What to consider when choosing a saucepan
Saucepans come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, each with different functionality and benefits. Consider the following 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 key, as different materials conduct heat differently. Aluminium heats up quickly but doesn’t retain heat as well as materials like stainless steel. A nonstick saucepan is also useful for sauces like caramel or certain marinades, which can be difficult to clean off the surface of the pan once it dries or evaporates.
Saucepan Lids: The most common types of saucepan lids are stainless steel and glass lids. Stainless steel lids are less susceptible to breakage than tempered glass lids, but glass lets you keep an eye on your food without losing heat by 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. They’re perfect for everyday tasks such as boiling eggs, making gravies and sauces, or using as a milk pan.
Medium: A medium-sized saucepan has a capacity of 2L-2.5L. This versatile size can be used for cooking larger meals such as pasta or rice dishes.
Large: Larger saucepans measure 18cm or 20cm and have a capacity of anywhere from 3L to 4L, ideal for batch cooking or cooking for a large group. For larger sizes, consider a stockpot which can hold 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 benefits for different types of cooking.
Stainless Steel Saucepans: The most popular choice, known for their non-reactive properties and durability. They are also long-lasting and easy to clean.
Non Stick Saucepans: Non-stick coatings prevent food from sticking and burning, making them easier to clean than other materials.
Copper Saucepans: Copper is an excellent heat conductor for even cooking. However, copper requires more maintenance and can react with certain foods, so choose a lined copper pan for acidic dishes.
Cast Iron Saucepans: Cast iron heats slowly but retains heat well, making it great for slow-cooked dishes. It is also highly durable and can be used on all stovetops, including induction cooktops.
Aluminium: Durable, non-reactive, and corrosion-resistant, aluminium saucepans distribute heat evenly and are often non-stick, making hard-anodised aluminium a popular choice.
Our favourite brands
Here are a few of our favourite saucepan brands:
- Scanpan: A respected brand known for high-quality materials and construction.
- Le Creuset: Iconic for its vibrant colours, beautiful designs, and quality craftsmanship.
- Chasseur: French-made enameled cast iron cookware that works on all heat sources.
- Woll: German-made, professional-quality cast-aluminium cookware.
- Lodge: Trusted for its durable, long-lasting cast iron cookware.
- Essteele: An Australian-owned brand known for beautiful, high-quality cookware.
- Tefal: A popular brand in Australia, offering a range of hard-anodised saucepans.
- Anolon: Known for their PFOA-free non-stick cookware that’s metal utensil safe and dishwasher-friendly.
- De Buyer: French-made cookware available in a variety of high-quality materials.
- Swiss Diamond: Renowned for its high-quality non-stick coatings, Swiss Diamond cookware is dishwasher safe and comes with a lifetime warranty.
The difference between saucepans and milk pans
A milk pan is a saucepan with low sides and a pouring spout, used for heating milk. It has a steam guard to prevent milk from boiling over. A saucepan, on the other hand, has taller sides and is designed for direct cooking without a pouring spout.
Investing in a saucepan set
A good quality saucepan set can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment. Consider the size, material, and brand preferences when choosing your set. You may want a larger set if you frequently entertain or cook for a crowd, or you might be looking to upgrade your cookware.
Other cookware to consider
If you're looking for other cookware, consider a skillet or frying pan. They’re great for quick-cooking foods. You might also want to invest in a Dutch oven for slow-cooked meals like stews or roasts. Additional cookware options include:
Buying saucepans online at Everten
Everten offers a wide range of saucepans in different sizes and styles. You can filter by size, material, brand, and price to find the perfect saucepan for your needs. If you need help, our friendly customer service team is ready to assist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do saucepans rust?
Saucepans are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, both of which are resistant to rust. However, rust spots can form if they are not properly cared for. To prevent rust, wash your saucepans with hot, soapy water and dry them thoroughly after each use.
How long will a saucepan handle last?
The lifespan of saucepan handles varies depending on the material, heat resistance, and how you care for your cookware. Detachable handles may wear out differently than fixed ones.
