A handy guide to our favorite kitchen tools, how to use them, and what makes them special.
Why You Want It
It’s not just for frying, though it’s the go-to for that.
Put It to Work
You can sauté some veggies, sear meat, and even bake in it. The range of sizes and overall ease of these pans make them a must for any kitchen.
Why You Want It
It’s one of the handiest tools in any kitchen cabinet.
Put It to Work
Sauces, of course. But this isn’t a one-trick pan. Make grains, steam veggies, or do a quick mac and cheese. You can heat up pasta sauce or poach eggs, heat soup, etc.
Why You Want It
Because it’s so roomy, it’s perfect for one-pan meals.
And all that room makes it ideal for a wide range of techniques.
Put It to Work
The wide cooking surface gives you plenty of space for frying, searing, and sautéing (hence the name). The lid keeps in moisture, so it comes in handy for steaming, even braising.
Why You Want It
It’s a holiday meal icon, but this isn’t a one-trick pan—it makes family-sized meals and roasted veggies effortless.
Put It to Work
This pan lets you take full advantage of the dry heat of the oven. It’s perfect for long, slow roasts, baking cakes, or even a classic family-sized lasagna. The rack lifts your meat off the bottom of the pan, which allows the fat to pool and collect, so you can make sauces and gravy.
Why You Want It
It’s the go-to for pasta, but it’s also the go-to for stews, seafood, and so much more.
Put It to Work
All that room means you can fill it up with just about anything,
but stews, stocks, mussels, are simple with a spacious pot. You can simmer, fry, and boil, so it’s good for chilis and other slow cooker, flavor-dense food. And we’ve heard some even use it for home brewing.
Why You Want It
One of the most iconic pieces of cookware, this multipurpose pot is a must for a well-rounded kitchen.
Put It to Work
Stews are a given, but the even heating make this ideal for baking crusty bread, crafting complex soups and stews, or developing your own spin on a classic casserole. The solid construction of these pots makes them great for holding in moisture for savory roasts.
Why You Want It
Somewhere between a Dutch oven and a skillet, this pot is endlessly versatile.
Put It to Work
A braiser’s heavy lid that helps you trap steam for long, gentle cooking. But take away the lid and the low sides make for better browning without worrying about steaming. Perfect for roasting, simmering, and searing, this is a true kitchen workhorse.
Why You Want It
You can’t rely on one pan or pot to get you through complex meals. A full set will give you everything you need for
multi-pan masterpieces
Put It to Work
If you’re putting in serious time at the stovetop, you can’t go wrong with a full set. Each pot and pan has its time to shine, and with a full set you’ll always
have the right tool for the job.