Looking for the perfect set of cookware to make your meals in? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, there are a few different types of cookware that you’ll want to know about.
In this cookware guide, we will talk about pans and griddles and what they are used for.
Pans and griddles are two of the most essential pieces of cookware that you will need in your kitchen.
Pans are typically used for cooking food in liquid, while griddles are better suited for cooking food that does not require liquid. Pans come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Griddles are usually flatter and larger than pans, making them ideal for cooking large quantities of food at once. Both pans and griddles can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, and even stone. The type of material you choose will largely be determined by your personal preferences and the type of cooking you plan on doing.
If you're just starting out in the restaurant kitchen, it might be a good idea to purchase a professional set of pans and griddles so that you have all the essentials. As you become more experienced, you can then start to experiment with different materials and sizes to find the perfect cookware for your needs.
Cast iron cookware is a classic choice for those who are looking for a durable set of cookware that will last a long time. This type of cookware is great for cooking over medium to high heat, and is also a great option for searing or frying foods.
Copper cookware is another popular type of cookware, and is perfect for those who are looking for a versatile set of cookware that can be used for a variety of cooking methods. This type of cookware is great for cooking at high temperatures, and is also a great option for baking or braising.
Glass cookware is a recent addition to the cookware market, and is perfect for those who are looking for dishes that are visually stunning. This type of cookware is also a great choice for those who are looking for dishes that are easy to clean.
COOKWARE TYPES
Fry Pan - Non-Stick Aluminum Fry Pan
- Curved side walls for easy stirring and sliding food out of the pan
- Ideal for frying, scrambling, sautéing or searing
- Sloped sides prevent steam from forming in the pan
Sauté Pan - 3 Quart Saute Pan
- Wide bottom area for maximum heat conduction
- Ideal for sautéing, searing, deglazing, poaching, and stir frying
- Straight, high sides help contain food and expose all sides to heat
Stir Fry Pan - Aluminum Stir Fry Pan
- Ideal for stir frying or wok applications
- Deep curved sides promote excellent food movement
- Flat bottom sits level on cooking surface
Saucier - Vollrath Saucier Pan
- Hybrid sauce pan and fry pan
- Saute, brown, poach, create a stir-fry and build a sauce
- Curved sides allow for thorough and efficient whisking of ingredients
Straight Sided Sauce Pan
- Wide bottom area for maximum heat conduction Ideal for creating and reducing sauces and cooking vegetables
- Use with a lid to control evaporation and accelerate cooking
Tapered Sauce Pan - Tapered Non-Stick Sauce Pan
- Small bottom diameter for less heat exposure
- Flared sides allows for good stirring action
- Ideal for cooking at lower temperatures for a longer time
Brazier/Rondo - Heavy Duty Brazier Pan
- Wide heating surface allows the cooking of meats and vegetables in limited amounts of liquid
- Ideal for long, slow cooking which allows the liquid to add juices and flavor
- Also used as a hot bath in conjunction with tapered sauce pans for melting butters, heating sauces or blanching vegetables
Sauce Pot - Steel Sauce Pot
- Wide bottom area for maximum heat conduction
- Ideal for slow cooking stews, sauces, soups, casseroles and roasts while reducing the content
- Two loop handles for easier pouring and movement
Stock Pot - 20 QT Stock Pot
- Thick base for a good slow simmer
- Ideal for stocks, soups, pastas, bulk vegetables and seafood
- Smaller diameter and taller height of pot preserves liquids longer and forces the liquid to bubble up through the ingredients, maximizing flavor transfer
Griddle - Cast Iron Griddle
- Wide flat bottom for maximum cooking area
- Designed to heat or brown foods Ideal for eggs, grilled cheese, quesadillas, sandwiches