Pots
There is no need to emphasize that pots are a very important part in any kitchen, not just for general cooking, but also for simmering, braising, stewing, steaming, or even frying (if you don’t have a deep fryer available). Kinds of pots There are many kinds of pots, but here I’ll describe the four most common kinds that will be most useful for your household: 1. Sauce pan Even though it is called a pan, it is classified as a pot. It has a handle like any regular pan. The main part is taller than any regular pan and looks more like a sauce pot –just with a pan handle. More specific info about sauce pans below this section or here. Even though it is called a pan, it is classified as a pot. It has a handle like any regular pan. The main part is taller than any regular pan and looks more like a sauce pot –just with a pan handle. More specific info about sauce pans below this section or here. 2. Sauce pot Usually lower and wider. More specific info about sauce pots below or here. Usually lower and wider. More specific info about sauce pots below or here. 3. Stock pots Usually taller than wider. More specific info about stock pots below or here. Usually taller than wider. More specific info about stock pots below or here. 4. Braizer pot Very wide but short pot (much shorter and wider than a sauce pot). More specific info about brazier pots below or here. Very wide but short pot (much shorter and wider than a sauce pot). More specific info about brazier pots below or here. How to select the best pots? Best is to choose a professional grade, NSF-certified pot- it will last a lifetime in most households. Buy pots made from stainless steel with aluminum-clad bottoms for best performance, heat distribution, and durability. Buy pots that are ovenproof – can be placed in the oven giving you even greater versatility. Always buy pots with matching lids. Best is to choose a professional grade, NSF-certified pot- it will last a lifetime in most households. Buy pots made from stainless steel with aluminum-clad bottoms for best performance, heat distribution, and durability. Buy pots that are ovenproof – can be placed in the oven giving you even greater versatility. Always buy pots with matching lids. Why is better to avoid nonstick cookware? Non-stick cookware is a great option for beginners since food does not stick on its’ surface while cooking, but the downside are these disadvantages typical for non-stick cookware: Less durable – shorter lifetime. Problem with consistent distribution of temperature – poor performance. Problem reaching high temperatures when needed. Some research associated Teflon surface cookware with increasing the risk of cancer. Less durable – shorter lifetime. Problem with consistent distribution of temperature – poor performance. Problem reaching high temperatures when needed. Some research associated Teflon surface cookware with increasing the risk of cancer. It is good to have a variety of kinds and sizes to be able to prepare all kinds of meals: I would recommend having at least 1 small sauce pan (2 QT) and 1 medium sauce pan (4 QT), and if your budget allows, you can also purchase a large sauce pan (6 QT or more) that will be very convenient too. It is good to also have one larger sauce pot 8 – 12 QT. Rather than a smaller sauce pot, purchase more sauce pots that are better for smaller sizes. You need at least one stock pot, 8 QT or more. Best is to purchase a large brazier pot (12 QT) with a bottom diameter of 14” that will be the most convenient size for households and still fits the majority of home ovens. I would recommend having at least 1 small sauce pan (2 QT) and 1 medium sauce pan (4 QT), and if your budget allows, you can also purchase a large sauce pan (6 QT or more) that will be very convenient too. It is good to also have one larger sauce pot 8 – 12 QT. Rather than a smaller sauce pot, purchase more sauce pots that are better for smaller sizes. You need at least one stock pot, 8 QT or more. Best is to purchase a large brazier pot (12 QT) with a bottom diameter of 14” that will be the most convenient size for households and still fits the majority of home ovens.