Whether you’re a home cook or an aspiring chef, having the right tools can make all the difference in your kitchen. Among those tools, a solid set of pots and pans is essential for tackling just about any recipe. From searing and sautéing to roasting and baking, the right pan for the job will elevate your cooking game. Here’s a rundown of the 8 must-have pans every kitchen should have.
1. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a kitchen classic, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from frying and sautéing to baking and even roasting. The beauty of cast iron lies in its ability to retain heat, making it perfect for dishes that require high, even cooking temperatures, such as steaks, cornbread, or even pizza. With proper care, a cast iron skillet will last for generations and develop a natural, non-stick surface. My go-to? Lodge.
Why you need it: Ideal for high-heat cooking, searing meat, and baking in the oven.
Tip: Be sure to season your cast iron to keep it non-stick and prevent rusting.
2. Frying Pan / Skillet
While a cast iron skillet is fantastic for certain tasks, a non-stick frying pan is essential for more delicate cooking. Whether you’re frying eggs, making pancakes, or cooking fish, a good non-stick pan ensures easy food release and quick cleanup. Look for one that’s durable and scratch-resistant to make sure it stands the test of time. HexClad all the way!
Why you need it: Perfect for eggs, pancakes, fish, and any delicate cooking that requires a smooth surface.
Tip: Avoid using metal utensils to preserve the non-stick coating.
3. Saucepan
Every kitchen needs a saucepan for making sauces, soups, boiling pasta, or even reheating leftovers. Choose a saucepan that’s at least 2-3 quarts in size—big enough for most tasks without being unwieldy. Some saucepans come with a lid, which is ideal for simmering without losing moisture or causing splattering. HexClad because the handles do not become hot.
Why you need it: Perfect for making sauces, soups, boiling liquids, and reheating leftovers.
Tip: Opt for a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching and ensure even heat distribution.
4. Sauté Pan
A sauté pan is a great all-around pan for simmering sauces, braising, stir-frying, and even shallow frying. Unlike a frying pan, it has taller, straight sides, which give you more room for liquids and help reduce splattering. Around 5 quarts is ideal for everyday tasks. This pan is a workhorse in the kitchen, especially when you’re cooking for multiple people. HexClad for the win!
Why you need it: Ideal for sautéing, simmering, braising, and stir-frying.
Tip: A lid is a great addition for braising or simmering dishes.
5. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is a heavy, thick-walled pot with a tight-fitting lid, perfect for slow cooking, braising, stews, soups, and even baking bread. It distributes heat evenly and can go straight from stovetop to oven, making it incredibly versatile. Cast iron Dutch ovens (especially those with an enamel coating) are popular for their durability and heat retention. Lodge – works just as well as more expensive models.
Why you need it: Great for slow-cooking, braising, soups, and even baking bread.
Tip: Always dry your Dutch oven thoroughly after washing to prevent rust, especially if it’s not enamel-coated.
6. Stockpot
A stockpot is large, tall, and perfect for making big batches of soup, stock, pasta, or boiling shellfish. It’s typically around 6-8 quarts, providing plenty of room to cook large quantities of food without spilling over. It’s also great for cooking pasta, steaming vegetables, or making large family meals. HexClad once again.
Why you need it: Perfect for large batches of soup, pasta, or stock.
Tip: A heavy bottom helps prevent burning when simmering long-cooking foods.
7. Roasting Pan
For anyone who loves roasting meats and vegetables, a roasting pan is a must-have. Designed with low sides, it allows heat to circulate around the food, ensuring even cooking and a crispy exterior. It’s great for roasting poultry, pork, beef, and vegetables. Some roasting pans come with a rack, which elevates your food for even cooking and better fat drainage. AllClad.
Why you need it: Perfect for roasting meats, poultry, and vegetables in the oven.
Tip: Look for a roasting pan with sturdy handles for easy handling in and out of the oven.
8. Grill Pan
If you love the taste of grilled food but don’t always want to fire up an outdoor grill, a grill pan is a great indoor solution. These pans have raised ridges that allow fat to drain away while cooking, giving your meats and vegetables that smoky, charred flavor you get from a grill. It’s a great tool for grilling indoors, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Green Pan.
Why you need it: Ideal for grilling meats, vegetables, and sandwiches indoors.
Tip: Use medium-high heat for the best grill marks and don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
One other pan that I love that isn’t essential is my wok. I love the high sides and how my stovetop stays cleaner when cooking stir fry.
Conclusion
With these 8 essential pans—cast iron skillet, frying pan, saucepan, sauté pan, Dutch oven, stockpot, roasting pan, and grill pan—you’ll be equipped to handle nearly any recipe that comes your way. Each of these pans serves a specific purpose, ensuring that you can sear, simmer, sauté, bake, roast, or grill with ease.
Investing in high-quality pans will not only elevate your cooking but also make your kitchen a more enjoyable and efficient space to work in. From everyday meals to more complex dishes, having the right cookware makes all the difference. Happy cooking!
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I really want a Dutch oven. There’s a lot I would use it for that I’m stuck using an old and not great stock pot. These are great suggestions! Thanks!
Maybe Santa will bring you one!