12 Types of Pans That Will Transform Your Cooking

Ever stood in front of your stove, pan in hand, wondering if you're about to ruin dinner... again? You're not alone.

Using the wrong pan can turn your kitchen into a culinary crime scene, from burnt stir-fries to stuck-on eggs.

But here's the secret the top chefs don't want you to know: mastering your menu starts with the right pan.

Imagine impressing your friends with perfectly seared steaks or finally nailing that crispy-skinned fish you've been dreaming of.

It's not just about skill—it's about having the right tools. And trust us, once you know which pan to use, you'll wonder how you ever cooked without this knowledge.

In this guide, we're spilling the beans on 12 essential pans that will revolutionize your cooking.

Whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home chef, these insights will save you time, money, and countless kitchen disasters.

Ready to cook like a pro and make your taste buds dance? Keep reading – your culinary game is about to level up!

1. Fry Pan

Fry pans, also known as skillets, are versatile kitchen staples. They have a flat bottom and flared sides, which are perfect for frying, searing, and browning foods.

You can use a frying pan for cooking eggs, sautéing vegetables, and even making pancakes. It's a must-have for any kitchen.

Fry pans come in various sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 12 inches in diameter. They can be made from different materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or non-stick coatings, each offering unique benefits. The flared sides make it easy to flip and toss food, ensuring even cooking.

When choosing a fry pan, consider the type of cooktop you have. Some materials, like cast iron, work well on all cooktops, including induction.

Regular care, such as proper cleaning and avoiding metal utensils on non-stick surfaces, will help maintain your fry pan's performance and longevity.

Read more: Can Frying Pans Go In The Oven?

2. Sauce Pan

Saucepans have high sides and a long handle, making them ideal for simmering sauces, boiling pasta, and making soups. Their design helps retain heat and distribute it evenly.

They typically come with a lid, which is great for controlling evaporation and keeping moisture in. This makes saucepans perfect for cooking grains like rice or quinoa, as well as reducing sauces and gravies.

Sauce pans come in various sizes, generally from 1 to 4 quarts. They can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, or copper. Choose one with a comfortable handle and a lid that fits well to get the best results.

Read more: 5 Best Saucepans For Making Tea

3. Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a heavy-duty pan known for its excellent heat retention and even cooking. It’s perfect for frying, baking, and even grilling. Over time, it develops a natural non-stick surface.

Cast iron skillets require some maintenance, like seasoning, to keep them in good condition. Seasoning involves applying a thin layer of oil and heating the skillet to create a protective coating.

These skillets are extremely durable and can last for generations if properly cared for. They can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or over a campfire, making them highly versatile.

Read more: How Long To Season Cast Iron? [Inc. In The Oven Or On The Stovetop]

4. Saute Pan

Saute pans have straight sides and a larger surface area, allowing you to cook food without spilling. They are great for sautéing, braising, and preparing dishes that require frequent stirring.

The straight sides help keep liquids contained, making saute pans ideal for cooking sauces or dishes with more liquid. They usually come with a lid, which is useful for simmering or braising.

Saute pans come in different sizes, typically ranging from 3 to 6 quarts. They are often made from stainless steel or aluminum and may have a non-stick coating for easier cleaning.

Read more: Should A Saute Pan Be Nonstick?

5. Wok

Woks are deep, round-bottomed pans traditionally used in Asian cooking. Their shape makes them perfect for stir-frying, deep-frying, and steaming, ensuring quick and even cooking.

Woks are usually made from carbon steel, which heats up quickly and evenly. The sloped sides allow you to push cooked food up the sides while cooking other ingredients in the center.

They come in various sizes, but a 12 to 14-inch wok is most common for home use. Woks can be used on gas or electric stoves, though a wok ring may be needed for stability on some cooktops.

Read more: Should A Wok Be Nonstick?

6. Braiser

Braisers are wide, shallow pans with a heavy lid. They are designed for browning meat and slow cooking in liquids. The lid helps retain moisture, making them perfect for braising and stewing.

The wide base allows you to brown meat or vegetables evenly before adding liquid for slow cooking. The heavy lid keeps moisture in, ensuring tender, flavorful results.

Braisers are usually made from enameled cast iron, which retains heat well and provides even cooking. They come in various sizes, typically from 2.5 to 6 quarts, making them suitable for a variety of recipes.

See this Cast Iron Braiser on Amazon.

7. Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is a thick-walled pot with a tight-fitting lid. It’s versatile for baking, roasting, and slow-cooking. The heavy lid traps steam, making it ideal for braising meats and cooking stews.

Dutch ovens are typically made from cast iron and may be coated with enamel for easier cleaning and maintenance. They are perfect for baking bread, making soups, and even frying foods.

These pots come in a range of sizes, from 3 to 8 quarts, and are suitable for use on the stovetop or in the oven. Their durability and versatility make them a favorite in many kitchens.

Read more: How Heavy Is A Dutch Oven?

8. Crepe Pan

Crepe pans have low sides and a flat, smooth surface, perfect for making crepes and pancakes. The design allows for easy flipping and even cooking.

These pans are typically made from non-stick materials or cast iron, which helps prevent sticking and makes flipping crepes effortless. They are usually about 10 inches in diameter, an ideal size for crepes.

Crepe pans can also be used for other tasks, such as cooking tortillas or flatbreads. Their lightweight design makes them easy to handle and maneuver.

See this Nonstick Crepe Pan on Amazon.

9. Grill Pan

Grill pans have raised ridges that mimic the grates of a grill. They are great for grilling meats, vegetables, and sandwiches indoors, giving them those desirable grill marks and smoky flavor.

Grill pans are usually made from cast iron or aluminum and come with a non-stick surface. The ridges allow fat to drain away from the food, making it healthier and giving it a grilled texture.

These pans come in various sizes, but a common size is around 10 to 12 inches. They can be used on the stovetop or in the oven, making them versatile for various cooking methods.

10. Stock Pot

Stock pots are large, deep pots designed for making stock, soups, and boiling large quantities of food. They have a wide bottom and tall sides to accommodate more liquid and ingredients.

Stock pots are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum, which provides good heat conduction and durability. They usually come with a lid to help retain heat and moisture.

These pots range in size from 8 to 20 quarts, making them suitable for cooking large batches of food. They are essential for making broth, boiling pasta, or cooking large cuts of meat.

Read more: Stock Pot vs. Soup Pot – What’s the Difference?

11. Casserole Dish

Casserole dishes are deep, oven-safe pans used for baking casseroles, lasagnas, and other baked dishes. They can go from oven to table, making them convenient for serving.

These dishes are often made from materials like glass, ceramic, or enameled cast iron, which provide even heat distribution and retain heat well. They usually come with a lid to keep food warm.

Casserole dishes come in various sizes, typically around 2 to 4 quarts. They are perfect for baked pasta dishes, layered casseroles, and even desserts like cobblers and bread pudding.

12. Roasting Pan

Roasting pans are large, rectangular pans with low sides and a rack. They are perfect for roasting meats, poultry, and vegetables, allowing heat to circulate and cook food evenly.

The low sides of the pan allow the heat to reach all sides of the food, ensuring even cooking. The rack keeps the meat elevated, so it doesn’t sit in its own juices, promoting a crispy, browned exterior.

Roasting pans are usually made from stainless steel or aluminum and can come with or without a non-stick coating. They often have handles for easy maneuvering in and out of the oven.

See this Nonstick Roasting Pan on Amazon.

In Closing

Knowing the right pan to use can significantly impact your cooking experience and results. With these 12 types of pans, you can confidently tackle any recipe and enhance your culinary skills!

For more insights, check out this post:

• Kitchen Utensils: The Ultimate List [Do You Know All 56?] for the best tools to pair with your pans.