Last Updated on 25th August 2021 by
Investing in high-quality cookware is an excellent decision because the best pots and pans will help improve your culinary skills. In addition to the most common pans and pots that people usually buy, there are a few pans that you probably didn’t know that you needed.
We’ll explain everything about them in this article. We’ll also talk about the best sauté pan, the best paella pan, and the best crepe pan that you can buy. So, let’s learn more about them.
Skillet vs. Pan: What is the Difference?
The main difference between a skillet and a pan is the shape. A skillet has shorter edges, while a pan has higher edges. The skillet is easier to access, so it’s usually used for stirring and flipping the ingredients. When you’re cooking in a skillet, the food cooks fast because the material is usually thinner, so it heats up fast and conducts the heat efficiently.
You can use a skillet for pan-frying or searing because the food is exposed to more heat. You can also use a skillet if you want to cook your steak or salmon steak perfectly, as it’s designed to cook the outer layer fast.
A sauté pan has higher edges and can hold more food. Bigger pans might also come with an extra handle opposite the main handle, helping you move and manoeuvre the pan conveniently, especially when you want to move food from the pan to a plate, minimising the risk of spilling the food.
This pan is so versatile and can be deep enough to hold a liquid. You can use a sauté pan to cook the sauce, pasta, or a stew. You can also use this pan for frying food or cooking any food with a sauce that doesn’t require much stirring.
The Best Pots and Pans
Whether you’re shopping for a pot, skillet, or a pan, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.
Material
You need to make sure that you’re buying a pot, skillet, or pan that is made of high-quality material. There are several materials on the market, but the cast iron skillets are quite popular. Pans can be made of cast iron, stainless steel, ceramic, and other non-stick materials.
Some people prefer the tri-ply or five-ply combination of aluminium and stainless steel. The aluminium guarantees even heat distribution for better results, while the stainless steel is more durable to withstand heavy-duty use in a busy household.
Ergonomic Handle
It’s more than an accessory on your skillet or pan. A handle allows you to hold your cookware, shake, and even flip your food to cook it on all sides. Handles should be made of stay-cool materials and must be properly riveted to the skillet or pan body.
Size
Skillets and pans come in all sizes and shapes. Most people buy skillets and pans that are either 8, 10, or 12 inches in diameter. Bigger pots and pans might be too large to fit on top of your stove.
A skillet would have a smaller inner area than the diameter. Pans usually have a bigger cooking area.
If you live alone or with one person, buying large pots and skillets won’t make sense. They will only work if you live in a busy household.
Best 3 Pans You Didn’t Know You Needed
In addition to the regular pans that you use every day, there are some pans that you didn’t know could be too useful in your kitchen.
Best Sauté Pan
A sauté pan will have a large cooking area, so you can cook all ingredients evenly. The vertical sides allow you to place a lid on top to simmer food when needed.
Because it’s so versatile, the best sauté pan can be used for making whole meals in the same pot, which is an excellent option for busy people. It might also double as a baking dish when needed if it’s made of a material that can withstand the heat.
Most people prefer stainless sauté pans because they’re quite affordable and easy to use. Having two handles is a big plus as it allows you to control it easily.
Best Paella Pan
If you have ever been to Spain or a Spanish restaurant, then you’ve probably tried paella. This traditional rice dish is complemented with several delicious flavours, including chicken, chorizo, tomato, saffron, shrimps, mussels, and the tastiest Spanish spices.
A typical paella pan should have a wide surface area and two handles to help you carry it properly. The wide surface allows the rice to cook evenly, and you can add any leftovers to make a special paella dish. This pan should be made of excellent material that conducts heat properly to remove any water and dry the rice fast, so the paella doesn’t taste soggy.
If you love pancakes and crepes, then buying the best crepe pan will be a must. Compared to other frying pans, a special crepe pan will enable you to make fluffy yet thin crepes that you can fill with any filling you prefer.
The best crepe pan is usually made of cast iron to conduct the heat evenly and quickly, cooking your crepe to perfection. It should have a non-stick coating and would be able to withstand higher temperatures.
There are literally hundreds of pots, skillets, and pans that you can buy. Although some of them are quite common, there are some specialty pans that can help you improve your culinary skills.
These pans should be made of excellent material to withstand heavy-duty use. You should also make sure that you’re buying a pan of the size that fits your family’s needs and budget.
