What Are the Best Pans to Buy
Whether you're an experienced chef or just getting started, having the right pans in your kitchen can elevate your cooking. With so many choices available, picking the best pans can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll explore different types of pans and help you find the best ones for your cooking style.
1. Non-Stick Pans
Non-stick pans are a must-have for everyday cooking. These pans have a coating that prevents food from sticking, making them perfect for delicate dishes like eggs, pancakes, and fish. They also require less oil or butter, making for healthier meals.
Ideal for: Cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, and flipping pancakes.
Top recommendation:
- T-fal Professional Nonstick Fry Pan: It offers even heat distribution and a durable non-stick surface, plus a Thermo-Spot indicator that shows when the pan is preheated.
Why choose it: Non-stick pans are easy to clean and great for cooking with less fat. However, the non-stick coating can wear down over time, so it’s best to avoid metal utensils.
2. Stainless Steel Pans
Stainless steel pans are known for their toughness and versatility. While they don’t have a non-stick surface, they’re perfect for browning, searing, and deglazing with the right technique. They’re a favorite among professional chefs for good reason.
Ideal for: Searing meat, caramelizing, and browning food.
Top recommendation:
- Rorence Stainless Steel Sauce Pan: With its bonded aluminum core, this pan ensures even heating, and the polished surface helps prevent sticking when properly preheated.
Why choose it: Stainless steel pans are durable, dishwasher-safe, oven-safe, and compatible with all cooktops, including induction. A well-made pan can last a lifetime.
3. Cast Iron Pans
A cast iron pan is a kitchen powerhouse. While it requires seasoning and care, cast iron offers excellent heat retention and can be used for frying, baking, and even cooking over open flames. The more you use it, the better it performs.
Ideal for: Frying, baking, roasting, and grilling.
Top recommendation:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet: Pre-seasoned and ready to use, Lodge skillets are versatile, durable, and affordable—perfect for a variety of cooking methods.
Why choose it: Cast iron pans develop a natural non-stick surface over time and are incredibly sturdy. They can be used on stovetops, in ovens, or even on the grill.
4. Copper Pans
Copper pans are known for their superior heat conductivity, making them ideal for precise temperature control. They’re often used for delicate cooking tasks but do require regular maintenance, as they can react with acidic foods unless lined with stainless steel.
Ideal for: Sauces, delicate cooking, and controlling heat.
Top recommendation:
- Mauviel M'Heritage Copper Cookware: These high-quality copper pans are lined with stainless steel to prevent food reactions and add durability.
Why choose it: Copper pans offer unmatched heat control, but they are more expensive and require polishing to keep their shine.
5. Carbon Steel Pans
Carbon steel pans are like a lighter version of cast iron. They offer excellent heat retention and become naturally non-stick after seasoning. These pans are great for high-heat cooking, such as stir-frying and searing.
Ideal for: Stir-frying, searing, and high-heat cooking.
Top recommendation:
- Matfer Bourgeat Black Carbon Steel Pan: This professional-grade pan is durable, lightweight, and incredibly versatile for different cooking needs.
Why choose it: Carbon steel pans are durable, versatile, and lighter than cast iron. With proper care, they can last a lifetime.
How to Choose the Right Pan for Your Kitchen
When selecting the best pans for your kitchen, keep these factors in mind:
- Cooking habits: What types of dishes do you cook most often? This will help you choose pans that suit your needs.
- Material preference: Different materials come with different pros and cons, so consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do and how much durability you need.
- Budget: While high-end pans can be expensive, they often last longer. However, there are plenty of affordable options that deliver great performance.
Final Thoughts
The best pans for you depend on your cooking style and preferences. For most kitchens, a combination of a non-stick pan for everyday tasks, a stainless steel pan for searing and deglazing, and a cast iron skillet for high-heat cooking will cover all the basics. If you're a cooking enthusiast, adding copper or carbon steel pans can elevate your culinary game.
Happy cooking!
