Create Gourmet Meals at Home with the Perfect Cookware
Equipped with the right tools, supplies, and ingredients, you can whip up delectable gourmet meals without leaving your kitchen. Cooking pans are among the most vital items in any culinary arsenal, so it's essential to choose ones that meet your specific needs. Our selection offers a vast array of cooking pans in different materials and finishes. Explore options from trusted brands like Calphalon, Le Creuset Dutch ovens, and our exclusive Williams Sonoma cookware collection.
Varieties of Pots and Pans
With so many pots and pans available, the ideal choices for your kitchen hinge on the types of dishes you love to prepare. Fundamental pieces every kitchen should include are frying pans and saucepans.
A frying pan features a shallow, flat bottom, perfect for browning, sautéing, and frying. If you frequently sauté, consider adding a sauté pan to your collection. It has higher vertical sides, making it easier to toss ingredients and achieve even browning.
Saucepans are versatile pots that come in multiple sizes, suitable for cooking foods in liquids, making sauces, and steaming grains. For those who often craft sauces from scratch, a saucier is a valuable tool. With shallower sides and rounded bottoms compared to saucepans, it simplifies the stirring process.
Additional handy cookware includes Dutch ovens, soup pots, and multipots. Dutch ovens are robust pots usable on both the stovetop and in the oven. Equipped with lids, they're ideal for slow-cooking casseroles and stews.
As their name suggests, soup pots are perfect for concocting soups and stocks. Their large size accommodates bones, vegetables, meats, herbs, and ample liquids.
Multipots excel at cooking pasta and steaming vegetables. These pots come with perforated inner containers-much like a colander-functioning as both pot and strainer.
Cookware Materials Explained
Cookware is crafted from various materials, including stainless steel, cast iron, copper, and nonstick finishes. Stainless steel pans are durable, boast a shiny appearance, and are easy to clean. Their stain-resistant nature makes them suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks.
Cast iron cookware offers even heating, making it ideal for recipes requiring long cooking times. Cast iron frying pans are excellent for searing and browning meats, as they can endure higher temperatures than nonstick alternatives. To prevent rust, many cast iron pans feature enamel coatings that shield the metal from acidic ingredients and cleaning agents.
Copper cookware is favored for its quick and even heating properties, capable of reaching high temperatures swiftly. However, copper can react with certain foods, such as acidic tomato sauces. Opt for copper pans lined with stainless steel if you prefer low-maintenance cookware.
Nonstick pans are popular for frying because their special coating prevents food from sticking, allowing you to use less oil and simplifying cleanup. Knowing the characteristics of different cookware materials helps you select the right pieces and care for them properly.
Tips for Cleaning Your Cookware
The proper cleaning method for your cookware depends on its material. Stainless steel pots and pans are generally easy to maintain. Most are dishwasher safe, and you can use sponges or brushes for scrubbing. Adhering to maintenance tips will prolong their lifespan.
Cast iron cookware requires more careful handling. Uncoated pieces need to be seasoned with multiple oil layers before first use. Avoid using detergents on uncoated cast iron, as they can remove the protective oil layer; instead, steer clear of water and abrasive cleaners. For cast iron with enamel coatings, gentle dish soap and a soft brush suffice.
When it comes to copper cookware, hand-wash them using mild dish soap and a soft brush, as they are not dishwasher safe due to copper's soft nature.
Nonstick cookware is easy to clean by hand because of its slick surface, and some items are dishwasher safe. To preserve the nonstick coating, avoid abrasive cleaning tools that could cause scratches.