It is not easy to choose the most convenient, reliable and beautiful pan from a huge number of various options. They differ in volume, material, thickness and diameter, appearance and shape. Which of them can become a universal helper in the kitchen?
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To begin with, it is worth dwelling in detail on the types of material. Usually it is stainless steel, aluminum, ceramics, glass, cast iron, copper. Each product has special properties.
In the first place in popularity are stainless steel products. Almost all the largest Russian and foreign manufacturers of kitchen utensils are engaged in the production of such pans. This is a universal device suitable for cooking any dishes. Steel does not adversely affect the taste properties of products. In addition, this material is durable and lasts longer than others. It is recommended to wash steel dishes only with a soft sponge, brushes with a metal cleaning surface will only spoil the surface, leaving scratches.
Another popular material that was once the most sought after is aluminum. Aluminum cookware is generally inexpensive. Pans made of extruded aluminum are very light in weight, but are subject to deformation. On the contrary, cast aluminum products are distinguished by their strength, noticeable weight, but they are also more expensive in cost. Water in such dishes boils very quickly, and the material is absolutely harmless. Aluminum products are great for everyday use - boiling eggs, potatoes.If the product is equipped with a non-stick coating, you can cook full meals in it, as well as cook compotes - the products here do not have direct contact with aluminum.
Heavy cast iron pans with non-stick coating are good for frying, stewing and roasting.
Such dishes have thick walls and are equally suitable for the stove and oven (if its surface is not covered with enamel).
Pans made of impact-resistant fire-resistant glass cannot be placed on the stove, it can only be used in the microwave or oven. If it is necessary to use it on a gas stove, it is necessary that the burners be with a fire divider, since heat-resistant glass requires uniform heating. For the same reason, it is recommended to put the pan in a cold oven, gradually heating it up, otherwise the glass may burst. The finished dish in it can be served on the table, as glassware looks aesthetically pleasing and not bulky.
Ceramic pots are able to keep heat for a long time. The material is safe, does not interact with products. Such dishes can be put on the stove, used in the oven, and the dishes cooked in it have a special taste. At the same time, ceramics is one of the most expensive and fragile materials.
Enamel cookware is inexpensive and heats up quickly. Enamel acts as a protective layer between the metal base and products. However, the enamel coating can chip off from impacts, and rust can form at the cleavage site, releasing harmful substances.
Copper pans are reliable, but have a high cost. The dish in such dishes is stored better, but it is not recommended to cook vegetables, fruits or sour dishes in it.
Copper pans have an attractive appearance, details such as handles and lids are gracefully shaped and often handmade.
It is also worth dwelling on some technical characteristics of dishes that play an important role in choosing.
Lids. Glass or steel are best. The transparent lid made of fire-resistant glass allows you to observe the cooking process. But such lids must have good throughput, otherwise steam will accumulate. Steel lids are durable and reliable, some are equipped with a special funnel for adding ingredients to the dish during cooking. There are also models with built-in temperature sensors to control the process.
Coating. One of the essential features. It is best to give preference to dishes with a non-stick coating on the bottom. It makes the surface smooth, as a result, you can add a minimum of vegetable oil and the food does not burn.
Pens. They are usually made of Bakelite, plastic, silicone, or the same material that the pot itself is made from. But, no matter what they are made of, the main requirement is that the handles do not heat up. However, in the case of cast "ears" of enameled and cast-iron devices, this is not possible. And a material like silicone or plastic can melt and deform if caught in a fire. Handles attached to the product with rivets can quickly become loose with heavy use. A more reliable method of fastening is spot welding.
Wall and bottom thickness. The standard bottom thickness is considered to be the range from 1.9 mm to 8 mm. Such a bottom heats up quickly, due to which the dish cooks quickly, and its heating occurs evenly.There are also products with a multilayer bottom, they cool slowly, so that the dish remains warm for a long time.
As for the walls, their thickness is from 0.4 mm to 5 mm, and the greater the thickness, the longer the heat of the cooked products is retained.
Plate type. On a conventional gas stove, you can put pans from almost any material. Glass products are not recommended to be placed on an electric stove. And the induction cooker interacts well with special pans, the bottom of which is equipped with a magnetic plate.
Volume. This parameter directly depends on what type of dishes will be cooked in a particular dish. For example, for soups, compotes, various pickles, a large saucepan with a volume of 18-20 liters is suitable.
Universal model of Russian production with a volume of 3 liters. Suitable for cooking most types of food. Dream Granite is made of high quality cast aluminum and has a non-stick coating that protects products from direct contact with aluminum. The thickness of the bottom is 6 mm, the walls are 4 mm, thanks to which food is cooked quickly and heat is distributed evenly. DREAM Granite has two short handles, the lid is made of heat-resistant glass. Diameter of dishes - 25 cm (top), 15.5 cm (bottom). Weight - 1.7 kg. Suitable for all types of hob except induction. The average cost is - 1,199 rubles.
The Russian brand Kukmara produces aluminum cookware with a non-stick coating of the classic type or ceramic, as well as plain, uncoated. Kukmara Tradition is made of cast aluminum and equipped with a ceramic non-stick coating that does not lose its resistance during long-term use. The thickness of the walls is 4 mm, the bottom - 6 mm, due to which the product is characterized by increased strength and resistance to deformation. Heat is evenly distributed over the surface of the dish, the dish remains warm for a long time. The lid is made of heat-resistant glass, the handles do not heat up during cooking. The model can be placed on any type of stove except induction, as well as put in the oven. Bottom diameter - 15.7 cm. Weight - 1.76 kg. The average cost is - 1,556 rubles.
Made from rolled aluminium, Ferno Green non-stick coating prevents ingredients from sticking to the work surface. Also, the presence of such a coating allows you to cook without the use of oil, or with a minimum amount of it. There is no greasy coating on the surface, it is easily cleaned with mild detergents. It is not recommended to wash the product in the dishwasher. Glass lid included. BergHOFF Eclipse is suitable for all hob types, including induction. The diameter is 16 cm. It is available in four colors - orange, beige-gray, purple and lime. The average cost is 3,250 rubles.
The model of a well-known French brand is made of high-strength alloy (aluminum and stainless steel), which does not deform or corrode. Equipped with a non-stick coating, thanks to which the products do not stick to the surface of the dishes. Tefal Unlimited is great for boiling and stewing. The handles are made of Bakelite and stainless steel, they do not heat up during the cooking process, providing additional safety. The glass lid is equipped with a special outlet valve that prevents the food being cooked from boiling over. Suitable for all cooktops, including hobs, induction cookers. Diameter - 24 cm. Weight - 2.1. The cost is - 8 490 rubles.
Ceramic pot in a classic style with rounded shapes. Keeps heat inside for a long time, due to which the cooking process is faster. The model is made of safe, environmentally friendly material that does not accept foreign odors. Food is heated evenly without burning or sticking to the surface. Ceramic lid included. The side handles are made from the same material.The product can be washed in the dishwasher and can also be used in the oven. The bottom is single-layer, 4 mm thick. The top diameter is 19 cm. The average cost is 1,430 rubles.
Glass-ceramic model with high heat resistance. Such dishes can be used on any type of stove, except for induction, as well as in a microwave and oven. Pyrex Flame has an elegant design, it can be used for table setting. The lid is made of heat-resistant glass, the handles are ceramic. The inner surface does not stain after cooking, does not absorb foreign odors. The product can be washed in a dishwasher. The diameter is 21 cm. The average cost is 1,442 rubles.
Stylish colorful model with an exclusive design that can become a decoration of the kitchen. The material of the product is completely safe, has a natural composition and special strength. It does not lose its original properties during long-term operation. Appetite Vernazza Gratin is suitable for stewing, boiling, frying and making soups. The lid is also made of ceramic, fits securely to the edges and is equipped with a steam vent.Suitable not only for preparing a variety of dishes, but also for storing food in the refrigerator. Suitable for all types of stoves, except for induction, as well as for microwave and oven. In addition, it can be washed in the dishwasher. Bottom thickness - 10 mm, walls - 8 mm. Color green with white. The average cost is - 1,730 rubles.
A model made of heat-resistant ceramics, which is a natural, environmentally friendly material. The composition does not contain harmful substances, lead or cadmium impurities. The product has high strength, resistant to chemicals, resistant to mechanical damage. Vernazza Tuscany is versatile, able to keep warm for a long time, in addition, you can store dishes in the refrigerator in it. Equipped with ergonomic handles and ceramic lid. Vernazza Tuscany is suitable for all types of cookers and can also be washed in the dishwasher. The diameter is 22 cm. The average cost is 1,617 rubles.
The model from the Portuguese manufacturer has a high thermal conductivity, so that the products are heated evenly and quickly brought to readiness. The weight is small, even when filled, the dishes remain not very heavy.Copper Crafts is suitable for electric, gas and induction hobs. The top diameter is 18 cm. The bottom thickness is 4 mm. The kit includes a copper cover. The handles are fastened with rivets. The average cost is 6,490 rubles.
Model from the Italian brand Ruffoni, which has a golden-copper surface, the relief of which is made by hand by embossing. The decorative handles are made of stainless steel, the lid is decorated with a composition of vegetables and leaves, which adds sophistication to the dishes. The material is three-layer - the outer side is copper, the inner side is made of stainless steel, and in the center there is a layer made of aluminum. Copper evenly distributes heat inside the cookware, and due to the presence of a steel layer, the pan gains increased strength. Ruffoni Opus Cupra is suitable for cooking spaghetti, first courses, stewing vegetables. At the same time, the taste and nutritional properties of the products do not change. Works well with any type of hob except induction. Diameter 16 cm. The average cost is 27,990 rubles.
A classic saucepan with a glass lid, which has a noble copper color.The material is three-layer (copper, aluminum, steel), so the product is characterized by rapid heating, good thermal conductivity and high strength. The dish heats up quickly and evenly without burning or sticking to the surface. The product is suitable for cooking soups, cooking side dishes, stewing stews. The design of KitchenAid is thought out to the smallest detail, the shape is ergonomic, providing ease of use. The product can be used on gas, electric, induction stoves, as well as on the hob and in the oven. The top diameter is 24 cm. The wall thickness is 3 mm. The average cost is 21,490 rubles.
A model from a Chinese manufacturer that can be used both at home and at the scale of enterprises. Suitable for cooking a wide range of dishes, it can interact with most types of stoves, not including induction. ProHotel BAR29 has an internal coating of chromium-nickel steel that is resistant to corrosion. The middle layer is made of aluminum, the outer layer is made of high quality copper. Cover included. The average cost is - 10,410 rubles.
High quality stainless steel product. Differs in attractive appearance and at the same time durability.This practical model is built using the triple bottom technology, consisting of a stamped and fused aluminum disc. This method allows you to evenly distribute heat, keeping it for a long time. Due to this effect, the cooking process continues after the stove is switched off. In Rondell Flamme you can cook without oil, or with a minimum amount of it. Thanks to this, the products retain their natural taste. Additionally, the product is equipped with a measuring scale, spouts for draining water. The top diameter is 20 cm, the bottom diameter is 16.5 cm. The thickness is 5 mm (bottom) and 0.6 mm (walls). The bottom is multi-layered, fused. The average cost is - 2,198 rubles.
Large and capacious dishes in which you can cook compotes, jams, marinades. The product is easy to care for, it does not require special care, it is practical and durable. When interacting with steel, the products do not change their taste properties. The bottom of the product is thick, contains an aluminum insert. This design evenly distributes heat inside the cookware, keeping it for a long time when removing the pan from the stove. Includes steel lid. The method of fastening the handles - rivets. The top diameter is 28 cm, the wall thickness is 0.6 mm. Product weight - 3.4 kg. The average cost is - 1,859 rubles.
Functional and practical model with an attractive appearance. The handles are also made of steel, but they do not heat up during operation. Tefal Intuition is suitable for all types of hob, including induction. In addition, it can be washed in the dishwasher. The bottom of the product is thickened, so the heating of the products occurs evenly. The device comes with a glass lid with a steel handle. The handles are attached by spot welding. The design is equipped with a measuring scale. The top diameter is 20 cm, the bottom diameter is 17.5 cm. The thickness is 4 mm. Weight - 1.2 kg. The average cost is - 1,780 rubles.
Classic rounded model, made in traditional English style. The design of the bottom is encapsulated, equipped with an aluminum insert, which allows you to evenly distribute heat. The kit includes a lid made of fire-resistant glass, which is equipped with a steam outlet and a tight-fitting steel rim. Taller Shelborne is suitable for an induction cooker, but you can’t put it in the oven - the side handles interfere. The diameter is 200 mm. Additionally, it has a measuring scale. Handles are equipped with silicone slips. The average cost is - 2,052 rubles.
Product from the Belgian brand. Cast iron cookware that reliably retains heat, which is necessary when stewing and simmering dishes. The tight-fitting lid retains moisture well, keeping food juicy. The inside has a smooth enamel finish, allowing the use of a minimum of oil or grease. BergHOFF Moon combines stylish looks with durable materials. The wide side handles are comfortable to grip. Suitable for any type of hob, including induction. Top diameter 20 cm. Weight - 5.45. The average cost is 3,800 rubles.
The model is made of high quality cast iron with enamel coating. The thickness of the walls of the dishes reaches 5 mm, which ensures high heating and long-term preservation of heat. This effect is especially necessary when stewing and languishing dishes. Cast iron handles. The cover of the product is equipped with a steel handle. Pyrex SlowCook is dishwasher safe. Top diameter - 20 cm. Weight is 4.5 kg. Available in bright red. The average cost is - 3,833 rubles.
Model, made in a bright, juicy orange color. The inside has a smooth coating that prevents food from sticking or burning, so the product is easy to clean.The lid fits snugly to the rim, maintaining uniform heating - this preserves the beneficial properties of the products and improves the taste of the finished dish. Vitesse Ferro can be used with an induction hob or placed in the oven. The diameter is 10 cm, the wall thickness is 3.5 mm, and the weight is 1.19 kg. The average cost is 1,149 rubles.
Le Creuset's neat round saucepan is a classic model with versatile uses. As befits cast-iron cookware, it holds heat well and conducts it evenly inside, so the product is indispensable for stewing, simmering, and cooking over low heat. The inner surface has a glossy enamel coating that does not absorb odors, so you can store the finished dish in the pan, as well as use dishes for marinating, sauteing, frying ingredients.
Le Creuset can be used on all types of stoves, suitable for induction hob and oven, it can also be used for outdoor grilling. As for care, it can be washed both by hand and in the dishwasher, without the use of abrasives or metal brushes. In order for the product to serve for a long time, it is not recommended to expose it to sudden changes in temperature. The diameter is 26 cm. Weight - 2.5 kg. Available in a variety of colors (color "fiery lava", "almond", "meringue", blue, cherry, sky blue, green and others). The average cost is 31,900 rubles.
To choose a good pan, you should pay attention to the presence of the following elements that are responsible for additional comfort and safety of use:
The quality of the prepared dishes directly depends on the quality of the dishes. It is best to give preference to well-known brands and highly specialized stores. At the same time, it is not necessary to select separate dishes for each type of dish; one universal high-quality pan can replace many less expensive and reliable options.