You’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your cookware collection. Excellent choice – quality pots and pans can make a world of difference in your cooking experience and results. But with so many options out there, where do you start? First, determine how you cook. If you sauté and sear a lot, you’ll want pans that distribute heat well, like stainless steel or cast iron. For slow-cooking soups and stews, enameled cast iron or ceramic pots are ideal. Non-stick coatings are great for eggs and pancakes, but avoid harsh detergents that can strip the coating. Once you know your cooking style, consider the material. Stainless steel and aluminum are affordable, durable options, while copper is a premier heat conductor. Ceramic and cast iron take longer to heat but retain temperature well. With the right cookware for your needs, you’ll be whipping up perfect meals in no time. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Cookware Material for Your Cooking Style
When it comes to outfitting your kitchen with quality cookware, the options can seem overwhelming. But choosing the right materials for your cooking style is key.
Stainless steel is a workhorse
Durable and scratch-resistant, stainless steel works for stovetop cooking methods like sautéing, searing, and stir-frying. It’s a great all-purpose option if you do a bit of everything.
Nonstick coatings make cle an-up a breeze
For low-fat cooking and easy cleanup, nonstick pans with coatings like Teflon are ideal. Great for eggs, pancakes, and crepes. But avoid high heat which can damage the coating.
Cast iron lasts a lifetime
Nearly indestructible, cast iron distributes heat evenly and works on the stovetop or in the oven. It requires some maintenance but will become naturally nonstick over time. Perfect for searing, browning, baking, and more.
Enameled cast iron adds color
Enameled cast iron, like Le Creuset, offers the benefits of cast iron with an attractive enamel coating. No seasoning is required but avoid dropping which can chip the enamel. Great for braising, stewing, and baking.
Copper provides precision.
Copper heats quickly and offers precise temperature control, ideal for delicate sauces. But it requires frequent polishing and can be pricey. Often used by professional chefs.
With the right materials for your cooking style, you’ll be whipping up culinary masterpieces in no time. Now, fire up those burners and get cooking!
Must-Have Pots and Pans for Every Kitchen From Sur La Table
When outfitting your kitchen, quality cookware is essential. Sur La Table offers pots and pans to suit any cooking style.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a workhorse, perfect for sautéing and browning. It heats evenly and lasts for years. Sur La Table’s stainless steel cookware comes in both non-stick and regular varieties. For casual cooking, a sauté pan and stockpot should do the trick.
Non-stick
For low-fat cooking and easy cleanup, non-stick is ideal. Sur La Table’s exclusive GreenPanTM ceramic non-stick pans are free of toxic chemicals. A frypan and saucepan will handle most day-to-day needs.
Cast iron
Nearly indestructible, cast iron distributes heat like a dream. Sur La Table’s enameled cast iron from Le Creuset comes in a rainbow of colors and is versatile enough for a stovetop or oven. A Dutch oven and grill pan are must-haves.
With a mix of materials for different cooking techniques, you’ll be creating culinary masterpieces in no time. And since Sur La Table also offers knife sets, bakeware, tools, and more, you can find everything needed to outfit your kitchen. Shop online or in-store and a knowledgeable associate can provide guidance to choose the perfect pots and pans for your needs.
Sur La Table Cookware Buying Guide: FAQs
So you’ve decided to invest in some high-quality cookware great choice! But with so many options out there, how do you choose what’s right for you? Here are some tips to guide you:
Materials
The material of your cookware directly impacts how it cooks and how long it will last. The most common options are:
- Stainless steel: Durable and scratch-resistant. Evenly distributes heat but can stick. Best for browning and searing.
- Anodized aluminum: Hard, non-stick coating. Heats quickly and evenly. Mid-range price.
- Cast iron: Nearly indestructible and creates an even, high-heat sear. Requires seasoning.
- Non-stick coatings (Teflon): Prevent sticking but can scratch and break down over high heat. Best for eggs and pancakes.
- Copper: Excellent heat conductor. Beautiful but requires frequent polishing. Often used for pans, not pots. Expensive.
Your Cooking Style
Consider how you cook most often. If you do a lot of searing or high-heat cooking, choose materials that can handle the heat like stainless steel or cast iron. For occasional cooking or baking, anodized aluminum or non-stick may suit you well. Think about which pieces you use most—maybe start with a stainless steel skillet and saucepans.
Additional Features
Look for tightly fitting lids, stay-cool handles, measurement markings, and compatible stovetops. Stainless steel and anodized aluminum work on all stovetops. Non-stick and cast iron should not be used under a broiler.
With the variety of high-quality cookware at Sur La Table, you’re sure to find pieces that match your needs, budget, and cooking style. Start with the basics, learn what you love, and build from there! Your kitchen will thank you.
Conclusion
So there you have it, everything you need to know to outfit your kitchen with quality cookware that will serve you well for years to come. Whether you’re a casual cook just looking to replace some old pots and pans or an avid chef ready to invest in a full set of clad stainless steel, the options at Sur La Table have you covered. Take your time to consider how and what you like to cook, your budget, and how much space you have. And remember, while nonstick may seem convenient, you really can’t go wrong with stainless steel or cast iron. Happy shopping and bon appetit! May your new cookware lead to many delicious meals and joyful times cooking with friends and family.