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Cookware

Types of Cookware, Cookware Buying Tips, Cookware Collection, FAQ About Cookware

Cookware Buying Tips

You can't get cooking without cookware. When selecting cookware such as saucepans, sauté pans and roasting pans, hold the pans in your hand to make sure they feel heavy and sturdy. Also consider the metal of the cookware. Avoid cookware made from uncoated aluminum — it will react with acidic ingredients, like vinegars and tomatoes, and will cause food to turn gray and have a metallic taste.

If you are looking to purchase stainless steel pots, buy those that have an aluminum or copper core throughout the bottom and, preferably, the sides of the pot for even heat distribution. When purchasing cookware, also look for ovenproof handles that will allow you to easily move your pots and pans from the stovetop into the oven.

Stockpots & Dutch Ovens Saucepans

Cookware - Stockpot & Dutch Oven

Stockpots

A stockpot is a large pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used to cook soups, stews and pasta.

You should have a stockpot with a capacity of at least 8 quarts.

Dutch Ovens

Dutch ovens are often used for the same purposes as stockpots, but their wider and shallower shape makes them more suitable for oven use.

You should have a Dutch oven with a capacity of at least 6 quarts.

Cookware - Saucepan

Saucepans

Saucepans have long handles and tight-fitting lids.

You should have one 4-quart saucepan for boiling potatoes and simmering rice.

You should also have at least one 2-quart saucepan for making sauces and heating soups.

Sauté Pans

Skillets

Cookware - Sauté Pans

Sauté Pans

A sauté pan with a tight-fitting lid is very versatile and can be used for simmering chicken dishes or poaching fish.

Your sauté pan should have a capacity of 5 to 6 quarts and should have an uncoated surface.

Cookware - Skillets

Skillets

Skillets, also called frying pans, can have a nonstick or uncoated surface.

You should have one nonstick or uncoated 6-inch skillet and at least one uncoated skillet measuring 10 to 12 inches in diameter.

Roasting Pans & Roasting Racks

 

Cookware - Roasting Pans & Roasting Racks

Roasting Pans

Roasting pans are pans used for roasting meat and poultry as well as baking lasagna.
You should have one medium-sized roasting pan that measures approximately 15x10 inches.


Roasting Racks

A roasting rack is a metal rack that is placed in the bottom of a roasting pan to keep food off the bottom of the pan. A roasting rack allows excess fat and juices to drain away from the food and helps promote even cooking.

  

FAQ About Cookware
Is there anything else I need in my cookware collection?

Cookware Collection - Steamer Insert, Bamboo Steamer, Collapsible Steamer BasketYour cookware collection should include a steamer that you can use to steam food such as vegetables and dumplings. There are several types of steamers available. Some saucepans include a steamer insert that looks like a pot and has a lid and handles. A collapsible stainless steel steamer basket expands to fit into saucepans of different sizes, while a steamer made from bamboo sits on top of a saucepan.

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