Saucepans come in various shapes, sizes and materials, each with different functionality and benefits. Consider the folowing when purchasing your next saucepan or set.
Size: Be sure to choose one large enough to accommodate how many people you regularly cook for and the amount of food you typically cook.
Material: The material the saucepan is made from is also key, as different materials conduct heat differently. Aluminium heats up quickly but doesn’t retain heat as well as other materials like stainless steel. A non-stick saucepan is also useful if you are making sauces like caramel or certain marinades as they can be difficult to clean off the surface of the pan once it has dried or evaporated.
Saucepan Lids: The most common type of saucepan lids are stainless steel and glass lids. Stainless steel saucepan lids are less susceptible to breakage than tempered glass saucepan lids, however, glass allows you to keep an eye on your food whilst cooking without letting the heat escape from removing the lid.
Handles: Consider what type of handle you prefer, as this can impact both comfort and safety while cooking.
Sizes of saucepans available
The most common sizes of saucepans are 16cm, 18cm and 20cm. However, there are also smaller and larger sizes available.
Small: Smaller saucepans typically measure around 14cm- 16cm and have a capacity of 1.2L or 1.5L. Perfect for everyday tasks such as boiling eggs, making gravies and sauces or using it as a milk pan.
Medium: Typically a medium sized saucepan has a capacity of 2L - 2.5L. This versatile size that can be used for cooking larger meals such as pasta or rice dishes.
Large: Our larger saucepans measure 18cm or 20cm and have a capacity of anywhere from 3L to an impressive 4L, perfect if you’re batch cooking or cooking for a large group of people. If you need a larger size than this, consider opting for a stockpot which has a capacity of up to 15L.
Different saucepan materials
The most common material options are Stainless Steel, Copper, non-stick, Cast Iron and Enamel. Each has its own set of benefits for different types of cooking.
Stainless Steel Saucepans: By far the most popular material of choice. These saucepans are known for their non-reactive properties, as the metal won't affect the flavor of your food. They are also highly durable, long lasting and easy to clean.
non-stick Saucepans: Non-stick coatings are a great option as your food is less likely to stick and burn. Non-stick cookware is also easy to clean compared to other materials.
Copper Saucepans: An excellent conductor of heat, great for even cooking. Copper typically requires more maintenance than other materials and can also react with certain foods, so be sure to choose a lined copper pan if you'll be using it for acidic dishes.
Cast Iron Saucepans: One of the oldest materials used in cookware. Cast iron is slow to heat but retains heat well, making it great for slow-cooked dishes. Cast iron is also very durable and can be used on any type of stovetop, including induction cooktops.
Aluminium: Durable, Non- reactive and corrosion resistant,these saucepans distribute heat evenly and are often non-stick. It is no wonder hard anodised aluminium is becoming a more popular choice.
Our favourite brands
With so many great cookware brands out there, it's hard to choose just a few favourites! But if we had to narrow it down, these are the brands that would make our list:
- Scanpan: A well-known and respected brand in the cookware world, and their saucepans are no exception. Made from high-quality materials and construction, which means they'll last for years (and years) of cooking.
- Le Creuset: Iconic French Brand Le Creuset are known for their beautiful cookware colours, designs and quality. They come in a wide range of colours, so you can easily find one that fits your kitchen's aesthetic.
- Chasseur: Enameled cast iron high quality cookware. Chasseur cast-iron cookware is all French-made and can be used with all sources of heat: gas, electric, induction or oven.
- Woll: Produced & manufactured in Germany with professional quality, cast-aluminium cookware that undergoes rigorous production methods to ensure they are long-lasting. Woll cookware is also ovenproof, lightweight and backed with a limited lifetime warranty.
- Lodge: Lodge is a trusted name in cast iron cookware. They're durable, reliable, and will last you a lifetime if properly cared for.
- Essteele: An Australian owned brand manufactured in Milan, Italy. Essteele is known for producing high quality cookware with beautiful designs.
- Tefal: One of Australia's most popular cookware brands, the Jamie Oliver by Tefal range includes hard-anodised saucepans and is designed for family cooking and everyday use.
- Anolon: The Anolon cookware collection features PFOA free non-stick interior and their Endurance range is metal-utensil and dishwasher safe with an attractive polished stainless steel construction that is also induction ready.
- De Buyer: Founded in 1830 in France, De Buyer pots and pans are high quality cookware made of steel, stainless steel, copper and non-stick aluminium.
- Swiss Diamond: Swiss Diamond is world renowned for producing one of the best quality non-stick coatings available. Dishwasher safe and backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The difference between saucepans & milk pans
A milk pan is a saucepan with low sides and a pouring spout, used for heating milk. It is similar to a double boiler as it has a steam guard around the edge of the pan to prevent the milk from boiling over. A saucepan, on the other hand, has taller sides and is not equipped with a pouring spout. It is designed for cooking food directly in the pan, rather than pouring or serving.
Investing in a saucepan set
A good quality saucepan set can last for years, so it's worth investing in something that will serve you well. If you're looking for a new saucepan set, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about the size and number of pots and pans you need. If you entertain often or cook for large groups, you'll need a larger set. Second, consider what materials you want your pans to be made from. Lastly, your brand preference, you may want to match your saucepan set with other cookware pieces you already have, or alternatively, you may wish to switch up your cookware and opt for a higher quality set than what you may currently have.
Other cookware to consider
If you're looking for other cookware, consider a skillet or frying pan. Skillets and frying pans are great for cooking eggs, bacon, and other quick-cooking foods. Another option is a Dutch oven. Dutch ovens are perfect for making stews, roasts and other slow-cooked meals.
Finally, consider adding a few more basics to your kitchen. We've listed the most commonly purchased cookware alongside saucepans & milkpans.
Buying saucepans online at Everten
If you're looking for a great selection of saucepans and cookware, Everten is the perfect place to shop. We have a wide range of saucepans in different sizes and styles, so you're sure to find the perfect one for your needs.
Our online store makes it easy to find exactly what you're looking for. You can filter by size, material, brand, and price to narrow down your options. And if you need any help, our friendly customer service team is always happy to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do saucepans rust?
Saucepans are generally made from either stainless steel or aluminum. Both of these materials are resistant to rust, but saucepans can still develop rust spots if they are not properly cared for. To prevent rust on your saucepans, be sure to wash them with hot, soapy water after each use and dry them thoroughly.
How Long will a saucepan handle last?
Your saucepan handles will vary in how long they last based on a number of factors including the material the saucepan handles are made from, if they are heat resistant, how you care for your cookware and if the handles are detachable or not.
