Ask any home cook to name their top three pieces of cookware, and most will agree that saucepans are indispensable alongside frying pans and skillets. A kitchen workhorse, the saucepan is a staple for making sauces, of course, but is also prized for preparing side dishes, rice and other grains, reheating soups, simmering stews, boiling pasta, poaching eggs, and so much more. Whether you're in the market for the best nonstick saucepan or need a whole set to complete your kitchen, this humble necessity offers a hearty construction that provides even heat distribution on both induction cooktops and gas stoves.
Types of Saucepans
While it might seem like you can choose between a large saucepan and a small one and be done with it, there are a few more facets you'll want to consider before purchasing. First up, material. When it comes to non-stick cookware, the best nonstick saucepan is often crafted of hard-anodized aluminum, but a ceramic nonstick saucepan is also a great choice. Similarly, the best stainless-steel saucepan may come polished or clad-covered. Either is a safe bet for those who prefer this classic cooking surface. If you like to build flavor over time, or find yourself transferring pans between the stove and the oven, cast iron saucepans can last for generations. That said, size certainly is an important distinction. Most commonly you'll find a 2- or 3-quart saucepan, but they can range up to 9 quarts and beyond for family-sized portions.
The Best Saucepan Features for Versatile Cooking
After mulling over the basics, get down to specifics. Aside from the essential saucepan with lid combination, you can always opt for specialty designs, like those with built-in drainage holes, one with an oil-infused finish for cooking without butter or oils, or shapes that lend themselves more to some food consistencies than others. A prime example of this is the saucier, which has a shallower, rounded profile that's better suited for stirring than a traditional deep saucepan. When in doubt, saucepan sets allow you to experiment with a variety of sizes and shapes you may not otherwise try.
Shop saucepans, and other kitchen must-haves, at Macy's.
