Versatile cookware pieces for every recipe
When it comes to pots and pans, every home should have a basic set that can be used in a load of different ways. I enjoy cooking, especially experimenting with meals for Hallie (which she may or may not eat) but there’s nothing worse than trying to follow a recipe and not having the right cookware.
It’s not about how many pots and pans you have, but about which are functional. Whether you’re starting a set from scratch if you’ve just moved home, or you’re getting rid of an old set and looking to replace it, there are some must-have items to consider.
You could go out and buy a matching cookware set that includes every pot, pan, and cover. This might seem more affordable and convenient, but actually might not always be the best option.
For each type of recipe and cooking style, you need a different set of tools and ingredients. A real chef would never use a cast iron pan to make a stew or a stockpot to sear chicken thighs. For this reason, you should choose high-quality cookware that will not only do its job well but also last a long time.
To help you, here are the six pots and pans home chefs use the most. A good cook never blames their tools, but if you have these items in your kitchen, there’s nothing to complain about in the first place!
A roaster
Once considered the ultimate kitchen tool, the roaster is making a dramatic comeback. More and more people are becoming interested in eating more healthy foods that are easy to prepare and cook. Beyond roasting, this piece of cookware can be used for a range of cooking tasks, including baking, braising, broiling and even flying. It’s a multi-purpose tool that can handle different types of recipes and cooking techniques.
When shopping for a roaster, consider getting one from Revol. They are a cookware brand known for their high-quality, durable porcelain products. It is a French company specialising in manufacturing cookware and culinary porcelain since 1768. Revol cookware is praised for its elegant design, versatility, and ability to withstand high temperatures.
My suggestion here is the Revol Belle Cuisine Rectangular Satin Black Roasting Dish in a small size. It’s a versatile roasting dish that you can use for roasting vegetables, meats, poultry, and fish. It can also be used for baking casseroles, lasagnas, and desserts. Revol cookware construction ensures even heat distribution so you can achieve evenly cooked dishes every time.
Made from high-quality porcelain, this roasting dish is durable and resistant to thermal shock. It’s safe for use in the oven, microwave, freezer, and dishwasher. The porcelain’s non-porous surface makes it easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort on cleanup.
The sleek satin black finish of this roaster will add an elegant touch to your table presentation, making it perfect for serving dishes directly from oven to table. The rectangular shape of the dish is ideal for fitting into compact oven spaces while still offering ample cooking surface area. Its smaller size makes it perfect for cooking smaller portions or side dishes, so it’s great for everyday use or when cooking for smaller gatherings.
Non-stick frying pan or skillet
This is a versatile pan that works well for stir-frying, searing, and shallow cooking. These pans are my favourite for frying eggs and other sticky items that require a simple release. You’ll find models that work with most cooktops, including induction. Even though most non-stick cookware should only be washed by hand, its coating makes cleanup a breeze.
I like to use a ceramic non-stick option that has a hard anodized aluminium base because it heats very fast. My perfect size for a frying pan is 25 centimetres. I find the 20 centimetre a little small for my needs and the 30 centimetre doesn’t always suit my burners.
Stock pot
Stock pots are versatile pots that you can use for boiling pasta and preparing soups and stocks. It’s also your greatest ally when you have a lot of cooking to do.
I would recommend a stock pot that has tall sides, is 3mm thick, and can accommodate 8 cups. In this manner, you may cook a large quantity of food at once without the pot being too heavy. I prefer to use an uncoated stainless steel pot because it is not required to be non-stick. It’s the ideal choice because it is non-toxic, long-lasting, and able to withstand high heat in the oven or on the cooktop.
Saucepan
Despite their name, saucepans aren’t simply for making sauces. These pans can also be used to poach, sauté, boil, and deep fry. Their depth is perfect for making candies as well as for preparing smaller servings of stew and soup. All of this merely serves to highlight the many uses for a saucepan.
Straight-sided saucepans hold food better than ones with flared edges, which is why I prefer them. In terms of materials, I suggest using 3- or 5-ply stainless steel as it disperses heat evenly and can tolerate high temperatures.
Dutch oven
Using a Dutch oven, you can start cooking a meal on the stove and finish it in the oven. It is good for slow cooking, baking bread, roasting meat, making stews, soups, and braises.
Enamelised cast iron is the best material for Dutch ovens. Better at keeping heat in, this material is safe to use at high temperatures. That being said, it is important to only buy from reputable companies that have had their products checked for lead by a third party. An established business will offer a variety of options so you can pick the right size for your family.
Sauté pan
I have to politely disagree with people who think a sauté pan is not really that helpful. Some recipes require the convenience and safety of frying pans, but with slightly elevated sides to prevent sauces or stir-fried components from spilling. And a sauté pan is the perfect answer.
This pan is great for shallow cooking or stir-frying because of its side height. But my favourite thing to do in a sauté pan is reduce sauces. Their increased surface area means the sauce can spread out more evenly and reduces faster.
