The Lowdown on Cooking Saucepans

 Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or just someone who occasionally whips up a meal, having the right pots and pans in your kitchen is super important. Having the right cooking sauce pans is a must for any kitchen, no matter how often you cook and how good you are at it.

If you're a first-time buyer there are a few important things to consider such as the materials, your cooking habits and of course your cooktops.

Have Your Cooking Habits in Mind

Take a moment to think of the meals you prepare regularly; this will guide your cookware choices. For example, if you love to sear meat, a cast-iron skillet is your best bet for that perfect sear. Nonstick pans are fantastic for cooking eggs, pancakes, and more delicate items like fish. Stainless steel is also a solid choice for searing and browning various foods.  If you're into making soups or boiling pasta, a stockpot is a must-have. But if you prefer to simmer stews or sauces for a while, a Dutch oven could be the way to go. It’s great for browning, braising, boiling, and even baking bread, making it super versatile and perfect for a ton of different recipes.

Sets vs. Individual Pieces   

Some people will get a few single pieces and put together their own collection, while others would rather just buy a complete set and call it a day.  New buyers, especially those who aren’t sure what they really need in their kitchen or how much to spend, can feel a bit overwhelmed. Cookware brands get this and often provide sets to help simplify the decision-making process.  To make things easier for yourself, think about a few key things: how often you cook, how many people you usually cook for, and of course, the size and layout of your kitchen.  

Pick Cookware That Fits Your Cooktop   

To get the best results, your cooking sauce pans should match your cooktop. If you have a smooth top range, choose flat-bottomed pans that won’t bend or warp. Gas ranges offer a bit more leeway, but you still want solid contact between the pan and the burners. For induction cooktops, make sure your pots and pans are magnetic. A handy tip: bring a magnet while shopping—if it sticks, you’re good to go for induction cooking.

Check the Materials  

The way your saucepan performs depends on how it's built and what materials are used. If you have an induction cooktop, make sure the cookware you choose is compatible with it.  
• Stainless steel - This is a go-to option because it's strong, durable, and budget-friendly. But keep in mind that stainless steel by itself doesn't conduct heat very well. Most stainless steel cookware has multi-layered bases with aluminium or copper to help with heat distribution. High-quality stainless steel pots are usually made from premium stainless steel (18/10), which has 18% chromium for rust resistance and 10% nickel for acid resistance. There's also 18/8 stainless steel, which has similar qualities.  
• Aluminum - These pots are great at conducting and holding heat, plus they're lightweight and usually cheap. However, they can heat up the whole surface, which might cause some food to stick. Also, if you leave moist food in aluminium pots, they can pit and leach into your food. Anodizing can help with this issue.  
• Copper - Copper saucepans are excellent for heat conduction and give you precise temperature control, heating up and cooling down quickly. They look nice, but they need a regular coating to avoid food contamination and can be a bit tricky to clean.  
• Cast iron - Cast iron saucepans distribute heat evenly at low temperatures, but they take a while to heat up and cool down. They're pretty heavy and can rust or become brittle over time. Enamel coatings can help prevent rust, but they might chip if not handled carefully.  
• Non-stick - This type of cookware has a non-stick coating, often made from materials like Teflon. Non-stick pans make it easy to release food and require less oil for cooking. Just remember to use non-metal utensils to keep the coating intact.

Things to Keep in Mind   

• Capacity - Check that the saucepan's size fits your cooktop elements,  especially if you're using a ceramic or induction cooktop.   
• Base - A solid base helps with even heat distribution and cooking efficiency. Materials like aluminium and copper are great heat conductors, making them popular for the base disc.   
• Lid - A clear glass lid lets you keep an eye on your food without letting heat and moisture escape.   
• Spout - A well-designed spout makes pouring a breeze.   • Handle - Look for an ergonomic handle that stays cool while cooking. A second support handle is handy for lifting heavier pots.  
• Weight - Think about how heavy the saucepan is when it's empty since it’ll get a lot heavier once you fill it up.