Cookware Shapes & Uses
Always match a pot or pan to the task for which it is best suited. Its shape and proportions make all the difference in how well it will perform for you. While some cookware demonstrates its versatility with a wide range of recipes day in and day out, others are dedicated to perfectly performing a single task. Shown here are the primary pots and pans, with a brief description of each one's use.
Asparagus Pot
An interior basket holds the asparagus upright, so the thick stalks simmer while the tender tips steam. |
Grill Pan
A stovetop grill pan is great for low-fat cooking because the ridges keep food away from the drippings. |
Braiser/Everyday Pan
A fry pan and casserole in one, this pan goes from stovetop to oven to table with ease. It's great for browning and then slow-cooking. |
Multi Use Pot
Use this versatile combination of pot and inserts for everything from steaming vegetables to cooking pasta. It can also double as a stockpot. |
Chef's Pan/Saucier
This pan has a flat bottom for gentle, even heating and sloped sides to facilitate stirring – ideal for making risotto and sauces. |
Paella Pan
A specialized pan for cooking paella; it is wide and shallow and usually has two loop handles. It is usually made of stainless steel or carbon as those materials react to heat quickly and evenly. |
Crepe Pan
Thanks to its low, sloped sides, a crepe pan makes it easy to swirl and flip the crepes. |
Pressure Cooker
A pressure cooker prepares all kinds of delicious meals in a fraction of the time – and it's a healthful way to cook, too. |
Double Boiler
A double boiler is a must-have for preparing delicate sauces, custards, chocolate desserts and other foods that require indirect heat. |
Roaster with Rack
With high sides to reduce spattering, this pan is designed to roast meats, poultry and vegetables to perfection. |
Dutch Oven
The ultimate pan for all kinds of slow-cooking, a Dutch oven is used to prepare everything from tender braised short ribs to savory stews. |
Saucepan
A kitchen staple, the saucepan has myriad uses, from making sauces to cooking vegetables, rice, cereals and soups. |
Egg Poaching Set
This set includes removable cups with handles, so poached eggs maintain their round shape and can be cooked to each person's liking. |
Sauté Pan
A sauté pan excels at searing and browning foods over high heat. |
Fondue Pot
A fondue pot warms classic cheese as well as meat fondues; a porcelain insert melts chocolate. |
Stock Pot
This pot helps to produce flavorful stocks and soups by keeping ingredients submerged and slowing evaporation. |
Fry Pan
A fry pan is useful for fast cooking using oil. |
Wok
A wok is the best choice for flash- cooking over high heat; a larger wok is suitable for steaming and deep-frying foods as well. |
Griddle
If you enjoy cooking breakfast, a griddle is a must for preparing pancakes, French toast, eggs and other morning meals. |
