Kitchen Tools

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.

2. Sauce pot

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.