Whether you’re just getting into cooking or a seasoned pro, having the right kitchen tools can make a world of difference. With these essential pans, you can cook just about anything—whether it’s a simple breakfast, a hearty stew, or even homemade bread! From a good stainless steel skillet to a trusty Dutch oven, I’ll walk you through the top pans you’ll need for your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Skillets and frying pans
Large Stainless Steel Skillet – Also known as a frying pan! It’s an absolute powerhouse in the kitchen and one of the top essential pans you should own. If you need to brown large quantities of vegetables or meat, then this is the pan you’ll turn to. It’s extremely durable, reacts well to high heat, and will last for years to come.
RECIPE TO TRY – One Skillet Chicken and Peas
Cast Iron Skillet Lodge – Similar to a stainless steel skillet, a cast iron skillet is a workhorse in the kitchen and can last for generations to come. Literally. It is known for retaining heat well and can go from stovetop to oven, which is one of its finest qualities. Its cooking power really shines through when you need heat that lasts and lasts. I love cooking pizzas, bacon, or searing steaks with it.
RECIPE TO TRY – Garlic Butter Chicken
Nonstick Skillet – This is definitely an essential pan for delicate foods like eggs, pancakes, crepes, or anything else that could break while being turned or flipped. When choosing a non-stick skillet, look for one that is not only durable, but free from harmful chemicals like PFAS and remember to not use metal utensils with it.
RECIPE TO TRY – Fluffy Pancakes
Saucepans and pots
Sauce Pans – From cooking grains to heating liquids to making sauces, having saucepans in a variety of sizes will prove to be a valuable resource in your kitchen. A 2-qt saucepan is ideal for small tasks like making or reheating sauces, while a larger 3-qt to 4-qt saucepan can handle stews, soups, and pasta. Stainless steel saucepans are rust resistant, durable, and non-reactive to acidic ingredients and will last a long time. Be sure to look for saucepan with an aluminum or copper core for ideal heat conduction.
RECIPE TO TRY – Homemade Pasta Sauce
Stock Pot – A stock pot is basically a saucepan… but bigger. Think 6-qt to 8 qts, with some being larger than that! The tall sides and wide surface area provides plenty of room to cook large quantities of food without boiling over. It’s an essential pan for stocks, pasta, potatoes, and large batches of soup. If you meal prep, can, make jams, or do any large amounts of cooking, this is a must-have kitchen pot!
RECIPE TO TRY – Potato Leek Soup
specialty pans
Stainless Steel Sauté Pan – Similar to a skillet but with higher sides, a sauté pan is great for foods that require more liquid like risottos or sauces. It’s also great for searing meats and sautéing vegetables, meats, seafood, or even herbs and spices! Sautéing your food is healthier cooking method compared to frying, so keep that in mind when adding a sauté pan to your kitchen.
RECIPE TO TRY – Mushroom Orzo
Grill Pan – Brings those coveted grill marks and flavors indoors when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space? Turn to your grill pan! It’s snowy or rainy and you’re craving some Grilled Lemon Chicken or Barbeque Turkey Burgers? Turn to a grill pan! Be sure to look for a grill pan that is cast iron or enameled!
RECIPE TO TRY – Pizza Grilled Cheese
Wok – Definitely a go-to for for stir-fries and quick, high-heat cooking. Woks are extremely versatile since you can use them for indoor braising, steaming, or smoking. The deep sides also make it ideal for deep-frying, too. A carbon steel wok is a more traditional choice, but if you’re new to using a wok, you can opt for a nonstick one.
RECIPE TO TRY – Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Dutch Oven – This pan is famous for pulling double duty in the kitchen! Use it on the stove for a soup, but then put it in the oven to bake bread. Dutch ovens are also popular for braising meat, which requires the use of both the stove top and oven.
RECIPE TO TRY – Tortellini Soup
Half-Sheet Pan – At first you may not categorize this in the pots and pans category because it’s usually associated with baking, but you’ll change your mind after making an easy weeknight dinner with it! You can also pair a half-sheet pan with a wire baking rack for catching drips when deep frying or roasting. Let’s also not forget all the cookies and sweet treats that can be made with this pan!
RECIPE TO TRY – Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Let’s get cooking!
No matter what you’re making, the right pan will definitely amplify your experience in the kitchen and help you create delicious meals with confidence. Happy cooking!
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