If you are looking into replacing your old used pots and pans, there are a few things you need to consider. Will you need a whole set? Will you have to make additional purchases? And what type of material is best? Keep reading for answers to any questions you have about purchasing a new pot set.
Set vs Individual Pieces
You first need to determine what your requirements are when looking to purchase pots and pans. This will depend on your individual needs. If you have pots and pans from your previous set that you would like to keep, then a set may not be the best option for you. Additionally, if you are cooking for one, you may not get much use out of the larger pots and pans included in many sets. Or if you have purchased a pot set in the past and notice that you don’t get any use out of a few pieces, you may want to choose individual pieces. This will help you save money and space by not purchasing unnecessary items. You know your cooking habits best so make a choice that will benefit you.
If you do decide that a pot set is right for you, then there are some things you need to consider when choosing a set. Consider what you have storage space for and what types of meals you like to make. Most people can get away with a set that includes around six pieces and their appropriately sized lids. The items that most people need are a small and large fry pan, a small and medium sized pot, a large sauce pot, and a pan with higher sides similar to a wok. There are, however, sets that include a wider array of pot and pan sizes and shapes. Some sets also include a few utensils as well. It can be helpful to write down a list of the pots and pans you currently use and any that find yourself wishing you had to determine which set is right for you.
Also keep in mind that you can supplement any pot set with a few individually purchased pieces. Consider this before you choose a larger set that has one specific piece you want. It is also important to note that you will not be able to purchase a set that comes with a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven. These will be some of the pieces you will need to purchase separate to your set.
Quality
You want to think about the quality of the set you are looking to purchase. If you want a set that is going to be around for years to come, then you would be wise to spend more for a better product. However, some materials can deteriorate quickly if you purchase a budget set. Let’s take a look at a few different materials before you determine how much you would like to spend on your new pot set.
Material
Material is going to be the most important choice you have to make when purchasing a pot set. There are stainless steel sets, non-stick sets and even copper pot sets. Here are some of the pros and cons of some of the different materials available:
- Stainless Steel Pros: These pans are going to be scratch and dent resistant and are able to withstand high heat. There will be no flavor transfer from the pan into your food and they are easy to maintain. Some varieties are even dishwasher safe.
- Stainless Steel Cons: There is a bit of a learning curve to cooking with stainless steel. If you cook on too high heat, food can be prone to sticking and even burn as stainless steel is very heat reactive. Additionally, some cheaper stainless-steel pans are likely to become wrapped. Buy high-quality to avoid this.
- Non-Stick Pros: Other than being non-stick, this type of pan is really easy for beginners to cook with. Since food doesn’t stick to them, they are also incredibly easy to clean. Also, if you are looking for a low-fat way to cook foods that typically require oil or butter to avoid sticking, non-stick is for you.
- Non-Stick Cons: These pans are not as durable as their stainless-steel counterparts. They can become worn down and the coating could flake off and release toxic particles into your food. They are also not great for high heat cooking, and you will need special utensils to avoid chipping the finish.
- Copper Pros: Copper is the most conductive of all the cookware metals which allows them to have superior heat distribution. They also have a quick heat reaction time making copper ideal for high level home cooks or chefs. Not to mention they are aesthetically pleasing.
- Copper Cons: These are very pricy and require special polishing to maintain the copper. They are also heavy.
Anyone looking to purchase a new pot set should make note of these tips. A good pot set is an investment that anyone who cooks should make. And it’s an investment that you will get daily use out of so go ahead and update your cookware today!
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