Kitchen Tools

What makes sauce pans really helpful is the single long-sided handle, which makes manipulation very easy and safe and also gives you a great grip that is especially helpful when constantly stirring or whisking (for example, with sauce preparation).

Even though it is called a pan, it is classified as a pot. It has a handle like any regular pan. The main part is taller than any regular pan and looks more like a sauce pot –just with the “pan handle”.

They are great for:

1. Cooking sauces
2. Cooking smaller or medium amounts of soups
3. Cooking potatoes, rice, eggs, and vegetables
4. Preparing any food, especially in smaller quantities since they are, in general, smaller pots
5. Great as a bottom part of a double boiler (water bath) – simply combine with a mixing bowl that fits to the top. Read more about a double boiler here.

How to select a sauce pan?

• I would recommend having at least 1 small sauce pan (2 QT) and 1 medium sauce pan (4 QT) and if your budget allows, you can also purchase a large sauce pan (6 QT or more) that will be very convenient too.
• Best is to choose a professional grade, NSF-certified pan- it will last a lifetime in most households.
• Buy pans made from stainless steel with aluminum-clad bottoms for best performance, heat distribution, and durability.
• Buy pans that are ovenproof – can be placed in the oven giving you even greater versatility.
• Always buy pans with matching lids.

General info about pots here.