Pots Vs. Pans: What's The Difference?

Pots and pans are two of the most commonly used kitchen tools, but what exactly is the difference between them? While the names can be confusing, there are some general guidelines to help you distinguish between the two. One of the main differences is their size and shape. Pots tend to be deeper with high, straight sides and a circular base, while pans are usually shallow with sides that extend only an inch or two from the base and can be straight or curved. Additionally, pots typically have two small handles on opposite sides, while pans usually have a single long handle.

Another distinguishing factor is their purpose in the kitchen. Pots are generally used for cooking liquids, such as making soups or boiling water for pasta. The high sides of a pot allow heat to spread evenly, ensuring that the liquid is heated evenly. On the other hand, pans are commonly used for frying foods. Their wide base and shallow sides allow a thinner layer of food to cook quickly and evenly, making them ideal for frying meats, eggs, and pancakes.

While these guidelines are helpful, there are some exceptions that can blur the lines between pots and pans. For instance, a pot can be referred to as a pan, but not the other way around. Furthermore, a saucepan is technically a pot due to its deep sides, even though its name implies that it is a pan. Despite the confusion, understanding the differences between pots and pans can be beneficial in the kitchen, helping you select the right tool for the job and making the cooking process easier.

Pots are deeper, pans are shallower

Pots and pans are kitchen staples, but what exactly is the difference between the two? Well, it's all about depth.

Pots are deeper, with high sides that go straight up from a circular base. This design feature is purposeful: the high sides of a pot allow heat to spread evenly around the liquid, ensuring that it is heated evenly rather than just from the bottom. This makes pots ideal for cooking liquids, such as making soups or boiling water for pasta.

On the other hand, pans are shallower, with sides that extend only an inch or two from the base. Sometimes, the sides of a pan go straight up like a pot, but they may also curve up at a gentle angle. The wide base and shallow sides of pans allow a thinner layer of food to cook quickly and evenly, making them perfect for frying foods like meats, eggs, and pancakes.

So, the next time you're in the kitchen, take a look at your pots and pans and see if you can spot the difference!

Pots are for liquids, pans are for frying

Pots and pans are kitchen essentials, but what's the difference between them? Well, it's mainly in their usage, shape, and features.

Usage

Pots are typically used for cooking with liquids. This includes making soups, boiling water for pasta, or slow-cooking meals. The high sides of a pot allow heat to spread evenly around the liquid, ensuring it is heated evenly.

On the other hand, pans are used for frying foods and quick, high-heat cooking. The wide base and shallow sides of a pan allow a thin layer of food to cook quickly and evenly. Pans are often used for frying meats, eggs, and pancakes.

Shape and Features

Pots tend to be deeper with high, straight sides that go up from a circular base. Pans, meanwhile, are usually shallow, with sides that extend only an inch or two from the base. These sides may go straight up, like a pot, or curve gently outwards.

Pots usually have two small handles located on opposite sides, while pans tend to have just one long handle.

Pots have two handles, pans have one

Pots and pans are essential kitchenware, each serving distinct purposes. While the two may seem similar and the names often confusing, there are some general guidelines to distinguish between them. One of the most noticeable differences is in their handles.

Pots typically have two small handles located on opposite sides, whereas pans usually have a single long handle. The two handles on pots are often of similar size and are placed facing each other. This design facilitates easier handling, especially when the pot is brimming with food or liquid. The placement of the handles also helps distribute the weight of the pot and its contents evenly, making it more comfortable to carry and reducing the risk of burns from hot contents shifting to one side.

The long handle on pans, on the other hand, is designed for ease of use when cooking. The single handle allows for quick and agile movements, such as flipping or tossing food. This is especially useful when cooking foods that require constant stirring, like scrambled eggs or sautéed vegetables. The long handle also provides a secure grip, allowing chefs to manoeuvre the pan with precision and control.

The different handle types on pots and pans are not just for convenience but also for safety. The two handles on pots provide stability when carrying heavy or hot liquids, reducing the risk of accidents. The long handle on pans, positioned away from the cooking surface, helps keep the chef's hand away from the heat source, preventing burns.

While the number and placement of handles are good indicators, it is worth noting that there may be exceptions. Some pots, like stockpots, may have a single long handle with a helper handle, blurring the lines between pots and pans. Additionally, the size and depth of the cookware also play a role in distinguishing between the two. Pots tend to be deeper with high sides, perfect for cooking liquids. Pans, on the other hand, are usually shallow, ideal for frying and quick cooking.

Pans are used without a lid

Pans are typically used without a lid. This is because pans are used for quick, high-heat cooking methods such as frying, sautéing, and searing. The wide, flat base of a pan allows for better evaporation, which is perfect for achieving a crispy texture. The low sides of a pan enable moisture to escape, aiding in the browning of food.

Pans are typically lidless, though some varieties, like sauté pans, do come with lids. However, lids are not a good indicator of whether a piece of cookware is a pot or a pan. For example, skillets, which are a type of pan, typically do not come with lids. On the other hand, pots usually come with lids to enable heat retention and control the cooking environment.

Accessories can be used with pots

• Sealing rings: These are essential for pressure cookers like the Instant Pot as they seal in pressure, ensuring safe and successful cooking. Having multiple sealing rings allows you to designate specific rings for different types of food, such as sweet or savoury dishes.
• Lids: A lid that fits snugly over the pot is useful for retaining heat and preventing splatters. Some pots come with lids, but you can also purchase universal lids separately.
• Mitts or oven gloves: When handling hot pots, it's important to use heat-resistant mitts or oven gloves to protect your hands. Silicone mini mitts are particularly useful for gripping the pot and navigating the ridge between the pot and its base.
• Steamers or steamer baskets: These accessories are ideal for steaming vegetables, dumplings, or other foods within the pot. Look for steamer baskets made from food-grade silicone, which are easy to clean, foldable, and durable.
• Egg steamers or egg racks: If you enjoy cooking hard-boiled eggs, egg steamers or egg racks can be handy accessories. They hold the eggs in place while steaming and allow you to cook multiple eggs at once.
• Divided steamer baskets: These accessories allow you to steam multiple foods separately within the same pot, making meal preparation more efficient.
• Springform pans or cake pans: Springform pans, such as those designed to fit inside an Instant Pot, enable you to bake cakes, lasagnas, and other dishes within your pot.
• Silicone loaf pans: With a silicone loaf pan, you can expand your baking options beyond the traditional round shape of the inner pot. These pans are also dishwasher and freezer-safe, making them convenient for storing leftovers.
• Glass lids: A glass lid can be useful when slow cooking, sautéing, browning, or using the keep-warm function on your pot. It allows you to monitor the cooking process without lifting the lid.
• Spatulas: A flat-ended wooden spatula is ideal for scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pot without scratching the surface.
• Yogurt-making accessories: If your pot has a yogurt-making function, you can use accessories like yogurt cups and straining bags to make and store homemade yogurt.
• Inner cooking pots: Having an extra inner cooking pot for your appliance can be convenient, especially if you want to store leftovers in one pot while using the other for cooking.
• Dust covers: If you don't have ample counter space, a dust cover can help keep your pot clean and protected when it's not in use, especially if stored in a pantry or cabinet.
• Magnetic cheat sheets: For appliances like the Instant Pot with multiple functions, a magnetic cheat sheet placed on the appliance or refrigerator can be handy for quick reference on cooking times and liquid ratios.

These are just a few examples of the wide range of accessories available for pots, especially for popular appliances like the Instant Pot.

Frequently asked questions