What to Look for in a Set of Pots & Pans
Purchasing a set of pots and pans is an investment. The utensils, including the pots and pans, in your kitchen will be utilized almost daily, and the wear and tear will surely cause their functionality to wane. When on the search for a new set, be sure to look for key attributes that will ensure you purchase the right set for you and your needs.
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Durability
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All pots and pans are not the same, though they may look similar. Pots and pans come in all shapes, sizes and materials, each with their own set of pros and cons. When purchasing, look for a set that is made with high-quality material. Brands like All Clad, Calphalon and Viking manufacture pots, pans and other kitchen items that are made to last a lifetime. Though they are more expensive, you will not have to replace one, save a serious defect or flaw.
However, if you purchase a pot and pan set that is inexpensive and made out of cheap material, odds are you will have to replace one or all pieces at one point or another. In the end, you will spend just as much, if not more with the less expensive set of cookware.
Also, keep in mind that the nonstick pots and pans may save time when it comes to cleaning up after a meal, but eventually the nonstick material will be worn away from use and will have to be replaced.
Cooking Needs
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Not everyone is a master chef who needs seven types of stock pots and 13 sauce pans. For the everyday cook, only a few are really necessary and will be utilized on a regular basis. Some of these include a 3-quart pot, a saute pan with a lid and a larger, 8-quart pot for soups and stews.
Before shopping for your cookware, make a list of the recipes you make frequently, and check to see what type of pot or pan is necessary. This will help you narrow down what is essential to your cooking needs versus what looks pretty or neat (though you will never use it) while you are wandering around the store.
Special Features
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If there are certain items you love to cook that require a special add-on or utensil, be sure to make a mental note or write it down before you go shopping. For instance, if you love making eggs benedict, an egg-poaching pan may be beneficial to add to your cooking set, or if you have an amazing beef stew recipe that you make every year in two six-quart pots, purchase a large, 12-quart pot to allow the stew to be made in one pot.
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