A pan is one of the most basic pieces of kitchen equipment. In our guide, we present the best pans for both home and commercial use. We will take a look at the most popular types of material that they are made from, and what type of pan to use for frying, stewing or grilling.
A pan is one of the most basic pieces of kitchen equipment. In our guide, we present the best pans for both home and commercial use. We will take a look at the most popular types of material that they are made from, and what type of pan to use for frying, stewing or grilling.
- Types of pans
- Which Teflon pan should you choose?
- Which ceramic pan should you choose?
- Which cast-iron pan should you buy?
- Are enamel pans worth buying?
- What properties do stone pans have?
- Modern glass and copper pans
- The best pans according to their use
- Which grill pan should you choose?
- Good pans for induction hobs
- The best pans for commercial use
- Which pan should you choose – summary
Types of pans
Are you wondering which pan to buy? Before comparing the different models available on the market, consider your actual needs in this matter. If you prefer stewed dishes to fried food then your needs regarding the right type of pan will also be different. Another criterion is where the pan will be used. Professional cooks using commercial pans will have higher expectations than people who cook for themselves and their families at home. The last important factor to consider is the source of heat. Not all pans are induction compatible, as we shall explain in the following sections of the article. To begin with let’s have a look at the most common types.
Which Teflon pan should you choose?
Teflon pans are popular due to their non-stick surface. A small amount of fat is enough to fry eggs, meat or vegetables. However, many people ask the question: which pans are the healthiest
and is Teflon really safe? This is usually because of PFOA, i.e. perfluorooctanoic acid, a harmful compound found in Teflon. Luckily, modern-day Teflon™-marked frying pans produced do not contain this compound. However, bear in mind that not every non-stick surface is of the original Teflon™ brand.
Which ceramic pan should you choose?
If you don’t feel comfortable buying a Teflon pan, then a similar solution could be a ceramic pan. They also have a non-stick surface and are more difficult to scratch. Many users consider them the best pans from an environmental perspective due to the material used. The ceramic coating can also be heated to a higher temperature than Teflon coating. Due to its depth, a ceramic pan is usually more universal than other pans: it is suitable not only for frying, but also for stewing. However, ceramic pans are also usually more expensive than Teflon pans.
Which cast-iron pan should you buy?
Many cooks believe that the best pans are those made of cast iron. But what’s behind this opinion? Cast-iron cookware hardly wears out when used, and even acquires better properties over time. In addition, they maintain a high temperature for a very long time. They are also valued for their weight. Although it could seem that lighter cookware is easier and more convenient to use, cast-iron is actually safer due to its considerable weight, as it’s more difficult to accidentally knock a cast-iron pan off the burner. Beginners often mention burning the ingredients as a disadvantage, and indeed at the beginning you will need a little practice. With time you will be able to enjoy its durability and reliability, and appreciate it as an investment for years to come!
Are enamel pans worth buying?
Enamel pans can be a good choice, especially for home cooking. They have a fairly delicate enamel surface on both sides. Enamel does not react with food and is also recommended for allergy sufferers. Enamel pans also keep the contents warm for a long time. Among all the different types, they are considered to be the most universal when it comes to design. Manufacturers offer many models that match both modern and traditional kitchens. Therefore, if you are after not only functionality but also design, an enamel pan is worth considering.
What properties do stone pans have?
Stone pans are mainly made of granite or marble. Stone keeps heat for a long time and is durable, although not as much as cast iron. They are therefore recommended for users concerned about scratching the surface of their pans. When deciding on a stone pan of a given brand, check the composition of the stone coating before you buy it, as they are not always made from pure granite or marble. Some producers add their own additional enhancements.
Modern glass and copper pans
The list of materials from which pans are made is constantly growing. Glass pans started appearing on the market relatively recently compared to those described above. Their main advantage is that they are transparent, which allows for full control during frying. Fans of healthy cooking also value them for the fact that they are fit for allergy sufferers. Glass is also one of the most suitable materials for washing in a dishwasher.
Pots and pans made entirely of copper are often recommended by chefs due to the way they conduct heat. In this respect, they are far more efficient than those made of stainless steel. The high temperature spreads evenly, preventing even delicate ingredients from burning. Food also fries faster in a copper pan than in other types, and copper is also totally safe for your health. You just need to make sure that the copper does not get covered with patina, which must be carefully removed.
A disadvantage of copper pans is their high price. Well-known brands will charge up to even £50-60 per pan. So it is worth considering all of these aspects before you choose the right pan for you. This applies not only to pans, but also to more advanced equipment, such as food processors. In our next article we help you decide which food processor to choose.
The best pans according to their use
The above comparison of the most popular types of pans was in terms of the material they are made of. But there’s more to it! While pans are generally among the most universal pieces of equipment in any kitchen, they are sometimes designed for a specific use. Such specialised pans include:
- grill pans – with a grooved surface,
- induction pans – compatible with induction hobs.
If you are a fan of grilled dishes (even without using fat), you will most likely want a pan intended especially for this purpose. Owners of induction hobs, on the other hand, will need induction compatible pots and pans.
Which grill pan should you choose?
Grill pans come in a variety of shapes, usually round or square. Each types is good for preparing different dishes. Square ones are generally recommended for steaks, while round ones for eggs and vegetables. Therefore, the first thing you should think about is what kind of grilling it will be used for.
Like all the other types, the best grill pans can be made of a variety of materials, so it’s up to you whether you want a Teflon, ceramic or cast iron pan.
If you intend to use it to grill with fat, it is worth getting a model with a special spout for draining the fat after cooking. However, this is not an absolute requirement, as for this reason grill pans have grooves with the melted fat in mind. Pans that can also be used for baking in the oven have a detachable handle. However, not every type of pan is suitable for this purpose. If you are interested in baking or toasting, read our article about which sandwich grill to choose.
Good pans for induction hobs
Which conditions must a pan meet to be induction compatible? First, it must have a magnetic bottom, because only then will it work on an induction hob. Information about this feature (e.g. pictogram next to) should always be included in the product description and on the packaging.
An important parameter of this type of pan is its diameter, which should be chosen to fit the cooking hob. The most common sizes are:
- 12-18 cm – small pans,
- 20-25 cm – medium pans,
- 26-30 cm – large pans.
In order to optimise food preparation, it is worth stocking up on each of these sizes. A small frying pan will be good for preparing breakfast for one person (e.g. a fried egg), and a large for preparing dinner for several people. Induction pans will also work on other cookers, including gas and electric ones. This 20 cm mobile induction cooker allows you to cook safely, and save time and energy.
The best pans for commercial use
Producers offering equipment for commercial kitchens have various models of professional pans in their offer. These are usually made of cast iron, stainless steel, copper, stone and other materials. Each cook should know best which pan works best for them and which material they particularly appreciate.
Pans used in commercial kitchens, like many other pieces of equipment, must fit the profile of the kitchen. Pans are often intended for a specific purpose, e.g. for fish, pancakes, eggs, etc. Purchasing specialised equipment will be necessary if you decide to include such dishes on your menu. In this article, you will find out what equipment you will need in a cafe.
On the other hand, you will also need universal pans for preparing various types of dishes. Shops with a wide range of pan sets will usually also meet the requirements of cooks looking for pans for commercial use. Buying one product, you get a set of pans with a different diameter. This solution means you will be prepared for any situation.
Which pan should you choose – summary
It is difficult to objectively decide which pan will be best for you. It all depends on your requirements: home or commercial use, experience in thermal food processing, the type of material you prefer, as well as the source of heat. Before buying a pan, you should consider all of the above features.
Pans come in different shapes and sizes for a reason. Although they are generally very universal, they are not always equally suitable for frying, heating, stewing or baking dishes. Pans with a diameter of approx. 30 cm allow you to prepare a large amount of food at one time, but they will heat up slower. On the other hand, small ones (with a diameter of 18 cm) are perfect for quickly preparing a small meal for one person.
The most widely used pans, i.e. Teflon, steel, cast iron, stone and ceramic pans, will be differently priced. It is worth carefully reading the description of the material used and paying attention to the markings on the label. Sticking to these tips will certainly make it easier for you to choose the best pan.
Why not supplement your knowledge of cooking methods with tips on the preparation of hot drinks and the necessary equipment to do so? Find out which coffee machine to choose.
Share