The Best Pans For Every Occasion
Whether they’re scratched and knackered or kept in pristine condition, there’s no getting away from the fact that pans are an essential part of cooking. And if you fancy yourself as a whizz in the kitchen then it’s quite likely that pans are something that really get you going; yes, they can be sleek and stylish and yes they can be satisfyingly heavy, but most importantly pans are an essential part of cooking. It can be tricky to know where to start with such a huge range of types, styles, and brands to choose from, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best pans for every occasion. Thank us later.
The Best Frying Pans
A good quality frying pan is undeniably a kitchen essential. These babies come into their own when it’s time to sear, sauté, fry, or brown, and there’s a huge range of styles to choose from. Ideally, you’d want one with a non-stick surface and cast iron construction to allow for even cooking. It’s worth investing in a high-quality frying pan as it’ll last you for years and is used in loads of recipes, from omelettes to stir-fries and everything in between.
Whether you go for small, medium or large is up to you. A small non-stick cast iron frying pan is ideal for making eggs in the morning and doesn’t take up much space in the kitchen, while a medium or large frying pan is essential when cooking for more than one person. It’s also worth considering if your frying pan is oven-proof, as it’s really handy to be able to slide your pan into the oven for an even bake.
Low Budget: ProCook Gourmet Non-Stick Frying Pan With Lid
Middle Budget: Angela Reed 20cm Induction Copper Frying Pan
The Best Saucepans
A good quality saucepan is another kitchen essential that you really can’t do without. Boiling potatoes? Blending a soup? Making a stew? The humble saucepan is your new best friend. These guys are perfect for boiling, simmering, and making sauces, and come in loads of different styles and sizes. The quality can vary massively; you’ll be able to find a decent saucepan for under twenty quid but some can go for much, much more. In other words, you don’t have to splash the cash to find one that does the job, but it’s something to consider if you want it to be more durable.
Stainless steel or cast iron is always a good idea as they’re strong and durable, but these tend to be on the pricier side. Whether you go for one that’s small, medium, or large is entirely up you – they all have different uses so it’s recommended that you have a variety of sizes. While a small saucepan is perfect for boiling an egg, you’ll need a large one if you’re planning on cooking in bulk.
Low Budget: ProCook Gourmet Stainless Steel Saucepan & Lid
Middle Budget: Vogue Stainless Steel Saucepan 24cm
High Budget: De Buyer Affinity Stainless Steel Saucepan With Lid
Roasting Tins
Roasting tins are the go-to for those nights when you want to whack everything in the oven and forget about it for 40 minutes. They’re perfect for getting that crispy, golden chicken skin or achieving perfectly roasted potatoes. A good roasting tin distributes heat evenly, making sure everything cooks at the same pace. Plus, they’re versatile enough to handle a whole roast with all of the trimmings or a quick dinner when you're in a rush.
Middle budget: Vogue Aluminium Roasting Dish
High budget: De Buyer Choc Oven Tray
Woks
If you’re all about quick, flavour-packed meals, a wok is a must. Ideal for stir-fries, a wok’s high sides and large surface area make tossing ingredients easy and mess-free. The intense heat it holds means everything cooks fast, keeping your veggies crisp and your meats juicy. It's also great for deep frying and even steaming, making it a multi-tasking must-have for the kitchen.
Low budget: ProCook Gourmet Non-Stick Wok
Middle budget: Vogue Wok Non-Stick Teflon Platinum Wok
High budget: Le Creuset Toughened Non-Stick Wok
Casserole Dishes
Casserole dishes are the unsung heroes of comfort food. Whether you're whipping up a lasagna, a hearty stew, or a classic mac and cheese, these dishes seamlessly go from oven to table. Their thick, sturdy build ensures even cooking, keeping your dishes warm long after they’re out of the oven. Plus, they double as stylish serving dishes, making them perfect for hosting. In other words, get yourself a Le Creuset and spark jealousy into the hearts of your friends and family.
Medium budget: Vogue Orange Oval Cast Iron Casserole
High budget: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Casserole Dish