or boiling pasta, yet small enough to fit inside a standard cabinet for storage. If you need an even larger size, a 16-quart stockpot can be useful for very large batches or cooking for a crowd.
• Material: Most quality stockpots are made from stainless steel. This material is durable, compatible with different stove types (including induction), and dishwasher-safe. Avoid aluminum stockpots as they can react with acidic foods and warp over time. Enameled steel is also not recommended as the coating may chip or crack over time.
• Features: Look for a stockpot with comfortable and sturdy handles that are easy to grip, even when wearing oven mitts. Riveted handles are generally more durable than welded-on handles. A tight-fitting lid is also important to prevent spills and help retain heat.
• All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless-Steel 8-Quart Stockpot: This stockpot has a wide, squat shape that makes it easier to reach into corners and accommodate larger pieces when making stock. It also stacks nicely for storage and fits well on standard shelves. The riveted flat handles provide a sturdy grip, and the three-ply construction ensures even heat distribution. However, it is on the pricier side.
• Cuisinart Chef's Classic 8-Quart Stainless-Steel Stockpot: This is a good option if you're looking for a slightly more affordable stockpot. It has a mirror-finish, "Cool Grip" handles that stay relatively cool, and an aluminum core for even heating. It also features a tight-fitting lid with a dripless pouring rim.
• Cuisinart 12-Quart MultiClad Pro Stainless Stock Pot: If you need an even larger size, this 12-quart stockpot is a great choice. It has comfortable, sturdy handles, a snug-fitting lid, and triple-ply stainless steel cladding for even heating. However, it is on the heavier side.
• Cook N Home 12-Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot: For a budget-friendly option, this stockpot performs well for boiling water and simmering stock. It has rubber-coated handles that protect your hands from the heat, and a vented glass lid. Keep in mind that it only has cladding on the bottom, so you'll need to pay closer attention to prevent scorching.

Dutch ovens: for stews, slow-roasted chicken, and baked bread

Dutch ovens are incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from stews to bread baking. They are perfect for slow-roasted chicken and baked bread.

Dutch ovens are made from cast iron, which helps retain and evenly distribute heat. The sides of the pot trap moisture, resulting in juicy stews and meats. The lid gives you control over the browning process, allowing you to achieve a crispy skin on your roast chicken.

A Dutch oven is perfect for cooking stews as it can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven. For a chicken stew, you can brown the meat and vegetables on the stovetop and then transfer the pot to the oven to finish cooking. This results in tender meat and vegetables and a rich, thick gravy.

Dutch ovens are also excellent for baking bread. The heavy-duty material and tight-fitting lids trap steam inside, creating a steam-injected environment similar to commercial bread ovens. This results in tender bread with a crispy exterior.

When choosing a Dutch oven, look for a capacity of at least 5.5 quarts. Larger sizes, such as 7-quart options, can be useful if you want to cook larger quantities or add extra vegetables.

Some care tips for your Dutch oven:

• If you have an uncoated cast-iron Dutch oven, it will require seasoning to protect the surface and make it more non-stick.
• Always check your Dutch oven for chips and cracks before use, and clean off any burnt-on bits to avoid unpleasant flavours.
• Ensure that the lid of your Dutch oven is oven-safe; some models have plastic handles that may melt at high temperatures.

Dutch ovens are a fantastic addition to your kitchen, providing versatility and helping you create delicious stews, slow-roasted chicken, and baked bread.

Frequently asked questions