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In a related post, I reviewed what I consider to be the 10 essential pieces of cookware for everyday cooking.  I’m now going to offer my insights on how one would typically use a specific type of cookware, benefits of that type, as well as tips for usage.

My input is specific to the types of pan surfaces to which I’ll be referring, including stainless steel, nonstick pans, and porcelain-enameled cast iron, and is based on more than 12 years of everyday experience with this cookware.

Nonstick Fry Pan

Typical uses: eggs and omelets; sauteing
Benefits: as the type implies, no sticking; easy cleanup!
Tips for use: do not set your cooktop or stove to a temperature higher than medium; unless you’ll be adding a medium for sauteing, e.g., butter or oil, “season” the pan prior to each use by adding one tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil, then spreading it around and picking up the excess with a paper towel

Stainless Steel Fry Pan

Typical uses: sauteing; searing; oven cooking; simmering
Benefits: surface does not react with food; can use high heat; oven safe; great for deglazing sauces
Tips for use: very rarely is there a need to use a heat higher than medium; heating too high will cause foods to stick unnecessarily

Sauce Pan

Typical Uses: making sauces!; simmering; rice, pasta; boiling; reducing
Benefits: can use high heat; oven safe; come in variety of sizes to meet needs
Tips for use: nothing special here!

Stock Pot

Typical Uses:  boiling liquids; pasta; soups; simmering; oven cooking
Benefits: large capacity; can use high heat; oven safe; some come with built-in strainers for use when making pasta
Tips for Use: nothing worth noting

Saute Pan

Typical Uses: sauteing; simmering; sauces; deglazing; braising; oven cooking
Benefits: wide surface area; 6 quart size is great for large dishes; great for deglazing; my favorite piece of cookware!
Tips for Use: very rarely is there a need to use a heat higher than medium; heating too high will cause foods to stick unnecessarily

Dutch Oven by Le Creuset

Typical Uses: searing; braising; oven cooking; simmering; sauces
Benefits: outstanding at retaining heat; heavy, solid piece of cookware; porcelain-enameled surface will not react with food; dishwasher safe (except for those with wood as the handles)
Tips for Use: always start with a temperature that is lower than what is called for; rarely a need to use a heat higher than medium

I’m happy for anyone to point out something I may have overlooked.

In my next article in this segment I’ll review how to properly care for your cookware.

chris@clawblog.com

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